Tag Archives: chiropractic adjustments

Your Sleep Quality and Mental Health

Sleep and mental health are deeply intertwined, with each influencing the other in complex ways. Chiropractic care, often associated with pain relief and spinal alignment, also plays a significant role in enhancing both sleep quality and mental well-being.

Many patients have trouble sleeping due to physical discomfort or stress. Spinal misalignments, also known as subluxations, can disrupt the nervous system’s normal function. This disruption can lead to heightened stress levels, resulting in difficulty falling or staying asleep. Chiropractic adjustments aim to correct these misalignments, helping the nervous system function more efficiently, reducing stress, and promoting better sleep.

In one study, researchers found that regular chiropractic care, focusing on spinal alignment and nervous system function, significantly improved sleep quality in patients suffering from insomnia. The study observed that after just a few weeks of consistent adjustments, patients reported falling asleep faster and enjoying longer, more restful sleep periods. This improvement in sleep quality had a direct positive effect on their mental health, as better sleep is associated with reduced anxiety and depression levels (5). This underscores the importance of regular chiropractic care in maintaining good sleep and mental health.

Mental health is closely tied to the body’s overall condition

Chronic pain, poor posture, and physical stress can all contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Chiropractic care addresses these physical stressors by improving posture, reducing pain, and enhancing overall bodily function. As physical symptoms improve, many patients notice a corresponding improvement in their mental outlook.

A review published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine underscores the potential of chiropractic care to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression by addressing the physical discomfort often associated with these mental health challenges. The review emphasizes that when patients experience relief from chronic pain or discomfort, their mental health often improves, leading to a better quality of life (1).

Chiropractors also often incorporate lifestyle advice into their care plans, including recommendations for exercise, nutrition, and stress management techniques. These elements contribute to a more comprehensive approach to improving sleep and mental health. For example, regular exercise and a balanced diet are known to enhance mood and reduce stress, which further supports better sleep and mental health.

Personal Stories

Many patients have shared personal stories of how chiropractic care has changed their lives, not just by alleviating pain but by restoring their ability to sleep well and feel mentally refreshed. One patient, for instance, struggled with insomnia and anxiety for years before seeking chiropractic care. After a few months of regular adjustments, they reported sleeping through the night and feeling less anxious and more positive during the day.

In summary, chiropractic care offers more than just physical relief. Addressing the underlying causes of sleep disturbances and physical stress helps patients achieve better sleep and improved mental health, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Call us today for an appointment! 517.627.4547

1.”The Impact of Chiropractic Care on Anxiety and Depression: A Review.” *Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine*, vol. 25, no. 3, 2019, pp. 176-182.

Chiropractic Care for Allergies and Sinus Relief

Chiropractic care has shown potential benefits for managing allergies and sinus issues, offering a non-invasive approach that complements traditional treatments. While many people think of chiropractic adjustments primarily to relieve back or neck pain, the benefits extend to various bodily functions, including immune system regulation and sinus relief.

The nervous system plays a crucial role in controlling and coordinating bodily functions. Misalignments in the spine, known as subluxations, can impair nerve function, leading to various health issues, including exacerbated allergy symptoms and sinus congestion. By correcting these misalignments, chiropractic adjustments can help restore proper nerve function and, in turn, support the body’s ability to manage allergens and maintain clear sinuses.

One study published in the *Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research (3) found that chiropractic care could positively impact individuals suffering from allergies. The study involved patients who received chiropractic adjustments and reported reduced allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. The researchers suggested that the improvements were due to better nervous system function, which helped modulate the body’s immune response to allergens.

Chiropractic care can also improve sinus drainage, especially when misalignments in the cervical spine affect the nerves connected to the sinuses. A case study published in the (4) Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics* documented significant improvement in a patient with chronic sinusitis after receiving chiropractic care. The patient experienced reduced sinus congestion and pressure, attributed to spinal adjustments that relieved nerve interference and improved sinus function.

