You never noticed any sort of instability before, and then, one day, you found yourself shaking while pointing at something. Later, you noticed a slight tremor when pouring a cup of coffee. You wondered if perhaps you’d drank too much caffeine, but then your husband says he noticed your head shaking, almost imperceptibly. What is happening, and is there any way to treat it naturally?

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Essential Tremor

It’s very likely that you have what’s commonly referred to as “essential tremor.” Essential tremor is the most common neurologic disorder affecting adults, so you’re definitely not alone. It’s very common, and it is likely caused by a disruption in the normal functioning of the cerebellum.

The defining characteristic of essential tremor is that the tremors occur while you are doing something. They usually occur in the hands, arms, head, and vocal cords, and they do not happen when you are still, but only when you are doing something or saying something.

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Is It Parkinson’s?

It’s natural to worry about Parkinson’s, especially since some pretty high profile celebrities have opened up about their struggle. People with Parkinson’s disease typically experience a hand tremor when their muscles are at rest and see much fewer tremors when their muscles are in use.

In other words, you can tell if it might be Parkinson’s (or is not Parkinson’s) by when the shaking happens. Shaking happens while you are pouring a cup of coffee? Probably essential tremor. Shaking happens while you are watching TV or settling down for a nap? Talk to your doctor about possible Parkinson’s.

Because essential tremor is so common, it’s most likely that this is the diagnosis. Essential tremor is very common.

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Other Causes of Tremors

Tremors are also frequently caused by:

• Seizure
• Overactive thyroid
• Cerebellar disease
• Huntington’s disease
• Medication side effects
• Caffeine overdose
• Alcohol abuse or addiction
• Anxiety
• Low blood sugar

Talk to a doctor about possible diagnosis and natural treatments. That way you’ll be sure to treat the right issue. Imagine if all you needed to do was lower your caffeine intake, but you ended up on an anxiety medication instead! You don’t want to treat the symptoms instead of the root cause.

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Natural Treatments for Tremors

You’ll want to make lifestyle changes to see if they reduce your tremors. Some of these changes include:

• Reduce or remove alcohol and caffeine from your diet.
• Talk to your doctor about medications that may be triggering your tremors and see if there are viable alternatives available.

You will also want to make some changes that make it easier to live with a tremor, such as:

• Use heavier objects. You may need to replace lightweight or delicate objects, such as glasses, silverware, or plates, with heavier versions. The extra weight may make the item easier to handle.
• Use specially designed utensils and tools. Gripping and controlling pens, pencils, garden tools, and kitchen utensils may be difficult if you have shaky hands. You may need to seek out versions of these items that are designed for individuals with grip and control issues.
• Wear wrist weights. The extra weight on your arm may make control easier.

As you seek natural treatments, you may find that a few lifestyle changes combined with the natural treatments can result in vast improvements.

• Try acupuncture. Acupuncture balances your chi, or energy force, in your body. This can result in reduced tremors. Click here to read a medical paper on the efficacy of acupuncture for neurological disorders such as essential tremor.
• Get adjusted. Chiropractic adjustments remove pressure and align the spine such that your body can function optimally.

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Looking for a Natural Doctor that Treats Tremors?

Dr. Doyle is a Huntersville acupuncturist and chiropractor. Give us a call, book an appointment through our online form, or stop by to consult with Dr. Doyle about natural ways to treat tremors. All of Dr. Doyle’s treatment plans take in consideration holistic health issues, meaning all contributing factors are considered before a treatment plan is developed.

We look forward to working with you!