Multiple Sclerosis and Upper Neck Injuries

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the foremost disabling neurological disease among adults between 20 and 50 years of age, afflicting 250,000 people in the United States. It strikes women twice as often as men and Caucasians more frequently than other ethnic groups.

MS is a disease of the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS consists of the brain, optic nerves and spinal cord. This disorder damages the protective insulation (known as "myelin") surrounding the nerves (known as "axons"), and may also damage these nerves within the CNS. As a result, nerve impulses carrying messages from the brain and spinal cord may short circuit, causing reduced or lost bodily function.

Some of the newest and most relevant research on upper cervical care has demonstrated the link between MS and upper cervical injuries. A study published in 2005 revealed that 100% of the patients with Multiple Sclerosis had a history of upper cervical injuries whether months old or years old. Another recently published case study has shown that correction of upper neck injuries may reverse the progression of MS. Dr. Erin Elster, an upper cervical chiropractor, performed the research. Through the use of upper cervical care, Elster corrected chronic upper neck injuries in an MS patient, which may have stimulated a reversal of his MS symptoms.

Elster's report was published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research. It stated that, "According to medical research, head and neck injuries have long been considered a cause of Multiple Sclerosis. But this is the first research to show that correction of those injuries can have dramatic effects on reversing MS."

Case Report 8/3/2010 - 9/21/2010
This 52-year-old male was first diagnosed with MS 18 years ago. For the past 2 years his symptoms have gotten worse in which he has needed a cane to be able to walk without falling. Pain in his feet started out as a 6/10 (10 being severe pain). His balance was very poor and he stated that his feet always felt heavy like they were glued to the floor. He has had a degree of numbness in both of his hands for the past 2 years. His knees get weak and fatigue very easily. For the past 10 years he has had a constant tone in his left ear. His Feet and hands are chronically cold.

6 weeks after upper cervical chiropractic care
The patient's balance has improved. His pain scale gradually went from a 6/10 to currently a 1/10. His knees are stronger and fatigue less often. He has not needed to use his cane for the past 2 weeks. The constant tone in his left ear has gone away. His girlfriend stated that his hands and feet are not as cold as frequently as they used to be. Patient also states that he has more control or function over his hands and feet. His left foot drop is much more manageable.