What are the opening hours?

Monday 7am - 11:45am 2pm - 5:45pm Tuesday 8am - 11:45am 2pm - 4:45pm Wednesday 7am - 11:45am 2pm - 5:45pm Friday 7am - 11:45am 2pm - 5:45pm

https://keepyourspineinline.com/

Powell Chiropractic Center, 7311 Clinton Highway, Powell, TN (2025)

11/14/2025

Up to one-in-five adults experience knee pain each year, and many seek chiropractic care to find relief from both pain and disability. While knee pain can have many causes, when discomfort is concentrated on the outside of the knee in active adults, iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is an important condition to consider.

The iliotibial band is a tough, fibrous band of fascia that runs from the iliac crest at the top of the pelvis down to the outer surface of the tibia just below the knee. It serves as a dynamic stabilizer of both the knee and the hip during walking and running, and research has shown that it also stores and releases elastic energy during these activities, much like a spring.

Pain from ITBS rarely begins with a single traumatic event. Instead, it typically develops after a gradual increase in running loads, such as taking on longer distances or increasing speed. The condition is estimated to account for up to 14% of all running-related injuries, but there is still debate about the exact mechanism of injury. The traditional explanation is that the band becomes irritated as it rubs back and forth over the bony prominence of the lateral femoral epicondyle as the knee bends and straightens. More recent studies, however, suggest that the band is firmly anchored to the femur and that repetitive knee motion instead compresses the soft tissues beneath it, leading to pain. A third view emphasizes the role of weak hip muscles, which reduce pelvic control and place greater strain on the ITB, creating a sprain-like overload.

Because there is no blood test or imaging procedure that can definitively diagnose iliotibial band syndrome, clinicians rely on a combination of history and physical examination while ruling out other potential causes of lateral knee pain such as meniscus injury, synovial plica syndrome, or bone stress fracture. Iliotibial band syndrome is most strongly suggested when tenderness is present directly over the lateral femoral epicondyle, when pain worsens with prolonged running, downhill activity, or stair descent, and when there is no evidence of catching, locking, or clear trauma that would indicate another problem. Findings on clinical tests such as Noble’s compression test, Ober’s test, or Renne’s test can further support the diagnosis.

Treatment of ITBS usually requires a multimodal approach. Patients often need to modify their activity levels to reduce strain on the ITB, while also addressing underlying inflammation. Rehabilitation exercises to strengthen the hip and core muscles and improve posture can restore balance, while manual therapies may be used to improve the movement of joints and soft tissues. In some cases, orthotics or footwear changes are recommended to correct ankle or foot mechanics that place additional stress on the knee. As with most musculoskeletal conditions, the earlier care is initiated, the better the outcomes. With prompt attention, patients can usually expect a satisfactory recovery that allows them to return to their usual recreational and occupational activities without lingering limitations.

11/14/2025

As we age, the shock-absorbing disks that sit between the spinal vertebrae in the neck can become dehydrated, leading to a condition known as cervical spondylosis (CS). Due to the thinning and reduced flexibility of the disks in the neck, the patient will experience a limited range of motion which they may describe as stiffness. In fact, the Mayo Clinic reports this is very common and affects about 85% of older adults. While a stiff neck can interfere with some daily activities, it’s when CS leads to neck pain that such a patient is most likely to visit their doctor of chiropractic. Why does neck pain affect CS patients when it does?

The first explanation is that CS compromises the disk’s ability to absorb energy and to flex and extend in response to external forces. Just picture how an old rubber ball that’s been left in the sun not only has less bounce but can break if it hits the ground hard enough. Likewise, a simple fall that may not have any effect on a young neck may be much more traumatic to that of an older person. Even something as mundane as sleeping in an awkward position can leave the CS patient with a sore neck.

Another pain generator is the result of bone spurs that form in response to the vertebrae being pulled closer to one another. This bone growth can narrow the spaces in the vertebrae the spinal nerves pass through leading to both local pain and pain referred down into the upper extremities—a conditional known as cervical myelopathy.

