Chiropractic Care and Bell’s Palsy
When people think about chiropractic care, they think about things such as back pain and injury relief. Although those are some of the most common reasons for a visit to a chiropractor, chiropractic care can actually work wonders on other issues, including Bell’s palsy.
What is Bell’s Palsy?
Bell’s Palsy is a debilitating health issue which has an average of six months paralysis of the face. It is a result of trauma or damage to the facial nerves.
Here are some of the symptoms:
- Paralysis usually occurs on one side of the face, but can occur on both in some cases
- May cause face to appear droopy
- Inability to close or open eye on affected area
- Drooling
- Difficult to eat and drink
- Not able to make facial expressions, such as smiling
- Weak and numb face
- Twitching
- Headache
- Dry eye and mouth
- Sound-sensitive
What causes Bell’s Palsy?
Bell’s Palsy can occur from one day to the next and the exact cause is still unknown, but doctors strongly believe it is a viral infection that can be caused by the following:
- Herpes
- HIV
- Sarcoidosis
- Chickenpox
- Shingles
- Epstein-barr virus
How Chiropractic Care Can Treat Bell’s Palsy
It is possible for Bell’s Palsy to be treated without any medical intervention at all and just allow the effects to go away. Recommended medication for pain relief and perhaps faster recovery are usually drugs such as anti-inflammatories, antivirals, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and eye drops.
Chiropractic care, on the other hand, is a good alternative to drugs. A chiropractor will use manual manipulation to address the affected areas such as the face and body. Mostly focusing on the central nervous system. A chiropractor’s goal will be to restore mobility and movement in the face with said manipulation therapy.
Many Bell’s Palsy patients have used chiropractic care and have recommended it for future sufferers.