Chiropractic and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

What is Ehlers Danlos Syndrome?

Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) are a group of rare inherited connective tissue disorders. The most common symptoms include:

• Joint hypermobility.

• Stretchy skin.

• Fragile skin that breaks or bruises easily.

EDS can affect people in different ways. For some, the condition is relatively mild, while for others their symptoms can be disabling.

Can I be adjusted safely if I have EDS?

This tends to be the most important question for new practice members who are coming in with a diagnosis of EDS. When it comes to getting adjusted with EDS, it is safe to receive chiropractic care, but you'll want to let your chiropractor know of your diagnosis in case they want to modify the way they adjust you based on your diagnosis and symptoms.

What type of chiropractic technique should I try?

In our experience, if your EDS symptoms are moderate to severe, you will want to receive chiropractic care that involves a technique that uses less force. For example, you may want to avoid manual adjustments and instead try instrument-assisted adjustments. In our office we use a chiropractic technique (Torque Release Technique) which uses a gentle, specific, and effective tool to deliver adjustments.

What are the benefits of receiving chiropractic care while having EDS?

As mentioned, one of the most common symptoms for people with EDS is hypermobility of the joints. This not only means that a person with EDS has a higher likelihood of dislocating joints, it also means that the effects of everyday life can take a bigger toll on an EDS patient's spine alignment (i.e. bad posture, car accidents, repetitive motions, sedentary lifestyles, falls, injuries).

Because their body is more susceptible to these misalignments, people with EDS tend to suffer from headaches, neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, joint pain and others. With chiropractic treatment, your chiropractor will work to correct the structure of your spine and to relieve pressure on the surrounding nerves. Doing so can lead to:

• Decreased pain.

• Decreased inflammation.

• Decreased anti inflammatory medication usage.

• Better movement and quality of life.

• Better nerve communication going from the brain out to your body.
  

Can I combine chiropractic care with other therapies?

Absolutely! EDS patients who are benefiting from chiropractic management can complement their care with other therapies, such as physical therapy and massage. Postural corrective exercises, releasing through tight muscles, and strengthening the foundation of your body can go a long way with EDS symptoms. There are two important things to consider when it comes to this.

Firstly, make sure that whichever therapy you decide to try, your physician knows about your diagnosis and they have an individual approach to your care. Secondly, keep an eye out to see if you get excessively sore or experience exacerbations if you do multiple therapies in one day. If that's the case, consider spreading them out throughout the week to give your body enough time to adjust to each therapy.

Do you have any other questions when it comes to Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and chiropractic? Reach out to your local chiropractor!