Currently, about 13% of adults in their third decade of life show signs of CS on X-ray. Unfortunately, with forward head posture from excessive device use that places added strain on the neck becoming more common, as well as increased obesity rates and sedentary lifestyles, there’s a great potential CS will start to become common at earlier ages. This highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

When a CS patient seeks chiropractic care, their doctor of chiropractic will use information from the patient’s history, physical examination, and sometimes x-rays or other imaging tests to establish an accurate diagnosis and decide on a treatment approach. Care will typically include the application of manual therapies with at-home exercises to try and restore as much movement to the neck as possible. In more challenging cases, they may work in coordination with the patient’s medical doctor or a specialist or other healthcare provider.

11/13/2025

The sacroiliac joints (SIJ) sit between the sacrum (tailbone) and ilium (pelvis), which serve to connect the spine and pelvis and facilitate load transfer from the low back to the lower extremities. Generally, when we consider the cause of a patient’s low back pain, the first place investigated is the lumbar spine. But as it turns out, the culprit can often be the SIJ.

Studies in recent years estimate that the SIJ may be the primary or contributing cause of 15-30% of low back pain cases. Not only can sacroiliac joint dysfunction be experienced by the patient as low back pain but it can also cause pain in the groin, and according to a 2017 study, up to 60% of SIJ patients report pain that radiates into the leg!

The mechanism of SIJ injury is often a combination of axial loading (downward/jamming pressure) and abrupt rotation (twisting). While this can be caused by a sudden fall or collision, repeated strain can also injure these joints. A 2018 study that included 271 recreational golfers found that 23% had sacroiliac joint dysfunction, presumably from repeatedly swinging a golf club, and nearly all of them (96%!) also had lower back pain. Another study, also published in 2018, found that among a group of 1,500 pregnant women, 80% had sacroiliac dysfunction. The researchers suspect the combination of weight gain and a loosening of ligaments that occurs during pregnancy is the likely cause.

Researchers have also found that leg length discrepancy (LLD) can place uneven loads on the sacroiliac joints, which can increase the risk for injury. Other causes of SIJ injury can include prior lumbar fusion, joint infection, malignancy, spondyloarthropathies, inflammatory bowel disease, gait abnormalities, scoliosis, and excessive exercise.

The good news is that doctors of chiropractic are well equipped to not only determine if the SIJ can be a factor in a patient’s low back pain (or leg or groin pain) but also to manage SIJ dysfunction. Studies have shown that a combination of manual therapies (including spinal manipulative therapy) and stabilization exercises is effective for reducing pain and improving function in the SIJ, more so than corticosteroid injections or physiotherapy. While patients may experience immediate improvement after a single treatment, it may take several treatments to achieve a satisfactory and lasting result.

11/13/2025

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve is compressed or entrapped as it passes through the wrist. This often leads to numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger, along with muscle weakness that makes pinching and gripping difficult. Certain types of jobs carry a higher risk of developing CTS, including agriculture, trucking, factory work, construction, food service, and office work. But it is not the occupation itself that causes the problem so much as the specific tasks involved.

Repetitive hand movements are one of the most common contributors. The tendons that allow the fingers to flex and extend travel through the narrow carpal tunnel, each wrapped in a lubricating sheath to help them glide smoothly. When these tendons are worked too often without rest, friction builds, the sheaths swell, and pressure inside the tunnel rises, affecting the function of the median nerve. Over time, microtraumas accumulate and inflammation becomes more frequent, producing even more severe symptoms. Forceful gripping adds another layer of stress, since tightening down on a tool or object makes the tendons thicken and further crowd the tunnel, creating more opportunities for irritation.

Vibration is another key factor. The use of jackhammers, chainsaws, grinders, or other vibrating tools not only increases tendon friction but also places mechanical stress directly on the median nerve. Vibration reduces blood flow by constricting small vessels, further depriving the tissues of oxygen and nutrients. Likewise, working in non-neutral wrist positions—whether bending the wrist up, down, or to the side—changes the shape of the carpal tunnel and raises internal pressure. Cold temperatures, while not a direct cause, intensify the problem by stiffening tissues and restricting blood flow, making symptoms more severe.

