What is cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of conditions that affect the muscles' coordination and movement. In most cases, hearing, sensation, and vision are affected.

When you hear the word cerebral, what comes to your mind? Well, cerebral refers to the brain. “Palsy,” on the other hand, means “problems” with the movement of the body or “weakness.”

Most childhood motor disabilities are caused by cerebral palsy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report shows that globally, 1.5–4 of every 1000 children are affected by this condition.

Symptoms of cerebral palsy

The symptoms of this condition vary. It may be mild in some people and very severe in others. Some cerebral palsy patients may have difficulty sitting and walking. Other cerebral palsy patients may find it hard to grasp objects.

The severity of the symptoms reduces over time. Symptom severity also depends on which part of the brain was affected.

Who is at risk for this condition?

Several factors may increase a child’s risk for cerebral palsy. Prominent among these include:

• Low birth weight
• Premature birth
• Rh incompatibility
• Breech birth (a condition where the baby’s feet or buttocks comes out first)
• When the mother is exposed to toxins like methyl mercury during birth.

How does upper cervical chiropractic help with cerebral palsy?

Chiropractic is Greek for “practices by hand.” There are different types of medical doctors with specialties; there are different types of chiropractors who focus on other specific conditions besides pain management.

Most chiropractors take the traditional approach and do an EXCELLENT job at it, too. However, this type of care falls under symptom relief or symptom management, otherwise known as “band-aid” care.

In my office, Foundation Chiropractic, we have a non-traditional approach to chiropractic. We focus on Foundational Correction with an emphasis on the upper cervical spine or the top of the neck. We fix the primary condition and correct the spine back to normal without ever twisting, cracking, or popping. And adjust the neck without any popping or cracking.

There have been several studies published that have shown how upper cervical chiropractic care may be effective in naturally treating cerebral palsy. One of the studies involved a 5-year-old boy. He suffered seizures, blindness, and chronic ear problems. As a result, he was confined to a wheelchair. Upon consulting an upper cervical chiropractor, a Foundational Shift was discovered.

The chiropractor set to work, and after two adjustments, the vocal drone (which was characteristic of the boy’s voice) became an occasional moan. The boy was able to clap, and his seizures reduced. After four weeks of treatment, the vocal drone seized completely, and he could sit and stand on his own.

Within 5 weeks of treatment, the central vision was restored, as confirmed by an ophthalmologist, confirming a significant improvement in his cerebral palsy.

It is important to note that specific upper cervical chiropractic adjustments can reduce some symptoms of cerebral palsy. For instance:

• Correcting Foundational Shifts can help those who experience sleep disorders, hypertonic musculature, and personality disturbances.
• Corrections can also help with cranial dysfunction in the sphenobasilar junction, especially in children who suffered birth trauma.

Takeaway

Evidence shows that Foundational Correction using upper cervical chiropractic care can help reduce some of the cerebral palsy symptoms naturally.

If your child suffers from this condition, or you know anyone that does, advise them to schedule a complimentary consultation with an upper cervical chiropractor that focuses on Foundational Correction. The doctor will examine the patient using advanced diagnostic imaging and testing. The objective testing will help the doctor determine if they can or cannot help the patient. If there’s a shift in the upper cervical spine, the Foundational Chiropractor will use the advanced imaging to give a precise, targeted adjustment — restoring the brain-body connection and allow the nerves to function to their full potential.

If you’re interested in Foundational Correction and would like to learn more, you can call my office at 813–578–5889 or visit our online scheduler to book your complimentary consultation.

Remember, at Foundation Chiropractic, our consultations are simply a conversation without any commitment whatsoever needed. We look forward to meeting you and explaining the Foundational Difference.

References

• Hawk C. (2016). The Use of Chiropractic by Special Populations.Journal of evidence-based complementary & alternative medicine,21(2), 83–84.https://doi.org/10.1177/2156587216635345
• Kachmar, O., Voloshyn, T., & Hordiyevych, M. (2016). Changes in Muscle Spasticity in Patients with Cerebral Palsy After Spinal Manipulation: Case Series.Journal of chiropractic medicine,15(4), 299–304.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2016.07.003