Disc Problems: Part 2 – Degenerative Disc Disease – A NYC Chiropractor/ Applied Kinesiologist / NeuroKinetic Therapist Explains

Degenerative disc disease is often thought of as part of the normal aging process, but it is more common in individuals who smoke cigarettes and who do heavy lifting or physical work. Being overweight can also put individuals at an increased risk of degenerative disc disease because the spinal column works harder to carry around excess weight and may break down sooner.

Chronic bad posture can also increase the pressure on the spinal column as well.

Degenerative disc disease may occur when an individual experiences a sudden fall and develops a herniated disc as well.

See Disc Problems: Part 1 – Disc Herniation – A NYC Chiropractor/ Applied Kinesiologist / NeuroKinetic Therapist Explains  for more information about spinal discs

A contributing factor may be due to the loss of fluids in the spinal discs due to dehydration , which reduces the disc’s ability to absorb shock or act as a cushion. Loss of fluid makes the spinal discs thinner and narrows the amount of space in between the vertebrae. It also causes inflexibility in the spine

The loss of disc height narrows the space between the vertebrae and decreases the space from which the spinal nerve exits. (see image below)

This impingement of the spinal nerve can cause pain, numbness or muscle weakness to the area innervated by that spinal nerve.

But let’s talk about an additional contributing factor in degenerative disc disease; and that is the abnormal spinal mechanics caused by what we chiropractors call a subluxation or spinal joint dysfunction.

The Subluxation/Spinal Joint Dysfunction

Spinal joint dysfunction happens when a vertebrae (or more) is not moving freely in all its possible planes.  For example, if the vertebrae is “struck” in its right posterior plane, the rest of the vertebrae compensates by abnormally increased motion in the other planes of the body. This causes increased pressure and a wearing away of the spinal disc.

What is needed is the removal of the “stuck” part or spinal joint dysfunction by a gentle re-alignment to the spine by a doctor of chiropractic such as myself.

How a Combination of Applied Kinesiology, NeuroKinetic Therapy and Chiropractic Works

As I also employ applied kinesiology and neurokinetic therapy techniques, I look for muscle imbalances by using muscle testing to determine what muscles are inhibited and what muscles are compensating (facilitating)for them.

A muscle  imbalance can aggravate the spinal j.oint dysfunction by not allowing the release of abnormal joint motion.

A correction of muscle imbalance is part of the treatment for degenerative disc disease as well as increased water intake and anti-inflammatory nutrients.

I use a table that provides flexion distraction and spinal decompression; biomechanically it can open the disc space  by 28%; allowing for a gentle release of pressure on the spinal discs.

Think you may have a disc degeneration  problem? Please give me a call at 212-431-3724 or email me at drvittoriarepett@aol.com. 

And lets talk and see if I can help you.

 

 

© 2019-Dr. Vittoria Repetto

Want more information on Dr. Vittoria Repetto and her NYC Applied Kinesiology/Chiropractic./ NeuroKinetic Therapy practice at 230 W 13thSt., NYC 10011; please go to www.drvittoriarepetto.com.

And please check out the Patient Testimonials page at my web site.

Want to be in the know on holistic information and postings? Follow me at https://www.facebook.com/wvillagechiropracticappliedkinesiologynkt/
Or join me at Twitter: www.twitter.com/DrVRepetto

 

 

Disc Problems: Part 1 – Disc Herniation – A NYC Chiropractor/ Applied Kinesiologist / NeuroKinetic Therapist Explains

Before we begin to talk about herniations; we need to talk about the structure and function of an intervertebral disc.

An intervertebral disc lies between adjacent vertebrae in the vertebral column. There are 23 discs in the human spine: 6 in the neck (cervical) region, 12 in the middle back (thoracic) region, and 5 in the lower back (lumbar) region. Each disc forms a fibrocartilaginous joint ( symphysis), it allows slight movement of the vertebrae, acts as a ligament to hold the vertebrae together, and functions as a shock absorber for the spine. 

Intervertebral discs consist of an outer fibrous ring, the annulus fibrosus  which surrounds an inner gel-like center, the nucleus pulposus. The annulus fibrosus consists of several layers  of tough fibrocartilage that can withstand compressive forces.  The nucleus of the disc acts as a shock absorber…think of it as a gliding ball moving in reaction to the movement of the vertebrae. For example as the spine flexes (bends forward) , the nucleus pulposus moves to the back or posterior of the disc absorbing the impact of the body’s activities and keeping the two vertebrae separated.

