Protein Intake for Muscle, Ligament, and Disc Health

That question comes up often in Chiropractic offices, especially from patients dealing with slow recovery, stiffness, or ongoing aches. Many assume protein only matters for athletes or bodybuilders. In practice, patients of all ages rely on protein every day to maintain muscle tone, support ligaments, and keep spinal discs resilient. One chiropractor recalls a long-time patient in her late 60s who ate “light” meals for years. Once she increased protein at breakfast and lunch, her post-adjustment soreness eased, and her strength improved within weeks. No gimmicks, just better building blocks.

Protein Intake

Why protein matters more with age
Muscles, tendons, ligaments, and spinal discs are built from amino acids. These come directly from dietary protein. As people get older, the body becomes less efficient at using protein for repair. That means older adults often need more, not less, protein. Skipping protein earlier in the day or relying solely on toast, cereal, or fruit leaves tissues short of raw materials. Patients often notice fatigue, slower healing, or loss of muscle tone without realizing food plays a role. Chiropractors see it when progress stalls, even with consistent care.

Protein does not work alone. Vitamin C supports collagen formation, and adequate hydration keeps tissues pliable. Still, protein remains the foundation. Muscles stabilize the spine, ligaments guide motion, and discs cushion each step. All depend on a consistent supply of amino acids. Research shows that higher protein intake supports muscle maintenance and connective tissue health in older adults [1].

Patients often expect adjustments to do all the work. Chiropractors know the body rebuilds between visits. Food choices decide how well that rebuilding happens.

Are you eating enough protein?

  1. Wolfe RR, Miller SL, Miller KB. Optimal protein intake in the elderly. Clinical Nutrition. 2008;27(5):675-684.

When Should I Bring My Baby in for Their First Adjustment?

Those First Days Matter

Many chiropractors can recall the first time a newborn was brought into the office. The baby was only days old, still curled from the womb, sleeping peacefully in a parent’s arms. The parents were not looking to fix a problem. They wanted reassurance. Birth is physical. Even smooth deliveries place pressure on a baby’s spine, neck, and nervous system. Prolonged labor, fast deliveries, C-sections, and assisted births can add more strain. Parents often notice signs early. A baby may favor turning their head one way, struggle to latch, seem uncomfortable during diaper changes, or cry without an apparent reason. These moments often prompt questions about timing.

first adjustment

Many chiropractors who work with families share that the earliest visits are often the calmest. Newborn care uses light touch and gentle contact, frequently no more pressure than checking the ripeness of a tomato. The goal is to support balance and ease during a stage of rapid growth and adaptation, not to force change.

Birth Stories and Real-Life Observations

A familiar story shared in practice involves feeding struggles. A parent may describe a baby who cannot latch well on one side or tires quickly during nursing. Another parent might mention reflux-like behavior or frequent hiccups. Some notice an uneven head shape beginning to form. These patterns are often connected to how a baby moved through birth and how their body is adjusting afterward.

Pediatric chiropractic care focuses on how the spine and nervous system communicate during this early stage of life. Research shows that spinal strain can occur during the birth process, even in uncomplicated deliveries, due to the forces involved as the baby rotates and passes through the birth canal. Supporting alignment early may help babies settle, move more freely, and rest more comfortably.

Many parents are surprised by how peaceful these visits feel. Babies often sleep through them. Parents relax when they see the approach firsthand.

Timing Is Personal, Not Rigid

There is no single correct age. Some families bring their baby in within days of birth. Others come weeks or months later after noticing feeding issues, sleep challenges, or uneven movement. Pediatric chiropractors often say earlier visits allow the body to adapt with less effort, since newborn tissues are soft and responsive.

Parents do not need to wait for a problem to appear. Some simply want a check after a difficult birth or surgical delivery. Others wait until they notice something feels off. Both paths are common.

For many families, the first adjustment becomes part of a wellness routine, much like regular checkups. It offers peace of mind during a season filled with questions, exhaustion, and wonder.

Do you know someone who is pregnant or just had a baby?

Please encourage them to make an appointment with us!

(517) 627-4547

Researching Chiropractic: Elbow Pain & Spinal Curve

Chiropractic clinical case histories have been a regular feature of our patient newsletter since its inception.

