- 301 W Fee Ave, Melbourne, FL 32901
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It develops when the immune system mistakenly attacks myelin, the protective covering around nerve fibers. This damage can interfere with communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
MS affects everyone differently. Some people experience episodes of symptoms followed by periods of improvement, while others develop symptoms that gradually progress. Depending on the areas affected, MS may influence vision, movement, balance, sensation, energy levels, and other aspects of daily life.
Although there is currently no cure for MS, medical treatments can help manage symptoms, reduce relapses in appropriate forms of the disease, and slow disease activity for many people.
At Victory Spinal Care in Melbourne, Florida, we believe patients should have clear, responsible information about their health and available care options. Our practice provides upper cervical chiropractic care for appropriate musculoskeletal concerns. Upper cervical chiropractic care does not treat or cure MS and has not been established as a way to slow its progression. Care for MS should remain coordinated with a neurologist and other qualified healthcare professionals.
Multiple sclerosis is a neurological condition involving inflammation and damage to myelin and, in some cases, the underlying nerve fibers. When these structures are affected, nerve signals may not travel normally, leading to a wide range of symptoms.
The course of MS varies considerably. Some people experience relapses, during which new symptoms appear or existing symptoms worsen, followed by periods of partial or complete recovery. Others experience a more gradual progression of disability.
MS is not contagious, and symptoms alone cannot establish a diagnosis. Many conditions can cause fatigue, numbness, dizziness, weakness, or vision changes. A thorough neurological evaluation is necessary to determine the cause.
MS symptoms depend on which parts of the central nervous system are affected. Not everyone experiences the same symptoms, and their severity can change over time.
Vision Changes
Some people experience blurred vision, double vision, or pain with eye movement. Inflammation affecting the optic nerve can cause changes in vision that require prompt medical assessment.
Numbness and Tingling
Altered sensation, pins-and-needles feelings, or numbness may occur in the arms, legs, face, or other areas of the body.
Muscle Weakness and Stiffness
MS can affect muscle strength and movement. Some individuals experience stiffness, involuntary muscle spasms, or difficulty with everyday activities.
Balance and Coordination Difficulties
Damage affecting pathways involved in movement and balance may cause unsteadiness, dizziness, coordination problems, or difficulty walking.
Fatigue
MS-related fatigue can be persistent and may interfere with work, physical activity, and daily routines. It can be different from ordinary tiredness and may require individualized management.
Cognitive Changes
Some people experience difficulty with memory, concentration, information processing, or multitasking.
Bladder and Bowel Changes
MS may affect the nerves involved in bladder and bowel function, potentially leading to urgency, frequency, constipation, or other difficulties.
Pain and Sensory Changes
Pain can occur for different reasons in MS, including changes in nerve signaling or secondary musculoskeletal problems associated with altered movement and posture.
Having one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean a person has MS. New or unexplained neurological symptoms should be assessed by a qualified medical professional.
The exact cause of MS is not fully understood. Researchers believe it develops through a combination of immune system activity, genetic susceptibility, and environmental factors.
Factors being studied include:
MS is not caused by a simple misalignment of the neck or spine. Upper cervical chiropractic care should not be presented as a way to correct the underlying immune process responsible for this disease.
Diagnosing MS requires a detailed medical assessment because its symptoms can overlap with those of other neurological and non-neurological conditions.
A neurologist may use several sources of information, including:
No single symptom or test result should be interpreted in isolation. Diagnosis involves applying established clinical criteria and considering other possible explanations.
If you are experiencing unexplained vision changes, weakness, numbness, coordination problems, or other neurological symptoms, seek medical evaluation rather than assuming they are caused by MS.
Treatment is individualized according to the type of MS, disease activity, symptoms, and overall health. A neurologist or MS specialist can discuss the most appropriate options.
Disease-Modifying Therapies
Disease-modifying therapies are designed to reduce disease activity and, for appropriate forms of MS, may reduce relapses and slow the accumulation of disability. The most suitable treatment depends on the individual’s diagnosis and circumstances.
Treatment for Relapses
When a relapse occurs, a neurologist may recommend treatment such as corticosteroids to help speed recovery in selected situations. These treatments do not replace long-term disease management.
Symptom Management
Medication and other interventions may help manage particular symptoms, including muscle stiffness, pain, bladder problems, or fatigue. Treatment depends on the symptom and the individual’s medical needs.
