Pain After Back Surgery? Study Shows Chiropractic Can Help

Back pain is the number one cause of disability in the United States.  Living with chronic pain causes us to lose joy and miss out on important activities in our daily lives.  Patients are often told how to "deal or manage the pain" by taking prescription medications or eventually turned to surgery to try and fix their pain.  According to the University of Oregon 2017 study, there was an estimated 1,150,000 back surgeries performed in 2015. And of those surgeries, between 8%-20% had a second surgery within ONE year!  The reason why back surgery often fails and the patient is still experiencing pain? It's simple, the cause of the pain was never discovered.  They simply went to the spot of the pain and tried to mask the symptoms.
A 2019 case study followed a 62-year old woman who suffered from chronic low back pain after two different back surgeries.  She originally had surgery at 42 years old and again at 49 years old due to persistent pain post-surgery.  She had been placed on 13 different medications to try to ease the pain over the course of those 20 years.   After a chiropractic examination, she was diagnosed with scoliosis, dysautonomia (her autonomic nervous system was not functioning properly), and multiple vertebral subluxations (interferences of the nervous system in the spine).  She underwent an initial 3 months of chiropractic corrective care, in which her low back pain decreased significantly and her scoliosis improved with a change in her scoliotic curve shown on post thermal scans and xrays.  She was able to come off of her pain medications and reported a significant increase in her overall quality of life!  She reported that for two decades she was unable to go through a single day without unmanageable pain at some point during her day, and after chiropractic care no longer went one day where the pain was not tolerable!
Chiropractic adjustments offer specific, gentle relief for patients looking to avoid medications and surgery and to keep their bodies operating at full potential!  Have more questions on how chiropractic specifically treat back pain?  We are here to help!

Yours in Health,

Dr. Nicholas J. Knutson, DC

Owner/Doctor

MOUNTAIN ISLAND CHIROPRACTIC

10917 Black Dog Ln., Suite 101 

Charlotte, NC 28214

Tel (704) 394-8556

Fax (704) 395-8556

mtnislandchiro.com

"If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special." JV


Lapham-Yaun, R., D.C., & Castro, K., D.C. (2019). Improved Spinal Alignment, Chronic Low Back Pain and Improved Quality of Life in a 62-year-old Patient Undergoing chiropractic Care Following Failed Surgical Syndrome: A Case Study & Review of the Literature. A. Vertebral Subluxation Res., 10-21.

How Much Water Should You Drink?

A question I get asked often in my practice is "how much water should I drink?"  The answer to this varies person to person.  Often times you hear the phrase to drink 8 glasses of 8 ounces of water per day.  Although this is an excellent measurement to base water consumption on, there are other factors to consider when trying to reach an adequate hydration goal.
Most people are not great about water consumption, and quite honestly water can be an excellent "fix" to help with a lot of ailments.  Every cell, organ, and tissue in our body needs water to function properly.  Water not only hydrates our cells, but it eliminates waste through our urine and stool, regulates our body temperature, lubricates tissues and joints, and helps in protection of our vital organs.  Factors that take away water from our body include exercise, perspiration, hot weather, drinking soda and other sugary drinks, bowel movements, and pregnancy or breast-feeding.
I tell patients all of the time that the best measurement on how well-hydrated you are is the color of your urine and the frequency in which you urinate.  "Healthy" looking urine should be a pale or light yellow.  Dark urine especially with a strong odor means you are behind the hydration gauge.  Often times if you are feeling thirsty, your cells are already in the dehydration state.  Also, if hunger feelings start it is best to drink water first, as thirst signs can easily be mistaken for hunger pains.
Every morning you should start the day by  drinking a glass of water at least 16 ounces in size.  It not only awakens the organs and digestive system after sleep, but it jump starts your metabolism, flushes out toxins, awakens the brain and nervous system, and even can aid in weight loss by curbing your appetite for a short time.  Your body has been hard at work while you sleep, and you should replenish that hard work with water first thing.  I also suggest if possible to drink an alkaline water with a pH of 8 or higher, especially first thing in the morning.  Also, if available room temperature water is best for optimal absorption and digestion throughout the day. 
Tracking water consumption can just seem like one more thing to have to do during our day.  My advice is to simply try to substitute water in a few places where you normally wouldn't.  Start your day with 1-2 glasses or water, have water with lunch or keep a bottle at your desk with you during the work day.  When the afternoon hunger hits start with a glass of water before you have a snack.  Try to drink a bottle to and from your commute to work.  Drink a glass as you're getting ready for bed.  A trick with my kids is they take  water bottles that can have fruit infused to school so that they drink more throughout the day.  Small changes to your water consumption daily will have large effects on your overall health!

