What is Ataxia?
Ataxia is from the Greek word taxis which means ‘without coordination’. People who have Ataxia have a problem in their nervous system that causes them to have trouble controlling the movements that their body makes.
Can Chiropractic Help with Ataxia?
Chiropractic care is often thought of only in terms of relief from back and neck pain, but the plain truth is that case studies suggest many different health problems may respond to a regular program of chiropractic care. According to a recent case study, the condition Ataxia was resolved following a regiment of chiropractic adjustments.
Chiropractors Point of View
“There are certainly no guarantees with any course of care,” said Dr.Pat Dougherty, D.C., a Spokane-based chiropractor who strives to keep current with the latest research and developments in health and wellness. “And every case depends on the specific factors associated with that case. But we see, from time to time, individual case studies that give rise to hope for many.”
The 7-year old female in this particular case underwent a thorough chiropractic exam, and a trans-neuronal dysfunction to the right cerebellum was noted and a diagnosis of cerebellar ataxia made. Subluxations were also noted as a result of the examination.
“A subluxation is a misalignment of the spine that disturbs normal nervous system function,” said Dr. Dougherty. “Many chiropractors, including myself, have special, non-intrusive technology that allows them to conduct thermal and Surface Electromyography (sEMG) tests to assist in locating where such conditions exist.”
According to the case study, which was reported in the April 2009 issue of the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal, and Family Health,
. . . chiropractic adjustments were delivered to the area of subluxation in either the cervical, thoracic, lumbar and/or pelvic region as needed. Neuro-rehabilitative exercises were given either at home and/or during the office visit. Within four visits there was marked improvement of gait patterns and resolution of the ataxia.
“This is just one case study,” Dr. Dougherty emphasized, “and more studies are needed before any absolute conclusions can be drawn. But as chiropractors, we believe that the nervous system is the master-controller of the systems and functions of the human body. It stands to reason, then, that improvement in nervous system function, which is what we do as chiropractors, can have a beneficial effect on overall health.”
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