 

And as the spine extends , the gliding nucleus moves forward; bend sideways, the gel moves to the opposite side. You get the idea.

However what happens if the spine is “struck in a relatively immobile or restricted  position? That means that the nucleus pulposus is constantly in one location pushing up against the annulus fibers; and between the pressure from the nucleus and the increase of compressive forces from the abnormal spinal movement, the annulus fibers start to weaken. This allow part of the nucleus to protrude (and the fibers ) into either the spinal canal or up against a spinal nerve. This is called herniation or a bulging disc.

 

A spinal disc herniation  can happen during a trauma or a result of chronic abnormal spinal mechanics combined w/ poor posture.  Both the deformed annulus and the gel-like material of the nucleus pulposus can be forced laterally, or posterior, distorting local muscle function, and putting pressure on the nearby nerve. This can give the symptoms typical of nerve root entrapment. These symptoms can vary between parasthaesia (tingling), numbness, chronic or acute pain, either locally or along the area of the body served by the entrapped nerve (dermatome) and loss of muscle tone. 

The two most common areas of herniation are the cervical (neck) vertebrae and the lumbar (low back) vertebrae.  Please see below blogs for more information about problems with these regions.

Cervical Radiculitis – A NYC Chiropractor/Applied Kinesiologist/NeuroKinetic Therapist Explains What It Is & How She Treats It

How a NYC Chiropractor /Applied Kinesiologist /NeuroKinetic Therapist Treats Sciatica

 There are varying degrees of herniation; sometimes there is rupture of the annulus fibers and some of the nucleus pulposus escapes into the spinal canal and the area of the spinal cord. This is called a noncontained extrusion, which sometimes requires a surgical correction.

The degree of herniation requires visualization via MRI. However abnormal findings on MRI do not necessary relate to degree of symptoms; in fact, a number of MRI’s done on asymptomatic volunteers showed various herniations.

A proper examination with orthopedic and neurological testing will show at what spinal nerve level does the pain originates from. Muscle testing will show if an imbalance of muscle pull is affecting the spine and the patient’s posture.

The Importance of a Proper Chiropractic Examination – A NYC Chiropractor’s/Applied Kinesiologist’s Take

The Use of Applied Kinesiology in a Chiropractic Examination

How a Combination of Applied Kinesiology, NeuroKinetic Therapy and Chiropractic Works

I use a table that provides flexion distraction and spinal decompression; biomechanically it can open the disc space  by 28%; allowing for a gentle reversal of the herniation. This table and SOT non-force adjustments produce rapid improvement.

Low Back Pain & Non Force Adjustments/SOT Blocking: A NYC Chiropractor/Applied Kinesiologist/NeuroKinetic Therapist Explains

As the patient improves, symptoms such as pain or numbness will decrease, orthopedic and neurological tests will go from positive to negative and the muscles will test strong and balanced.

Think you may have a herniation problem? Please give me a call at 212-431-3724 or email me at drvittoriarepett@aol.com. 

And lets talk and see if I can help you.

 

 

© 2019-Dr. Vittoria Repetto

Want more information on Dr. Vittoria Repetto and her NYC Applied Kinesiology/Chiropractic./ NeuroKinetic Therapy practice at 230 W 13thSt., NYC 10011; please go to www.drvittoriarepetto.com.

And please check out the Patient Testimonials page at my web site.

Want to be in the know on holistic information and postings? Follow me at https://www.facebook.com/wvillagechiropracticappliedkinesiologynkt/
Or join me at Twitter: www.twitter.com/DrVRepetto

 

 

 

 

The Spinal Nerve / Autonomic Nerve Connection – A NYC Chiropractor/ Applied Kinesiologist / NeuroKinetic Therapist Explains

For ages, doctors of chiropractor have talked about how spinal joint dysfunction or subluxations affect the not only the motor and sensory nerve flow (and blood flow) to muscles but also to glands, viscera, skin, etc.

