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Dr. Michael Arata and others (like CCSVI.org) are now also discussing treatment of dysautonomia. As I understand it (and I really don’t understand it), the issue may be larger than treatment of CCSVI to improve blood flow. Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) drainage may also be impaired. Similarly, pressure on the vagus nerve by tight muscles could explain “MS” symptoms. One or more of these issues would also explain the commonality of symptoms with other “autoimmune” diseases like Parkinson’s, ALS, Alzheimers and of strokes.

Although three venoplasties have failed me, recently I have been helped enormously in less than a week, but some explanation is necessary to help readers understand the “what and why”.

Google both “Dr. Michael Arata” and “dysautonomia” for more accurate information.

When you consider the flow (or impedance) of CSF as well as blood, there is now room for some significant improvements for those who did not respond to venoplasty. I am an example.

I had three venoplasties in 2010-2012, each of which made some lasting improvements to vision and mental state, but none helped me walk. Research of dysautonomia suggested trying an atlas orthogonist (AO), a specially trained chiropractor. Again, google the term. The short version is that misalignment of the bones at the top of the spine could restrict drainage of fluid from the head. I have been in treatment since mid October, and that has helped me move a little more smoothly. I still hold on bilaterally when I walk around the house, but I get there faster and am better able to use my fairly useless left leg.

Another element of dysautonomia might be treated by a dentist. Similar to treatment for TJM (again, google it), tight jaw muscles can also restrict the flow of blood and CSF. I would never have said I had jaw problems, but I tried two things that are quick and cheap, and the results are highly encouraging. I am now able to take a few steps without holding on, all in just a couple of days of doing a few minimal things that help TMJ patients. There is also a thread on this site called “TMJ alignment with Dr. Amir” that might be interesting.

Because both AO and TMJ treatment can cause muscles to move or relax, that may in turn change the relative position and pressure on the vagus nerve. (Sorry it took so long to get to that!)

The use of an AO chiropractor and a dentist won’t fix us all, but for some, it will be an astonishingly cheap, non-invasive, non-drug and effective alternative.

My story is similar. 2 angioplasties and 3 vein bypasses/transplant, all resulting with my veins restenosing. I was in Dr Scott Rosa's study and had 5 AO adjustments. Unfortunately was not able to hold the adjustments very long. For those who cannot afford angio, try AO adjustments. My atlas was out of alignment, and my CSF was not draining properly from my brain. It was leaking into my head causing intercranial hypertension. Perhaps that is why some get relief when taking Lisinopril. It is used to treat hypertension. I am now taking Diamox which is for intercranial hypertension. For me, it helps. Not perfect, but I much better than if I do not take it. The short term improvements I had from angio and AO adjustments were the same. Wonderful, if only they had lasted.

Even though I had much success with my CCSVI treatments, I recently began AO treatment for continued headaches and neck pain. It has been very successful in relieving my pain. My Atlas and Axis (C-1and C-2) were very off and after even the first adjustment I was impressed with how good I felt. The treatment is easy, a simple vibration helps move the vertebrae back into alignment. My son, who has been suffering from unexplained dizziness for years, was also diagnosed and treated with success. We will both need ongoing treatment until we are able to "hold" the adjustment permanently. The misalignment of these vertebrae were altering our CSF flow. We both felt a rush and lightness with the adjustment which I hope means we restored normal flow. My son noticed improvement in his eyesight right away and has only had one minor dizzy spell. He happened to be out of adjustment when this happened. I believe the new research being done into this altered CSF flow will answer even more questions for people with MS. It's all about the flow!!!!

One of the main goals of the NUCCA/AO doctors is to improve drainage of blood and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). I’ve been seeing an AO chiro for about five months. There had been some small improvements. Ten days ago I started using the technique below from Dr. David Williams, DDS, (http://essentialms.ca/), and things have started to improve quickly.

I still “wall-walk”, but it’s smoother and faster, and using the stairs is much easier. Also, bladder issues are noticeably better.

Give it a try and post your results. I could tell a difference within a day.

Take a facial tissue (like Kleenex or Puffs) and roll it into a cigar shape so it’s about 4 inches long by ½ inch thick. Place it between your upper and lower teeth so that your molars don’t touch. Recline (don’t sit straight up) and wear it for 20-30 minutes three times a day. Wear it like a bite guard.

That’s it, that’s the whole thing. Three tissues, 90 minutes, costs nothing and I’m walking better. Sounds impossible, looks pretty stupid, but it’s working for me.

The vastly over-simplified concept behind it is to relax the muscles of the jaw. Dr. Williams has research on his site that shows that MS patients exert much more pressure between their jaws than does the average person. Those tight muscles can compress the structures that drain blood (CCSVI) and CSF (AO/NUCCA). On a related note, the CCSVI Alliance (http://www.ccsvi.org/) has recently expanded their topics to include the flow of CSF as well as blood.

I thought I noticed a little improvement the first time I tried it, so I did it three times a day for two days. When I went to my AO chiropractor, she was amazed at how much the cranial bones now moved (who knew that was a good thing?), and wanted to learn as much as she could from Dr. Williams.

I would never have said that I had TMJ or any jaw problems, but I’ve got a whole box of tissues and I can’t wait to see what else happens. I’ve had real problems walking for more than seven years, so my muscles are weak and physical therapy will have to be done. But I’m going to see how far the tissues get me before I add another medical practitioner to my calendar.

