Chiropractic Care for Disc Herniations...Less Risk and More Effective than Surgery!

  One significant cause for back and neck pain can be a herniated disc.  Between your vertebrae are flat, round cushioning pads called discs.  These discs act similarly to a shock absorption system found in your shoes.  Each disc has a gel-like center called the nucleus pulposus that is encapsulated by a tough, fibrous outer layer called the annulus.  A herniated disc (also known as a slipped or ruptured disc) can happen when pressure from the vertebrae above or below force a part or the entire nucleus through a weakened or torn part of the annulus. The herniated nucleus pulposus can press on the nerves near the disc.  Pain, numbness or tingling are often the effects felt from the pressure on the nerves coming out of the vertebrae and spine.  Herniated discs also cause surrounding inflammation in other areas of the neck and spine.  Current research is highlighting the role of this inflammation and the most effective way to remove that inflammation so that the disc is allowed to heal.  Invasive surgical procedures not only run a large risk they often have low success rates to remove pain from the area and lead to more surgeries for the same issue.
Chiropractic care can stretch the spine and isolate the herniated area with non-invasive adjustments of the neck and spine.  By moving vertebrae, the herniated disc is then moved away from the nerve, reducing pressure off of the nerve root which relieves pain.  Also, chiropractic adjustments allow the nervous system to release an anti-inflammatory substance, which removes inflammation and further relieves pain.
Even surgeons are recommending less invasive, gentle approaches for herniated disc treatment.  It is being discovered that chiropractic care is bringing better long-term results for discs with little to no complications or side-effects.  Improving structure of the spine reduces inflammation which allows the body to heal.  While options for drugs and surgery will always be there, they should be utilized only in emergency situations or as a last resort.  We see incredible results in patients with herniated discs every single day in our office!

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


Cunha, C., Silva, A., J., Pereira, P., Vaz, R., Goncalves, R. M., & Barosa, M.A. (2018). The inflammatory response in the regression of lumbar disc herniation.  Arthritis Research and Therapy, 1-9.
 

Relief from Torticollis (Neck Pain) in All Ages

Anatomy of the Sternocleidomastoid and Trapezius involved in Torticollis

Have you ever woken up and not been able to turn your neck to one side?  Having significant pain in one side of the neck can be caused by a condition caused torticollis.  Torticollis results from a fixed posture or position of the head and neck.  Tilting, rotation and flexion of the head and neck is impaired.  Spasms of the sternocleidomastoid, trapezius and other neck muscles are typically involved and is more prominent on one side than the others.  This can cause someone to tip their head to side or to have great pain when turning the head to one side or the other.  We can also see torticollis in infants particularly right after birth.  Often times infants will have difficulty breastfeeding (especially on one side over the other), irritability, sleeping difficulties, and can lead to cranial distortion.  Having interventions such as forceps or vacuum during delivery increases an infants likelihood of developing torticollis and flat head as they grow and develop.
Chiropractic care utilizes cervical and spinal adjustments by addressing subluxations in the patients' spine, which are commonly associated with the condition. A subluxation is a partial dislocation of one of the vertebrae in the spine.  The dislocation of the vertebrae can interfere with nerve signaling throughout the body, which can interfere with healthy development — even outside the musculoskeletal system. 
By supporting more efficient, effective communication between the nervous system and the rest of the body, chiropractic care can prevent problems that might otherwise arise from irritation to the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles. Relief from torticollis is often found in just a few visits.  In infant and pediatric patients, torticollis can even be relieved in just one visit!  Next time you wake up with a stiff neck, look to a chiropractic professional to help relieve your pain quickly with gentle, specific chiropractic care!

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

TEXT NECK-How it's Damaging our Nervous System

The average American spends a minimum of 4 hours each day looking at a smartphone, tablet, or computer screen.  The neck becomes unsupported when we look down and puts heavy strain and stress on our bodies.  For each degree of tilt, the neck feels added pounds of force as seen in the above diagram.  Added force on the neck is damaging and leads to musculoskeletal disorders of the head, neck and spine.  We have seen such a large increase in these disorders, especially in the pediatric population with the introduction of smartphones and tablets to our youth.  Before, we thought that these disorders were mostly related to whiplash injuries, however "text neck" is proving to show the same damaging results as those injuries.
Some symptoms of text neck can be headaches, shoulder pain, decreased lung capacity (shortness of breath), numbness and tingling down the arms to the hands, irritability, decreased reaction times, decreased attention spans, and neck pain.  When the natural curve of the neck is diminished or even reversed, a whole new group of problems can occur such as low back pain, difficulty with digestion and elimination, herniated or bulging discs in the spine among many others.  Even worse, when the lungs have a diminished capacity to fully expand and circulate oxygen to the body, this causes added stress to the heart and makes it work harder to pump the blood through the body.  Increased stress on the heart has life-long damaging effects to the entire body.
Things you can do to avoid text neck include raising your phone or tablet to your face, instead of face to the phone.  Take breaks often.  Raise up the computer screen on a desk or table by placing a stand underneath so that it is at eye level.  Take several deep breaths while taking a break from electronics use.  And most importantly is to limit use all together of these devices.  Use headphones when possible to avoid having to look down or even now most devices have voice recognition so you don't even have to look at your phone or tablet.  Go out and live your life instead of watching someone else live theirs!  Health cannot be sustained without movement.  Get regular chiropractic adjustments to maintain movement in the head, neck, and spine to remain free from nervous system interference.

