Chiari is a Latin term which refers to the region of the neck where the spinal cord enters the skull

 

It is a very complex area because there are two sides to the neck, namely the carotid artery, which carries blood from the heart and the jugular veins, which carry blood from the lungs to the brain. The Chiari structure is present at birth and can become more pronounced later on in relation to any spinal abnormalities and tumours.

 

Abnormalities in the upper part of the head can include the relocation of the upper portion of this brain (cerebrum) and brain stem (medulla) through the opening at the back of the head (foramen magnum). This abnormal movement may cause interference with the flow of cerebrospinal fluid through the neck and hence the condition of Chiari is known as 'cerebral palsy'. Chiari is not considered a life-threatening disease, but is one that people with it should seek immediate medical attention for.

 

Symptoms of Chiari are usually vague and occur suddenly. The first symptom is often pain in the upper portion of the neck, which is aggravated by pressure on the cervical discs, particularly during sleep. As this condition progresses, the patient may experience difficulty in swallowing and breathing as well as extreme pain in the shoulder, chest and abdominal areas. Sometimes, the spine is abnormally shaped and this can result in an additional difficulty in sitting up or standing. When lying down, it is quite common to feel the presence of a lump near the side of your neck.

 

The condition can also be accompanied by swelling in other parts of the body. Symptoms are usually felt in the neck and upper back, but they can also reach the shoulder blades or legs. In severe cases, you may notice a protruding formation in the groin area.

 

Chiari malformation treatment options depend on the diagnosis. Surgery may be an option for patients with extensive spinal injury if other forms of treatment are not possible. If you have been diagnosed with Chiari malformation, consult your doctor about alternative treatments such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic care, physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, and / or surgery. Chiari malformation is known as "open surgery" and involves manipulating the nerve tissue around the affected area to restore function.

 

There are several non-surgical options, such as heating the spine area (invasive or conservative) or therapeutic massage. It can relieve pain and slow or reverse the progression of the disease. Can also be prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain and relieve muscle spasms.

 

A conservative treatment option may be to use physical therapy to improve posture, stability and range of motion, and the ability to move the neck and upper back. This type of treatment is usually recommended in the early stages of Chiari malformation. The most common form of chiropractic practice is manipulation, in which the practitioner applies traction to an area and uses gentle traction, either in one session or in combination with other procedures. Several types of physical therapy are available, including manual therapy (systematic movement of joints and vertebrae), exercise, physical therapy, and electrical stimulation. A chiropractor is also recommended.

 

Massage therapy has long been used in many forms of treatment, including chiropractic care and has been used by patients in all forms of diagnosis to help reduce pain and increase mobility. It has also been used to treat the pain associated with Chiari, in addition to the symptoms that it causes. Chiropractic care is often used to relieve the discomfort associated with Chiari and help prevent future attacks.