Bell’s Palsy is a neurological condition that causes either complete paralysis or extreme weakness in the facial muscles. Symptoms of Bell’s Palsy include drooping of one side of the face, slurred speech, weakened muscles on one side of the body, and a change is consciousness. The underlying cause is swelling and compression to the cranial nerve IIV. Also referred to as the facial nerve, it controls the movement of the face and tongue.
There are several reasons why you can have inflammation to the facial nerve. Infections, trauma, suppressed immune system, increased stress, and decreased sleep can cause swelling to the nerve. Spinal subluxations can also lead to cases of Bell’s Palsy. Pregnancy, diabetes, and high blood pressure can put you at an increased risk for the disorder.
Signs and Symptoms of Bell’s Palsy
Firstly, you should seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience sudden drooping of the face, slurred speech, or paralysis. These are also signs of a medical emergency such as a stroke or brain tumor and need to be treated right away. Once life threatening medical conditions are ruled out, and Bell’s Palsy is diagnosed, the following symptoms may also arise:
- Numbness or tingling
- Drooping of facial muscles or paralysis
- Headaches
- Facial pain
- Eye irritation, increased tears or inability to control movement of one eye
- Drooling and difficulty eating, loss of taste
- Sensitivity to sounds
- Anxiety
Although Bell’s Palsy is not typically a permanent condition it can create difficulty with day to day activities and affect mental health. Symptoms can last up to 6-8 months and affect ones well-being.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Chiropractic care can help speed up the healing process from Bell’s Palsy and reduce symptoms. Along with anti-inflammatory and anti-viral medications, physical therapy and upper cervical spine manipulations can help speed up healing. Physiotherapy treatments such as massage can help lengthen the shortened muscles in the face. Exercises can also help stimulate the nerves in the face. Biofeedback training can also help you regain control of your muscles.
Realigning spinal subluxations through chiropractic adjustments in the cervical spine can improve nerve function and decrease the symptoms of Bell’s Palsy. Spinal decompression can also improve the nervous system function and the signals sent throughout the body.
If you have been suffering with the symptoms of Bell’s Palsy, Dr. Shane Silver can help. Contact the office today to learn more- 904.701.7907.
