Chiropractic care is often thought of by the public only in terms of relief from back and neck pain, but doctors of chiropractic have long espoused the health benefits received by patients for a wide variety of ailments.

“There are certainly no guarantees with any course of care,” said Dr. Matthew Davis, a Sharpsburg-based chiropractor who strives to keep current with the latest research and developments in health and wellness.   “And every case depends on the specific factors associated with that case.  But we see, from time to time, individual case studies that give rise to hope for many.”

Dr. Davis cited a recent case study involving a 20-year old female suffering from Tourette syndrome symptoms since the age of three.  The young woman exhibited uncontrollable throat-clearing and blowing of air through her nose.  She also experienced muscle contractions in her face, rapid eye-blinking, and whole body shaking.  Frequent and severe headaches also were a problem.

“Tourette syndrome is characterized by unwanted, irresistible movements of body parts and vocalizations, called motor and vocal tics,” said Dr. Davis. 

This particular patient and her family wanted to avoid traditional treatment for Tourette—pharmaceutical intervention. She presented herself for chiropractic examination, which determined the presence of vertebral subluxations.

“A subluxation is nerve blockage along the spine that interferes with normal nervous system function,” said Dr. Davis.  “Many chiropractors, including myself, have special, non-intrusive technology that allows them to conduct thermal and Surface Electromyography (sEMG) tests to assist in locating where such conditions exist."

According to the case study, which was reported in a recent issue of the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal, and Family Health,
Due to the unknown etiology of motor and vocal tics in TS, the mechanism of how the corrections of vertebral subluxations through chiropractic adjustments can decrease the occurrence of these tics is difficult to propose.  Knowing that TS is a condition arising from supraspinal structures, and in the case of this patient, are brought on by stress, a general mechanism can be established with reasonable backing.

The patient was placed in chiropractic care for a total of 32 visits over a one-year period.  She reported significant decreases in the length and severity of her motor and vocal tics, as well as a reduction in the headaches she had been experiencing.

“This is just one case study,” Dr. Davis emphasized, “and more studies are needed before any absolute conclusions can be drawn.” 

Anyone wishing more information may contact Dr. Matthew Davis by phone at 770-252-1848 or on the web at www.SharpsburgChiropractor.com. Crossroads Chiropractic is located at 3339 Highway 34 East Suite C, Sharpsburg GA.