Runner's Knee and Upper Cervical Care

by DrWard

Runner’s knee and upper cervical chiropractic care? This original story appeared in the Fall 2013 NUCCA News, the quarterly newsletter of the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association. It was part of one of three very different stories about healing through upper cervical care. This true-life story comes from Dr. Nathan Wheat in central Iowa, and was written by Dr. Zachary Ward.

Amanda Stevenson’s Knee Pain

Amanda Stevenson decided to get healthy and that running was going to be her way to do it. But when a common leg injury reared its head, she discovered getting her own head on straight with Dr. Nathan Wheat was key to getting her back on track.

"I ran in high school, and running was the only thing I knew," she told the NUCCA News. "I worked up from walking to running 30 minutes without stopping. Then I started entering races."

Six months into regular workouts and race training, Amanda ran into a common problem for distance athletes. "I developed a typical case of runner’s knee," she said. "It hurt so bad that it hurt even when I wasn’t running. I was told that I needed to rest, that I needed to take a break from running."

With just six weeks until an upcoming 20K race, Amanda did not think she was going to be able to run. But her stride and her pain would quickly change after a visit to NUCCA chiropractor, Dr. Nathan Wheat in Ames, Iowa.

"I went in [for care] and honestly I didn’t know if it was going to work," Amanda said. "But after my first few adjustments, I felt an immediate difference. I could tell that the biomechanics of my running had changed. That my knee had changed."

Not only was Amanda amazed that she could return to running so quickly, she was amazed to successfully complete her 20K race without any problems in her knee.

"I ran my race with no pain. I was certain even after I saw the improvements that the pain was going to show up again. I thought it was too simple. It has to be more complicated than that. But I ran my race and I finished a lot faster than I expected."

As Amanda continued her care under Dr. Wheat, she noticed she started achieving faster running times. For interval trainings her miles now come in at under 7:30, four minutes faster than when she first began running.

Amanda is now training for a marathon, and is convinced that her upper cervical care is an important part of her performance, not just in the healing of pain. "I know that having my body in alignment has made me faster."

(Editor's note: Remember the objective of upper cervical care is to correct head neck misalignment that is interfering with proper brain to body communication. When this is corrected the body functions at a higher level and can often correct other problems more efficiently on its own. Please do not confuse upper cervical care as a treatment for any condition, disease or symptom.)

Upper Cervical Care Stories Of Healing: Part 3

Editor's Note: Here are 8 more stories of healing one last time from Dr. Margaret Banitch in Montclair, New Jersey. Again, please remember that upper cervical doctors do not treat any condition or disease. They are simply removing an obstruction to the body healing on its own. When this is accomplished and it stays that way the wisdom of the body can do amazing things

Michelle

I was diagnosed years ago with Meniere’s disease. I had severe vertigo and vomiting. I never knew when it was going to happen. I saw two ear specialists who prescribed steroids, other medications and steroid shots with no relief. The doctors told me I would have to learn to live with it. I suffered for 2 ½ years before I found out about upper cervical care and started seeing Dr. Margaret. Now I have gone months and even more than a year without any episodes. If I have the beginning of an episode I know I can get my neck corrected and go back to leading a normal life and not worrying if this is going to be the day I need to be taken home from work.


Sean

My 8 year old son injured his neck jumping off a boat in February 2009. He immediately reported neck pain and shortly after I noticed he developed facial tics. I also noticed he was having trouble focusing in school. We went to an orthopedist who x-rayed Sean, recommended tylenol / ibuprofen and said everything would be ok. I continued to search for an answer to his problems and found upper cervical care and Dr. Margaret on the internet. After his first adjustment there was dramatic improvement! The tics have disappeared and he is focusing better in school. Dr Margaret has helped him tremendously and has developed a great relationship with him. I have since started upper cervical care myself and have referred many family members and friends to Dr. Margaret with great results.


Joseph

My son was born 10 years ago with a rare genetic disorder, Hirschhorn syndrome involving severe developmental delays. Since seeing Dr. Margaret he has more verbal sounds and is walking better. I have noticed he is sitting up straighter. His other health care providers and therapists have noticed he has a better attention span and coordination.


Renee

I had severe neck and arm pain for 2 months following a fall in February 2009. In that time I saw 2 orthopedists, another chiropractor and a physical therapist with no relief. My problem was complicated by severe scoliosis and osteoporosis. After 2 visits to Dr. Margaret my neck was pain-free. After 4 visits I had full range of motion in my neck. I have also noticed better balance walking and more energy. It is interesting to me that my former chiropractor refused to continue treatment of me when severe scoliosis and osteoporosis was diagnosed, yet Dr. Margaret treated me without question and successfully.


Stacy

I have had chronic TMJ isuues, neck, arm shoulder and back pain intermittently for over 10 years. I saw TMJ specialists, chiropractors, ear nose and throat specialists and a neurologist with only moderate relief. I have only undergone treatment with Dr Banitch for one month but the change is evident! Remarkably I’ve needed only 2 neck adjustments and the pain is gone. I am more relaxed, no longer wake up with the jitters, sleep better and suffer no headaches. I think this upper cervical care is nothing short of miraculous!


