Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a complex genetic disorder that is caused by defects in the body’s structural proteins, also known as collagen.
Hypermobility of the joints is one of the most common features of EDS, as is skin elasticity.
According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), there are a number of classifications. They are as follows:
- Ehlers Danlos syndrome, arthrochalasia type
- Ehlers Danlos syndrome, cardiac valvular form
- Ehlers Danlos syndrome, classic type
- Ehlers Danlos syndrome, dermatosparaxis type
- Ehlers Danlos syndrome, hypermobility type
- Ehlers Danlos syndrome, kyphoscoliotic type
- Ehlers Danlos syndrome, progeroid form
- Ehlers Danlos syndrome, vascular type
The most common form is EDS hypermobility, causing loose joints, over-elasticity of the skin, and scarring. The most serious form, however, is the vascular type because even minor trauma can cause ruptures in blood vessels and organs.
People with EDS-vascular generally experience serious health issues by the time they reach 40 years old.
Recently, Dr. Marc Moramarco, a Boston-based chiropractor and an international expert in the conservative management of scoliosis (curvature of the spine), blogged about the treating patients who have both scoliosis and EDS.
In his conservative approach, Dr. Moramarco points out that not all the exercises that benefit scoliosis patients are appropriate for EDS patients because of the fragility of their vascular systems, and the fragility of their skin.