Chiropractic care offers a promising option for those seeking alternatives to medication for allergy and sinus issues. Regular adjustments can help address the root cause of these problems by ensuring the nervous system functions optimally, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of allergic reactions and sinus problems.

Make an appointment with Lanjo Chiro today! (517) 627-4547

Chiropractic Myths vs. Facts

Despite its growing popularity and recognition within the health community, chiropractic care is still surrounded by myths and misconceptions. Let’s debunk some of the most common chiropractic myths and provide evidence-based information to clarify the facts.

Myth 1: Chiropractors Are Not Real Doctors

Fact: Chiropractors are highly trained healthcare professionals who undergo rigorous education and training. A Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree in the United States requires at least seven years of higher education, including undergraduate study and four to five years of chiropractic college. The curriculum includes anatomy, physiology, neurology, radiology, and diagnostic imaging coursework, followed by clinical internships. Chiropractors must also pass national board exams and obtain state licensure to practice.

Myth 2: Chiropractic Adjustments Are Dangerous

Fact: Chiropractic adjustments are safe and effective when performed by a licensed and trained chiropractor. The risk of serious adverse effects is extremely low. Research has shown that chiropractic care can effectively help patients with acute and chronic low back pain, neck pain, and certain types of headaches, in addition to much more. A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that spinal manipulation is associated with minimal risk and can significantly relieve musculoskeletal pain. (2)

Myth 3: Chiropractic Care Is Only for Back Pain

Fact: While chiropractic care is well-known for addressing back pain, it is not limited to this condition. Chiropractors also address issues related to neck pain, headaches, joint problems, and musculoskeletal injuries. Additionally, they often provide guidance on nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle modifications to promote overall health and well-being.

Myth 4: Chiropractic Adjustments Are Painful

Fact: Most patients feel relief rather than pain during chiropractic adjustments. The techniques used are typically gentle and tailored to the individual’s needs. Patients may experience a mild soreness like that felt after exercise, which usually resolves quickly.

Myth 5: Once You Start Chiropractic Care, You Have to Keep Going Forever

Fact: The frequency and duration of chiropractic care depend on the individual’s condition and health goals. Some patients may require a short series of appointments for acute issues, while others may benefit from ongoing care for chronic conditions or preventive maintenance. Chiropractors work with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that align with their specific needs.

If you are interested in discovering Chiropractic Care, give us a call! (517) 627-4547

Chiropractic and Pregnancy: Exploring the Benefits

Chiropractic care has long been recognized for its holistic approach to health and wellness. During pregnancy, this natural form of healthcare can offer significant benefits to expectant mothers, addressing common discomforts and promoting overall well-being. Let’s explore how chiropractic care, mainly through the removal of subluxations, can provide pain relief, improve posture, and enhance overall wellness during pregnancy.

Pain Relief

Pregnancy often brings about various aches and pains, primarily due to the extra weight and altered biomechanics associated with carrying a child. One of the most common complaints is lower back pain. Chiropractors use specific techniques to adjust the spine, targeting misalignments or subluxations that may be causing discomfort. By realigning the spine, chiropractic adjustments can relieve nerve pressure and reduce pain. This non-invasive approach is precious as it provides a drug-free alternative for pain management, ensuring both mother and baby’s safety.

Improved Posture

As pregnancy progresses, the body undergoes significant changes, including a shift in the center of gravity and increased lumbar lordosis (inward curvature of the lower back). These changes can lead to poor posture, which can cause musculoskeletal strain and discomfort. Chiropractic care aims to maintain proper spinal alignment, which helps in supporting better posture. Regular adjustments can correct any deviations caused by the growing abdomen, ensuring that the spine and pelvis are correctly aligned. This alignment is crucial for reducing discomfort and supporting a healthier pregnancy and delivery process.