Yours in Health,

Dr. Nicholas J. Knutson, DC

Owner/Doctor

MOUNTAIN ISLAND CHIROPRACTIC

10917 Black Dog Ln., Suite 101 

Charlotte, NC 28214

Tel (704) 394-8556

Fax (704) 395-8556

mtnislandchiro.com

"If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special." JV

Reducing the Risk of Heart Disease

With February in full swing, we bring attention to the epidemic of heart disease this month.  About 1 out of every 3 deaths is related to heart disease, and every day it kills more than 2300 people.  That equates to approximately one death every 38 seconds!  The best thing to combat heart disease is to prevent it.  Although scary, cardiovascular disease research has given us plenty of data to recognize risk factors associated with it.
Things like eating a poor diet, lack of exercise, lack of sleep, smoking, chronic stress, diabetes, poor weight management, and high blood pressure all are considered risk factors for heart disease.  Another important preventative tool to fight heart disease is chiropractic adjustments.  Most people think of chiropractic care as a last resort for pain management, we believe it should be included in preventative care for all types of diseases.  Cardiovascular disease and the associated risk factors are greatly influenced by other systems of the body, especially the nervous system.  By correcting interference or subluxations to the nervous system, the body is allowed to heal and function properly.   A positive effect chiropractic care has been found to help with is inflammatory markers like immune system responses such as C-reactive protein among others.
A 54-year old male suffering from high cholesterol was studied who also had a history of heart attack and reported experiencing stress and depression both at work and at home. He also had a history of anxiety, constipation, fatigue, irritability, mood swings, neck pain, and stiff neck.  He received regular chiropractic adjustments over a five-month period.  At the end of those 5 months, his cardiologist was able to decrease the amount of cholesterol medication he prescribed to the patient!  By removing the interference that caused his body to operate at a dysfunctional level, symptoms were reduced and risk factors lowered!  Optimal function yields optimal performance!

Yours in Health,

Dr. Nicholas J. Knutson, DC

Owner/Doctor

MOUNTAIN ISLAND CHIROPRACTIC

10917 Black Dog Ln., Suite 101 

Charlotte, NC 28214

Tel (704) 394-8556

Fax (704) 395-8556

mtnislandchiro.com

"If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special." JV


Zielinksi, E., BA, & Blume, N. A., DC. (2013). An Epidemiological Approach to Subluxation-Based Chiropractic Care and CVD Risk Factors:A Case Study and REview of the Literature. A. Vertebral Subluxation Res., 2013, 77-99.

Reflux in Infants

Have you been told by your pediatrician that your baby has reflux or GERD?  This occurs when the contents of the stomach start to ascend up the esophagus causing heartburn and irritation.  Infants will often persistently "spit up" after feedings and continue throughout the day.  There has been a dramatic spike of reflux drugs prescribed to infants over the last 5 years.  These medications such as ranitidine and omeprazole have not thoroughly been tested and safety measures have not been set in the pediatric population.  Parents are turning to alternative therapies to treat reflux instead of traditional medications.
Chiropractic care can correct reflux in infants by removing interference to the spine and nervous system.  Birth is traumatic on an infants head, neck, and spine.  By correcting the interference (or subluxation), the body is allowed to function properly.  Babies have fast response times to adjustments. Often parents report complete resolve of reflux after chiropractic treatment, as well as better sleeping, better eating, regularity of bowel movements, and an overall improvement in temperament in these infants.  A 2016 case report described a 1-month old girl who's parents sought chiropractic treatment for her GERD that worsened at night, or when the child lay flat.  The child saw immediate improvements that lasted about one day with initial adjustments.  Over 3 months of care, the patient continued to improve and by the end of the 90 days of treatment she no longer had reflux issues with regular chiropractic adjustments!  The goal of chiropractic care is to improve function and allow the body to heal naturally.  Healing takes time and repetition, even in pediatric populations!  We offer gentle, specific adjustments to treat reflux or GERD patients of all ages.  Turn to chiropractic care for an alternative to a possible lifetime of medications for reflux.