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

Had Spinal Surgery?

 

Surgical procedures are often not a simple, in and out occurence when it comes to our health.  Not only are there pre-surgical preparations, but there can be post-surgical complications and recovery that we often don't think about.  Even when the surgery goes exactly according to the doctor's plan, there is no guarantee that the surgery will fix the underlying problem.  Any time that you alter the original state of the body, no matter the reason, there will be changes that can cascade in other areas of the body post-surgery.   Most spinal fusion surgical patients often believe that once they have had a fusion done, chiropractic care is no longer an option for them.  However, the goal of chiropractic is to restore function back to the body, no matter how small the change may be.  

Last year, a case study was published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science following a 56-year old female patient who sought chiropractic care 6 years after spinal fusion surgery.  This patient had still suffered from chronic neck pain after her surgery, and was relying on pain medications daily for those 6 years!  The chiropractic examination revealed distortions or subluxations in the head and neck.  Often, postural changes like hers can lead to headaches, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, neck pain, shoulder pain, numbness or tingling down the arms and hands, and difficulty concentrating.  Her pain ranged from a 3 out of 10 on a "good" day, and got to as bad as a 9 out of 10 on a "bad" day.  Her average pain scale rating on a daily basis was a 6 out of 10!  Not only was she on pain medications, she also was taking an anti-migraine medication, tricyclic antidepressants, anti-nausea medicines and muscle relaxers.  She was seeking help also because of her concern for addictive tendencies with her narcotic pain medications.  After 11 days of chiropractic treatment, this woman experiences a 50% improvement in her posture, and her pain level went to a 2/10 on her "bad" days and a 0 out of 10 on her "good" days.  This case study followed up with her at 7.5years after initial chiropractic treatment, as well as 11.5 years, and 14 years post chiropractic care.  She reported virtually no pain and was able to be removed from ALL medications entirely related to her neck pain!  

Even post-spinal surgical pain can be reduced or possibly eliminated when the body is returned to proper alignment with gentle, specific, chiropractic adjustments.  While I don't hope for surgery as an early option or treatment for spinal discomfort or disorders, I do believe that chiropractic can help everyone, no matter their age or health history. 

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

Oakley, P. A., & Harrison, D. E. (2018). Alleviation of pain and disability in a post-surgical C4-C7 total fusion patient after reducing a lateral head translation (side shift) posture: A CBP case report with a 14 year follow-up.  Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 30(7), 952-957. doi:10.1589/jpts.30.952

How Chiropractic Can Help With Bell's Palsy

Bell's palsy is a sudden onset of weakness or paralysis of one side of the face.  It can also include headaches, drooping of the eyelid or inability to close one eye completely.  Also, facial drooping including a corner of the mouth as well as changes in saliva and tears production can be symptoms.  It is estimated that over 40,000 people each year have a new onset of Bell's palsy.  Repeat attacks are common as well once you've been affected by this disorder.  Bell's palsy is extremely scary, especially because the symptoms can mimic a stroke.  It is important to note that a stroke should be ruled out first and foremost if these symptoms suddenly arise.  The good news is that with Bell's Palsy, although frightening actually has a simple, single reason behind it and there can be relief with chiropractic care.  The facial nerve, or 7th cranial nerve, becomes damaged or irritated during this disorder.  The facial nerve travels through a narrow canal called the Fallopian canal in the skull, underneath the ear to the muscles that control the side of the face.  These muscles affected are those in charge of controlling eye blinking, eye closing, smiling and frowning. Also, the 7th nerve is in charge of sending messages to the tear and saliva glands which becomes greatly affected with the nerve has experienced trauma such as inflammation or subluxation.  This means that the structure of the skull and spine have a direct effect on the treatment of Bell's Palsy.
A recent case study in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research followed a 68-year old man suffering from Bell's Palsy who had previously tried steroids, eye drops, and anti-inflammatory prescription medications without relief.  He sought chiropractic care and after a short time with regular chiropractic adjustments his facial paralysis was completely resolved!  No need for continued medications with costly side-effects.  While chiropractic adjustments do not treat specific symptoms, the brain and nervous system were allowed to function freely without interference or disruption and therefore his facial nerve was restored to send proper messages to the face.  
Significant relief is found when the spine is aligned and free from interference to function at optimal levels!

