|
Imagine a life without Spasticity………….My Dream.
Written by Linda Furiate
Let it stop. The movement. I wish to be still.
Eight years has passed since I first experienced the presence of constant movement in my neck and head causing my whole body to feel the reverberating effects of non-stop motion. I continuously feel the movement, the pain and the unending strain that it places on my weakened self. It is like living on a roller coaster that never comes to a halt; although I have been ready to get off this unbearable ride for many years.
At night as I rock myself to sleep to disguise the movement, I am finally able to fall asleep. My slumber gives way to pleasant dreams. Visions of me moving freely and at my own will; controlling when I move and mostly when I am still.
I long for this feeling while I am awake. Asleep, I dream of stillness. Awake, I wish to make my dream, my reality.
Focus.
Focus on tomorrow. Focus on my dream. I know I was not meant to live my life this way. I want the body I had before I developed dystonia. I need to be still.
I am unable to turn back time. I am not willing to turn it back. I am not willing to give back what dystonia has given me. I wish to embrace the message sent to me through my dystonia. I desire to step into my future without spasticity as I carry forth the compassion, the strength, the friendships and the empowerment dystonia has blessed upon me.
I Dream. I Hope. I envision. I Believe. All the while, I am working hard, so incredibly hard, to eliminate my dystonic symptoms.
My dream has come true!
Today I am nearly 100% symptom free of dystonia. I am able to S.T.E.P. forward into my future with grace and be in command of my own movement.
Live your dream.
|
|
What is Cervical Dystonia?
Cervical Dystonia, also known as Spasmodic Torticolllis, is a neurological movement disorder affecting the muscles in the neck and shoulders that cause abnormal posturing and positioning to this portion of the body. Muscle spasms may cause the head to twist to one side (torticollis), forward (antecollis), or backward (retrocollis). To date, there is no known cause or cure.
The twisting and pulling associated with torticollis is believed to be a disturbed function of the central nervous system. The portion of the brain which plays a key role in the involvement of dystonia is the basal ganglia. The basal ganglia is the part of the brain that controls movement.
Generally, cervical dystonia develops gradually resulting in mild to severe symptoms. Pain in the neck and shoulder region is common. While little is known of this debilitating condition, there are a few treatment options available such as oral medications and Botulinum toxin injections to help ease the muscle spasms. Although my personal experience with the generally prescribed medications were unsuccessful, I felt strongly that I could eliminate the muscle spasms from my body and regain a normal life. Believing this is what eventually led me to develop S.T.E.P.™ and now share with others suffering from Spasmodic Torticollis.
Other Treatment Options
There are several forms of treatment available for cervical dystonia. To learn more log onto http://dystonia-foundation.org/defined/cervical.asp or click here to learn more about my program S.T.E.P.™ of Spasmodic Torticollis Exercise Program™.
|
|