The Subluxation/Spinal Joint Dysfunction

A spinal nerve is a mixed nerve, which carries motor, sensory, and autonomic signals between the spinal cord and the body. In the human body there are 31 pairs of spinal nerves from the cervical (the neck) to the coccyx (tailbone).

Autonomic nervous system is the part of the nervous system in organisms with spines that controls and regulates the internal organs without any conscious recognition or effort by that organism. The autonomic nervous system comprises two antagonistic sets of nerves, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

The sympathetic nervous system can accelerate heart rate, widen bronchial passages, decrease motility of the large intestine, constrict blood vessels, increase peristalsis in the esophagus, cause pupillary dilation, piloerection (goose bumps) and perspiration (sweating), and raise blood pressure. These changes are part of the body’s fight-or-flight response.

The sympathetic system begins at the first thoracic (mid back) vertebra of the spine and are thought to extend to the second or third lumbar (low back) vertebra

The parasympathetic nervous system has almost the exact opposite effect; the parasympathetic system is responsible for stimulation of “rest-and-digest” or “feed and breed” activities that occur when the body is at rest, especially after eating, including sexual arousal, salivation, lacrimation (tears), urination,digestion and defecation.

The parasympathetic nervous includes some of the cranial nerves that originate in parts of the brain and specifically the oculomotor nerve, the facial nerve, the glossopharyngeal nerve and vagus nerve and three spinal nerves in the sacrum (S2 – 4).

 So how are the spinal nerve and problems in nerve flow caused by spinal joint dysfunction connected?

It’s via the nerves called ramus communicans (plural rami communicantes) – a nerve which connects two other nerves.

It’s a communicating branch between a spinal nerve and the sympathetic trunk. More specifically, it usually refers to one of the following :  the grey ramus communicans and the white ramus communicans.

The grey and white rami communicantes are responsible for conveying autonomic signals, specifically for the sympathetic nervous system. The difference in coloration is caused by differences in myelination of the nerve fibres contained within, i.e. there are more myelinated than unmyelinated fibres in the white rami communicantes while the converse is true for the grey rami communicantes.

The grey rami communicantes exist at every level of the spinal cord and are responsible for carrying postganglionic nerve fibers from the paravertebral ganglia to their destination, and for carrying those preganglionic nerve fibres which enter the paravertebral ganglia but do not synapse

The white rami communicantes exist only at the levels of the spinal cord where the intermediolateral cell column is present (T1-L2) and are responsible for carrying preganglionic nerves fibers from the spinal cord to the paravertebral ganglia.

Both ramus within the spinal nerve cross each other, being the white farther away from the intervertebral foramen when exiting the spinal nerve to enter the ganglia.

Spinal joint dysfunction or subluxation affects the outflow of neuronal and blood flow to these ganglia. Correction of the spinal joint dysfunction normalizes the outflow of nerve and blood flow and allows the autonomic system to seek homeostasis (dynamic state of equilibrium) resulting in better function and health.

The Cervical & Vagus Nerve Connection?! – A NYC Chiropractor/Applied Kinesiologist/NeuroKinetic Therapist Explains

Cranial Sacral Therapy in Applied Kinesiology

Copyright – 2018-Dr. Vittoria Repetto

Muscles, Connective Tissue Between Organs Influence Illness

Copyright – 2020 -Dr Vittoria Repetto

Want more information on Dr. Vittoria Repetto and her NYC Applied Kinesiology/Chiropractic/ NKT practice at 230 W 13th St., NYC 10011; please go to www.drvittoriarepetto.com

And please check out the Patient Testimonials page on my web site.

 Want to be in the know on holistic information and postings? 

https://www.facebook.com/wvillagechiropracticappliedkinesiologynkt/

Or join me at Twitter: www.twitter.com/DrVRepetto

Fibromyalgia: Thoughts About It by a NYC Chiropractor / Applied Kinesiologist/ Neurokinetic Therapist/

Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and sensitivity to touch along with fatigue, problems with sleep and memory and brain fog, People diagnosed with fibromyalgia also often suffer from anxiety, chronic fatigue, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, migraine and tension headaches, painful bladder disorder and TMJ (jaw pain).

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Fibromyalgia can’t be easily confirmed or ruled out through a simple laboratory test. You can’t detect it in your blood or see it on an X-ray. .Because there is no test for fibromyalgia, we must rely solely on your group of symptoms to make a diagnosis.” 

