Seniors

Tremors and Spinal Cord Compression

Share

Tremors are extremely rare, but they can result from spinal compression and not necessarily a brain condition like Parkinson’s disease. Tremors are abnormal, involuntary body movements with various causes, most of which are connected to the brain and not the spine. A study reports that more than 75% of individuals with Parkinson’s experienced a resting tremor, and about 60% experience tremors while moving. Sometimes the spine is the contributor caused by compression of the spinal cord.

Spinal Compression Study

A 90-year-old man was hospitalized after having tremors, with Parkinson’s being the initial diagnosis. The tremors progressed to the point where the man could not feed himself or walk without support. The case became the focus of a medical report published by physicians in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Division of the Spine, Singapore Tan Tock Seng Hospital. Along with the tremors, symptoms progressed to:

  • Difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning a shirt.
  • However, it was ruled out because the patient was not presenting with other Parkinson’s symptoms.
  • What was found from the symptoms was cervical spondylotic myelopathy, which is a spinal cord compression in the neck.
  • The compression was caused by a herniated disc impinging the spinal canal and compressing the spinal cord causing spinal stenosis.
  • The compression was resolved by having an ACDF surgical procedure.
  • An anterior cervical discectomy and fusion or ACDF procedure can help manage the condition.
  • An ACDF treats spinal cord compression by removing a degenerative or herniated disc in the neck.

Cervical Myelopathy

Causes of cervical spondylotic myelopathy include:

Common symptoms include:

  • Balance problems
  • Coordination problems
  • Tingling in the hands
  • Numbness
  • Weakness
  • Impairment of fine motor skills

Tremors as a symptom are rare.

Cervical Myelopathy vs. Parkinson’s Disease

There are cases where cervical spondylotic myelopathy and Parkinson’s disease symptoms can overlap. Studies have shown difficulties between the two diagnoses, as well as, individuals with Parkinson’s may exhibit symptoms similar to cervical spondylotic myelopathy that can include:

  • Weakness
  • Lack of coordination
  • Bowel dysfunction
  • Bladder dysfunction

Treatment Cervical Myelopathy Tremors

For individuals with cervical spondylotic myelopathy tremors, surgery can be used to help the condition. However, with cervical myelopathy, there is often some permanent damage. Individuals have shown that post-surgery and decompression, symptoms still present, maybe not as much, but there will be a need for a symptom management plan.

Prevention

The best way to prevent tremors associated with cervical spondylotic myelopathy is to minimize the strain on the spine that can lead to herniated discs and/or other spinal injuries. The discs in the spine degenerate, dry out and start cracking with age, increasing the risk of rupture. If a tremor develops, contact a doctor, spine specialist, or chiropractor to help diagnose the condition. These doctors can perform physical and neurological tests to determine the cause and treatment options.


Body Composition


Aging Health

Steady weight gain throughout life can lead to adult-onset diabetes. This is partly caused by having more body fat and progressive muscle loss. Loss of skeletal muscle mass is linked to insulin resistance that involves:

  • The less muscle is available, the less insulin sensitive the body becomes.
  • As insulin sensitivity decreases, the body becomes more resistant, increasing risk factors for type II diabetes.
  • This can lead to osteoporosis, where the old bone is reabsorbed more and less new bone is created.

Both men and women can experience decreased muscle mass that can lead to:

  • Thinner bones
  • Weaker bones
  • Increased risk of osteoporosis and severe injury from falls.

To help prevent these issues, it is recommended to:

  • Eat sufficient protein throughout the day.
  • It is recommended to space out protein intake across meals rather than consuming it all at once. This helps to ensure the proper amount is acquired.
  • Monitoring body composition regularly can help minimize muscle mass loss and fat mass gain as the body ages.
  • A regular strength training routine will help strengthen bones muscles and maintain optimal circulation.
References

Heusinkveld, Lauren E et al. “Impact of Tremor on Patients With Early Stage Parkinson’s Disease.” Frontiers in neurology vol. 9 628. 3 Aug. 2018, doi:10.3389/fneur.2018.00628

Jancso, Z et al. “Differences in weight gain in hypertensive and diabetic elderly patients primary care study.” The Journal of nutrition, health & aging vol. 16,6 (2012): 592-6. doi:10.1007/s12603-011-0360-6

Srikanthan, Preethi, and Arun S Karlamangla. “Relative muscle mass is inversely associated with insulin resistance and prediabetes. Findings from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.” The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism vol. 96,9 (2011): 2898-903. doi:10.1210/jc.2011-0435

Tapia Perez, Jorge Humberto et al. “Treatment of Spinal Myoclonus Due to Degenerative Compression Myelopathy with Cervical Spinal Cord Stimulation: A Report of 2 Cases.” World neurosurgery vol. 136 (2020): 44-48. doi:10.1016/j.wneu.2019.12.170

Professional Scope of Practice *

The information herein on "Tremors and Spinal Cord Compression" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

Blog Information & Scope Discussions

Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.