How many people suffering, on drugs, facing a life of limitation could be helped by chiropractic care? Probably most of them.

researching chiropractic

A 48-year-old man with a 2-year history of left-elbow pain consistent with lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) reported significant functional limitations, including inability to play golf. Chiropractic care focused on Active Release Techniques (ART) applied to the soft tissues around the elbow. After five sessions over three weeks, the patient reported complete pain resolution and was able to play 18 holes of golf up to 3 times per week at both 4- and 8-week follow-up, demonstrating improved function and symptom resolution.(1)


A pediatric patient presented with a spinal curve caused by leg-length inequality and pelvic tilt, identified as functional (non-structural) scoliosis. Chiropractic care focused on correcting pelvic imbalance and muscular asymmetry, leading to resolution of the curvature and preventing progression to structural adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. This case emphasizes the value of early chiropractic evaluation in identifying reversible spinal patterns. (2)

Do you know someone with any of these issues?

Please encourage them to make an appointment with us!

(517) 627-4547

  1. Gliedt JA, Daniels CJ. Chiropractic treatment of lateral epicondylitis: a case report utilizing active release techniques. J Chiropr Med. 2014;13(2):104-109. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2014.06.009.
  2. Plaugher G. Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Can You Evaluate and Manage It? Dynamic Chiropractic. 2002.

How Chiropractic Helps Desk Workers Stay Out of Trouble

The desk does more damage than people expect

Chiropractic Helps Desk Workers

Many chiropractors can describe the same scene without thinking twice. A patient spends eight to ten hours a day at a computer, feels fine in the morning, and ends the workday with a stiff neck, tight shoulders, tingling in the hands, or an ache across the lower back. Headaches creep in by midafternoon. Sleep feels less refreshing. This pattern shows up so often that it almost feels routine.

Office work locks the body into a seated position that the spine was never built to hold for long stretches. The head drifts forward toward the screen, the shoulders round, and the lower back collapses into the chair. Over time, joints stop moving the way they should, and muscles stay switched on far too long. Research from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health links prolonged computer use with neck pain, upper extremity discomfort, and low back strain among office workers (1). That research matches what chiropractors see week after week in practice.

Small breaks make a big difference

Desk workers do not need hour-long workouts during the workday. Short, frequent movement changes matter more. A simple stand-and-stretch every 30 to 45 minutes gives spinal joints a chance to move and restores circulation. Rolling the shoulders, gently turning the head side to side, or standing to open the hips can interrupt the slow buildup of tension.

One chiropractor often shares how a long day of charting once left him with wrist pain and a dull headache. He started setting a quiet timer to stand, walk ten steps, and reset his posture. The wrist pain faded, and the headaches stopped showing up at the end of the day. Patients hear this and recognize their own habits right away.

Chiropractic adjustments support these small habits by keeping spinal joints mobile and balanced. When the spine moves well, muscles do not need to work as hard to hold the body upright. Nerves communicate more cleanly with the arms and hands, which matters for people typing and using a mouse all day.

Staying ahead of the desk

Regular chiropractic care helps desk workers stay out of trouble by addressing spinal stress before it becomes a constant companion. Neck joints that move freely place less strain on the muscles that often trigger headaches. A balanced pelvis and low back reduce fatigue from long periods of sitting. Wrists and shoulders benefit when nerve signals flow without interference.

Many patients notice that adjustments also make posture corrections easier to maintain. Sitting tall feels less forced when the spine cooperates. Combined with brief movement breaks and a workstation set up at eye level, chiropractic care becomes a practical ally for anyone tied to a desk.

Office work may not be optional, but constant discomfort does not have to be part of the job.

Do you know someone with any of these issues?

Please encourage them to make an appointment with us!

(517) 627-4547

  1. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Musculoskeletal disorders and workplace factors. NIOSH Publication No. 97-141.

Researching Chiropractic: Migraines, Torticollis & Tic Douloureux

How many people suffering, on drugs, facing a life of limitation could be helped by chiropractic care? Probably most of them.

hypnic headaches

Migraine and hypnic headaches

A 59-year-old woman suffered from chronic migraines and hypnic headaches (headaches that wake people from sleep) along with nausea and skin rashes. Migraine has a global prevalence of 10% and is the seventh leading cause of time spent disabled. Hypnic headaches are less common.

The patient’s migraines began 15 years prior and significantly affected her quality of life. During that time, her care consisted of RelpaxT, a prescription drug, massage and TylenolT. Her headaches continued unabated. She also recalled that her mother had migraines that began around her menopause.