However other blood tests can be taken to rule out conditions like auto -immune, thyroid dysfunction, anemia, viral or bacterial infection, nutritional deficiencies  etc.

One of the first things I look at is the patient’s diet/lifestyle: are they eating processed foods, soda,etc.;drinking enough water;  have a history of medications or antibiotics; are they taking the wrong supplements (too little- too much); do they have  food allergies or intolerance?

It’s not a Food Allergy; maybe it’s a Food Intolerance

I would suspect a leaky gut syndrome and the need to change the person’s diet, test them for allergies/intolerance (igE/IgG)  and ileo-cecal problems and the need for prebiotics and probiotics and other supplements to help repair their gut.

A NYC Applied Kinesiologist on Your Ileo-Cecal Valve (& Houston’s) & Your Health

The Correct Use of Muscle Testing in Nutritional Evaluation in Applied Kinesiology

As a Applied Kinesiologist, I test for the function of individual muscles. Are they weak or strong.? The questions to be asked are: why is the muscle weak? Is the muscle on the other side hypertonic or “too stronger.”

As a NKT practitioner, I ask “Is there a dysfunction in the coordination of muscles working in patterns?” I would identify muscle imbalances by using muscle testing to determine what muscles are inhibited and what muscles are compensating (facilitating)for them.

Are these factors causing the muscles to be sensitive to touch?

Is there a problem with the vascular or lymphatic drainage of that muscle?

 I might use neuro-lymphatic , neuro-vascular points and acu-points to increase lymphatic, blood and chi energy to organs and muscles.

How an Applied Kinesiologist Uses Neuro Lymphatics to Improve Health

How a NYC Applied Kinesiologist Uses Neurovascular Pts for Better Physical and Emotional Wellbeing.

Using AK techniques, the flow of energy in the meridians to the organs and muscles can be evaluated and corrected if out of balance. Correction can be made by many methods of stimulation, such as electrical,  small tape patches with metal balls, or simply by mechanically stimulating certain spots.  There is usually an immediate improvement in muscle/organ function after meridian balancing.

 Is there a problem with the cranial-sacral system? The purpose of the movement of the cranial-sacral system  is to aid the circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid throughout the central nervous system.

Some have suggested that CSF flow along the cranial nerves and spinal nerve roots allow it into the lymphatic channels. Restoring normal cranial-sacral rhythm enables the body to function optimally and may alleviate a wide variety of painful and dysfunctional conditions within the body.

Cranial Sacral Therapy in Applied Kinesiology

Is the patients under chronic stress? Can I help this patient w/ stimulation of their adrenals or with certain supplements?

Is the patient using their diaphragm correctly to order to  get enough oxygen to their body? Stimulation of the diaphragm via spinal adustment and neuro-vasular/neuro-lymphatic/acu-points are done. Patient is taught how to use their diaphragm to get more oxygen into their system.

Can the patient tolerate gentle exercise like chi gong which is is a form of gentle exercise composed of movements that are repeated a number of times, often stretching the body, increasing fluid movement (blood, synovial and lymph) and building awareness of how the body moves through space.?

As a chiropractor, I can use non-force adjustments. It provides a gentle force into the spine of the patient through a very carefully directed and controlled pressure. This method is performed to be able to restore a stronger position and motion to fixated spinal joints taking pressure off the nerves exiting the spinal vertebrae which control the muscles and organs of the body.

These are some of the questions that need to addressed w/ the the complex problem of fibromyalgia; each patient is different and their needs must be addressed.

 

 

 © 2018-Dr. Vittoria Repetto

 Want more information on Dr. Vittoria Repetto and her NYC Applied Kinesiology/Chiropractic/ NKT practice at 230 W 13th St., NYC 10011; please go to www.drvittoriarepetto.com

And please check out the Patient Testimonials page on my web site.

 Want to be in the know on holistic information and postings? 

https://www.facebook.com/wvillagechiropracticappliedkinesiologynkt/

Or join me at Twitter: www.twitter.com/DrVRepetto

 

Hyoid Bone – Its Importance – A NYC Chiropractor/ Applied Kinesiologist / NeuroKinetic Therapist Explains

The hyoid bone  is a horseshoe-shaped bone located in the anterior midline of the neck between the chin and the thyroid cartilage  . At rest, it lies at the level of the base of the mandible or lower jaw  in the front and the third cervical vertebrae(C3) behind.

