subject: Migraine Headaches, Multiple Sclerosis and NUCCA [print this page] Migraine Headaches, Multiple Sclerosis and NUCCA
So what does Multiple Sclerosis have to do with Migraine Headaches? New research is now providing a possible explanation of the correlation between MS & Migraine sufferers and how Upper Cervical Specialists are able to get such good results with the correction ofAtlas misalignments in both conditions. The Upper Cervical Research Foundation (ucrf.org) has been doing some very interesting research with Phase Contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PC MR)lately.
In their paper Changes in Cerebral Blood Flow Patterns and Velocities of Migraine Subjects Following an Atlas Correction they stated "Results of a case study describing a subject diagnosed with migraine headache (without aura) revealcompelling results obtained with Phase Contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging Angiography (PC MR). The subject was evaluated using the protocol of the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA) to determinethe presence of an Atlas misalignment. After Atlas correction, a follow-upPC MR Study demonstrated changes in cerebral venous outflow. A change in vessel outflow pattern from a jugularto the paravertebralplexus route was discerned. Venous flow rate and vessel pulsatilitydecreased as well as cerebrospinal flow rate across the Atlas (C-1) vertebra. Most significantly, the imaging procedure measured a distinct decrease in intracranial compliance. The subject obtained relief from migraine headache pain consistent to maintenance of his Atlas correction by the end of thirty days. The PC MR exam continued to show improvement of the hemodynamic parameters measured over the 16-week study period consistent to maintenance of Atlas alignment."
What does that all mean in english...if you correct problems with the alignment ofthe bones at the top of the neck with a precise form of chiropractic care called NUCCA then it changes the blood flow from the brain to the body. And since Migraine headaches are frequentlyvascular in origin...changing the blood flow from the brain is important and can take away the migraines completely...as in this case study and many others. I have seen in my own office someone who has had Migraines for 50 years have them go away after restoring the proper alignment of the atlas. Another patient who was getting up to 30 Migraines a month had her Migraines completely go away after properly aligning the Atlas.
So what does this all have to do with Multiple Sclerosis?
According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society website Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI), isa reported abnormality in blood drainage from the brain and spinal cord, this may contributeto nervous system damage in MS. CCSVIhas been getting a lot of press recently because Dr. Paolo Zambonifrom the University of Ferrara in Italy publishedhis initialfindings in June 2009 from a study of approximately65 patients. Based on the results of preliminary research which has been publishedin respected peer journals, Dr. Zamboni and others have recommended larger scale studies to determineif CCSVImay betreated through an endovascularsurgical procedure, which involves inserting a tiny balloon or stent into blocked veins in order to improve the flow of blood out of the brain and spinal cord. This procedure produced complete remissions in MSin 90% of the participants of the study!
My question is why are the veins blocked to begin with? What has occurred that has led to the changes in the veins? Instead of forcing the veins open with a stent...why not correct the underlying cause of the malformation?
Then you look at Dr. Erin Elster'sresearch with trauma and multiple sclerosis where she found that 90% of patients diagnosed with MS have had a trauma to the heador neck prior tothe onsetof the symptoms.And whenx-rayed these patients have a clearly misaligned spinethat is putting pressure on the nervous system and theblood vessels. When these misalignments of the upper cervical spine are corrected over 90%of the patients in her study had results. Some patients were able to get out of their wheelchairs!
What happened to them? The same thing that Dr. Zamboni was doing...changing the blood flow from the brain to the body. Only in Dr. Elster'sresults she wasn't artificially forcing the vessels open she was correcting the underlying cause of the vessels malformation!
Now not all MS patients responded to either of the treatment options...and perhaps there are other factors involved...but wouldn't it make sense if you have MS or Migraine headaches to have an upper neck evaluation by an upper cervical specialist? Especially if you have a history of head or neck trauma?
The longer you wait the more damage is done...put your scepticism aside and see if you can be helped!
