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

Why Athletes Swear by Chiropractic

Usain Bolt, the fastest man in the world, and Tiger Woods, one of the greatest golfers in history, have both credited chiropractic care for keeping their bodies in top form. They know that small improvements in coordination, flexibility, and recovery can make the difference between winning and losing. But the benefits these athletes enjoy are not reserved for those at the top of their sport.

Why Athletes Swear by Chiropractic

Weekend runners, young athletes, and even dancers can benefit from the same care that keeps champions moving. Chiropractic is about keeping the nervous system clear and allowing the body to function at its best. When joints are moving correctly, muscles fire more efficiently, and reaction time improves. That is why athletes across disciplines return to chiropractic week after week.

Performance and Recovery

Athletes push their bodies to the limit, and they need every system working together. Chiropractic care helps reduce interference in the nervous system, which in turn supports better muscle coordination and balance. Research has shown that regular care can improve reaction time and power output [1] These are not abstract advantages; they translate directly into faster sprints, smoother jumps, and sharper cuts on the field.

Recovery is just as important. Micro-strains, fatigue, and soreness can slow down training schedules and cut into performance. Chiropractic care helps restore proper joint function, easing stress on muscles and ligaments so the body can recover more quickly. That means fewer days lost to stiffness or discomfort, and more days doing what people love.

Everyday Athletes

It is not only professionals who rely on this kind of edge. The parent who plays in a weekend softball league, the high school soccer player, or the adult who enjoys dance classes can all see benefits. When the body is aligned, workouts feel smoother, endurance improves, and recovery takes less time. Minor tweaks that enhance performance in professionals can help keep everyday athletes active and prevent setbacks.

Athletes at every level want to move better, stay strong, and recover quickly. Chiropractic is one of the tools that makes that possible.

Make an appointment with Lanjo Chiro today!

(517) 627-4547

10 Reasons Parents Take Their Children to See a Chiropractor

As parents, we want nothing more than to see our children thrive—healthy, happy, and full of potential. From the very first days of life, every choice we make can shape their growth, their wellbeing, and even the way their brains and bodies develop. Supporting your child’s health goes far beyond just “getting through the day.” It’s about giving them the strongest foundation possible so they can flourish now and in the future. Whether it’s easing those long, colicky nights, strengthening immunity, or nurturing emotional balance, small, thoughtful steps can have a lasting impact on their overall wellbeing.

10 Reasons Parents Take Their Children to See a Chiropractor

  1. To maximise their child’s neural plasticity (brain and nerve development). 
  2. To enhance their child’s overall health and wellbeing. 
  3. To strengthen immunity and reduce the incidence of colds, ear-aches and general illness. 
  4. To help with colic and Irritable Baby Syndrome. 
  5. To help with asthma, breathing difficulties and allergies. 
  6. To improve spinal posture. 
  7. To improve their child’s ability to concentrate. 
  8. To assist with behavioral disorders and enhance emotional wellbeing. 
  9. To help alleviate digestive problems.
  10. To assist with bed-wetting and sleep issues. 

Your child’s health is their greatest asset

Your child’s health is their greatest asset, and investing in it early helps them grow into resilient, confident, and vibrant individuals. By supporting their body, mind, and emotions, you’re not only addressing today’s challenges—you’re giving them tools to thrive for a lifetime. Remember, even the simplest actions done with love and care can make all the difference.

Make an appointment with Lanjo Chiro today!

(517) 627-4547

Researching Chiropractic: Rib and Low Back Pain & Immune-deficiency

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

Probably most of them. 

rib pain

Children, mothers and chiropractic

Chiropractic care is the most common complementary and alternative (CAM) intervention for children, with wellness care cited as the most common reason for care.

This study included five children (3 boys and 2 girls, ages 9-13) who were under chiropractic care since birth. In fact, all the mothers were under chiropractic care before, during and after they became pregnant.

All the mothers reported a decrease in symptoms such as low back pain, extremity numbness and generalized soreness while pregnant. Four of the children were born vaginally with no complications and one was delivered via an obstetrician-recommended cesarean section. All the children were either fully or partially vaccinated; all were breastfed. 

The parents reported that their children experienced a higher level of health and quality of life than other children of the same age. 