Chiropractic care of two visits a week for 3 months and then once per week for 6 weeks resulted in resolution of her headaches as well as additional health benefits. (1)

Torticollis, cranial distortion and difficulty feeding

A 13-day-old boy and his twin sister were brought in for chiropractic evaluation and possible care. The boy had torticollis, difficulty latching to his mother’s left breast and cranial distortion. The parents reported that the baby was very gassy and seemed uncomfortable daily. The pediatrician could offer no options. 

The parents reported that the boy was in the head down position for most of his time in utero with the weight of his sister on top of him.

After analysis for subluxations of his spine and skull, the boy was adjusted while he was lying on a pillow on his back or on his mother’s chest while she was lying on her back on the chiropractic table. 

The child had seven visits over 6 weeks with continued improvements. He was able to latch onto both breasts, the gassiness had decreased and the torticollis had resolved. Improvements were noticed by his third appointment. (2)

Tic douloureux

Trigeminal neuralgia, also known as “tic douloureux,” is a chronic nerve disorder characterized by intense, persistent and often debilitating shooting sensations of pain in the face. The pain is so intense people have killed themselves and for that reason it is sometimes called the “suicide disease.” 

A 62-year-old woman came to a chiropractic clinic with a chief complaint of chronic right-sided facial pain of 2 years’ duration which she said felt like stabbing and throbbing, “like a bunch of pitch forks.” 

She had experienced three separate automobile accidents over the past 27 years but had no residual symptoms. The pain began four months after she had had a dental surgical procedure, either a filling or root canal on a wisdom tooth on the right side of her face. Over the course of two years, numerous prescription drugs and alternative supplements had been prescribed by multiple doctors and specialists. She had spent over $9,000 in personal funds seeking relief.

Over the course of six months, the patient received 26 chiropractic adjustments. As a result, she experienced significant reductions in frequency and duration of pain. (3)

Do you know someone with any of these issues?

Please encourage them to make an appointment with us!

(517) 627-4547

  1. Niddery E, Alcantara J. Resolution of chronic migraines and hypnic headaches in a 59-year-old female: a case report & review of the literature. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. September 2, 2019:117-126.
  2. Green S, Alcantara J. Resolution of torticollis, breastfeeding difficulties & cranial distortion in a twin infant undergoing chiropractic care for vertebral subluxation: a case report & review of the literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic. July 10, 2019:78-81.
  3. Cramer J, Persky A. Reduction of chronic trigeminal neuralgia following upper cervical specific chiropractic care: a case report & review of the literature. Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research. September 9, 2019:56-62.

What Puts the Ache in Headache?

The ache in headache does not come from your brain-your brain cannot feel pain. For example, during brain surgery a patient may be wide awake, talking to the surgeons while his brain is being operated on (a local anesthetic numbs the scalp). What puts the “ache” in headache? Stretched, compressed, irritated, inflamed or infected blood vessels, membranes and cranial nerves.

ache in headache

The Chiropractic Approach

Millions of headache sufferers turn to the natural, drug-free chiropractic approach to health. (2) Why? Because chiropractic has a unique approach-chiropractors are the only health professionals trained to analyze your body for a serious and often ignored condition that can damage your nerves, inflame your tissues, cause muscles to tighten and knot, weaken your body, cause fatigue and set the stage for sickness and disease: the subluxation. A subluxation is a tiny distortion or misalignment in your spine that stresses your nervous system, the system that controls your body.

Patients who received chiropractic showed significant improvement, on a par with those given a powerful prescription drugs and without the side effects. (3) 

Anyone suffering from headaches (and any other condition) should make sure they are free from subluxations-for the health of their whole body, not just certain parts.

Make an appointment with Lanjo Chiro today! If you know someone who suffers from headaches, please share this resource with them.

(517) 627-4547

  1. https://www.aish.com/sp/dl/46123052.html
  2. Nilsson N, Christensen HW, Hartvigsen J. The effect of spinal manipulation in the treatment of cervicogenic headache. JMPT. 1997;20:326-330.
  3. Nelson CF, Bronfort G, Evans R et al. The efficacy of spinal manipulation, amitriptyline and the combination of both therapies for prophylaxis of migraine headache. JMPT. 1998;21(8):511-519. 

