Individuals with Bell�s Palsy are faced with limited treatment options. As the condition affects everybody differently, there is no cure-all treatment.
Steroids such as prednisone are often prescribed, but many harmful side effects are possible. Massage and physical therapy may also be used, but results may vary. Chiropractic care is a noninvasive, medication-free way to treat Bell�s Palsy. Here are several studies that prove it.
Bell�s Palsy?
Bell�s Palsy is a condition that is marked by temporary facial paralysis due to trauma or damage done to the nerves in the face. The facial nerve, called the 7th cranial nerve, resided in the skull, traveling through the Fallopian canal (a bony, narrow canal in the skull) and extending from just under each ear to the muscles that are located on either side of the face.
This nerve is mostly in a hard, bony shell with just small portions that are exposed, allowing it to move the muscles on each respective side of the face. The facial nerve controls the mouth (smiling, forming words, etc.), closing the eyelids or blinking, frowning, and similar movements. It also transmits nerve impulses to the saliva glands, tear glands, taste sensations, and the muscles of the stapes (small bone located in the middle ear)
Bell�s Palsy affects the facial nerve, disrupting its function so that messages from the brain cannot reach the associated muscles. This results in facial paralysis or weakness.
This condition is not related to stroke, although some people may mistake it for a symptom of stroke. It usually only affects one side of the face. Incidences of Bell�s Palsy affecting both sides of the face at the same time is very rare.
Bell�s Palsy Symptoms
Bell�s palsy symptoms can vary widely from patient to patient, depending on severity. Some common symptoms include:
Paralysis on one side of the face
Weakness on one side of the face may range from mild to severe
Muscle twitching in the face
Drooping of one corner of the mouth
Drooping on the eyelid on one eye
Drooling
Dry eye
Dry mouth
Excessive tearing that occurs in only one eye
Impaired sense of taste
Discomfort of pain behind the ear and around the jaw
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) � can be one ear or both
Sound hypersensitivity on the side that is affected
Headache
Impaired or slurred speech
Difficulty drinking or eating
Dizziness
The symptoms usually come on suddenly and progress fairly rapidly, reaching their full effect within about 48 hours. It can leave the face very distorted during the time that the patient is experiencing a flare-up or symptoms.
Bell�s Palsy Care
Milder cases of Bell�s Palsy are typically not treated and the symptoms will subside on their own in 10 to 14 days. More serious cases may require medical intervention such as medications like the steroid prednisone, acyclovir, and even ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
In severe cases where the eye is affected, the patient may not be able to close the eyelid so protecting that eye is a necessity as is keeping it from drying out by using lubricating eye drops. Facial massage, physical therapy, and acupuncture may also be used. Surgery for Bell�s Palsy is very rare due to its controversial nature.
The Causes of Bell�s Palsy?
The cause of Bell�s Palsy is not known. Doctors do know that it is the result of the facial nerves becoming inflamed, swollen, or compressed, but why this happens is still a mystery.
Some researchers speculate that a viral infection could be the culprit. The theory is that an illness like the common cold sore virus or viral meningitis causes the nerves to become inflamed and swell in the Fallopian canal. This causes pressure on the nerve, cutting off the oxygen and blood supply to its cells.
Some common conditions that Bell�s Palsy has been associated with include:
Chronic middle ear infection
Sarcoidosis
Lyme disease
The flu or illnesses that are similar to the flu
High blood pressure
Tumors
Headaches
Diabetes
Facial injury
Skull fracture
Chiropractic Care
Case studies show that chiropractic for Bell�s Palsy is very effective. In some cases, the patient sees results almost immediately.
The chiropractor traditionally will deliver a chiropractic adjustment to the cervical spine. It is a safe treatment and generally works faster than other Bell�s Palsy treatments, including medication.
Robert “Bobby” Gomez first visited Dr. Alex Jimenez, doctor of chiropractic, after experiencing back pain due to a pelvic tilt on his hips. Born with cerebral palsy, Bobby always felt underestimated by his peers due to his condition. Thanks to chiropractic care, Robert Gomez received the support he needed to strengthen his body as well as to improve his flexibility and mobility. Bobby describes how he received more help than he expected with Dr. Alex Jimenez.
Rehabilitation For Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a disorder of motion, muscular tone or posture that’s brought on by brain damage that happens before birth. The impact on functional abilities with cerebral palsy varies. Generally, cerebral palsy causes movement problems with reflexes or rigidity of the limbs and back posture, and unsteady walking. People with cerebral palsy may suffer a reduced range of movement in different areas of their body. The disability associated with cerebral palsy may be limited primarily to one limb or one side of the body, or it may affect the whole body.
We are blessed to present to you�El Paso�s Premier Wellness & Injury Care Clinic.
As El Paso�s Chiropractic Rehabilitation Clinic & Integrated Medicine Center,�we passionately are focused on treating patients after frustrating injuries and chronic pain syndromes. We focus on improving your ability through flexibility, mobility and agility programs tailored for all age groups and disabilities.
If you have enjoyed this video and we have helped you in any way, please feel free to subscribe and recommend�us.
Robert “Bobby” Gomez was born with cerebral palsy. Bobby describes how he felt like an outcast, growing up with the disorder, but he explains how much he can accomplish when he’s not underestimated. While Robert Gomez describes experiencing no setbacks due to his cerebral palsy, he suffered from pain and limited mobility. That’s when he decided to seek chiropractic care with Dr. Alex Jimenez and found much more help than he expected. Through spinal adjustments, manual manipulations, and rehabilitation exercises, Robert “Bobby” Gomez has regained some mobility and has experienced decreased pain symptoms. Bobby recommends Dr. Jimenez as the non-surgical choice for back pain and encourages others to educate themselves on cerebral palsy.
Chiropractic Treatment For Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a permanent movement disorder that appears in early youth. Signs and symptoms vary among people. Symptoms often include poor coordination, stiff muscles, weakness, and tremors. There may be problems with feeling, vision, hearing, swallowing, and talking. Usually, infants with cerebral palsy don’t roll over, sit, walk or crawl as early as other kids of their age. Other symptoms may include seizures and problems with reasoning or thinking, which happen in about one-third of individuals with cerebral palsy. While the symptoms may get more noticeable over the first few years of life, the underlying problems don’t worsen. Cerebral palsy is caused by abnormal development or damage to the areas of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture. Most often, the problems occur during pregnancy; however, they may also happen during childbirth or soon after birth.
We are blessed to present El Paso s Premier Wellness & Injury Care Clinic to you.
At El Paso’s Chiropractic Rehabilitation Clinic & Integrated Medicine Center, we are passionately focused on treating patients after frustrating injuries and chronic pain syndromes. We focus on improving your ability through flexibility, mobility, and agility programs tailored for all age groups and disabilities.
Please feel free to subscribe and share if you have enjoyed this video and we have helped you.
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