Rib and low back pain in a 26-year-old

A 26-year-old man complaining of rib and low back pain began chiropractic care. Chiropractic analysis revealed subluxations and an unbalanced nervous system; the patient received 17 adjustments over a 10-month period and experienced a significant improvement upon his first post-examination at one month and second post-examination at 10 months of care.

In addition to his rib and low back pain relief, the patient demonstrated long-term curve correction as well as improvement in his autonomic nervous system. 

An “immune-deficient” 5-year-old

A 5-year-old girl diagnosed as immuno-deficient with recurrent respiratory illnesses was brought in for chiropractic care.

Her history included a premature birth, birth trauma, torticollis, constipation, frequent ear infections, tympanostomy (ear) tubes, tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.

Under chiropractic care her vertebral subluxations were immediately addressed and corrected. The mother reported a decrease in her daughters’ respiratory illnesses and related symptoms and an increased ability to respond to infections more efficiently. She was able to stop all medication with only occasional use of an inhaler at night. 

Do you know someone with any of these issues?

Please encourage them to make an appointment with us!

(517) 627-4547

Researching Chiropractic: Spinal Stenosis & Thoracic Curve

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.

researching chiropractic

Spinal Stenosis

A 70-year-old woman with MRI-confirmed cervical spinal stenosis and spinal cord deformation developed neck pain, headaches, and burning sensations after a car accident. She received chiropractic care using Applied Biostructural Therapy and Atlas Coccygeal Technique-nontraditional, gentle manipulations focused on reducing neural tension. Her symptoms resolved completely after a few sessions and remained absent at one-year follow-up, suggesting these chiropractic techniques may offer safe, long-term relief in select stenosis cases.[1]

Thoracic Curve

A 15-year-old girl with a 46° thoracic curve from adolescent idiopathic scoliosis underwent 18 months of chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation. Her Cobb angle reduced by 16°, along with improvements in posture, back pain, and bowel function. This case suggests chiropractic care may offer a non-surgical option for AIS.[2]

Do you know someone with any of these issues?

Please encourage them to make an appointment with us!

(517) 627-4547

  1. Kukurin GW. The Amelioration of Symptoms in Cervical Spinal Stenosis with Spinal Cord Deformation Through Specific Chiropractic Manipulation: A Case Report with Long-term Follow-Up. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2004;27(5):e7.
  2. Lotan S, Kalichman L. Manual therapy treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A case report. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2019;23(1):189-193. doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2018.01.005.

Building Immune Resilience Through Whole Foods This School Year

Nutrient-Dense Foods and the Immune System

Nutrient-Dense Foods

As fall begins and families return to the rhythm of school and work, one concern rises to the forefront: how to strengthen the immune system. Classrooms and office spaces bring people into close contact, increasing the spread of seasonal illnesses. While handwashing and sleep are vital, what we put on the table each day may play an even greater role. Nutrient-dense foods-those rich in vitamins, minerals, and natural fats-have long been recognized for their ability to nourish the body’s defenses.

Dr. Weston A. Price’s pioneering research in the early 20th century revealed that traditional societies that consumed whole, unprocessed foods had remarkably strong immunity and resistance to disease. He found that diets rich in fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, and K2) and trace minerals supported healthy growth, resilience, and recovery from illness.[1] Today, modern science confirms these findings: Vitamin A strengthens mucosal barriers, Vitamin D regulates the immune response, and Vitamin K2 enhances calcium metabolism, thereby indirectly influencing immune resilience. Together, these nutrients act as foundational support for the body’s ability to defend itself.

Practical Foods for Fall Immunity

For families looking to apply this wisdom today, fall is the perfect season to embrace foods that naturally deliver these protective nutrients. Grass-fed butter and raw cheeses are rich sources of vitamins A and K2. Pasture-raised eggs and cod liver oil provide Vitamin D, especially as sunlight wanes in the cooler months. Bone broths, rich in minerals and amino acids, not only comfort the body as the weather cools but also help repair the gut lining, an essential part of immune health. Fermented foods, such as sauerkraut and kefir, help restore balance to the microbiome, which is now understood to be deeply linked to immune function.

Packing school lunches or preparing quick work meals doesn’t need to rely on processed convenience foods. A hard-boiled egg, raw carrot sticks, and a slice of raw cheese nourish more deeply than a packaged granola bar ever could. By drawing on both ancestral traditions and nutritional science, families can establish a foundation of resilience that helps protect against the fatigue, frequent colds, and sluggishness often associated with the busy fall season.

