What Is Dystonia

Dystonia is a medical condition where the muscles involuntary contract, resulting in repetitive or twisting movements of the muscles. They are often muscle spasms and can affect you in different ways. One part of your body being affected is called focal dystonia, while two or more adjacent parts are affected is called segmental dystonia. When all parts of the body are affected, it is known as general dystonia.

These muscle spasm-like feelings can be managed with chiropractic care, where the affected muscles are treated by chiropractors. In most cases, the dystonia’s effects involve the spine. This is an area of specialization for chiropractors and their understanding of the functioning of the spine can help treat and manage Dystonia.

Read on more to learn about Dystonia, its symptoms, and possible treatments.

What Causes Dystonia & Its Early Symptoms

The exact dystonia causes are not known yet. Research has suggested that it could be due to a neurological condition that may be a result of trauma, genetics, and excessive medication. It could also be caused by conditions such as Parkinson’s, strokes, or oxygen deprivation. The commonality is that the communication between the nerves and the brain is hampered, resulting in the condition ( Which is one of the basic factors behind cervical dystonia causes).

Its symptoms include common muscle spasms in the neck region, arm, or face around the age of 21. Muscle spasms occurring while doing a particular activity,  fatigue, anxiety, and over usage of medication are early signs of Dystonia.  You can even begin to notice spasms in the torso and increases across the body.

What Are the Different Types of Dystonia

Dystonia is classified into different types based on the specificity of the location of the spasms. Below are the different types of Dystonia.

Cervical Dystonia

Cervical Dystonia is a condition where there are muscle spasms in the neck or cervical region of the body. This condition can occur without a cause and can create impairment in the ability to move your neck, head, and sometimes even the shoulder. It can even cause the head to tilt sideways or move forward or backward. It may resolve with time, but there are possibilities of it coming back.

Blepharospasm

Blepharospasm occurs when the eyelids and the brows begin to droop involuntarily. This can range from being noticeable only while blinking or can cause the eyes to be shut for longer durations. It slows down the blinking process and has a “droopy” effect on the eyelids and brows. In some cases, it can impact the cheek and jaw muscles.

Oromandibular Dystonia

This typically occurs when the jaw, face, and mouth are affected by muscle spasms and the functions are impaired. This can also be understood with Blepharospasm and cervical Dystonia.

Laryngeal Dystonia

This type of Dystonia occurs when the vocal cords are impacted due to the spasms. It is also known as spasmodic dystonia. It is the condition when the vocal cord muscles contract voluntarily resulting in the loss of speech momentarily. The condition may prolong due to many reasons, or even get better with time and rest. The voice may break or become aphonic in people when this happens.

Hand Dystonia

Hand Dystonia, more commonly known as writer's cramp occurs while performing a particular activity. It can often be a result of strain on the muscles and nerves that result in cramping. It can be focused on dystonia and impact people who use their hands for specific skills such as typing, writing, musicians, etc.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help in Different Types of Dystonia

Recent research has been showing that the condition occurs when there is a misinterpretation of sensory information in the spine and the brain, due to the nervous system’s functioning. This means that the spinal cord is involved in most cases. This allows chiropractors to engage with their license knowledge about the spinal cord function and the impact and causes of nerve issues.

Chiropractors can use a range of treatment plans such as readjustment of spines, adjustment of joints, soft tissue massage, and therapy, that allows the spinal cord to improve its health and strengthen the spine and the nerves. This can have a positive impact on the functioning of the nerves and muscles, reducing the intensity of Dystonia.

Heat therapy, adjustments, and realignments of the spine can increase flexibility, reduce tension on the spine and nerves and improve blood circulation, all of which can contribute to a healthier body. Chiropractic treatment for spinal readjustment can be used at different levels and intensities based on the types of Dystonia.

Reverse the Effects of Dystonia With Physiotattva

Physiotattva is a team of highly trained professionals who are well versed in the care and treatment of any bone-related injury. Our experts in the field of physiotherapy offer extensive knowledge about various medical conditions and the best possible way to treat them through rehabilitation.

Our team of chiropractors and physiotherapists will be able to guide you through a consistent rehabilitation plan for dystonia and ensure that the condition is managed well for a long time and reduce its impact on day-to-day activities. Explore more options of treatment around chiropractic neck treatment for Dystonia at Physiotattva today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is early-onset dystonia?

Early onset dystonia is when the body experiences mild muscle spasms in focused regions of the body. This can occur as young as 10 years of age and can intensify with time.

Does exercise help dystonia?

It can help manage the condition as it can help improve mobility, reduce spasm intensities and alleviate pain. Dystonia’s chiropractic treatment options also are helpful in finding the right exercises and positions.