Parkinson’s disease is a debilitating condition that impacts brain and muscle function. Over 1.5 million Americans suffer from this condition, with slightly more men impacted than women, and those over the age of 60 are at the highest risk. There is no cure for Parkinson’s, meaning that treatment centers on easing symptoms and improving the quality of life for those with the condition. Care from a Bozeman chiropractor offers a non-invasive way to address Parkinson’s safely. 

About Parkinson’s Disease

The most common sign of Parkinson’s is a pronounced tremor, shaking, or trembling throughout the body, which is most noticeable when the person is not moving. This is a result of the disease-causing nerve cells losing their ability to make dopamine, an important chemical that helps your brain and body to move smoothly. When these cells break down, Parkinson’s disease can cause issues moving. 

The disease gradually worsens over time and can cause other symptoms like slow movement, stiff muscles, and a loss of balance. Eventually, the lack of dopamine can cause severe muscle control issues, like an inability to swallow or use the restroom. It can also lead to decreased mental function and even dementia. 

How Parkinson’s Is Treated

There is no cure for Parkinson’s, though several treatments are typically offered. The most common option presented is medications, though more severe cases may move right to deep brain stimulation. In this practice, wires are connected to parts of the brain to stimulate the areas with electrical signals in an attempt to make the brain function better. 

Another option is to use the natural and holistic practice of a chiropractor like Dr. Cary Gentry. Because chiropractic care focuses on the health of the spine and nervous system, there can be an improvement to all nerve functions, including what is seen in Parkinson’s. 

Chiropractic Care for Parkinson’s Disease

The link between regular chiropractic care and improvements in Parkinson’s symptoms has been shown in a variety of studies. Those with Parkinson’s disease have routinely been shown to have similar misalignments in their cervical spine, or neck, that can be addressed to provide relief. 

In one study, a 68-year-old woman with tremors, fatigue, poor range of motion in the neck, and lower back pain reported nearly complete relief after chiropractic adjustments. Similarly, a 63-year-old man was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and exhibited tremors, anxiety, and middle back pain, which were all reduced with chiropractic care. These adjustments, and those in other studies, focus on the Atlas bone’s alignment to reduce symptoms and slow down the degradation of nerve cells in the body.

While there is, unfortunately, no cure for Parkinson’s, the disease can be addressed holistically, with the goal of fewer symptoms and a slower progression. Dr. Cary Gentry at Waypoint Chiropractic has been able to help patients by improving nerve function and focusing on improving quality of life. If you or a loved one suffers from Parkinson’s, contact us today to schedule your first appointment and begin experiencing relief. 

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Landry, S. “Upper Cervical Chiropractic Management of a Patient Diagnosed with Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease: A Case Report.” Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research, 2012 July: 63-70.

Norton, M., Callahan, M. “Reduction of Symptoms Associated with Parkinson’s Disease Subsequent to Subluxation-Based Chiropractic Care: A Case Study.” Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research, 2013 Dec: 120-130.

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