Yours in Health,

Dr. Nicholas J. Knutson, DC

Owner/Doctor

MOUNTAIN ISLAND CHIROPRACTIC

10917 Black Dog Ln., Suite 101 

Charlotte, NC 28214

Tel (704) 394-8556

Fax (704) 395-8556

mtnislandchiro.com

"If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special." JV



Ferranti, M., Alcantara J., Reilly A. Resolution of GERD in an Infant Following Chiropractic Care:A Case Report & Selective Review of the Literature. J Pediatric Maternal & Family Health. 2016 (2):46-49.
 

Feeling HOT?? Get Help With Hot Flashes!

Hot flashes are commonly associated with menopause, meaning that women over age 45 are especially susceptible to them.  Although menopause is the number one reason for hot flashes, other conditions such as chemotherapy treatments, hormone replacement therapy, post-surgery on the ovaries and fallopian tubes, and medication side effects.  We often forget that men are just as susceptible to hot flashes following chemotherapy treatments and as a side effect of medications as well.  Hot flashes are technically defined as "sudden feelings of warmth, which are usually most intense over the face, neck, and chest."  Sweating, and post flash chills often follow hot flashes, and these episodes can last anywhere from 30 seconds to 15 minutes!  Often times they occur randomly, and as frequent as every few minutes.  This effects patients daily activities as well as sleep cycles.
A 6-week study followed a 57-year old woman who sought chiropractic treatment to help with hot flashes that were happening upwards of 10 times per day.  Interferences to her spine and upper neck were discovered (subluxations) upon examination.  This is important as our nervous system controls all functions in the body.  The interference to her nervous system was impacting the signals being sent to her endocrine system which regulates our hormones.  This woman received specific, gentle adjustments to the upper cervical neck and spine and 6 weeks later reported complete 100% resolution of her hot flashes!
Our office is expertly knowledgeable on hot flashes and how they affect daily life for our patients.  We have seen great results with this condition and are passionate about helping our patients live their lives free from hot flashes!

Yours in Health,

Dr. Nicholas J. Knutson, DC

Owner/Doctor

MOUNTAIN ISLAND CHIROPRACTIC

10917 Black Dog Ln., Suite 101 

Charlotte, NC 28214

Tel (704) 394-8556

Fax (704) 395-8556

mtnislandchiro.com

"If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special." JV



Slagel, J., DC. (2018). Resolution of Hot Flashes in a 57-year old Female Following Upper Cervical NUCCA Care:A Case Report & Review of Literature. J. Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research, 2018(1), 46-53.
 

Treatment for Children Suffering with Anxiety

Anxiety and chronic health conditions in children are on the rise.  It is estimated that 1 in 8 children under the age of 14 suffer from anxiety, and the numbers increase to 1 in 5 in children between 14-18.  Anxiety at any age ca be debilitating, but especially in children anxiety can hold a child back during their crucial growth and development periods.  When it comes to treating anxiety, often patients and parents of patients turn to medication to help reduce symptoms.  SSRI medications such as Zoloft, Paxil, Lexapro or Klonopin are prescribed with potentially harmful side effects.  These include nausea, vomiting, headaches, irritability, depression, suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, insomnia, tremors, weakness, dizziness and many many others.  However, chiropractic seeks to create the best functioning adaptable body possible to overcome anxiety. 

