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.