Researching Chiropractic: Dowager’s Hump, Fibromyalgia

Chiropractic clinical case histories have been a regular feature of our patient newsletter since its inception. There seems to be no limit to the health problems that respond positively to chiropractic care. How many people suffering, reliant on medication and drugs, and facing a life of limitation could be helped by chiropractic care? 

Probably most of them.

Dowagers Hump

Dowager’s Hump in 40 Year Old Woman 

A 40-year-old woman developed a pronounced thoracic kyphosis-commonly called a Dowager’s hump-along with chronic neck and upper back pain. Her condition was linked to long-term forward head posture from excessive smartphone use. Examination confirmed hyperkyphosis and reduced cervical mobility. Chiropractic care included spinal adjustments, postural correction, myofascial therapy, exercises, and ergonomic changes.

Over nine months of consistent treatment, the patient experienced complete pain relief and visible improvement in posture. Follow-up radiographs showed a significant reduction in the kyphotic curvature. This case suggests that multimodal chiropractic care can effectively manage postural deformities like Dowager’s hump without surgery, especially when addressed early.[1]

Fibromyalgia in 34-Year-Old U.S. Veteran 

A 34-year-old U.S. veteran with fibromyalgia presented with widespread spinal pain affecting the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions, along with bilateral shoulder and hip discomfort and intermittent tingling in all four limbs. His condition significantly limited daily function and quality of life. An integrated care approach introduced a multimodal chiropractic management strategy, encompassing spinal adjustments, soft-tissue therapy, stretching, and exercise recommendations.

Throughout the course of care, the patient reported significant reductions in pain and improved functional capacity, enabling greater participation in daily activities. This case highlights the potential role of chiropractic care as part of a multidisciplinary strategy for managing complex chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia.[2]

Do you know someone with any of these issues?

Please encourage them to make an appointment with us!

(517) 627-4547

 

  1. Rocha-Romero E, López-Romero S, et al. Treatment of thoracic hyperkyphosis (Dowager’s hump) through chiropractic care: a case report. J Med Life. 2023;16(4):559-565. https://doi.org/10.25122/jml-2023-0026

2. Hansen C, Hecimovich M. Multimodal Chiropractic Care of a Veteran With Fibromyalgia: Case Report. J Chiropr Med. 2022;21(2):96-101. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2022.02.005.

 

Traditional Eating: Micronutrients in Healing and Immunity

Many people assume their diet covers all the bases, yet quiet deficiencies often slip by unnoticed. Small but mighty nutrients like magnesium, zinc, vitamin D, and B12 have a direct influence on how well the body repairs itself and fends off illness. When they run low, the effects can show up as fatigue, slower recovery, or increased susceptibility to infections.

Micronutrients

Common Gaps in Modern Eating

Processed food, grab-and-go meals, and limited sun exposure make some deficiencies far more common today than most realize. Magnesium, for instance, is lost during the refining of grains, leaving much of the population short on this mineral. Zinc plays a key role in wound repair and immune defenses, yet intake is often below optimal levels, especially in those relying heavily on plant-based diets without careful planning. Vitamin D deficiency is widespread due to time spent indoors and sunscreen use. B12, critical for nerve health and red blood cell formation, is another nutrient that can be lacking, particularly among older adults and those avoiding animal products.

Supporting the Body Through Nutrition

When these nutrients are restored, patients often notice subtle yet meaningful changes: more profound sleep, steadier energy, quicker recovery from colds, and improved overall resilience. Foods remain the best source-leafy greens, nuts, seeds, seafood, dairy, eggs, and quality meats provide a strong foundation. Yet modern patterns may not always meet demands. Blood testing can identify shortfalls, and in some cases, supplementation becomes a crucial option.

Chiropractic patients interested in maximizing their body’s ability to heal naturally should pay close attention to these micronutrients. The spine and nervous system rely on them to maintain balance and function. Even a mild deficiency can ripple out, slowing recovery and weakening defenses against everyday stressors. Restoring proper intake can be a simple but powerful way to support adjustments and overall health.[1]

1 .National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. “Dietary Supplement Fact Sheets.” https://ods.od.nih.gov

Can Chiropractic Help with PMS and Menstrual Cramps?

For many women, the days surrounding their monthly cycle can bring discomfort that interferes with work, family, and daily life. Cramps, bloating, irritability, and irregular timing are common complaints. Some women quietly accept this as “normal,” but it doesn’t have to be that way. A growing number have discovered that chiropractic care can make a real difference.