Overall Wellness

Chiropractic care extends beyond pain relief and posture improvement. By focusing on the nervous system, chiropractors can enhance overall wellness. The nervous system controls and coordinates all bodily functions; optimal performance is crucial during pregnancy. Removing subluxations or misalignments in the spine ensures that the nervous system operates efficiently, which can boost the body’s natural healing processes. This can lead to improved sleep, reduced stress levels, and better digestion, all of which are important for the health of both the mother and the developing baby.

Moreover, chiropractic care can potentially lead to shorter labor and delivery times. Proper pelvic alignment can facilitate a smoother and more efficient birth process. When the pelvis is balanced, it provides more room for the baby to move into the optimal birthing position, potentially reducing complications during delivery.

Chiropractic care offers many benefits for expectant mothers. By removing subluxations, chiropractors can provide pain relief, improve posture, and promote overall wellness. As a noninvasive, drug-free option, chiropractic care is a valuable addition to prenatal care, supporting the health and comfort of both mother and baby throughout pregnancy.

Do you know someone who is expecting?

Please encourage them to make an appointment with us!

(517) 627-4547

Chiropractic Care When You Are Feeling Down

In today’s fast-paced world, mental well-being is as crucial as physical health, yet it often receives less attention. While traditional mental health interventions focus on psychotherapy and medication, emerging evidence suggests that chiropractic care can also play a vital role in managing mood disorders and improving overall mental wellness. This holistic approach to health care, primarily known for addressing musculoskeletal issues, might offer a surprising benefit to those feeling mentally down.

The spine is a central conduit of nerve impulses throughout the body, and misalignments, known as subluxations, can disrupt this system, potentially affecting mood and mental health.

The connection between chiropractic adjustments and improved mental health lies in the body’s response to treatment. Adjustments to the spine can reduce physical pain, which in itself is a significant factor in mental distress. Chronic pain is a known contributor to depression, anxiety, and reduced quality of life. By alleviating this pain, chiropractic care can indirectly lift one’s mood and enhance feelings of well-being.

Moreover, chiropractic adjustments may influence the body’s biochemistry. Research suggests that spinal adjustments can lead to hormonal changes, including increases in endorphins and cortisol, which are associated with pain relief and mood elevation. These hormonal shifts can provide a natural boost to one’s mental state, particularly for those dealing with stress, anxiety, or mild depression.

A critical piece of evidence supporting the link between chiropractic care and improved mental health comes from a study published in the “Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research.” This research found significant improvements in psychological health in participants following chiropractic adjustments, with reductions in depression and anxiety scores. The study underscores the potential of chiropractic care as a complementary approach to traditional mental health treatments.

While chiropractic care is traditionally associated with physical health, its benefits may extend far beyond, offering a complementary solution for those feeling mentally down. By addressing the physical discomfort and promoting hormonal balance, chiropractic adjustments can play a role in improving mental wellness. As always, it’s essential to consult with healthcare professionals to determine the most appropriate care plan for your specific needs. Integrating chiropractic care with conventional mental health interventions might provide a holistic path to improved well-being.

Make an appointment with us today.

517-627-4547

Chiropractic Care for Menstrual Cramps: A Natural Remedy

Menstrual cramps, medically termed dysmenorrhea, is a condition experienced by many women around the world. These painful sensations in the lower abdomen or pelvis are often accompanied by aches in the lower back and thighs, affecting the daily life and well-being of countless individuals. While over-the-counter medications can provide some relief, an increasing number of women are turning to alternative therapies, like chiropractic care, for a holistic approach to their discomfort.

Chiropractic care focuses on the relationship between the spine’s structure and the body’s function, regulated by the nervous system. A misaligned spine can interfere with this connection, potentially leading to various health concerns, including menstrual discomfort. A chiropractor’s primary objective is to correct these misalignments, known as subluxations, through spinal adjustments.

There are several ways in which chiropractic care can benefit those suffering from menstrual cramps:

Improved Nervous System Function: The spine houses the spinal cord, a crucial part of the central nervous system. By realigning the spine, chiropractors can enhance nerve function, ensuring that every body part, including the reproductive system, works optimally.

