Chiropractic Care for Cerebral Palsy

Tackling Peripheral Neuropathy

Do you know anyone with Cerebral Palsy? Do you know if they are getting any kind of therapy to help increase strength and movement? If they do, encourage them to keep going to therapy faithfully! In this week’s blog, we are going to talk about what cerebral palsy is and how chiropractors and other healthcare providers can play a role in their care. Continue reading to learn about chiropractic care for Cerebral Palsy.

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder that is caused by a lack of development to the brain. In past times, it was said that CP was caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain, which is true in many cases, but multiple studies show that is not always the circumstance. Most cases of CP occur before birth, but it can also occur after birth usually associated with an infection such as meningitis or head injury. There are a few different types of CP that can range from mild to severe symptoms allowing some individuals may to have no to little symptoms where others are confined to a wheelchair.

Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy

  • There are several different symptoms that can affect an individual both physically and mentally. Some individuals may have only a physical component, cognitive component or both. Some patients have only one limb affected where others have widespread spasticity and muscle weakness. It all depends on how much damage occurred in the brain. Symptoms of CP include:
  • Variations in muscle tone, such as being either too stiff or too floppy
  • Stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes
  • Lack of balance and muscle coordination (ataxia)
  • Tremors or involuntary movements
  • Slow, writhing movements
  • Delays in reaching motor skills milestones, such as pushing up on arms, sitting up or crawling
  • Favoring one side of the body, such as reaching with one hand or dragging a leg while crawling
  • Difficulty walking
  • Excessive drooling or problems with swallowing
  • Difficulty with sucking or eating
  • Delays in speech development or difficulty speaking
  • Learning difficulties
  • Difficulty with fine motor skills, such as buttoning clothes or picking up utensils
  • Seizures

How Can Chiropractic Care for Cerebral Palsy Help?

There is no cure for CP, but chiropractic and other healthcare providers can be a huge impact for individuals who have the disease. Even though the nervous system is impaired, the power of the chiropractic adjustment will still create positive feedback and will increase bigger gains and opportunities of increase muscle strength, better posture, improved gait patterns, cognitive function and other related functions. Adjusting someone with CP is completely safe and is highly recommended. A lighter force is required but it will still enhance the nervous system!

CP patients should also be working with their physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, neurologist, pediatricians and developmental/behavioral specialists to help assure they get the best care possible and can live a normal life. That is what we will leave you with today. If you know someone with cerebral palsy or you yourself have it, we are here to tell you that YOU CAN LIVE A NORMAL LIFE! All it takes is hard work and dedication! If you want to do something bad enough, YOU WILL ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS! Contact us today if you have any questions about chiropractic care for Cerebral Palsy!

Posted in Chiropractic