The Stress Response

 

Our physical and mental health go hand-in-hand.  Stress is normal both mentally and physically, however how our body adapts to that stress can either cause us to grow or break down.  Chronic mental or physical stress will eventually deteriorate our health. Our body has a natural defense called The Stress Response, also known as "fight or flight."  This response is your body's way of handling an emergency situation by activating a system to keep us safe by releasing adrenaline and cortisol.  While these substances can protect out body in short-term situations, chronic cortisol production can have serious effects on both our physical and mental health.  Symptoms such as muscle aches, headaches, low energy, rapid heart rate, tight chest, dizziness, weight gain, diarrhea, trembling, dry mouth, nausea, stomach cramps, depression, anxiety, and insomnia are some of the things patients may feel with chronic stress.  This is when your stress response is working against you because our body has it turned on when it doesn't need to.  Chronic conditions can also be intensified by the stress response activating too often or for too long.  

Things to try to deactivate your body's stress response include: mediation, exercise, eating a healthy diet, turn off your electronics an hour before bed, make time for hobbies, practice assertion rather than aggression, seek counseling, and of course chiropractic care.  A 2017 study evaluated the effects of a chiropractic adjustment using the PET scan technology on 21 different subjects. The PET scan determined that brain function increased and stress levels decreased in every single subject. Measurements also recorded the occurrence of multiple changes in brain activity. Movement, posture, emotions, learning, and memory centers of the brain all improved after a chiropractic adjustment. Brain processing experienced a reduction in fight or flight activity and led to relaxation in the brain and reduced tension in muscles. Measurements also showed a decreased level of stress induced chemicals in the saliva.  Chiropractic care plays a vital role in your overall health and your bodies ability to adapt to the stress response.  

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



Inami, T. Ogura, S. Watanuki, M.M. Masud, K. Shibuya, M. Miyake, R. Matsuda, K. Hiraoka, M. Itoh, A.W. Fuhr, K. Yanai, M. Tashiro. “Glucose Metabolic Changes in the Brain and Muscles of Patients with Nonspecific Neck Pain Treated by Spinal Manipulation Therapy: A [18F]FDG PET Study.”Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine – January 2017

Hughes, F. P (2020). Reduction of Cortisol Levels and Perceived Anxiety in a Patient Undergoing Chiropractic Management for Neck pain and Headache: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic, 3, 14-20.  

 

Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care and High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) affects nearly 1 out of every 3 adults in the United States.  Hypertension can be an indicator of the likelihood of developing long-term chronic health issues.  In particular, hypertension leads to cardiovascular issues.  These issues can be quite severe or even deadly such as a heart attack.  Hypertension is something to be taken seriously once it is identified.  While there are numerous factors that may lead a person to a high blood pressure diagnosis, such as obesity, asthma, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, chronic stress, increased alcohol consumption, and increased salt in the diet, it can also be a side effect of other medications such as acetaminophen and anti-depressants.  However, there is an often overlooked cause of high blood pressure: the alignment of the atlas bone in your cervical spine.  As highlighted in red in the photo above, the atlas surrounds and protects our brainstem as well as controls blood flow to and from the brain.  Every nerve in your body leaves the brainstem and travels down your spinal cord to then splinter off to the various organs it sends messages to.
An upper cervical-specific chiropractor can administer gentle, effective adjustments to the atlas and upper cervical spine to remove interference to the brain stem.  In our office, the NUCCA technique is utilized as a non-thrusting chiropractic adjustment of the upper cervical spine, making it very gentle and non-invasive.  There is no twisting or cracking sound with this type of adjustment.  It is a very specific, x-ray driven adjustment technique that chiropractors have to be specially trained in.  The NUCCA technique has been proven to lower blood pressure by an average drop of 14 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure (the top number) and 8 mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number)in recent studies.  In particular, an 80-year old patient was able to lower his blood pressure from an average reading of 167/90 to an astonishing 117/74 while under chiropractic care according to a 2020 case study.  This particular patient was not on hypertensive medications previously and had an unexplained spike in his blood pressure readings over a 6 week period.  While you should always consult your physician before going off of anti-hypertensive medications, why not try this natural method and see if your blood pressure is lower at your next physical? You may find out that you many not need that hypertension medication anymore, or you may be able to switch to a lower dose (which is always good for reducing side effects).

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


J, S. (2020). Hypertensive 80-year-old male treated with cranial therapy: A case report. Sacro Occipital Technique Research Conference:Nassau, Bahamas. 2019:57-63. A. Vertebral Subluxation Res, 9.

