Slowing Degenerative Disc Disease

 

 

 

Degenerative disc disease of your neck and spine is not actually a disease.  It refers to the "aging" process of our discs and joints that may become swollen and break down, causing pain and soreness.  The rubbery discs between the vertebrae normally allow for flexing and bending of the neck and back, like shock absorbers. In time, they become worn, and they no longer offer as much protection as before.  While some experts would classify degenerative disc disease as a "normal" sign of aging, there are many things we can do to prevent and slow this process in our spine as we age.  Another term often used when describing degeneration of our spine is arthritis.  This simply is defined as swelling and pain of the discs of the spine and joints throughout the body.  This condition, however, can be quite painful and limit our daily physical movements.  Things to do to prevent or slow degeneration of the spine include eating a healthy diet, physical exercise, yoga, stretching, proper sleeping positions, adequate water intake, gut balance and of course chiropractic care.  Neurologically based chiropractic care has been proven to reduce swelling and inflammation of the joints and discs, while aiding in bone density buildup while reducing cartilage damage.  As seen in the above photo, numerous disc disease can be prevented and helped reversed while under expert chiropractic care.  At our office, we use both manual chiropractic adjustments as well as decompression to revive those shock absorbers (spinal discs) by allowing the disc to become rehydrated therefore decreasing or eliminating pain.  When the disc is fully hydrated, it can do its job to bend and flex the neck and spine properly without pain or soreness.  Don't let others tell you that neck or back pain is a "normal" sign of aging...it is your body's way of sending you a signal that something is not functioning properly!  Adjust the cause of the pain and the symptoms will ease!

 

 

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

Conesa-Buendia, F. M., Mediero, A., Fujikawa. R. Esbrit P., Mulero, F. Mahilo-Fernandez, I., & Mues. A. O. (2020). Beneficial effects of manually assisted chiropractic adjusting instrument in osteoarthritis. Scientific Reports, 10(1). doi:10.1038/s41598-020-70219-3.

 

Finding the Cause of Joint Issues...and Getting Relief!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When many people think of  chiropractic care, they often associate it only with neck or back pain.  However a skilled doctor of chiropractic can help with many issues of the joints such as carpal tunnel, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, trigger finger, ankle and foot issues as well as knee pain.  When our joints become stiff or painful to move, further injury can happen and cause hindrance to our day-to-day lives.  Specific adjustments to those joints may provide great relief, however it is also just as important to look to the spine for issues that may be contributing to joint disease or deterioration.  Take for instance adhesive capsulitis (or frozen shoulder).  This is characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint that restricts both passive and active ranges of motion.  It is often very painful, that can come on quickly and sometimes seems out of nowhere.  A recent study of a 69-year old woman with frozen shoulder after an arm fracture due to a fall sought chiropractic care to relieve her constant pain in her neck and shoulder.  Many subluxations were found in her neck and spine that were causing her shoulder to not heal correctly after her fall.  This resulted in extreme joint inflammation and pain.  With chiropractic adjustments, the shoulder began to heal and the patient reported significant decrease in pain in the neck and shoulder as well as improvements to her sleep, range of motion, higher energy levels, and an overall increased sense of well-being!  Similar improvements have been documented for grip strength, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel relief, and trigger finger all due to chiropractic adjustments!  These studies suggest that subluxations in the neck may be a contributing factor to joint mobility issues.  Find the cause of your joint issues, don't just live with pain!  Relief is possible if you search hard enough for the cause.   

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

 

Shaw, Y., BSc (Chiro).  Throp, I., BSc (chiro), & Cade, A., MHSc, DICCP, BSc (Chiro), BSc3. (2020). Improvement in Adhesive Capsulitis in a 69-Year-Old Female Undergoing Chiropractic Care for the Reduction of Vertebral Subluxation:A Case Study. A. Vertebral Subluxation Res, 126-130.

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