Seizures are the most visible and crippling symptom of epilepsy, a nervous disease that affects men and women, children and adults alike. Doctors are not really sure what causes it – for this reason, there is no treatment to cure it completely. For chiropractors, what really matters is giving patients with epilepsy an improved quality of life, by reducing the frequency and intensity of seizures. For this reason, chiropractic treatment for seizures is one of the therapies that you should know about.
What Are the Options for Keeping Seizures Under Control?
Epilepsy patients are usually prescribed medication to help reduce their seizures. They are also advised to try avoiding situations that may trigger a seizure. Many sufferers have a condition called photosensitive epilepsy, which means that flashing lights can trigger their seizures. Here are the problems with these options, from chiropractors’ point of view. First, medications – are proven to be ineffective for as much as 30% of patients. That’s right: they keep taking their pills faithfully but do not experience a significant decrease in their symptoms. Plus, these medications can have significant harmful side effects. Secondly, avoiding triggering situations – is nearly impossible in our modern world. Everywhere you go, people are using their phones to take photos using the flash. There are large screens mounted on buildings, showing video ads. Stores have lighted signs, often using various light effects to draw attention. Practically, a patient with epilepsy would have to be confined indoors to avoid triggering situations.
How Chiropractic Treatment for Seizure Works
Now, after so much bad news, a good one: chiropractors can help patients improve their quality of life. Many clinical studies have shown that stimulating the vagus nerve can help reduce the frequency of seizures. Some people choose to have an electronic device implanted to stimulate this nerve. However, this is a highly invasive procedure. Plus, it means living with a foreign body implanted inside you. This can lead to serious complications. On the other hand, a chiropractor’s manipulations can also stimulate the vagus nerve. And chiropractic treatment for seizures is completely safe and non-invasive.
Neck Manipulations Are Effective in Reducing Seizures
We have discussed the vagus nerve and its connection with epilepsy, but where exactly is this nerve situated? It runs through the left side of your neck, starting directly from the temporal brain (the portion near your left ear). It runs down your body and branches out in your thoracic and pelvic cavity. Practically, it looks like the roots of a tree spreading inside the cavity of your trunk. In order to reduce your symptoms, chiropractic treatment for seizures will focus on the upper part of the vagus nerve – the one passing through your neck. The adjustments will stimulate the nerve in the same way as the electronic device, but with absolutely no negative effects.
Is Chiropractic Treatment for Seizures Really Safe?
If you are suffering from seizures, it is understandable that you worry about someone putting their hands on your neck and applying pressure. However, please remember that you are under the care of a trained and licensed professional. Chiropractors know exactly what type of movements to make and how much pressure to apply. There is no guesswork – everything is a precise science. Chiropractic treatment for seizures is actually safer than the various pills you have been taking so far. Although there is no permanent cure for epilepsy, chiropractic treatment for seizures can help you live a better life. You can enjoy your hobbies and make plans for the future, knowing that you can rely on a safe and effective solution to manage your condition. We encourage you to browse our online directory, find a chiropractor near you and make your initial appointment!