Obviously, this is not the answer to MS! However, it is cheap, immediately available and has no side effects, so let us all know what happens if you give it a try.

I’ll keep you posted.

@Rose, I just started using the Aqualizer yesterday/last night. Have you used it? I will use for the next week.

http://www.aqualizer.com/html/faq.html

Yes, I also use that. My AO chiro noticed that there was a slight improvement after only wearing it one time for 30 minutes.

I contacted Dr. Williams because I didn't know how often or how long to use it. He told me that I could wear it up to 10 hours a day. THEN he told me about the tissue thing, and that worked much better. He said I could use both the Aqualizer and the tissue method, so I presume they do different things.

Rosegirl,

While I have heard of the Aqualizer before, the neuromuscular dentist I had a consultation with last week didn't mention it. I do know Dr. Williams had sent a patient to him a few years ago for treatment. The neuro dentist I saw said he treats each person different and believes in the kinesiology thing like Dr. Amir. My NUCCA chiro has referred patients to this neuro dentist.....I had just found this dentist myself. Will have to see what this dentist's plans are for me when he gets back from visiting his father in England. He doesn't know of Dr. Amir or his theories. I find your tissue idea interesting.

You are right to be cautious. I would not have posted the tissue method if two dentists and the AO chiropractor had not already told me that it might not work, but it would not do any harm.

I also hesitated to post it because it just sounds so stupid.

But a month ago, the AO said she had never seen pterygoids (muscles connecting the jaws) so locked up. Also, the cranial bones did not move. I got the Aqualizer in the mail just before an appt with her so I wore it there. She said there was already some improvement with just 30 minutes use! Fast forward about 3 weeks later, and I started using the tissue method with occasional use of the Aqualizer.

It's now 12 days after using the tissues for 30 minutes three times a day. The AO said the cranial bones are now moving normally and the spasms in the pterygoids have resolved.

Today I took a short walk with a walker and was told that my gait looked almost completely normal. I didn't get far because my muscles are so weak from lack of use, but for a little while, I walked smoothly and at a normal speed.

Quick, harmless and cheap. Worth a try for someone who has neither the money or time to seek professional help. Take that!, all you drug companies!

TY so much Rosegirl for posting your experience. I also noticed I clench my jaw and when I make a conscious effect to relax it, all my muscles in my body relax. I am plagued with contracted muscles 24/7,that affects about 75% of my body. I am not able to roll a kleenex and I am trying to think of something else to put in my mouth. Something with a bit of give, like rubber.
If something is helping you please post it, even if it sounds "stupid". If it helps, than it is not stupid!

Last night, I was able to take six steps without holding on to anything! I haven't been able to do that in at least seven years. The only thing that is different is that 13 days ago I started doing the tissue thing 3 times a day for 30 minutes each time.

My strength seems to come and go, mostly go, unfortunately. But this morning, even though it doesn't feel like walking unassisted is such a good thing, I'm still moving much faster and more smoothly.

What will seem really stupid is all the heavy duty drugs, chemotherapy etc MS treatments for what is essentially a body tension problem. I have found a one to rwo minute upper back and neck massage is enough to stop an attack for me. I'm starting the tissue method tonight. Thanks for posting this.

MS Cure Enigmas.net

I am very happy for you Rosegirl! Keep with the tissue thing.

I tried it the other night and my hubby laughed his head off…..but he also says “hey, if it works, go for it”. Two things tho – 1) I have to find something else similar to the tissue as I don’t like the feeling of the tissue on my teeth. 2) I am a back sleeper now and find that my teeth don’t touch at the back, so is the tissue not going to help me? Or is the tissue helping in another way?

Keep us updated.

Hi, Music,

Don't sleep with the tissue, only with the Aqualizer if it's comfortable for you. Otherwise, you can just wear it during the day. For the tissue method, roll it and rest it between your upper and lower teeth. All that matters is that your molars don't touch, even if they didn't anyway. Do this 20-30 minutes 3 times a day. When using the tissue, just recline, don't lie down.

This is only my guess, so it's worth what you paid for it. I think the reason the tissue roll works WHEN YOU ARE SEATED BUT NOT UPRIGHT is that it causes the muscles in your jaws and head to resettle into a new location. That would explain why my chiro said that both the pterygoids and the cranial bones moved.

In 1993 I had an impression taken of my lower and upper teeth.The dentist made a mold in a soft gel like plastic as I was going to have radiation done on my jaw and lower for Hodgkin's lymphoma. I was to put a fluoride gel in the mold every day and wear it to prevent the loss of my teeth. I wore the bottom only yesterday for about 40 minutes and was noticeably stronger. Wore it all night as I sleep in a recliner and I am much stronger today. My 24/7 contracted muscles relaxed, not 100% but so much that I was no longer in pain. I am going to try wearing both trays tonight.
You see what you started Rosegirl. Such a little thing that makes such a difference!
Rosegirl got your message and will keep using the trays. I know I probably would not be able to tolerate the tissues. TY so much for everything.

Hi Rosegirl,

Oh no, I didn’t go to sleep with the tissue. And I don’t have an Aqualizer, just have heard of it. The placement of the tissue moves my bottom jaw forward, thus relaxing the muscles, I guess. This sounds like I have a big overbite, but I don’t. Sorry, I mistook “reclining” as laying down also.