Eating in harmony with nature and tradition is more than a dietary choice-it is an act of prevention, preparing the body to thrive in the months ahead.

  1. Price, W.A. Nutrition and Physical Degeneration. La Mesa, CA: Price-Pottenger Nutrition Foundation, 2009 (originally published 1939).

Chiropractic Adjustments vs. Massage: Why They’re Not the Same

After a long week of working hunched over a desk, Jim scheduled a massage. The tension melted from his shoulders. But a week later, the pain returned. That’s when his chiropractor explained that something he hadn’t considered, what he felt in his muscles was only part of the picture.

Chiropractic Adjustments vs. Massage

Muscles vs. Nervous System

Massage therapy focuses on muscles, circulation, and soft tissue. It’s excellent for relaxation, easing tightness, and promoting better blood flow. Most people feel lighter and more limber after a good massage. But it doesn’t correct spinal misalignments, nor does it address how the spine communicates with the nervous system.

A chiropractic adjustment aims deeper. It restores motion and position to the joints of the spine, especially where there’s been a loss of function or pressure on nerves. When those misalignments are corrected, it affects how the brain and body talk to each other. That’s not just about pain, it’s about balance, coordination, digestion, sleep, and more.

One patient described it this way: “After a massage, I feel relaxed. After an adjustment, I feel like I’m plugged back in.”

Short-Term Relief vs. Long-Term Change

Massage therapy often brings temporary comfort. But if joints are stuck or the spine isn’t moving properly, the muscles can’t fully relax, no matter how often they’re massaged. They’ll tighten back up to protect the area. It’s a loop: tension returns, the cycle repeats.

An adjustment breaks that loop. When the joint moves the way it’s supposed to, the muscles can finally stop compensating. That’s when real change happens. People often notice their posture improves, their body feels more “in sync,” and they can go longer between visits.

Massage is excellent for soothing. Adjustments are better for correcting. That’s why they work so well together, but they’re not interchangeable.

According to a 2010 study published in The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, spinal adjustments have measurable effects on nervous system function, particularly in how the brain processes movement and body [1].

The Right Tool for the Job

It’s not a matter of which is better. It’s about what your body needs. If you’re stiff from stress or sore from overuse, massage can be a welcome reset. But if your spine is misaligned and your nervous system isn’t firing right, that’s a job for the chiropractor.

The best results often come when both are used strategically-but it starts by understanding that they do very different things.

Looking for a new chiropractor?

Schedule an appointment with Lanjo Chiro Today!

517.627.4547

  1. Haavik, H., & Murphy, B. (2010). The effects of spinal manipulation on sensory processing, motor output, functional performance, and sensorimotor integration in the central nervous system: A narrative literature review. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 33(5), 336-343.

Sitting is the New Smoking

Office Workers Beware

sitting is the new smoking

Eight hours at a desk can seem harmless, but the human body was never designed for such prolonged periods of sitting. Remote work and long commutes have only added to the problem. Many office workers finish their day with stiff shoulders, a sore back, and the sense that their body is “locking up.” The phrase “sitting is the new smoking” isn’t just a catchy line. Extended sitting has been linked to a higher risk of chronic pain, circulation problems, and even long-term health concerns.

Small Movements, Big Difference

Desk workers don’t need to run a marathon to undo the effects of sitting. Tiny changes add up. Standing every half hour, rolling your shoulders, or taking a quick stretch break resets your posture and helps your muscles fire again. Micro-movements-such as shifting weight in the chair, wiggling toes, or performing light seated twists-keep circulation moving and prevent muscles from stiffening. Even a brief walk to refill a glass of water can help the body reset.

One patient who worked in accounting found that simply setting a reminder to stand and walk to the printer every hour alleviated his back pain in the afternoon. Another patient noticed her headaches decreased once she added two minutes of stretching after video calls.

Posture and Alignment

Posture is not about sitting rigid like a soldier. It’s about positioning the body in a way that reduces strain. Adjusting monitor height, keeping feet flat on the floor, and avoiding slouching makes a huge difference. A supportive chair can help, but no chair can replace movement.