Unlike other bones, the hyoid is not attached to other bones by muscles or ligaments. The hyoid is anchored by muscles from the anterior, posterior and inferior directions, and aids in tongue movement and swallowing. The hyoid bone provides attachment to the muscles of the floor of the mouth and the tongue above, the larynx below, and the epiglottis and pharynx behind.

 

 

 It is located in the front, middle of the throat between the lower jaw and the larynx, which is also called the voice box. The hyoid bone is involved in several functions of the throat, including breathing, swallowing, and talking.

A hyoid bone dislocation occurs when this bone is moved from its normal position in the throat. Common causes of hyoid bone dislocations include car accidents, strangulation, and direct trauma to the neck including surgery for thyroid problems or other anterior neck problems

Symptoms of a dislocated hyoid bone include:  pain, especially when swallowing. difficulty swallowing and talking, swelling of the neck  and severe dislocations may cause difficulty breathing. Intubation for a surgical procedure that is not positioned correctly can affect the position of the hyoid.

The historical importance of the hyoid traces back to the Neanderthals and Homo sapiens for the origin of speech. Unlike in other mammals, the human hyoid bone works together with the tongue and the larynx to produce effective speech as it is responsible for the movement of many small muscles.  So an imbalance in the position of the hyoid and the muscles attachments to the tongue, larynx and pharynx .

One other observation with the hyoid bone is that it can act as one of the body’s gyroscopes; movement of the hyoid bone can affect movement throughout the body and vice versa.  Look at the above picture and imagine the change in position of the hyoid and the cervical (neck) spine if,  for example, there was a break in the rt. clavicle..destroying muscle control of all the muscles on the right. We know of cases from martial arts that some students have problems with their  balance after being kicked in their throats .

Look again at the attachment of muscles above the hyoid and how they attach to the bottom of the jaw  or mandible ; making the hyoid and its muscles part of an examination of TMJ (jaw) problems. 

TMJ Problems (Jaw Problems) and How A Chiropractor/Applied Kinesiologist/NeuroKineticTherapy Practitioner Handles the Problem

As the TMJ is part of the skull and the the cranial bones are checked for alignment ,and we know that the stylohyoid ligament runs from the temporal lobe of the skull to the lesser cornua of the hyoid bone. 

Cranial Sacral Therapy in Applied Kinesiology

 

Copyright – 2018-Dr. Vittoria Repetto

Addendum: July 21, 2018

New young patient who had flown it from Reno with pain on swallowing…saw my blog. and emailed me….a lot of ant neck muscles, clavicle and cranial adjustments . neck position – Full Ext Pitch and a cervical fixation/bilateral Gluteus Max weakness…I had him getting up down and drinking water in all the different neck positions that were bothering him until he got completely pain-free on swallowing in all range of motions of the neck
I usually enjoy my work but it was great fun !!

Copyright – 2018-Dr. Vittoria Repetto

 

Want more information on Dr. Vittoria Repetto and her NYC Applied Kinesiology/Chiropractic/ NKT practice at 230 W 13th St., NYC 10011; please go to www.drvittoriarepetto.com

And please check out the Patient Testimonials page on my web site.

 Want to be in the know on holistic information and postings? 

https://www.facebook.com/wvillagechiropracticappliedkinesiologynkt/

Or join me at Twitter: www.twitter.com/DrVRepetto

 

Board Certified Chiropractor? – All Licensed Chiropractors Are! – A NYC Chiropractor / Applied Kinesiologist / NeuroKinetic Therapist Explains

I’m writing this short blog because I have noted that some chiropractors advertise themselves as board certified; it’s a cheap and misleading attempt to make their practice stand out.

All licensed chiropractors are board certified by the state in which they are licensed to practice. You have to pass the state board exam in order to get a state license

Please read on the National Board od Chiropractic Examiners web site:

www.nbce.org/about/certification_licensure

“Just as medical doctors and attorneys must do, would-be chiropractors must prove their knowledge and readiness to practice. After they earn their degrees from chiropractic college, graduates must then take and pass their board exams before they can apply for a license to practice.