The Connection Between the Spine and Hormones

The nervous system controls the body’s hormonal signals, including those that regulate the menstrual cycle. If the spine is misaligned or under stress, communication between the brain and the reproductive organs may not flow smoothly. Gentle adjustments ease this tension, giving the nervous system a chance to function more effectively. Many women notice that their cycles become more regular, cramps lessen, and the intensity of PMS symptoms fades.

One patient described how her cramps were so intense that she had to miss school and later workdays. After beginning regular chiropractic visits, she noticed the pain was less intense, and she no longer needed to rely on over-the-counter medication to get through the week. Stories like hers are common in chiropractic offices.

Relief Through Releasing Tension

The pelvis and lower spine are areas that carry physical and emotional strain. When the muscles and ligaments in this region are tight, blood flow can be restricted and discomfort amplified during menstruation. Adjustments that release this stress often bring a surprising sense of relief. Women frequently report that their posture feels easier, their lower back less achy, and their cycles less disruptive.

A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that women with primary dysmenorrhea (painful periods without underlying disease) experienced decreased pain intensity following chiropractic care [1]. This research supports what many have already observed in practice.

A Natural Approach

Chiropractic does not add anything artificial to the body. Instead, it works with the body’s own ability to heal and regulate itself. By reducing nerve interference and pelvic tension, the body has a better chance to balance hormones naturally and ease the monthly burden. For women who prefer to avoid medications or who have not found relief elsewhere, this approach can be life-changing.

Many women are surprised to learn that menstrual health and spinal health are closely connected. They often come into the office for unrelated issues like headaches or back pain, only to find their cycles improve as a welcome side benefit. For others, seeking help for cramps is the main reason they walk through the door. Either way, their experiences highlight the body’s remarkable ability to restore balance when given the right support.

Make an appointment with Lanjo Chiro today!

(517) 627-4547

  1. Hondras, M. A., Long, C. R., Brennan, P. C. (1999). Spinal manipulation, medication, and pain relief for menstrual pain: a randomized, controlled trial. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 22(9), 582-585.

From Head to Toe: Surprising Conditions Helped by Chiropractic

Most people connect chiropractic care with back or neck discomfort, but many are surprised to learn that adjustments can influence health in areas far beyond the spine. Because the nervous system controls every function of the body, changes in spinal alignment may relieve stress on nerves and restore communication to tissues that seem unrelated to the back. Patients often report improvements in unexpected ways.

From Head to Toe: Surprising Conditions Helped by Chiropractic

Relief in the feet and hands

Plantar fasciitis can make every step miserable. The fascia of the foot is closely tied to posture and spinal alignment. When stress in the lower back and pelvis is corrected, pressure on the feet can ease. Some patients notice less morning stiffness and are able to return to walking or standing for more extended periods without discomfort.

Carpal tunnel is another condition that has shown improvement with adjustments. By addressing the wrist, elbow, shoulder, and spinal segments of the neck, many patients regain strength in the hand and notice less tingling or numbness.

Help for children and adults alike.

Parents are often surprised when ear infections improve after chiropractic visits. The upper neck and its relationship to the muscles around the Eustachian tube can influence drainage in the ear. Gentle adjustments for children may support this natural function. Some parents report fewer recurrences and less need for antibiotics.

Digestive complaints, such as reflux, have also been observed to improve with chiropractic care. The nerves controlling the stomach and diaphragm exit through the mid-back. When those spinal segments move better, patients often share that their digestion feels calmer and less irritated.

Beyond the expected

Stories continue to surface about improvements in breathing, sinus congestion, menstrual discomfort, and even balance after adjustments. While chiropractic is not a cure for every ailment, the nervous system’s wide influence means that almost any area of the body may respond in positive ways. Research has documented a reduction in symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux in children receiving adjustments, reinforcing what many patients already experience in practice [1].

Chiropractic care is more than “just for backs.” It supports the body’s natural ability to heal by restoring clear communication between the spine, nerves, and every organ they reach. Patients who explore care often discover unexpected benefits from head to toe.

Make an appointment with Lanjo Chiro today!

(517) 627-4547

1.Dobson, D., Lucier, M., Miller, J., & O’Connor, S. (2019). The effect of chiropractic care on pediatric patients with gastroesophageal reflux: A case series. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 42(6), 482-487