Over time, sitting with poor posture trains the spine and supporting muscles into unnatural patterns. That’s where chiropractic adjustments come in. By restoring motion in the joints and easing pressure on irritated nerves, adjustments help the body recover from prolonged periods of sitting at a desk. Many patients notice that they breathe more easily, sit taller, and have increased energy after an adjustment.

A Better Daily Routine

Office workers who combine regular movement, posture awareness, and chiropractic visits often notice reduced stiffness, improved focus, and enhanced overall comfort. The body thrives when it is in motion, and the simple habit of breaking up sitting time can make workdays more productive and evenings more enjoyable.

Research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine shows that prolonged sitting is linked to a higher risk of illness and early death, regardless of exercise habits [1]. This makes it even more important for office workers to stay active throughout the day and support their spinal health.

Desk jobs aren’t going away, but the effects of sitting don’t have to become permanent. With a few daily adjustments and regular chiropractic care, office workers can maintain comfort, activity, and overall health for years to come.

Looking for a new chiropractor? Schedule an appointment with Lanjo Chiro Today!

517.627.4547

Backpack Safety: Protecting Spines at Every Age

Back-to-school season means fresh supplies, exciting routines, and of course—the trusty backpack. Backpacks are practical, stylish, and help kids (and adults!) carry what they need. But when used incorrectly, they can also create unnecessary strain on the back, shoulders, and neck.

The good news? With a few simple adjustments in how we choose, pack, and wear backpacks, we can prevent pain and protect posture for years to come.

backpack safety

Why Backpack Safety Matters

Backpacks are designed to evenly distribute weight across the body, which makes them safer than carrying a purse or briefcase. But when overloaded or worn incorrectly, they can cause real problems. According to the American Chiropractic Association, more than 5,000 backpack-related injuries are treated in U.S. emergency rooms each year.

Heavy packs can cause children (and adults) to slump their shoulders, arch their backs, or lean forward unnaturally. This puts strain on the spine and muscles, leading to soreness or even long-term posture issues. Kids who sling their backpacks over one shoulder may also develop imbalances that affect their back, shoulders, and neck.

backbacks

The Right Weight

A backpack should never exceed 10–15% of the carrier’s body weight. For example, a child weighing 80 pounds should not carry more than 8–12 pounds. Checking weight with a bathroom scale can help keep loads in the safe zone.

Encourage kids to unload unnecessary items daily—extra books, electronics, or gear can add hidden pounds that don’t need to be there.

backpacks

Fit and Features that Make a Difference

When shopping for a backpack, look for these supportive features:

  • Lightweight design: Leather may look sharp but adds extra pounds compared to canvas.

  • Two wide, padded straps: Narrow straps can dig into shoulders.

  • A padded back: Adds comfort and protects from sharp objects inside.

  • A waist or chest belt: Helps distribute weight evenly.

  • Multiple compartments: Keeps weight balanced and organized.

Proper fit is just as important:

  • The backpack should rest in the middle of the back—not sagging near the hips.

  • Straps should be snug but comfortable. Loose straps force kids to lean forward, creating strain.

  • Always use both straps—even if one-shoulder carrying feels “cooler.”

backpacks 3

Smart Packing and Carrying

Packing a backpack correctly makes a big difference:

  • Place heavier items (like textbooks or laptops) closest to the back panel.

  • Use compartments to distribute weight evenly.

  • Encourage kids to bend at the knees and lift their pack with both hands—just like lifting any heavy object.

If the load is consistently too much, rolling backpacks or sharing materials can reduce the strain.

Building Healthy Habits

Healthy backpack use is a team effort:

What Kids Can Do:

  • Use lockers and desks to avoid carrying everything at once.

  • Bring home only what’s needed for homework.

  • Regularly check posture—rounded shoulders or leaning forward is a red flag.

What Parents and Schools Can Do:

  • Encourage “backpack checks” at home.

  • Advocate for lighter materials, such as paperback books.

  • Support digital curriculum where possible.

  • Remind kids that caring for their spine is just as important as caring for their grades.

When to Seek Help

If your child frequently complains of back, shoulder, or neck pain, or you notice persistent posture changes, it may be time for a professional evaluation. Gentle adjustments, posture checks, and personalized guidance can help ease discomfort and prevent further issues.

Concerned about your child’s posture or backpack strain? Call 517.627.4547 today to schedule an evaluation. A healthy back today means a stronger future tomorrow.