All fifty states, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico regulate the practice of chiropractic and grant licenses to qualified candidates. Chiropractic physicians are only allowed to practice in states in which they are licensed.

Most states require passing scores on all or part of the four-part test administered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners.

After passing the board exams, candidates then complete the final steps to licensure as required by the state in which they would like to practice. These steps typically include undergoing a criminal background check, passing a state-level exam on the state’s scope of practice limitations, and submitting a list of personal references.

To maintain licensure, doctors of chiropractic are required (in all states but one) to earn continuing education units each year.”

 

Copyright – 2018-Dr. Vittoria Repetto

Want more information on Dr. Vittoria Repetto and her NYC Applied Kinesiology/Chiropractic/ NKT practice at 230 W 13th St., NYC 10011; please go to www.drvittoriarepetto.com

And please check out the Patient Testimonials page on my web site.

 Want to be in the know on holistic information and postings? 

https://www.facebook.com/wvillagechiropracticappliedkinesiologynkt/

Or join me at Twitter: www.twitter.com/DrVRepetto

 

 

Cervical Radiculitis – A NYC Chiropractor/Applied Kinesiologist/NeuroKinetic Therapist Explains What It Is & How She Treats It

Cervical radiculitis is when there is damage to the nerve roots of the cervical spine (C4 to T1) causing pain and loss of sensation or muscle weakness  or numbness along the pathway of the peculiar nerve into the shoulder or arm or hand or chest depending on which nerve root pathway is involved.

These pathways are also called dermatomes; see below.

 

Damage to cervical nerve roots occasionally due to some abnormality or defect in the cervical spine resulting in compression of the nerve roots. Some of the abnormalities that cause nerve root impingement at the vertebrae level are disc herniation, disc bulging , formation of bone spurs and a condition called spondylolisthesis  where one vertebra slips forward onto the below vertebra.

Other causes of disc/nerve root compression may be persistent  subluxation of vertebrae or fixation of a group of vertebra. These can be a result of poor posture or an injury such as head trauma or whiplash.

The Subluxation/Spinal Joint Dysfunction

Adding to these problems is the imbalance of surrounding musclature ; for example it is common to find the relationship between the neck flexors and  neck extentors to be completely dysfunctional.

After the orthopedic & neurological tests to find if there is disc compression and which nerve root pathway (dermatone) is affected, a testing of neck, shoulder,chest and arm muscles is d one.  Are there weak muscles?.  Is there a relationship between these weak muscles and other muscles that may be overworking.  Are there muscles that  need to be “turned off” and others need to be actiovated; I can use muscle spindles & golgi  tendons to do this. .

How a Combination of Applied Kinesiology, NeuroKinetic Therapy and Chiropractic Works

Neuro-lymphatic and  neuro-vascular pints are worked on to increase lymph and blood flow to affected muscles.

How an Applied Kinesiologist Uses Neuro Lymphatics to Improve Health

How a NYC Applied Kinesiologist Uses Neurovascular Pts for Better Physical and Emotional Wellbeing.

Any bilaterally weak muscles would point to  fixation of 2 or more vertebra and need to be corrected accordingly .

Spinal Pain Not Being Helped? See An Applied Kinesiologist; It May Be A Fixation

Palpation of the spine to find vertebrae lacking movement (subluxation) is done and I muscle test to find the correct corrective vector for the adjustment

The patient is given stretches  for the overactive muscles and exercises for the weak muscles , posture esp head position is reviewed.

Copyright – 2018-Dr. Vittoria Repetto

Want more information on Dr. Vittoria Repetto and her NYC Applied Kinesiology/Chiropractic/ NKT practice at 230 W 13th St., NYC 10011; please go to www.drvittoriarepetto.com

And please check out the Patient Testimonials page on my web site.

 Want to be in the know on holistic information and postings? 

https://www.facebook.com/wvillagechiropracticappliedkinesiologynkt/

Or join me at Twitter: www.twitter.com/DrVRepetto

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After this

 

 

The Cervical & Vagus Nerve Connection?! – A NYC Chiropractor/Applied Kinesiologist/NeuroKinetic Therapist Explains

I’ve been pondering the possible connection between the Cervical nerve and the Vagus nerve.