In real-world work, most tasks involve a combination of these stressors. A meatpacker gripping an electric knife in a cold warehouse, a carpenter operating a vibrating power tool, or an office worker typing for hours with poor ergonomics all face multiple overlapping risks. Because people are motivated to keep working, CTS symptoms are often ignored or self-managed until they become too limiting to continue daily tasks. The good news is that the sooner care is sought, the better the chance of recovery. Chiropractic care can be an effective option, helping patients restore comfortable movement and strength so they can return to normal activities without lingering pain or limitation.

11/12/2025

Whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) can be a challenging condition to manage, and the current data suggests that up to half of WAD patients may continue to experience pain and disability for up to a year following their car accident, slip and fall, or sports collision. Exercise therapy has long been considered a meaningful treatment option for many musculoskeletal conditions, but what does the current research reflect with respect to the role of exercise therapy for the WAD patient?

In 2021, researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis that included 27 studies in order to gauge the effect of exercise therapy compared with other treatments, placebo interventions, or no treatment. They found that exercise therapy had short-term effects on neck pain and medium-term effects on neck-related disability, but they concluded that “the current evidence is weak” with respect to exercise as a sole treatment for WAD.

However, when used in combination with other treatments, exercise therapy can be quite beneficial to the WAD patient. In addition to the advice to stay active or even start exercising in some capacity (even if that means taking a short walk each evening to begin with), WAD patients may be prescribed more specific, neck/shoulder/upper back exercises to restore posture and strengthen the deep muscles that often become deconditioned in patients with the condition.

In addition to exercise recommendations, your doctor of chiropractic may employ a multimodal approach that includes manual therapies (massage, manipulation, mobilization, active release technique, trigger point therapy, and more); physical therapy modalities (electric stim, ultrasound, class IIIb and IV lasers, pulsed electromagnetic field, traction); patient education (including emphasizing the importance to resume normal activity as soon as possible); and ergonomic assessments (to minimize work stress and strain). When psychosocial barriers to recovery exist, your chiropractor may team with allied healthcare providers that offer cognitive behavioral therapy and other needed services.

11/12/2025

While there are many potential causes of low back pain in older adults, one of the most common—especially among women—is vertebral compression fracture (VCF). By age 80, up to 30% of women and 20% of men will have sustained at least one VCF. Interestingly, only about one-third of cases produce acute, noticeable pain. The remainder are either asymptomatic or go undiagnosed due to lack of imaging or because other pain-generating conditions such as osteoarthritis or spinal stenosis may mask the fracture. The type of treatment to address the injury depends largely on whether the fracture is stable or unstable.

A vertebral compression fracture occurs when the bony structure of the vertebra collapses, often due to osteoporosis and weakened bone health. If the fracture extends beyond the anterior portion of the vertebra, radically alters spinal alignment, or places pressure on neural structures, it is considered unstable. These cases usually require surgical intervention, such as vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty (injecting a cement-like material into the vertebra) or spinal fusion to stabilize the spine. Fortunately, only 10–15% of vertebral compression fractures are unstable.

Most VCFs are stable and can be managed conservatively, which may include chiropractic care. Treatment guidelines recommend activity modification during the early healing phase—avoiding heavy lifting, twisting, or prolonged sitting or standing. However, patients are encouraged to remain active within pain tolerance, as inactivity can lead to deconditioning and slower recovery. Bracing may be considered on a case-by-case basis, though evidence for its effectiveness is mixed. Spinal manipulation is generally contraindicated, but chiropractors can employ low-force manual therapies, modalities for pain and muscle spasm (such as ultrasound, TENS, or cold laser), and prescribe posture and core stabilization exercises. Co-management with a medical physician may include short-term medications to control acute pain.

Ultimately, the most effective treatment is prevention. Osteoporosis—the most common underlying cause of VCFs—is often silent until a fracture occurs. Guidelines recommend that all women over age 65 undergo a bone density (DEXA) scan, with earlier screening for those with family history or risk factors. While there is no consensus for men, approximately 1 in 6 will develop osteoporosis in old age. Just as important is adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a nutrient-dense diet, weight-bearing exercise, maintaining adequate vitamin D levels, not smoking, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption.