Rehabilitation and Physical Activity
Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitation services can help some people work on mobility, strength, balance, and daily activities. Exercise may also support general health when adapted to the individual’s abilities and medical guidance.
Ongoing Medical Follow-Up
Regular follow-up helps clinicians monitor disease activity, assess treatment effectiveness, address new symptoms, and adjust the care plan when needed.
Do not stop, delay, or replace prescribed MS treatment with chiropractic care or another complementary therapy. Discuss any additional treatment you are considering with your neurologist or MS care team.
At Victory Spinal Care in Melbourne, FL, our practice focuses on upper cervical chiropractic care, which involves evaluation and care of the upper portion of the neck.
People living with MS may also experience separate musculoskeletal concerns, such as neck discomfort or changes in posture associated with their daily activities. These concerns need to be considered individually rather than automatically attributed to MS or assumed to be caused by the upper cervical spine.
Current evidence does not establish chiropractic care as a treatment for MS itself. It has not been shown to cure MS, prevent relapses, repair damaged myelin, or reliably slow disease progression.
If you have MS and are considering chiropractic care for a separate musculoskeletal concern, discuss this with your neurologist or MS care team first. They can help assess whether the proposed care is appropriate given your symptoms, mobility, bone health, medications, and other individual considerations.
If an upper cervical evaluation is considered appropriate, our team can discuss the scope and limitations of our services. We do not replace neurological care, disease-modifying therapies, or rehabilitation prescribed for MS.
Our goal is to provide clear information and help patients make informed decisions about care for their individual needs.
Q. What are the early symptoms of multiple sclerosis?
A. Early symptoms may include vision changes, numbness or tingling, weakness, balance difficulties, or other neurological changes. Symptoms vary, and these experiences can also result from conditions unrelated to MS. A medical evaluation is necessary to determine the cause.
Q. Can multiple sclerosis be cured?
A. There is currently no cure for MS. However, disease-modifying therapies and other treatments can help manage the condition, reduce disease activity in appropriate cases, and address specific symptoms. A neurologist can discuss options based on the type and course of MS.
Q. Can upper cervical chiropractic care treat multiple sclerosis?
A. No. Upper cervical chiropractic care is not an established treatment for MS and has not been shown to cure the disease, repair myelin damage, or stop disease progression. It should never replace neurological care or prescribed treatment. Any consideration of chiropractic care for a separate musculoskeletal concern should first be discussed with the patient’s MS care team.
Q. Can MS cause neck pain?
A. Some people with MS experience pain, muscle stiffness, or secondary musculoskeletal discomfort. Neck pain can also have causes unrelated to MS. A healthcare professional can help determine the likely source and recommend appropriate management.
Q. What treatments are available for multiple sclerosis?
A. Treatment may include disease-modifying therapies, medication for specific symptoms or relapses, physical or occupational therapy, and other supportive services. The appropriate plan depends on the person’s diagnosis, disease activity, symptoms, and overall health.
Q. When should someone with MS seek urgent medical care?
A. Seek urgent medical assessment for new or significantly worsening neurological symptoms, particularly sudden vision changes, weakness, numbness, or major changes in balance or coordination. Sudden facial drooping, one-sided weakness, difficulty speaking, or sudden loss of vision may indicate a stroke and require an immediate call to 911. Do not assume sudden symptoms are caused by MS.
Living with multiple sclerosis may involve ongoing decisions about medical treatment, rehabilitation, activity, and everyday well-being. A coordinated care team can help you understand your options and make decisions suited to your needs.
If you have a separate neck-related musculoskeletal concern, Victory Spinal Care can discuss whether upper cervical chiropractic care may be appropriate. We encourage patients with MS to consult their neurologist or MS care team before beginning additional care.
Victory Spinal Care — Melbourne, Florida
301 W Fee Ave
Melbourne, FL 32901
Phone: (321) 288-1455
Serving Melbourne, Palm Bay, Viera, Suntree, West Melbourne, and surrounding Brevard County communities.
Contact us to learn more about our upper cervical chiropractic services.
Victory Spinal Care provides personalized upper cervical chiropractic care in Melbourne, Florida. Dr. Javier Canales-Díaz is committed to helping patients understand their spinal health and explore appropriate care options.
Service Areas: Melbourne, Palm Bay, Viera, Suntree, West Melbourne, and surrounding communities in Brevard County, Florida.
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