Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a degenerative disease in which the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerve cells. In the U.S. alone, nearly 400,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Although the majority of individuals affected by the disease are over the age of 40, nearly 10,000 children are diagnosed with the condition each year as well. The symptoms and long-term effects of multiple sclerosis in children can be very different and far more severe than those in adults.

To learn more about this condition and how chiropractic care can help treat it, continue reading below.

Chiropractic Care Basics: Understanding Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis

Symptoms

The symptoms of MS in children include headaches, confusion, back pain, stiff neck, muscle aches, lethargy, seizures, and even comas. Some kids also experience a loss of bladder and bowel control, vision changes, muscle spasms, and tremors. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and may come and go or persist over several years. Unlike adult MS, which develops rapidly, pediatric multiple sclerosis can take many years to fully develop.

Long-Term Effects

Children diagnosed with MS often live with the disease their entire lives. As the years pass, their symptoms may become more severe, ultimately resulting in vision loss or paralysis. This disease can also take an emotional toll on children and teens with the condition, making it difficult to socialize with their peers, particularly if their symptoms are more serious. As a result, many kids and young adults afflicted by pediatric MS also exhibit symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Treatment Options

Because the FDA has not yet approved the use of MS medications for children, the focus of treatment is on reducing inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, which is the source of many attacks. Corticosteroid medications help to reduce this swelling, as do chiropractic care treatments, including massage, spinal manipulations, and decompression therapy. Chiropractic treatments also provide headache relief and improve mobility, which aids in managing symptoms.

If your child is currently struggling with pediatric multiple sclerosis and you are interested in chiropractic care as a form of therapy, contact Rasmussen Chiropractic. Located in New Albany, IN, this clinic specializes in working with patients living with a wide range of disorders and disabilities. For more information on children’s chiropractic treatments, visit their website, or call (812) 949-2273 to schedule an appointment today.