Understanding Raynaud's Syndrome: How Chiropractic Adjustments Help

In this fast-paced world slowing things down is considered a good thing but that is not always the case for some. Just like how you don’t want your computer to slow down when you are in the middle of work, the same holds true for the circulatory system in the body. It should always work optimally and at a normal speed. Unfortunately, that might not be the case for some. There are people who have a disorder where the circulatory system in the body slows down. This disorder is called Raynaud's syndrome.

About Raynaud’s Syndrome

Raynaud’s syndrome is a disorder of the blood vessel and is also called Raynaud’s disease. The blood vessels are important tissues that carry blood throughout the body. Some of the blood vessels carry blood to and from the heart which keeps it pumping and in good condition. It also carries blood to the other organs of the body and the extremities. The blood that is carried to all parts of the body provides oxygen and nutrients. But sometimes, the smaller blood vessels that carry blood to the skin extremities compress and become very narrow. This causes vasospasm that restricts blood circulation to parts of the body. This condition in totality is called Raynaud’s syndrome, which mostly affects the fingers, toes and other extremities. The area becomes numb, changes color and feels cold. It can also change color where at times the affected area turns white and sometimes blue or purple.

Raynaud’s Syndrome Types

There are two types of Raynaud’s syndrome; Primary and secondary. The root cause for the primary Raynaud’s syndrome is not known and is less severe. Whereas the secondary syndrome is caused due to other underlying issues like scleroderma, cryoglobulinemia or rheumatoid arthritis.

Risk factors

Primary Raynaud’s syndrome affects both men and women but women have a higher chance of developing this condition than men. This condition is found in people who are below 30 years of age and live in cold climates. Stress also plays a major factor in increasing the risk of Primary Renaud’s syndrome.

On the other hand, secondary Reynaud’s syndrome usually occurs after the age of 30. It is seen more in people who have had injuries to hands and feet. People who are involved in doing repetitive actions or activities are more prone to this syndrome. Like Primary Raynaud’s syndrome, people living in cold climates and who lead a stressful life are more likely to be affected. Smokers and those exposed to chemicals in the workplace can get Secondary Raynaud’s syndrome.

How Chiropractic Treatment Helps

There is no conventional treatment available for Raynaud’s syndrome. However, there are many lifestyle changes and alternative treatments recommended that can aid in boosting the health of the circulatory system. That includes improving the nervous system communication so that all other systems including the nervous system work optimally. Chiropractic care aids in boosting the nervous system communication.

The whole body is controlled and coordinated by the nervous system. If the nervous system is not functioning properly, it can lead to various issues. A spine houses the spinal cord and it should be healthy as it is key to the nervous system. Good spine health is necessary for all the other systems to function properly. When there is a misalignment in the spine, Chiropractic adjustments like those suggested in AlignMeridian.com can help remove it. That will help in increasing the blood flow, restore proper nerve communication and also correct the overactive nervous system. Also, if Raynaud’s syndrome is a result of subluxations, these adjustments help. Subluxations are nothing but misalignment of the pelvis bone or spine due to injury or stress that interferes with the nervous system and results in blood circulation issues. All these can be corrected using spinal manipulation techniques by Chiropractors.

How it is Done

Before the corrections are made, the chiropractor examines the spine and pelvis to check for alignment and for subluxations. Joints in ankles, feet, and knees are also examined along with checking the muscular system for any weakness. All the areas that can influence the nerve controls to the leg and feet are also thoroughly examined and then a treatment plan is drawn.

Different techniques used by Chiropractors

Chiropractors use various techniques and sometimes a combination of them as part of their treatment plan. A cold laser technique is used to strengthen the weak muscles that are identified during the physical examination. The parts of the spine and the nerve controlling the weak muscles are stimulated using a cold laser technique. After this, there may be a need for adjustments to the joints in the spine and pelvis. Additional corrections to the knee and foot may also be done so that the nervous system gets cleared and the constrictions are reduced. Depending on the severity of the syndrome, chiropractors will recommend the number of sessions of therapy.

The primary focus of chiropractic care is not treating Raynaud’s syndrome directly. It is aimed at removing the misalignments of the spine and improving the nervous system. By making adjustments to that, the normal function of the nervous system and the circulatory system can be regained. That, in turn, helps in improving blood circulation which reduces the symptoms of numbness and changes the color of the feet and hands. Chiropractic care rather than masking the symptoms treat it.

Subluxation is a major reason for the disruption of the nervous system and chiropractors are specialists in making gentle adjustments to correct it. That allows the body to heal and function properly and even overcome Raynaud’s syndrome.

Apart from adjustments to improve blood circulation and realigning the spine, chiropractors recommend changing some lifestyle habits. That includes keeping the body hydrated, exercising at least thrice a week, including cardio as part of your exercise regimen, eating a healthy diet, abstaining from smoking as it can worsen the symptoms, etc. People who suffer from this syndrome are asked to avoid known triggers including stress. They are also recommended to protect themselves against cold weather as it is a known trigger for this condition.

The symptoms associated with Reynaud’s syndrome may not be life-threatening but certainly nags you, affecting the quality of life. If you or someone you love is having cold fingers or toes, numbness, stinging or painful sensation, color changes due to cold or stress see a chiropractor. They can help you with your health so that you can keep up with the pace of life.