Help Hope Live for Lynn Knutson

February 17, 2026

Feb 2026 -

Hello!! I have exciting new updates since I last posted! I was finally able to get all diagnostics to confirm Cranial Cervical Instability (CCI). This means the deep ligaments in my neck are far too loose and weak to properly support my neck, head, spine, body, etc. (This came from being forcefully struck directly on top of my head.) This, in turn, negatively affects every single system in my body.

I'm SO thankful for AI, which ended up tying things together to show me that absolutely every symptom I've had and every scenario I've ever experienced since my original traumatic brain injury on 3/8/19 can ALL be related to CCI. I've felt, for a VERY long time, that there MUST be a yet unknown "root cause" for everything, as all therapies, doctors, and homework, etc. for seven years have only provided a "snail's pace" of progress.

Additionally, I've learned many things from the highly specialized imaging findings:

1. Vertebraes C3-C7 in my neck are abnormally shifting over each other by more than 25%, with even slight movements of my head, neck, arms or even eyes.

2. Rather than the appropriate 30-40 degree curve in my neck, it's almost straight at only 18 degrees.

3. Whenever I turn my head, only vertebraes C1-C2 are moving; C3-C7 are locked. C1-C2 has been pinching off my brain stem for years and my head is not even "on straight".

4. My muscles are significantly imbalanced, left side vs. right side. Right side is way too tight, left side is way too lax. This puts my entire body in an highly compromised state.

The first two findings present extreme problems. Basically, my upper spinal cord is being excessively stretched, like a rubber band, and my muscles/bones are acting as a "cage" to protect my lower spinal cord from proper movement. My brain perceives that every movement is a dire threat, as if my spinal cord could sever.

Additionally, my hypersensitivies to light, sounds, commotion, busy environments, etc. are also perceived as dangerous threats. Therefore, every time my brain "perceives" a threat, my body hyper-reacts in a "fight/flight" fashion by essentially and repeatedly shutting everything down, even to the point of paralyzing my legs, to "protect" my spinal cord from what my brain is perceving as a "grave threat."

There's a lot more that's affected, but those are the biggest things. I'm incredibly thankful to God for revealing all of this, plus providing specialized doctors and therapists who will not only LISTEN to me, but work together in order to hopefully improve my situation.

Now... I'm knee deep in expensive, out of pocket therapies, but each is headed up by a specialist who truly understands not only CCI, but what I need. An indescribable and long-awaited blessing, to be sure. (Knowledge is power!)

For instance, the MAT Muscle Activation Technique therapist is the ONLY one in Arizona and thankfully, he's in my city -- Hallelujah! His therapy is $750 every three weeks, and it's still unknown how many months of treatments I'll need since my condition is so severe. (I've been treating for this since Nov. 2025.)

I'm now also getting MLS Laser therapy ($4150 for 24 sessions plus imaging, with potentially more needed). This would be a precursor to Upper Cervical prolotherapy (which will utilize stem cells) to strengthen the unstable deep ligaments. This particular technique is very different than standardized prolotherapy and is only performed by a few specialists in the world. The closest one is in Colorado, which would be about $15,000 + travel expenses.

SSDI continues to be my only income, plus I get food stamps. I am so grateful for both, but clearly my out of pocket medical far exceeds SSDI. I am tenacious and determined to do whatever it takes in order for me both to finally function, and to get back to work. I feel both encouraged and hopeful that I'm finally on the right path. I would be immensely grateful for whatever support you may be able to offer, to partner with me in this healing journey.

Please also share my story with friends, family, work, etc. to help spread the word. I have learned so much, but mostly I've learned what it means to truly PRACTICE gratitude. My faith and my God sustain, protect and guide me always. Genuine gratitude for you!

September 8, 2025

August 2025

Hello! My healing journey continues... I'm thankful to learn of new things to help as I learn more about the complexities of my brain injury. I just got back from yet another medical trip to Chicago, where I have specialized practitioners (due to no one in AZ being willing to treat adults, only pediatrics - Can I be five?! Pease?!?)).

One of the things they're treating is called Retained Primitive Reflexes, which need to be reintegrated after my TBI. It's a much longer process because I can only go to Chicago a couple times a year due to the expense. This severely impairs my central nervous system, creating daily problems which can often be debilitating.

The next thing on my plate is being assessed for Cervical Ligament Instability. It's a lengthy process and my upper cervical chiropractor says there's only a few doctors in the world who perform the intricate and highly specialized treatment which, of course, would be solely out of pocket. Luckily, he can recommend one in Utah, but that still a daunting venture. Step one is getting the multiple MRI's, which I'm told are also not likely covered by insurance.

Each day, while a challenge, is an opportunity to actively practice gratitude. There's so much for which to be grateful, both big and small, and I choose to focus on God's blessings. I am grateful for your thoughts, prayers and support to help me reach my goal of getting back to work. Thank you!!