Can Upper Cervical Chiropractic Help With Tourette Syndrome?

What is Tourette Syndrome?

Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes patients to suffer from tics, which involve rapid, repetitive, uncontrollable movements or sounds. While not life-threatening, the condition can be difficult to live with, and in severe cases may result in injuries.

This condition usually begins in early childhood, with onset usually occurring between the ages of three and nine. Medical experts are still not sure what causes Tourette syndrome, and currently, it is incurable. However, there are both traditional and alternative treatment options to help with symptoms. 

Signs and Symptoms of Tourette Syndrome

The key sign of Tourette’s syndrome is the telltale involuntary tics that patients display. And, the type of tic varies from person to person, and they may be motor or vocal. 

Examples of motor-based tics include rapid eye blinking, head jerking, grimacing, or foot stomping. While generally not harmful, some extreme movements, such as head jerking, can cause strains or injuries. 

Examples of vocal-based tics include coughing, clicking, sniffing, yelping, shouting, or repeating words and phrases. In less common cases, sufferers of Tourette’s syndrome may involuntarily blurt out offensive words or phrases repeatedly.

How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Tourette’s Syndrome

The upper cervical spine is located at the base of the head, down the neck, and upper back. These vertebrae help support the head and protect the nerves going from the brain stem down into the spinal cord. And, any misalignments of the upper cervical spine can disrupt the nerve flow and may affect the severity of tics in people with Tourette’s syndrome. 

Research shows that chiropractic treatments that properly align the upper cervical spine may help manage and reduce symptoms of Tourette syndrome.

How Our Upper Cervical Treatment for Tourette’s Syndrome Works

At Well Connected Chiropractic, Dr. Elizabeth Hoefer is an expert in the Blair Chiropractic Technique. This technique is a safe, drug-free, non-invasive yet effective way of realigning the upper cervical spine. 

Dr. Hoefer uses state-of-the-art 3D x-rays to scan for misalignments. When detected, adjustments are gentle and precise, using minimal force. Because the Blair Chiropractic Technique does not utilize the sudden twists and snaps associated with traditional chiropractic methods, it’s perfect for working with children or adults who suffer from tics. 

Once proper alignment of the spine is re-established, it allows signals from the brain to flow optimally and can, in conjunction with conventional medical treatment, alleviate symptoms and severity of Tourette’s syndrome. 

If the symptoms of Tourette’s syndrome are hindering your life, get in touch with Dr. Hoefer for an appointment. Dr. Hoefer services patients in Orange County, including Anaheim, Rancho Santa Margarita, Dana Point, San Clemente, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, and Santa Ana.