Enhanced Pelvic Alignment: A misaligned pelvis can exacerbate menstrual pain. Chiropractic adjustments aim to correct any misalignment in the pelvis, which can alleviate tension and pain during menstruation.

Reduced Muscle Tension: Chiropractic care often incorporates soft tissue techniques and stretches, which can relieve muscle tightness in the lower back and abdomen associated with menstrual cramps.

Research indicates a positive correlation between chiropractic care and reduced menstrual discomfort. A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that many patients experienced relief from dysmenorrhea after spinal adjustments (2).

Chiropractic care can serve as a safe, natural, and effective alternative to traditional medications, offering relief to many who suffer from the recurring pain of menstrual cramps.

Call us to make an appointment today! (517) 627-4547

Why Should You Return to See a Chiropractor?

The importance of maintaining optimal spinal health cannot be overstated. Many individuals experience immediate relief after their initial chiropractic session, but it’s essential to recognize that consistent chiropractic care offers long-term benefits that go beyond momentary comfort.

Regular chiropractic adjustments can help in preventing future injuries. Just as we exercise to keep our muscles robust and engage in activities promoting cardiovascular health, ensuring our spine is in its best condition is equally vital. Chiropractors emphasize the proactive maintenance of spinal health, which can prevent the onset of issues before they become more pronounced and difficult to correct.

Moreover, consistent chiropractic visits can improve posture, especially for individuals who spend extended periods sitting or engaging in repetitive tasks. Poor posture not only affects our appearance but also leads to an array of health issues, such as back pain, neck pain, and decreased lung capacity. Regular adjustments can help realign the spine and promote better postural habits.

Another noteworthy benefit is the enhancement of the body’s overall function. The nervous system is the primary communicator within our body, and any misalignment can hinder this communication, leading to decreased bodily function. Chiropractic care ensures that the spine, which houses the nervous system, functions optimally, ensuring the entire body operates at its peak.

Furthermore, a study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic care can boost the immune system, which is crucial for fighting illnesses and infections (1).

While immediate relief from pain or discomfort following a chiropractic adjustment is undoubtedly beneficial, the long-term advantages make regular visits invaluable. Whether you’re aiming to prevent future injuries, improve your posture, enhance your body’s overall functionality, or boost your immune system, returning to see a chiropractor is a decision that can significantly improve your quality of life.

Call today for an appointment. 517–627-4547

1.Teodorczyk-Injeyan, J. A., Injeyan, H. S., & Ruegg, R. (2006). Spinal manipulative therapy reduces inflammatory cytokines but not substance P production in normal subjects. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 29(1), 14-21

Chiropractic and Childhood Sports Injuries

Participation in sports is highly beneficial for children, promoting physical fitness, coordination, and teamwork skills. However, it also carries the risk of injuries, which can significantly impact a child’s overall well-being. Chiropractic care has emerged as a valuable complementary approach for managing childhood sports injuries.

Childhood sports injuries can range from sprains and strains to more severe conditions like fractures and concussions.

Chiropractic care focuses on but is not limited to musculoskeletal disorders, including sports injuries. Chiropractors employ a holistic approach to care, aiming to restore proper alignment and function of the spine and other joints in the body. By doing so, they alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote the body’s natural healing process.

Several studies support the efficacy of chiropractic care in managing childhood sports injuries. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics examined the effects of chiropractic intervention on ankle sprains in young athletes. The results indicated that chiropractic treatment significantly improved pain reduction, range of motion, and functional ability compared to a control group (6).

Chiropractic care offers a holistic and evidence-based approach to managing childhood sports injuries. By addressing musculoskeletal imbalances, chiropractors can help children recover from injuries, prevent future occurrences, and enhance their overall sports performance. However, it is important to consult a qualified healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for each case.