11/11/2025

Not only is low back pain a musculoskeletal condition that will affect nearly everyone at least once in their lifetime, but it also accounts for a significant portion of all healthcare expenditures. When an individual experiences low back pain, they have a variety of treatment options, including chiropractic care. While there is an abundance of literature available on the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic treatment for the low back pain patient, perhaps just as interesting is the cost and societal benefits associated with chiropractic management of low back pain.

Past research has shown that greater access to chiropractic care is linked to a lower reliance on primary care services for treatment for a condition like low back pain, which is handy as experts predict a severe shortage of primary care physicians in the near future. But is the inverse true, does reduced access to chiropractic lead to greater utilization of primary care?

In a 2019 study, researchers examined Medicare claim data concerning nearly 40,000 older adult chiropractic patients who moved to an area with less access to chiropractic care. The research team observed that following their move, the seniors were more likely to visit their primary care physician for spine conditions, which can lead to potentially harmful opioid prescriptions, unwarranted testing, and invasive procedures, including surgery. This equated to an additional cost of nearly $115,000 per 1,000 beneficiaries on medical services or $391 million nationally.

In another study, researchers looked at the healthcare costs and utilization of 2.5 million adults with low back pain and leg pain. They found that 1.2% received surgery and these patients accounted for 29.3% of all healthcare costs among the study population. The data also show that many of the patients who received non-surgical care underwent advanced imaged within 30 days of diagnosis and/or without an initial trial of hands-on care (like chiropractic care), which is contrary to treatment guidelines. A 2022 study that looked at low back pain patient experiences found that 41.7% who underwent back surgery had minimal non-pharmaceutical, non-operative treatment in the six months before their operation.

BOTTOM LINE: The current research suggests that greater access to chiropractic care not only provides large cost savings to the public and private insurance agencies, but patients who utilize chiropractic care for low back pain are less likely to receive treatment that may be less effective and may carry greater risks for adverse side effects

11/11/2025

A whiplash neck injury occurs when the head is abruptly thrown backward and then forward. This violent motion, which happens faster than the body can brace against, can damage soft tissues—including ligaments, muscles, nerves, and disks—as well as cause bone injury or fracture with or without dislocation. Symptoms typically develop within days and may include neck pain and stiffness, reduced motion, headaches (often starting at the base of the skull), shoulder or upper back tenderness, dizziness, fatigue, tingling or numbness in the arms, and pain that worsens with movement. Each case is unique, making recovery time highly variable and difficult to predict.

By following clinical guidelines, healthcare providers can give patients the best chance for recovery. In the absence of red flags (such as fracture, dislocation, neurological compromise, or vascular injury), chiropractic care often focuses on reducing muscle spasm, pain, and inflammation; restoring mobility; encouraging activity within tolerance; and reassuring patients about recovery.

While specifics can vary depending on exam findings, patient preferences, and clinical training and experience, a multimodal treatment approach may include manual therapies including spinal manipulation, mobilization, and soft tissue therapies; manual and/or mechanical cervical traction; pain reducing modalities such as electrical stim, laser therapy, pulsed electrical magnetic field, pulsed ultrasound; dry needling or acupuncture; home exercises to increase muscle strength and improve range of motion; patient education; and diet modifications or supplement recommendations.

Although most injured patients improve within several weeks, up to 50% may continue to experience pain and/or other related whiplash associated signs and symptoms at one year post injury. Investigators have initiated a number of studies to identify which patients may be at greatest risk for prolonged recovery, and though no clear rubric has been established, research suggests the following may be risk factors for chronic whiplash symptoms: older age; a history of back or neck problems (including previous whiplash); pre-existing psychological distress; higher initial pain intensity; pre-existing cervical spine osteoarthritis; and current smoking.

If progress is limited or risk factors for chronic recovery are present, a doctor of chiropractic may coordinate with the patient’s medical physician or a specialist to provide additional treatment beyond the chiropractor’s scope of care.

