Dysautonomia is a disorder that affects the autonomic nervous system, which controls bodily functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. Symptoms of dysautonomia can vary greatly, but some of the most common include fatigue, lightheadedness, fainting, and chronic pain.
One of the main challenges of dysautonomia is that it can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions, including concussion, diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune disorders, and even certain medications. This makes diagnosis and treatment difficult, as traditional approaches often fail to address the root cause of the disorder.
This is where functional medicine and functional neurology come in. These holistic approaches focus on identifying and addressing the underlying imbalances that are causing dysautonomia, rather than simply treating symptoms.
Functional medicine uses a variety of tools to identify the root cause of dysautonomia, including blood tests, organic acid testing, toxin burden testing, gut testing, and food sensitivity testing. Once the underlying imbalances are identified, functional medicine works to develop a personalized treatment plan that may include dietary changes, supplements, and lifestyle modifications.
Functional neurology, on the other hand, is a unique technique of chiropractic that addresses neurological imbalances that are causing dysautonomia. Functional neurology will use a variety of techniques such as neuro-structural correction, neuro-muscular re-education, neuro-metabolic therapy, neuro-nutritional therapy, neuro-spinal therapy and neuro-vascular therapy to improve the function of the nervous system.
Together, functional medicine and functional neurology offer a comprehensive approach to treating dysautonomia that addresses both the physical and neurological imbalances that are causing the disorder. By utilizing functional medicine and/or functional neurology, patients with dysautonomia can finally find relief from their symptoms and improve their overall health and wellbeing.
It's important to note that each person's experience with dysautonomia is unique, and the treatment approach that works for one person may not work for another. However, by working with functional medicine and functional neurology practitioners, patients with dysautonomia have a better chance of finding a treatment that addresses the root cause of their disorder and helps them achieve long-term relief from their symptoms.
Dr. Cooper Dykstra DC, CFMP