Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of neurological disorders that primarily affect muscle coordination and movement, caused by brain damage that occurs during early development, often before or shortly after birth. While there is no cure for CP, several different therapies can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
At Bare Chiropractic, we are often asked whether chiropractic care can help those with Cerebral Palsy. Although chiropractic care does not cure CP, it can offer supportive benefits that may improve mobility, reduce discomfort, and enhance overall well-being for those living with this condition.
How Cerebral Palsy Affects the Body
Cerebral Palsy affects the body’s ability to move and maintain posture. Symptoms vary from person to person but can include some or all of the following:
- Muscle tightness or spasticity
- Involuntary movements or tremors
- Difficulty with coordination and balance
- Joint stiffness
- Limited range of motion
- Pain from muscle or joint strain due to abnormal movement patterns
Because CP is a lifelong condition, managing these symptoms is crucial for maintaining independence and improving quality of life. This is where chiropractic care can play a valuable role.
How Chiropractic Care Supports People with Cerebral Palsy
Chiropractic care focuses on the health of the spine and nervous system. Since the spine houses the central nervous system, which controls all body functions, proper alignment is key to promoting overall physical health. For individuals with Cerebral Palsy, chiropractic adjustments may help manage some of the physical challenges associated with the condition by improving spinal alignment and easing tension in muscles and joints.
Here are a few ways chiropractic care can support people living with CP:
1. Improved Mobility
Muscle tightness and joint stiffness are common in individuals with CP, making movement more difficult. Chiropractic adjustments help reduce muscle tension and increase flexibility, which can improve range of motion. By addressing misalignments in the spine and joints, chiropractic care can ease muscle strain, allowing for better mobility and less discomfort.
2. Reduced Pain
Individuals with CP may experience pain due to abnormal posture, muscle tension, or joint stress. Chiropractic care can help alleviate pain by restoring alignment and reducing pressure on nerves and muscles. This can lead to better posture, less muscle spasticity, and relief from joint discomfort.
3. Enhanced Nervous System Function
The brain, spine, and nervous system work together to control all movement and bodily functions. For individuals with CP, nervous system communication may be impaired due to muscle imbalances and spinal misalignment. Chiropractic care focuses on restoring spinal health, which can improve the body’s communication pathways. Better spinal alignment may lead to improved muscle coordination and a reduction in involuntary movements or spasms.
Find Holistic Care Today
If you or a loved one is living with Cerebral Palsy and you’re interested in exploring how a Billings chiropractor can help, Dr. Thomas Keogh is here to provide support. We are dedicated to helping individuals achieve greater mobility, less discomfort, and improved well-being through natural, personalized chiropractic care. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the next steps!
Sources
“About Cerebral Palsy.” US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/cerebral-palsy/about/index.html
Kachmar, O., Voloshyn, T., Hordiyevych, M. “Changes in Muscle Spasticity in Patients With Cerebral Palsy After Spinal Manipulation: Case Series.” Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 2016 Dec; 15(4): 299–304. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5106424/