Thank you to our Healthcare Workers!

I wanted to take a moment to say thank you to all of our healthcare workers during this unprecedented time in our lives.  Thank you to the doctors, nursing assistants, respiratory therapists, registration personnel, housekeeping, pharmacists, and especially the nurses.  I hold a special place in my heart for emergency room nurses as my wife was one for over 10 years.  I know firsthand the stress that these magnificent people are going through, and wanted to share some suggestions from Atrium Health on ways to say thank you to those on the front lines.

-Send a Thank You Note
Whether its a sign in your window, a text message, a phone call or a letter take a moment to say thank you for their dedication. Another idea is to order dinner to their work or home.  Many employees are exhausted when they get home and the last thing they want to do is cook dinner. Support your local restaurants or flower shop by sending them a bouquet.

-Give Back
Visit OneBlood online and schedule an appointment to give blood.  It can literally save lives by just donating once.  Under our shelter in place order, you may still make an appointment to give blood.

-Make Masks
Distribute them to friends or neighbors, or call local factories, grocery stores, mechanic shops or offices that are essential businesses and offer your masks to them.

-Donate Funds
Atrium has started the Atrium Health Essential Needs Fund where you can help their facilities meet the most pressing needs during this pandemic.

Lastly, let us take some of the strain off of urgent cares, emergency rooms, and primary care offices by seeing those patients with musculoskeletal pain issues.  Headaches, back pain, neck pain, trouble sleeping, ear pain, dizziness, etc can all be seen by our office.  We are following all CDC guidelines for disinfecting our office and have private rooms available to see patients.  Your health and safety is our number one priority.  Call and buy a gift card for any healthcare worker who could benefit from chiropractic care. Turn off the news. Get outside in the sunshine.  Stay positive!  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

Mental Health Awareness

During times of increased stress, we often lack self-care for our mental health.  We tend to focus on our nutrition, exercise, rest and water intake but there seems to be a stigma when talking about ways to improve our mental health.  When our mental health suffers, our quality of life can be impacted.  Even our health insurance companies don't often cover mental healthcare which only adds to the difficulty to seek mental health help.  There are many things you can do to form a plan that attends to our mental health needs.  Going for walks, meditation, exercise, deep breathing, scheduling a tele-health session with a therapist, and surprisingly chiropractic adjustments all positively impact our mental health.
A recent study of chiropractic patients in a residential addiction center highlighted the use of chiropractic care on restoring proper function to the nervous system through neurologically-based chiropractic care.  The test group receiving specific chiropractic care reported significant reduction in anxiety, while the placebo group saw no reduction.  In other patients, chiropractic adjustments have been demonstrated to help with ADHD, depression, dyslexia and other learning disabilities.  Interference to the nervous system called subluxations creates pressure to the nerves that negatively impacts the function of the entire body.  When the body is able to function without interference, its physiology starts to change.  The regulatory activity of sensory receptors, neuroendocrine organs, blood vessels, and muscles all improve with a chiropractic adjustment.  When the body functions better, it can communicate within itself better.  When chiropractic care is used in conjunction with mental health specialists recommendations, we are caring for our bodies from the inside-out!



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

Kent, C., DC, JD  (2018). Chiropractic and Mental Health: History and Review of Putative Neurobiological Mechanisms. J. Philosphy, Principles & Practice of Chiropractic. 2018, 8-14.

Immune Booster Spotlight on Vitamin C!

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient, meaning our bodies do not produce it.  We must get our Vitamin C from our diet.  It helps form and maintain bones, skin, and blood vessels as well as helps the production of collagen, L-carnitine, and neurotransmitters. It also is an antioxidant that reduces inflammation and damage from oxidation in our cells.  It protects our bodies from oxidative stress, respiratory infections, and boosts our immune response to viruses, bacteria, and stress.  It can help to regenerate other antioxidants in our bodies as well.  This powerhouse vitamin lowers cholesterol, reduces histamine reactions in the body as well as widens our blood vessels to prevent heart disease, enhances the absorption of iron, aids in diabetes complications, reduces eye issues such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
The biggest mistake I see people make is thinking that large doses of vitamin C will cure an ailment such as a common cold. Vitamin C is essential in PREVENTION of infection.  You should be consuming between 75mg-2000mg of vitamin C daily.  The more physically active you are, the more vitamin C your body can tolerate.  You should not take more than 2000mg in a day as it may cause possible side effects such as nausea or diarrhea.  An easy way to do this is to of course eat a lot of variety of fruits and vegetables.  This includes broccoli, green and red bell peppers, cauliflower, cantaloupe, kiwi, kale, oranges, sweet potatoes, and strawberries among many others.  Another great way to ensure absorption of vitamin C is a daily supplement.  I highly suggest optimal health systems Whole C chewable tablets.  This is a great way for kids and adults alike to get in the minimal daily recommendation of this essential nutrient.  See photo below.

