Virginia Woman’s Battle With Stiff-Person Syndrome: A Journey Of Pain And Perseverance
For Wanda Christmas, music has always been a vital source of joy. As a singer and pianist from Louisa County, Virginia, her melodies once filled her heart and soul. But in 2020, a painful back condition changed her life in ways she never anticipated, leading to a shocking diagnosis. Back pain can be a sign of something more serious; if you experience back pain, treatment from a Falls Church, VA, chiropractor for back pain can help find relief as you narrow down your diagnosis.
Christmas, who had been experiencing severe back pain and muscle spasms, spent two years visiting multiple specialists. Despite numerous tests, doctors struggled to pinpoint the cause of her symptoms. It wasn’t until Christmas researched her condition that she asked for tests related to Stiff-Person Syndrome (SPS), a rare neurological disorder that affects one to two people per million, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
SPS causes painful muscle spasms and rigidity, often affecting the back and legs. Christmas described feeling like her body was trapped in pain, saying, “At one point, I thought I was going to die with the spasms. They were coming every minute.” The disorder made it difficult for her to sit, stand, or even perform basic tasks. She recalled one instance where, due to the stiffness, she couldn’t lift a fork to her mouth.
The physical toll was immense. Initially, Christmas relied on a walker and stair lift to move around her home. On some days, the pain was so intense that she spent hours crying. Though there is no cure for SPS, medication has helped make the pain more bearable.
Despite these challenges, Christmas is determined to live with purpose. She hopes to raise awareness about SPS and inspire others with her story of resilience. “Every morning, I wake up and say, ‘Thank you, Jesus for letting me see another day,’” she shared.
Can A Chiropractor Help With Stiff Person Syndrome?
Stiff-Person Syndrome (SPS) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by muscle stiffness, spasms, and impaired movement. It primarily affects the muscles in the trunk and legs and can cause debilitating pain. While there is no cure for SPS, treatments focus on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. This raises the question: Can chiropractic care help those suffering from SPS?
Chiropractors specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions, with an emphasis on spinal health and alignment. While chiropractic care has been successful in treating conditions like back pain, sciatica, and general musculoskeletal disorders, its effectiveness for treating SPS specifically is not well-documented. SPS involves complex neurological and autoimmune mechanisms, making it more challenging to address with chiropractic adjustments alone.
That said, some individuals with SPS may seek chiropractic care for relief from the muscle stiffness and pain associated with their condition. A chiropractor may use techniques such as gentle spinal manipulation, massage, and stretching exercises to improve mobility and alleviate discomfort. These methods might help temporarily reduce muscle tension and improve the range of motion, potentially providing relief from the daily pain experienced by SPS patients.
However, it’s important to note that chiropractic treatment should not replace conventional medical care for SPS, which typically involves medication and physical therapy. Stiff-Person Syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that requires specialized treatment, including anti-spasm medications and muscle relaxants. Therefore, any chiropractic treatment should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan developed in consultation with a healthcare provider familiar with SPS.
Chiropractor care can help with relief of symptoms associated with SPS and many other musculoskeletal disorders, and is often recommended as a complementary treatment as part of your primary care plan. It’s essential to work with your treatment team as you incorporate care from a Falls Church chiropractor. At AmeriWell Clinics, we work with your primary care team collaboratively; call us today to learn more.