11/10/2025

Hyaline cartilage is the slick, translucent tissue that lines joint surfaces and allows for the smooth movement of joints in the body, including the hip. If the structure or health of this cartilage is compromised, it can gradually wear away, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and disability. Eventually, the hip osteoarthritis patient may have no choice but to accept a dramatically reduced lifestyle or undergo total hip arthroplasty. Is it possible to prevent osteoarthritis of the hip or at least slow its progression?

Unfortunately, the answer isn’t a firm yes or no. There appears to be a genetic component to osteoarthritis risk, so you may be destined for the condition. However, it does appear that if you manage to avoid major trauma to the hip and stay physically active and otherwise live a healthy lifestyle, then it may be possible to significantly reduce the risk for developing the condition and requiring surgical intervention.

Between 2014 and 2017, researchers in Germany conducted a study in which nearly 24,000 patients with either hip or knee osteoarthritis received usual care or participated in a structured program focused on guidelines-recommended therapies and patient empowerment, including lifestyle changes and exercise interventions. Patients in the experimental group were 33.6% less likely to be hospitalized or undergo joint replacements related to their knee/hip.

Chiropractic care offers a unique opportunity for patients as the initial history typically includes a comprehensive review of systems including all aspects of health, both past and present. This approach often extends care well past the primary presenting complaint (hip pain, in this case) to include patient education regarding diet/nutrition, stress management, sleep quality enhancement, and more. Additionally, a doctor of chiropractic will assess related areas of the body to identify problems that can affect normal movement patterns (the foot, ankle, knee, pelvis, low back) as addressing these issues may be critical to help the patient achieve a satisfactory outcome.

11/10/2025

Almost everyone will experience headaches during their lifetime, with roughly half of adults reporting at least one episode each year. While many may be transitory, some patients develop recurring or persistent headaches. The most common form is the tension-type headache (TTH), accounting for an estimated 60–70% of all chronic headache cases.

Tension-type headaches are characterized by bilateral, non-pulsatile pain of mild to moderate intensity, typically described as a tightening or pressing sensation lasting from 30 minutes to seven days. Many patients liken the pain to a band-like pressure encircling their head. Unlike migraines, TTH is not associated with nausea or vomiting, and patients can usually tolerate routine physical activity. Some may report sensitivity to either light or noise (but not both), and about 20% experience mild loss of appetite.

There is no specific diagnostic test or imaging finding for TTH. Diagnosis is based on its characteristic symptom pattern—bilateral, pressing pain not worsened by activity combined with the absence of migraine features and exclusion of secondary causes through clinical history, physical exam, and neurological assessment. If red flags are present—such as sudden severe onset, progressive worsening, systemic illness, or neurological deficits—urgent referral to an emergency department or specialist is warranted.

A 2023 study in Musculoskeletal Science & Practice found that many TTH patients also experience neck pain, limited range of motion, and impaired motor control. Palpation of trigger points in the neck muscles or upper cervical joints can often reproduce the headache pain pattern. These findings suggest cervical spine examination is an important component of evaluation, and addressing dysfunction through manual therapies—such as spinal manipulation, mobilization, soft tissue work, and neck-specific exercise—may provide benefit.

Studies have found that manual therapies applied to the cervical region to address trigger points in the muscles and restore normal movement to joints and other soft tissues can reduce the intensity, duration, and frequency of tension-type headaches. However, a multimodal approach that includes modalities, therapeutic exercises, and diet and lifestyle improvements may be necessary to more effectively manage the condition.

11/09/2025

Low back pain is the most common musculoskeletal complaint, and it is the leading cause of activity limitation and absenteeism from work. There are many treatment options available to the low back pain patient, including surgical procedures. But when is surgery appropriate and in what cases should it be avoided?

Generally, clinical guidelines don’t recommend surgery as an initial treatment, except in emergency or critical situations. For example, when a patient presents for chiropractic care, there are red flags that indicate the patient should be referred out to another healthcare provider, if not the emergency room. These include cancer, fracture with instability, infection, and cauda equina syndrome (includes loss of bowel and/or bladder control). In these cases, surgery may be the best available option for the patient to avoid a catastrophic outcome.