We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.

We are here to help you and your family.

Blessings

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182

Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*

Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card

Dr. Alex Jimenez

Specialties: Stopping the PAIN! We Specialize in Treating Severe Sciatica, Neck-Back Pain, Whiplash, Headaches, Knee Injuries, Sports Injuries, Dizziness, Poor Sleep, Arthritis. We use advanced proven therapies focused on optimal Mobility, Posture Control, Deep Health Instruction, Integrative & Functional Medicine, Functional Fitness, Chronic Degenerative Disorder Treatment Protocols, and Structural Conditioning. We also integrate Wellness Nutrition, Wellness Detoxification Protocols and Functional Medicine for chronic musculoskeletal disorders. We use effective "Patient Focused Diet Plans", Specialized Chiropractic Techniques, Mobility-Agility Training, Cross-Fit Protocols, and the Premier "PUSH Functional Fitness System" to treat patients suffering from various injuries and health problems. Ultimately, I am here to serve my patients and community as a Chiropractor passionately restoring functional life and facilitating living through increased mobility. Purpose & Passions: I am a Doctor of Chiropractic specializing in progressive cutting-edge therapies and functional rehabilitation procedures focused on clinical physiology, total health, functional strength training, functional medicine, and complete conditioning. We focus on restoring normal body functions after neck, back, spinal and soft tissue injuries. We use Specialized Chiropractic Protocols, Wellness Programs, Functional & Integrative Nutrition, Agility & Mobility Fitness Training and Cross-Fit Rehabilitation Systems for all ages. As an extension to dynamic rehabilitation, we too offer our patients, disabled veterans, athletes, young and elder a diverse portfolio of strength equipment, high-performance exercises and advanced agility treatment options. We have teamed up with the cities' premier doctors, therapist and trainers in order to provide high-level competitive athletes the options to push themselves to their highest abilities within our facilities. We've been blessed to use our methods with thousands of El Pasoans over the last 3 decades allowing us to restore our patients' health and fitness while implementing researched non-surgical methods and functional wellness programs. Our programs are natural and use the body's ability to achieve specific measured goals, rather than introducing harmful chemicals, controversial hormone replacement, un-wanted surgeries, or addictive drugs. We want you to live a functional life that is fulfilled with more energy, a positive attitude, better sleep, and less pain. Our goal is to ultimately empower our patients to maintain the healthiest way of living. With a bit of work, we can achieve optimal health together, no matter the age, ability or disability.

Published by

Recent Posts

Understanding Overpronation and its Impact on Foot Health

What are the treatment options for individuals dealing with foot overpronation when the foot and… Read More

Exploring the Causes and Treatment of Nerve Injuries

Can individuals with nerve injuries incorporate non-surgical treatments to reduce pain sensations and restore motor… Read More

Understanding the Lumbosacral Joint L5-S1: Anatomy and Function

For individuals trying to retrain their body movements for back health improvement, what is the… Read More

Pilates for Reducing Body Pain: Improve Your Mobility

Can individuals with body pain incorporate Pilates to reduce general aches and pains while strengthening… Read More

Understanding the Changing Sleep Patterns with Aging

Sleep is vital at all ages, but what is the amount of sleep for older… Read More

The Power of Turmeric for Maintaining Healthy Joints

Can individuals dealing with joint pain incorporate turmeric as part of their treatment to reduce… Read More

Unlocking Wellness: The Benefits of Recreation Therapy

Individuals who have been injured or ill or have a chronic disability may be having… Read More

Ways to Increase Vitamin C Levels and Boost Your Immune System

Can individuals incorporate ways to increase their vitamin C levels to boost their immune system… Read More

Can You Enjoy Pasta on a Cholesterol-Friendly Diet?

Can healthy noodle alternatives and heart-healthy ingredients help make cholesterol-friendly pasta dishes for individuals trying… Read More

The Science Behind Herniated Bulging Discs and MRI

How are MRIs used to help diagnose bulging and herniated discs and help healthcare providers… Read More

Uncovering the Secrets of Eucalyptus Tea

How is eucalyptus tea made, and what are its health benefits? Eucalyptus Tea Eucalyptus tea… Read More

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy: Part 2

Can hormone replacement therapy provide relief by replenishing lost hormones in menopausal women and in… Read More