Daily vitamin C intake stimulates the production and function of white blood cells which are in charge of fighting off infections in our bodies. Vitamin C also binds proteins to invading microbes to produce antibodies. Therefore, vitamin C does boost your immune system in terms of preventing illness.  It is an essential vitamin that is imperative for a healthy immune system response!  Need a great vitamin C supplement?  We've got plenty! 704-394-8556

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

How To Strengthen Your Immune System

Our immune system is constantly working and fighting to keep us healthy.  When we get sick or injured, we know that our immune system is working in overdrive to bring us back to "homestasis" or back to good health.  We often don't think about our immune system when we feel good.  However, taking precautions to prevent illness is often overlooked until its too late.  Your immune system needs proper care so that your best defenses can be sent in when illness sets in.  You want your immune "soldiers" to be so well equipped that the virus or bacteria that enters your body doesn't stand a chance to make you sick!  Like many of our body's functions and processes, our immune system is controlled, governed, and regulated by our nervous system.  To optimize our immune response, we need to optimize our function of the nervous systems.
What are some things to consider to strengthen your immune system?  Neurologically-based chiropractic care will help the nervous system function better.  Think of it like your car; your nervous system is the gas pedal that sends the signal to the engine to make the car move.  If you don't have a gas pedal, getting the car to move is not likely to happen!  Chiropractic adjustments trigger an activation within the neuro-immuno-endocrine systems (see diagram above).  One chiropractic adjustment boosts the body's immune response by 200%!  Other things that are just as important as regular chiropractic adjustments to help build our immune response are eating fruits and vegetables (getting vitamin C), sunshine (getting vitamin D), drinking plenty of water, relaxing the mind (meditation), washing your hands (just plain hygiene), and exercising.  Move your body daily to promote a healthy immune response, even if its getting out for a 20 minute walk over lunch.  Keep sugar intake down as sugar depletes the immune cells' response to bacteria and viruses.  We also suggest to support gut health by taking superfoods to maintain proper gut function (we suggest an algae like chlorella and spirulina).
Our body works hard for us daily, so we need to make sure we work hard to equip it with the proper tools it needs to keep us healthy and happy!
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

How Your Nervous System Effects Depression

Effects of Depression in your Body

For over 260 million people, depression exhausts their bodies both mentally and physically every day.  Often times, symptoms brought forth by depression can seem endless and trying to overcome those symptoms with different methods of treatments is tireless.  Recent research has demonstrated decreased adaptability of the body's nervous system in those patients suffering with depression.  A 2019 study assessed the effects of depression in patients that did not utilize antidepressant medications as well as a control group of patients.  The studies' results showed a connection between heart rate variability (HRV) and depression.  Heart rate variability is a measurement used to indicate nervous system function.  Chiropractic care removed any interference to your nervous system to allow it to function properly.  The study also showed a correlation between the patient's level of severity of depression symptoms and HRV measurements.  Meaning, the worse the heart rate variability, the more intense of depression symptoms were felt.  If HRV and depression symptoms are connected, then changing your heart rate variability performance can have a positive effect on your depression.
Neurologically based chiropractic care has been proven to have a positive impact on heart rate variability.  This is done by removing interference (subluxation) in the neck, spine, and extremities.  Overall improvement of the neurological system is a common result with only a few chiropractic adjustments.  When a misalignment is found, HRV is also found to be lower.  When that misalignment is removed thru an adjustment, HRV improves indicating a healthier nervous system.  Heart rate variability is just one tool that chiropractors use to help measure the overall health of the nervous system.  For patients suffering with depression, their symptoms can also be tied to a poorly functioning nervous system among other things.  We are the experts at finding and removing interference to your nervous system thru x-ray driven, gentle, effective chiropractic care, let us help you find your way to 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



Hartmann, R., Schmidt,  F. M., Sander, C., & Hegerl, U. (2019). Heart Rate Variability as Indicator of Clinical State of Depression. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 9. doi:10.3889/fpsyt.2018.00735