The Vagus nerve is the tenth cranial nerve or CN X, and interfaces with parasympathetic control of the heart, lungs, and digestive tract. The Vagus nerve supplies motor parasympathetic fibers to all the organs (except the adrenal glands), from the neck down to the second segment of the transverse colon. The Vagus also controls a few skeletal muscles in the neck or cervical area. The Vagus nerves are paired; however, they are normally referred to in the singular. It is the longest nerve of the autonomic nervous system.

The first and second cervical nerves are responsible for innervation of the head, face, inner middle ear, sinuses, eyes, upper neck, auditory nerves and other areas. The cervical nerves C3-C7 bear the responsibility of innervating the neck, shoulders, thyroid, teeth, tonsils, outer ear, nose, mouth, vocal cords, and more, with some of their individual responsibilities outlined below. The fourth cervical nerve innervates the thoracic diaphragm, leading to the creation of the surgical mnemonic “Cut C4, breathe no more.”

The Vagus Nerve (also known as the “wandering nerve”) exits the upper cervical spine and descends down to the heart and the stomach and the rest of the digestive system. We know of cases where severe massage of the neck muscles affects digestion and respiration.

The Vagus nerve travels along the side of the cervical vertebrae; fibers of the cervical nerves and the vagus innervate similar neck muscles. Misalignment of the upper cervical vertebrae affects the nerves that innervate those muscles. A biofeedback can affect the Vagus.

A relatively new patient made me ponder this possible connection: he had fallen on his head 30 yrs ago. He complained of neck pain, gall bladder pain, low back pain, walking dis-ease, excessive hunger (drinks lots of veggie and fruit juices). He looked emaciated, held his head forward and his shoulders elevated. His X-rays show facet problems w C1-2 vertebra and a slipping forward of C2 on C3; he admits that he self-adjusts his neck.
On examination, found a bilateral weak psoas (a muscle involved in walking) which suggests a fixation of the occipital bone and C1 vertebrae and then also a fixation of C2 and C3.

https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2010/12/13/spinal-pain-not-being-helped-see-an-applied-kinesiologist-it-may-be-a-fixation/

I found abnormal sacral movement- a Sacral Wooble, released the erector spinal muscles, adjusted two cranial bones and  worked on acu-points for gall bladder, spleen and liver as well as lymphatic points
His neck’s range of motion is better and walking is not uncomfortable.
Gave instructions on how to track his head back without elevating his chin and told him to stop adjusting his own neck. My dietary advice was to stop juicing and eat solid veggies and more protein.
I emailed him  a youtube video on how to hold his head and another one on the dangers of self-adjustment.

Click here: Forward Head Posture Correction (Anti-Ageing Must) – YouTube

Click here: DOOLEY NOTED: Why You Shouldn’t Self-Adjust Your Neck – YouTube

That night and the next 2 days I get emails saying that though he thought I didn’t do a lot; he was not hungry and he had two really good bowel movements and his breathing and his voice is stronger. He was looking forward to his next visit.

Forward lean is a  constant problem with texting, working at a computer and just bad posture. Note that the doctor in the first video mentions that more forward lean, the more years of forward lean, the more medications the patient is on; more stress on cervical…more stress on Vagus?/…more problems w/ organ function.?!!. 

Copyright – 2017-Dr. Vittoria Repetto

Vagal Neurons: New findings in the gut-brain connection

The Spinal Nerve / Autonomic Nerve Connection – A NYC Chiropractor/ Applied Kinesiologist / NeuroKinetic Therapist Explains

Muscles, Connective Tissue Between Organs Influence Illness 

 

 

 

Want more information on Dr. Vittoria Repetto and her NYC Applied Kinesiology/Chiropractic/ NKT practice at 230 W 13th St., NYC 10011; please go to www.drvittoriarepetto.com

And please check out the Patient Testimonials page on my web site.

 Want to be in the know on holistic information and postings? 

https://www.facebook.com/wvillagechiropracticappliedkinesiologynkt/

Or join me at Twitter: www.twitter.com/DrVRepetto

Did Shingles Pain Cause a Shift in Body Position and Structural Pain?: A NYC Chiropractor/Applied Kinesiologist/NeuroKinetic Therapist Explains

A young patient who I hadn’t seen in a while came in complaining of rt “scalene” pain (her words for neck pain) and rt upper back pain by the shoulder blade. She thinks it may be a rib out. Visualization showed a slight “tipping” (not a winging) of the shoulder blade.