A NOTE FROM Dr. C. As sports season is now underway..take a moment to have your child evaluated to make sure your child is in good shape. Then plan on having checks through the season to nip any issues in the bud.

Chiropractors Do Something Unique

We, chiropractors, do something other primary healthcare providers aren’t trained to do. We are specially trained to locate stress in your body that can interfere with your health. These stressors are called subluxations. Subluxations are tiny, commonly occurring misalignments or distortions of your spine and structural system that can interfere with the nerves that carry messages throughout your body.

Subluxations are dangerous because they may impinge (“pinch”) the nerves that connect your brain and spinal cord to your muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, discs, glands, and other internal organs. This can diminish your overall body function.

How can you tell if you have a subluxation? Some subluxations are associated with pain or malfunction, but many don’t cause pain or apparent symptoms.

For example, imagine you have a vertebra out of position, causing nerve pressure that affects nerves going to the stomach. Your digestion may be impaired, your stomach may be “nervous,” and you may have ulcers or other conditions, yet you feel no back or spinal pain. This is because not all nerves carry pain messages.

Your heart, lungs, kidneys, intestines, bladder, eyes, ears, throat, and other internal organs are connected to our brain by many nerves that emit from your brain and spine. The connected systems will suffer if these nerves are irritated by a subluxation.

For over a hundred years, the recorded benefits of subluxation correction include the successful treatment of ear infections, asthma, allergies, cancer, heart disease, ADHD, autism, headaches, backaches, digestive problems, vision, and hearing problems, as well as improvement of overall immunity, balance, brain function, concentration, IQ, energy-and many more.

Researching Chiropractic: Correcting issues in toddlers

Chiropractic clinical case histories have been a regular feature of our patient newsletter since its inception. How many people suffering, on drugs, and facing a life of limitation could be helped by chiropractic care? Probably most of them.

Autism in a 3-year-old

The child was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. He had delayed developmental milestones, an inability to eat solid foods, was unable to gain weight, and had a limited vocabulary of a few words. Additionally, he had an aversion to being touched, had sleep deprivation, and suffered from constipation. Past history included a difficult pregnancy, labor, and delivery for the patient’s mother. The child was fully vaccinated.

Vertebral subluxations were found upon examination and corrected by the chiropractor.

By his third chiropractic visit, he was comfortable with the doctor touching him and his parents reported that he is not usually comfortable with even his grandmother touching him. His parents reported that he had been trying to say his first words and had improvements in constipation, behavior, and sleep habits.

Adjustments continued and over a 2-month period, the child continued improvements in sleep patterns, behavior, sensitivity to touch, expansion of vocabulary, constipation, and retained primitive reflexes following chiropractic adjustments. The patient continues chiropractic care. (1)

A two-year-old boy with Developmental Delays and Otitis Media

A two-year-old boy was first brought in for chiropractic care because of an altered ability to crawl and developmental delays. He also had a middle ear infection with effusion (OME). His birth had been traumatic and he had been fully vaccinated.

Positive responses to care began after six visits. His mother reported he began climbing a lot more and that he also had started using pronouns. He began pointing to things and tried to say the name of them. His vocabulary had exploded since beginning chiropractic care. The child’s speech and movement improved after being adjusted over a two-year period. His ear infection resolved. (2)

A Five-Year-Old with Sensory Modulation Disorder and Constipation

The patient is a 5-year-old girl with a history of birth trauma, developmental delays, sensory processing, sleep difficulties, and other functional disorders. The child had been fully immunized.

Following chiropractic adjustments, the patient’s nervous system was able to function at a higher level, resulting in improved bowel function, mood, ability to concentrate and engage with her environment, less-fragmented more-restful sleep, improved mood, and ability to focus. (3)

Dr Charmaine here: recently had a 2 yr old girl come to the office for digestion and sleeping issues. After her second adjustment, her mom was reporting that she was a much happier child and the initial issues were now resolved.

Do you know someone with any of these issues?