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


Preece, S., D.C., & Alcanta, J., D.C. (2019).  Resolution of Bell's Palsy in a 68-year old Man Following Correction of Upper Cervical Subluxation:A Case Report & Review. J. Upper Cervical Chiropractic Reasearch, 28-35.

Study Shows 87% of Nurses Experience Back and Neck Pain

 

The nursing profession is a job which requires a great deal of physical and emotional strength.  Nurses often stand on their feet for an extended period of time and work long shifts, ranging from 4-16 hours at a time.   Any profession that requires you to stand on your feet all day can suffer from tremendous discomfort and it takes a toll on the mind and body.  Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are among the most frequent occupational disorders among the nursing profession.  Working overnight shifts and forcing your body to be out of the "normal" sleep/wake cycles can often make these disorders more intense.  

A 2018 study followed 110 nurses working in a hospital setting to determine the type of physical and psychological toll that their profession was taking on them.  With increased sick days called for musculoskeletal pains, it was found that 86.24% of those studied had pain and discomfort in their spine.  Long periods of time on their feet, bending, pushing beds, lifting patients, among many other repetitive movements all made their pains worse during shift work.  42% of those studied reported residual fatigue each time at work.  All 86.24% of those reporting back pain also reported that their pain contributed to decreased satisfaction and productivity with their job.  

Nurses give so much of themselves while caring for others that they often are left feeling overwhelmed and stressed both physically and emotionally.  It is of upmost importance that nurses take care of themselves so that they can continue to perform at a high level for many years in their demanding profession.  Spinal health is crucial to these professionals so that they may continue doing what they love pain-free.  We love to care for nurses in our office. Chiropractic adjustments can help relieve back and neck pain, and well has help their bodies recover faster from long shifts and overnight hours.  Chiropractic care can also boost energy, reduce inflammation, restore sleep function, aid in cognitive clarity, and reduce stress and anxiety levels.  My wife is a RN and so I know first-hand how demanding their profession is, and the toll it can take on the body.  Have a nurse that you care about?  Remind them to take time for themselves by getting their spine checked!  

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


Dias da Silva, T.P., Navegantes de Araujo, W., Stival, M. M., Martins de Toledo., A., Burke, T. N., & Carregaro, R. L. (2018). Musculoskeletal discomfort, work ability, and fatigue in nursing professionals working in a hospital environment.  Rev Esc Enferm USP, 52(e03332). 1-8. doi:10.1590/S1980-220X2017022903332

Long-Term Effects after a Car Accident

There are an estimated 6 million car accidents in the US every year, with over 3 million resulting in serious injuries.  Its easy to think of only the "right now" effects of a car accident when it comes to our health.  Most people who have been in an accident do not feel pain immediately, and research shows it takes about 48 hours for pain and stiffness to set in after a collision.  However, over 68% of people involved in a motor vehicle accident still feel pain in their back and neck at one year post-accident when left untreated.  It only takes a collision at 8 miles per hour to have damaging effects or whiplash of the neck.  If whiplash is untreated, this leads to long-term pain in the neck and damage to the nervous system.  Even more so, chronic neck pain is the 4th leading cause of disability in the world for adults!
Whiplash is a neck injury due to forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck. Symptoms people may experience after whiplash of the neck due to a car accident include neck pain, stiffness in the neck and shoulder, loss of range of motion in the neck, headaches, upper arms and back soreness, numbness and tingling in the arms and hands, fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, sleep disturbances, irritability, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and depression.  Taking medication after a car accident such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or opioids will help with short-term pain control, but won't correct the injury sustained.  Inflammation that the body produces after an injury is what causes long-term effects because proper flow of blood and nutrients to the body is interrupted.  Chronic interruption of these impulses is what can lead to chronic health issues and pain.  Therefore, reducing inflammation by removing interference to the nervous and skeletal systems will allow the body to heal properly and avoid long-term effects from a car accident. Not only can a chiropractic adjustment reduce inflammation and correct subluxations of the neck and spine, it restores motion in the joints as well as reduces scar tissue formation and helps the body to release IL-6 and other pain-reducing hormones.
Our office located in Charlotte, NC is the areas leading expert in identifying and treating injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents and can help restore your body to proper functioning.

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


Nolet, P. S., Emary, P. C, Kristman, V. L., Murnaghan, K., Zeegers, M.P., & Freeman, M.D. (2019). Exposure to a motor vehicle collision and the risk of future neck pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pm&r. doi; 10.1002/pmrj.12173