An Alternative Treatment Method For Knee Pain

What is Knee Pain?

Knee pain is a problem that millions of people suffer from every year in the US. It is one of the leading causes of mobility problems for adults and can be debilitating. 

Many problems can cause knee pain, such as injuries, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, bursitis, tendonitis, or arthritis. For many people, the root cause of knee pain may be found much higher up in the body: the upper cervical spine.

Signs and Symptoms of Knee Pain

Knee pain may begin with aches or weakness in the knee joints. Some people may notice swelling and inflammation in the area, particularly after physical activity. There may be a reduction in the range of motion, the joint may get stiff and be hard to straighten or bend. In more extreme cases, knee pain may be shooting and may cause difficulty walking, and may even require a person to use mobility aids. 

Knee pain can cause a domino effect of problems. When you have knee pain, it discourages you from exercising or keeping fit; but excess weight and lack of exercise can cause knee pain to get worse, perpetuating a miserable cycle. Weak, stiff, painful knees can put one at risk of falling and sustaining more injuries. Knee pain can interfere with your ability to work, do your chores, and enjoy your hobbies, and it can even interfere with your ability to get a good night’s rest. 

How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Knee Pain

Sometimes, to find the source of your knee pain, you have to go up—all the way up to your neck. Research is more and more showing the vital role the upper cervical spine plays in overall musculoskeletal health. 

The upper cervical spine is made up of the seven uppermost vertebrae, beginning at the base of the skull and going down the neck into the upper back. These vertebrae are the most vulnerable, and even minor injuries and jolts to the head can knock them out of alignment. 

When the upper cervical spine is misaligned, it causes a domino-like effect throughout the body. You unconsciously shift your posture and positions to accommodate the misalignment, putting unnatural stress and pressure on other vital joints—like the knee. As the knee deals with this undue stress, it can weaken, nerves become irritated, the tissue becomes inflamed, and it can lead to a whole host of pains and problems. 

How Our Treatment Works for Knee Pain 

To help treat your knee pain, we start at the top—of your spine. Dr. Elizabeth Hoefer is a specialist in the Blair Chiropractic Technique, a technique that uniquely focuses on the health of the upper cervical spine to promote good musculoskeletal health overall. 

The Blair technique is not a chiropractic technique that most people might think of; it does not involve the jarring twists, snaps, and cracks to attempt to pop the spine into general alignment. Dr. Hoefer of Well Connected Chiropractic starts state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging technology to examine your unique anatomy and calculate misalignments of your upper cervical spine.

With thorough 3D calculations, the doctor can then apply gentle pressure in precise areas to help bring the vertebrae back into alignment. Once aligned, the musculoskeletal system falls back into its natural positions, alleviating the knee joint of stress and pain. The body’s natural healing processes can then take over and help return the patient to wellness. 

Dr. Hoefer services patients in Orange County, including Anaheim, Rancho Santa Margarita, Dana Point, San Clemente, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, and Santa Ana.