Anxiety disorders are known to happen when improper functioning of the nervous system occurs.  Subluxations (interference to the nervous system) has been proven to play a role in the increase of anxiety in both adults and children.  When you remove or reduce the interference to the nervous system, the functionality increases and a state of homeostasis is restored.  Especially with upper cervical chiropractic care, adjustments can provide huge improvements in children with anxiety disorders.  A study following an 11 year old boy with unstable emotions and high-level anxiety published in 2018 showed subluxations of the childs upper cervical (neck) area.  X-rays and thermal scans were performed to pinpoint exactly the precise area that needed focused on in treatment sessions.  The child's nervous system was dysfunctional because of these subluxations.  After his initial visit, the child reported a reduction in anxiety levels.  After a short time receiving chiropractic treatment, he stated that stress triggers that would have before set him of to a level 10/10 was now reduced to a 4/10.  His anxiety continued to decrease with further care as the subluxations were removed and his neurological system was no longer in a state of dysfunction.

Finding the root cause of the issue helped this child to manage his anxiety and kept him off of SSRI medications.  We often forget that children can have major issues even though their bodies are younger than adults.  As we say in our office, healthy children grow to become healthy adults!

Yours in Health,

Dr. Nicholas J. Knutson, DC

Owner/Doctor

MOUNTAIN ISLAND CHIROPRACTIC

10917 Black Dog Ln., Suite 101 

Charlotte, NC 28214

Tel (704) 394-8556

Fax (704) 395-8556

mtnislandchiro.com

"If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special." JV


Merkt, M., DC. (2018). The Effect of Upper Cervical Specific Analysis and Procedure Has On Children With Anxiety. J. Philosophy, Principles & Practice of Chiropractic, 2018.

Rotator Cuff Surgery Rehabilitation

 

 Each year, over 200,000 Americans have surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff and an additional 400,000 have surgery for related tendonitis or partial tear repairs.  Your arm is kept in your shoulder socket by your rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is a network of four muscles that come together as tendons to form a covering around the head of the humerus, or upper arm bone. The rotator cuff attaches the humerus to the shoulder blade and helps to lift and rotate your arm.

There is a lubricating sac called a bursa between the rotator cuff and the bone on top of your shoulder (acromion). The bursa allows the rotator cuff tendons to glide freely when you move your arm. When the rotator cuff tendons are injured or damaged, this bursa can also become inflamed and painful. 

It is important to have proper pre and post operative rehabilitation to retain the best range of motion and mobility for a pain free life.  Unfortunately, some studies are showing numbers close to 94% failure rates of post-surgical pain after rotator cuff repair. 

A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics followed a group of patients placed under chiropractic care 6 weeks post rotator cuff surgery.  These patients received thoracic spinal adjustments (manipulations) for 6 weeks.  A form of ultrasound imaging called echography was used to measure active shoulder flexion and abduction mobility.  All patients were noted to have increased range of motion after receiving chiropractic care.  Research shows that there is an intricate relationship between the thoracic spine and shoulder, as well as the upper cervical neck and shoulder that leads to believe a well-adjusted spine is crucial in proper healing following rotator cuff surgery.  

Our office has the expertise to deliver gentle, safe, effective chiropractic treatments to post-surgical patients.  Having your spine adjusted post surgery can help your body recover to live a pain-free life!

Yours in Health,

Dr. Nicholas J. Knutson

Owner/Doctor

MOUNTAIN ISLAND CHIROPRACTIC

10917 Black Dog Ln., Suite 101 

Charlotte, NC 28214

Tel (704) 394-8556

Fax (704) 395-8556

mtnislandchiro.com

"If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special." JV


Belon-Perez, P., &Cuesta-Vargas, A.I. (2018). Immediate Effects of Thoracic Spine Manipulation Upon Shoulder Functionality in Patients With Sutured Rotator Cuff Repair:A Prospective Study. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 41(7). 589-595. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2018.02.005