In the days following the sad news around the suicide of comedian and actor, Robin Williams, many health issues came to light including the fact that he had recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. Parkinson’s disease occurs when the brain stops producing dopamine, an important chemical that helps our bodies to move and helps our mood. What starts off slowly, sometimes even barely noticeable as a tremor, stiffness or slowing of movement, gradually worsens leading to things like slurred speech, lack of facial expression and slowed walking.
It is estimated that more than 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease each year and though no single factor can indicate the onset of Parkinson’s disease, there are some early warning signs to be aware of including:
- Tremors or shaking
- Small handwriting
- Loss of smell
- Trouble sleeping
- Trouble moving or walking
- Constipation
- Soft or low voice
- Stooping or hunching over
- Dizziness or fainting
Because Parkinson’s is due to depletion in dopamine, depression or worsening of depression can often also be associated with the disease. As with any condition, early diagnosis gives a patient the best chance for a longer, happier and healthier life. In the past, patients have suffered through intense drug therapies and even, in severe cases, have resorted to surgery to regulate parts of the brain. Today, we have alternatives to such drastic treatments including the highly effective care plans developed with a Chiropractic Neurologist.
Chiropractic Neurology is a specialized field that focuses on restoring health to the whole body through the brain and nervous system connection and marries traditional chiropractic care with cutting edge, functional neurological treatments to put patients on the fast track to wellness. Many conditions can be treated successfully through Chiropractic Neurology including orthopedic conditions like back pain and sports injury, as well as classic neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, vertigo, brain injury and Multiple Sclerosis.
As more and more studies are conducted and more patients are finding relief from symptoms and a reversal of conditions, Chiropractic Neurology is becoming one of the most sought after treatment plans for patients who want to avoid drug therapies and invasive options like surgery.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, or are displaying symptoms and would like to know how Chiropractic Neurology can help, please contact Dr. Marc Ellis at the Georgia Chiropractic Neurology Center today at 770-664-4288.
For more information on Parkinson’s disease, please visit the National Parkinson Foundation by clicking here.