In addition to these red flag scenarios, a literature review published in 2023 in the Medical Journal of Australia concluded that spinal surgery may have a role in the management of non-responsive nerve compression with radiating leg pain. That is, once conservative, non-surgical options have failed. However, outside of these situations, the review concluded, “Spinal surgery for all other forms of back pain is unsupported by clinical data, and the broader evidence base for spinal surgery in the management of LBP is poor and suggests it is ineffective.” Additionally, the authors note that spinal surgery for LBP “has substantially increased over recent decades, and disproportionately among privately insured patients, thus the contribution of industry and third-party payers to this increase, and their involvement in published research, requires careful consideration.”

Unfortunately, a 2022 study found that 41.7% of low back pain patients who underwent spinal surgery had minimal, if any, engagement with non-pharmacological, non-operative treatment in the six months before their procedure. A 2013 study that used data from Washington state worker’s compensation system found that 43% of workers with a back injury who initially consulted with a surgeon ended up having surgery while just 1.5% of those who first received chiropractic treatment eventually had a surgical procedure for their back pain. Not only are patients who visit a chiropractor first less likely to end up under the surgeon’s knife but they’re also less likely to be prescribed opioids within the following year, something that offers tremendous benefits to society in light of the opioid crisis.

If you experience an episode of low back pain, consider chiropractic care as your first treatment choice. If your condition doesn’t respond to a multimodal treatment approach, your chiropractor can refer you to an allied healthcare provider for additional care.

11/09/2025

Neck pain is among the most common reasons patients visit a doctor’s office. In nearly all cases, neck pain is not a sign of a potentially life-threatening issue and can improve over time with appropriate care, such as manual therapies provided by a doctor of chiropractic. However, there are some conditions in which neck pain is a symptom that require more intensive treatment to reduce the risk for severe disability or death. One such condition is called cervical artery dissection (CAD).

The cervical artery is one of the main arteries that deliver oxygen-rich blood to the head. If the lining of the artery tears or is compromised in some capacity, it can result in a set of symptoms including new-onset, severe headache or migraine; pain or tenderness on one side of the neck; pain in the face; pulsating tinnitus; paralysis on one side of the body; change or loss of vision; and a painful, drooping eyelid. While it appears most cases may resolve on their own, CAD can lead to ischemic stroke, which can be life-threating. Interestingly, while the name implies CAD is the result of traumatic event, a 2018 article published in the journal Stroke noted that the majority of CAD cases are spontaneous and not the result of mechanical trauma. The authors add that most cases of CAD occur in patients with a connective tissue disorder that may be genetic and can be influenced by environmental factors, adding that CAD tends to occur in a seasonal pattern in line with some infectious diseases.

Because patients with CAD may visit a doctor of chiropractic for treatment of concurrent neck pain or headaches and then subsequently have a stroke, there was a false belief in the past that neck adjustments may cause CAD. Several studies have looked at this and found the risk of stroke following a chiropractic visit for neck pain is similar to the risk following consultation with a medical doctor for the same complaint; that is, a cervical adjustment is not likely a cause of stroke. In a March 2023 study, researchers used ultrasound to measure blood flow in both the carotid and vertebral arteries in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain before and after receiving spinal manipulative therapy and concluded that this form of treatment did not alter blood flow parameters in either artery.

The potential for CAD highlights the importance of patients providing a full case history when seeking care and letting their treating doctor know of any new symptoms since their last visit. This paperwork, as tedious as it may be to complete, may alert your healthcare provider that a more serious issue may be present so appropriate care can be rendered.

Powell Chiropractic Center

11/14/2025

11/14/2025

11/13/2025

11/13/2025

11/12/2025

11/12/2025

11/11/2025

11/11/2025

11/10/2025

11/10/2025

11/09/2025

11/09/2025

Address

Opening Hours

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Monday	7am - 11:45am
	2pm - 5:45pm
Tuesday	8am - 11:45am
	2pm - 4:45pm
Wednesday	7am - 11:45am
	2pm - 5:45pm
Friday	7am - 11:45am
	2pm - 5:45pm