Anna

I had fallen while rollerblading and felt my back was out of alignment... a concern due to my scoliosis. My doctor and pharmacist recommended I see Dr. Margaret. With the upper cervical adjustments I’ve experienced a completely unexpected benefit. My sinuses are sooo much better. I no longer go into a fog when a storm is brewing. I had no sinus infections this past winter like in the previous winters. This has been life-changing - no exaggeration! Aside from feeling less "crooked" and thus more able to do everything, the improvement in my sinuses has given me days and weeks back that I used to lose. I no longer have to worry about what the weather will be like when I have to work and be "on". I am so grateful to have found Dr. Margaret and love her staff as well.


Georgia

Nearly a year has gone by since you started treating me for the severe pain in my neck, back, spine and hip. I was in such bad condition that my posture could be compared to the leaning Tower of Pisa. Daily, I was wracked with pain and I forced myself to bear it. So much so, that after you eliminated the pain, I missed it for awhile. That was then, which brings me to now. Now, I can turn my head as I park my car, instead of my whole body. Now, with the exception of arthritis, I don’t remember the pain in my neck, back and hip that kept me awake at night. Now although I am 63 years old with the spirit of a 33 year old, sometimes, I can almost get my body to believe it. It once told me I was about 93. As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I am writing to thank you for giving me a new lease on life. When I count my blessings, you are high on the list.


Janice

For a little over 10 years I suffered with extreme back, knee and neck pain. Atleast once a year I was in physical therapy for one of my ailments. P.T. was at least 2-4 months long. One day my friend told me about Dr. Margaret. I was amazed how a simple, painless adjustment could relieve those horrible pains in my body. Now I know when my sciatica starts, my knees ache or I just don't feel right... I need an adjustment. Within 24 hrs, I am pain free. It has been life changing for me to have that horrible pain gone. I am so hooked on upper cervical care.

Anecdotal Evidence

Testimonials

Since I have been under upper cervical care I have noticed my posture is getting better, my allergies are less severe and I get fewer migraines. – Sarah

Since receiving care I have noticed many changes in my body and mind. My back pain is gone, I handle stress much better. I rarely get any headaches. My biggest change has been in my concentration. I drag race and I believe upper cervical care is giving me an edge on my competition. I am more focused than ever before. I am having one of my most successful years ever. Thank you so much. – Jarod

Before starting upper cervical care I was having digestion problems, after my first alignment I was regulated! I also was having issues with my cervix for a year my tests would show a low grade 4th stage cancer on and surrounding my cervix. After receiving upper cervical care my test came back negative. Upper cervical care makes me feel energetic and balanced. – Kylie

Feel much better overall – headaches gone, able to go (comfortably) without left heel lift, pain in knees (had two surgeries) gone for the most part. Occasionally left and right hands still fall asleep, starting at the elbow and wrist. – David

I have always had neck problems, waking up and having to crack my neck. I have noticed a huge difference after be under upper cervical care. I have less neck pain and it cracks less. I do feel more relaxed after every appointment. Some has to do with the 15 minutes of dark/quiet time that I necessarily wouldn’t get otherwise. – Heidi

I was pregnant with my 2nd child and started having problems walking. I couldn’t get my right leg to rotate properly and this caused me to fall. I got under upper cervical care after getting no relief from 2 other Chiropractors, one of whom I had gone to for 3+ years! The doctor explained upper cervical care and then “adjusted” me. Okay it wasn’t like any other “adjustment” I had previously. It’s more like it gave my body “cues” for alignment. I was never uncomfortable and there was a noticeable improvement in my mobility. I continued care and continue to see improvement. After my son was born, I brought him and my daughter in and we now visit periodically for check-ups. The visits are fun! Can you say that about your doctor? I trust the doctor with not only my health and life but with the health and life of my 2 beautiful children. – Barbara

Since I have been under upper cervical care I have had less back, neck and shoulder pain. I was taking Zomig on a regular basis for migraines and now very seldom use it. I also broke my ankle in 3 places in December 2004 and had knee surgery in April 2005. Walking normal again has been difficult, but the care has helped me with that also. Keeping my body in alignment is so important for all my general health. Thank you for caring about me and how I feel and for my future health. – Kathy

I have been experiencing increasing back pain for several years. I am not a person who uses medication, but the past three years, I have had to use extra strength Tylenol to get through the days (3x/week). I have received massage therapy and tried to increase my exercise (which helped a little). Recently, however, exercise was not relieving my back pain. My posture was getting worse – I could tell I was leaning forward just a little. Since I came under upper cervical care my back pain is significantly better. I feel as if I have more energy; I can exercise freely again and I am back to living life without the use of Tylenol. One side benefit is that even though I only use stairs to get to my destinations, recently my knees were beginning to hurt – Now I walk up and down stairs without pain. I have only been under care for 6 weeks! – Sharon

Before I was under upper cervical care I had suffered from migraines and back pain. Since starting care I have not had any migraines or back pain. Occasionally I will get a headache but that is much easier for me to treat than a migraine. I can only take Tylenol, due to being on Coumadin, and Tylenol doesn’t do much for me. I am a single parent and I need to feel my best at all times. Upper cervical care has given me that reassurance, in that the last few months I have felt great. I would recommend this type of care to anybody that wanted to lessen their amount of pain that they were experiencing. This type of care may not eliminate the pain 100%, but it will more than likely decrease the amount of pain you are suffering. The doctor is not only a wonderful doctor, but a fun person to talk with and joke around with! There is always new information to read up on at every visit. I am very pleased with the results that I have received under upper cervical care! – Kelly