Bell’s Palsy and Chiropractic Treatment
Some of us may have heard of or seen someone with Bell’s Palsy. This type of facial paralysis is very common, but what causes it? And can anything be done about it?
Famous people who have been affected by Bell’s Palsy in their lives include; Angelina Jolie, George Clooney, Pierce Brosnan, Sylvester Stallone, Katie Holmes and Thor Bjornsson. So how much is known about this condition and can anything be done about it?
Bell’s Palsy is the most common type of facial nerve palsy, accounting for around 80% of cases. It is a temporary weakness and lack of movement affecting one side of the face. This can sometimes be mistaken as symptoms of a stroke, however, unlike a stroke the facial weakness develops gradually, peaking at around 72 hours. It is an idiopathic condition, meaning that no exact cause has been identified, however links have been made to some viral infections, immune system dysfunction and stress.
Chiropractic Treatment for Bell’s Palsy
The facial nerve originates at the brainstem and exits to supply the facial muscles. Due to the proximity of the brainstem to the upper cervical spine, changes in the alignment of the vertebrae can cause irritation and pressure affecting the brainstem. This interference with brain stem function can cause deficits in the cranial nerve function.
Upper Cervical Chiropractors have seen good success with patients with facial nerve palsy. We assess the alignment of the vertebrae at the upper neck as well as performing an in depth neurological screening in order to assess the impact of the vertebrae on nervous system function. In cases of Bell’s Palsy, misalignments of the upper cervical vertebrae are often found; when corrected, symptoms typically begin to resolve. Bell’s Palsy in many cases will resolve by itself, but by taking pressure off of this area of the nervous system it can improve the chances of recovery.
How Chiropractic Care Can Treat Bell’s Palsy
It is not our goal to treat Bell’s Palsy, however when we assess patients in this way and remove interference to the nervous system we frequently see changes in symptoms and improvements in this condition.
The facial nerve originates at the brainstem and exits to supply the facial muscles. Due to the proximity of the brainstem to the upper cervical spine, changes in the alignment of the vertebrae can cause irritation and pressure affecting the brainstem. This interference with brain stem function can cause deficits in the cranial nerve function.
Success in Chiropractic Treatment for Bell’s Palsy
Upper Cervical Chiropractors have seen good success with patients with facial nerve palsy. We assess the alignment of the vertebrae at the upper neck as well as performing an in depth neurological screening in order to assess the impact of the vertebrae on nervous system function. In cases of Bell’s Palsy, misalignments of the upper cervical vertebrae are often found; when corrected, symptoms typically begin to resolve. Bell’s Palsy in many cases will resolve by itself, but by taking pressure off of this area of the nervous system it can improve the chances of recovery.
It is not our goal to treat Bell’s Palsy, however when we assess patients in this way and remove interference to the nervous system we frequently see changes in symptoms and improvements in this condition.
Get Chiropractic Treatment
If you believe you would benefit from receiving chiropractic treatment, or would just like to discuss your problems further with a specialist, click here to schedule a free 15 minute discovery call with us.
Alternatively, get in touch with us by clicking here. We would love to hear from you and help you with your spinal health.
The facial nerve originates at the brainstem and exits to supply the facial muscles. Due to the proximity of the brainstem to the upper cervical spine, changes in the alignment of the vertebrae can cause irritation and pressure affecting the brainstem. This interference with brainstem function can cause deficits in the cranial nerve function.
Upper Cervical Chiropractors have seen good success with patients with facial nerve palsy. We assess the alignment of the vertebrae at the upper neck as well as performing an in depth neurological screening in order to assess the impact of the vertebrae on nervous system function. In cases of Bell’s Palsy misalignments of the upper cervical vertebrae are often found, when corrected, symptoms typically begin to resolve. Bell’s Palsy in many cases will resolve by itself, but by taking pressure off of this area of the nervous system it can improve the chances of recovery.
It is not our goal to treat Bell’s Palsy, however when we assess patients in this way and remove interference to the nervous system we frequently see changes in symptoms and improvements in this condition.
If you or someone you know is experiencing facial nerve palsy and want to see how we can help then book a call with us.
Research article:
References:
https://www.facialpalsy.org.uk/causesanddiagnoses/bells-palsy/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAraSPBhDuARIsAM3Js4pVRkjoH-gacBUZlFKlEoFGD2H9ewlShhY8f2hEuOsuBKBMnGuNJBEaAuXPEALw_wcB
