Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a serious condition of the central nervous system, which disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body. How this manifests can vary between people, which can make it hard to diagnose or distinguish from other conditions. When someone is looking for answers, they may end up at the chiropractor, wondering if MS can be detected there.
To answer the question simply, a chiropractor can’t diagnose multiple sclerosis. But they can evaluate the spine and nervous system to look for patterns that may indicate a larger problem, which would lead to a referral. Additionally, chiropractors can help people diagnosed with MS live with more comfort.
Recognizing the Signs
MS can cause a variety of symptoms, including numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, balance problems, vision changes, fatigue, and difficulty with coordination. Some symptoms develop gradually, while others may appear unexpectedly.
When you visit our office, Dr. Thomas Keogh will look at how your body moves and how your spine is functioning to look for signs of musculoskeletal issues. When your symptoms don’t match a more typical problem with mechanics or neurology, we may recommend that you visit your primary care provider or a neurologist for more testing.
A Billings chiropractic visit is designed to identify how the spine and joints are functioning, but it is also an opportunity to recognize when symptoms may require another level of evaluation. Early recognition and appropriate referrals are important whenever unexplained neurological symptoms are present.
The Role of Chiropractic Care
While chiropractic care does not diagnose or address multiple sclerosis itself, it may play a supportive role for individuals who have already received an MS diagnosis. For people living with MS, there may be changes in posture and muscle tension, or even joint mobility, as their body adapts to the condition.
Dr. Keogh works with individuals experiencing a variety of movement concerns, always considering each person’s overall health history before recommending chiropractic care. And for our patients who have MS, care is always tailored around their needs. Adjustments focus on improving spinal motion and healthy joint function, with the goal of more comfort during daily activities and increasing mobility for longer.
When to Seek Medical Evaluation
Some of the major signs of MS are things that require quick attention: numbness that persists in one area of the body, unexplained weakness, changes in vision, or difficulty walking. Although these symptoms can have many possible causes, they deserve prompt medical attention to determine what is happening.
Chiropractors are trained to recognize “red flags” that fall outside the scope of routine musculoskeletal care. If those signs are present, the next step is making sure you receive the appropriate medical evaluation rather than simply assuming the symptoms are related to something minor.
At Bare Chiropractic, your health and safety always come first. Dr. Thomas Keogh and our Billings chiropractic team are committed to helping you understand your body, improve spinal function, and guide you toward the care you need. If you’re experiencing ongoing discomfort or changes in your movement, contact our office today to schedule an evaluation and learn how chiropractic care can support your overall wellness.
Sources
Kim, S., Chang, L., Weinstock-Guttman, B., Gandhi, S., Carl, E., Zivadinov, R., Ramanathan, M. “Complementary and Alternative Medicine Usage by Multiple Sclerosis Patients: Results from a Prospective Clinical Study.” Journal of Alternative and Complement Medicine, 2018 Jun 1; 24 (6): 596–602. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6006417/
Tobin, O. “Multiple Sclerosis.” Mayo Clinic, 2024 Nov 1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350269