Then she mentions that she had a mild case of shingles on her rt hip and the shingles predated the neck & mid back pain .

First I found that her SCM was overworking for a weak mid scalene. The SCM was released and the clavicle was adjusted and the pect minor was released in combination with the SCM.

Second I tested her rhomboids and serratus anterior; the scapula tipping was the clue. The serratus ant was overworking for a weak rhomboid.

Third a rt gluteus maximus was overworking for a weak rt. psoas and a weak rt. gluteus medius.

A pelvic category 1 was corrected as well as rt thoracic and cervical subluxations were adjusted.

There is a theory of Anatomy Trains on how patterns of muscle,  fascia and muscle strain communicate through the myofascial ‘webbing’, contributing to postural compensation and movement stability.

An example of this is when you are reaching for something on a table, you don’t just use your hand, arm and shoulder but your whole body from your head muscles down to your foot muscle reacts to stabilize your position in space as you reach.

A major insight may be that the lateral rt. side of her body may have reacted to the pain of the shingles by moving inwards in order not to stretch the lesion area rather than moving away from it which in turn affected her structure via muscle pull and strain.

  For more information:

How a Combination of Applied Kinesiology, NeuroKinetic Therapy and Chiropractic Works

© 2017-Dr. Vittoria Repetto

 Want more information on Dr. Vittoria Repetto and her NYC Applied Kinesiology/Chiropractic/ NKT practice at 230 W 13th St., NYC 10011; please go to www.drvittoriarepetto.com

And please check out the Patient Testimonials page on my web site.

 Want to be in the know on holistic information and postings? 

https://www.facebook.com/wvillagechiropracticappliedkinesiologynkt/

 

 

 

Neck Problems Causing Low Back Pain & Vice Versa – A NYC Chiropractor / Applied Kinesiologist / NKT Practitioner Explains

Patients are usually amazed that neck  and low back problems has anything to do with each other.

But if you look at the spinal muscles, you can see that it is a continuous muscular chain from the base of skull to the sacrum. If one part of this muscular chain is not working properly, then  another part either above or below will have to overwork.

This is particularly true for those who sit a lot. The lower back weakens, and the neck tightens in response; for example, the neck extensors may be overworking for an under working quadratus lumborum.

 

 

Included in this muscular chain are the multifidi who are major spinal stabilizers.

 

Someone w/ a L5/4 herniation (slipped disc) may have overworking lumbar multifidi, causing the cervical multifidi to overwork. This can cause a head forward posture. an increased curve at the mid back, an hyperextended low back  and pain in all these areas and weak core muscles that further complicates the picture.

So as a Doctor of Chiropractic, Applied Kinesiologist and NeuroKinetic Therapist, I need to solve what is causing the problem and look at the whole picture and not just chase pain.

For more information:

How a Combination of Applied Kinesiology, NeuroKinetic Therapy and Chiropractic Works

Why Is My Neck Problem Causing Low Back or Leg Pain? A NYC Chiropractor / Applied Kinesiologist / NKT Practitioner Explains the Lovett Brother Effect on the Spine.

https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/spinal-pain-not-being-helped-see-an-applied-kinesiologist-it-may-be-a-fixation/

Looking Globally /Not Chasing Pain: A NYC Chiropractor/Applied Kinesiologist/NeuroKinetic Therapist Explains 

Low Back Pain & Non Force Adjustments/SOT Blocking: A NYC Chiropractor/Applied Kinesiologist/NeuroKinetic Therapist Explains 

© 2017-Dr. Vittoria Repetto

Want more information on Dr. Vittoria Repetto and her NYC Applied Kinesiology/Chiropractic/ NKT practice at 230 W 13th St., NYC 10011; please go to www.drvittoriarepetto.com

And please check out the Patient Testimonials page on my web site.

 Want to be in the know on holistic information and postings? 

https://www.facebook.com/wvillagechiropracticappliedkinesiologynkt/

Or join me at Twitter: www.twitter.com/DrVRepetto

*I thank Dr Perry Nickelston for his phrase “Stop Chasing Pain.”