Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) & Chiropractic
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of genetic disorders that affect what is called the connective tissues, which are like the scaffolding of the body. Common issues include joint hypermobility, skin challenges with delayed wound healing, fatigue, and anxiety. Research has shown that EDS may affect up to 1 in 5,000 people, mostly female. Each case varies because there are 13 different types of EDS.
Hypermobile EDS often affects children causing diarrhea, urinary incontinence, and frequent falls on top of the previously mentioned most common symptoms. EDS may also cause complications with pregnancy, as women are more likely at risk for uterine issues, early dilation due to weak cervical tissue, and premature labor.
EDS management focuses on preventing further complications and improving quality of life. Recurrent misalignments of the spine are common due to the weak connective tissues inability to hold a supportive posture. Luckily, chiropractic care can help! Instruments, like an Activator, can be used by a chiropractor to provide comfortable and specific low force adjustments. This can help to reduce strain, improve joint positioning, and decrease muscle tension caused by the compensation from misalignments. A personalized care plan can also be created for at home training and exercises. These can help improve the ability to sense location and movement, correct posture, and the brain’s control over muscles. Recommendations for dietary changes, relaxation techniques, and further protection while performing everyday activities can be given.
We have many practice members with EDS and Dr. Rubin has sent 3 recent people (including 2 children) to EDS specialists by being the first provider to identify the common thread that runs through this special diagnosis. He is also preparing a 1 hour talk about EDS and other issues that run in tandem with it, such as POTS and MCAS, for the chiropractic organization’s he speaks to, in order to educate them about this trending health issue.
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