Category: General

About Chiropractic, birth trauma, General, Infants, Pediatrics, pregnancy

Chiropractic Helps Infant with Birth Trauma & Colic

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Following birth trauma, the 2-month-old male infant in this case was suffering from colic, allergic colitis, plagiocephaly, and difficulty latching to breastfeed. As early as four weeks old he had blood and mucus in his stools, was very irritable most days and this got even worse at night. During the night he grew more and more inconsolable. Several medications were prescribed which did ot resolve the problems. His mother noted it was a painful birth, the cord got wrapped around his body and vacuum extraction was used. Once delivered he was not breathing, had bruising, and a deformed skull. 

The chiropractor examined him and found structural shifts in his skull, neck, back, pelvis, and sacrum.  He also had deficits in reflexes. These findings were confirmed by additional testing. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.

Following chiropractic care he experienced resolution of colic and he was a much happier baby. There was a dramatic improvement in colitis symptoms, there was no presence of blood in his stools, he was breastfeeding normally, all medications were discontinued and his head began to take on a more normal shape. The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in this population

Reference: Complete Resolution of Allergic Colitis, Colic, Plagiocephaly, and Breastfeeding Challenges in a 2-Month-Old Patient Undergoing Subluxation-Centered Chiropractic Care:  A Case Study.  Stanton Hom, DC & Kaitlyn Shikada, DC.  Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic ~ Volume, 2021

About Chiropractic, allergies, excema, General, Pediatrics

Improvement in Eczema, Allergies, Insomnia and Quality of Life in a Four Year Old Child Following Chiropractic

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A Case Report & Review of the Literature • Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health Chiropractic, Volume 2021

Recent research reported in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic on a child reveals that chiropractic may play an important role in managing eczema in this population. The literature included in the study supports the role of chiropractic in children suffering from the related health challenges and calls for more research in this area.

“Numerous case studies and some clinical studies are revealing that there is a relationship between abnormalities in the spine, the nervous system and the various health challenges that infants may experience” stated Dr. Matthew McCoy, a chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the journal that published the study.

McCoy added “In the case report presented, the child was suffering from eczema and several other symptoms that resolved under chiropractic care because of the nature of the nervous system and its relationship to the spine.”

According to researchers the nervous system controls and coordinates all functions of the body and structural shifts in the spine can occur that obstruct the nerves and interfere with their function. By removing the structural shifts, chiropractic improves nerve supply and function.

The 4-year-old child reported on in the study was suffering from eczema, allergies, and insomnia.  His eczema covered his entire body and had gone on for over a year and a half.  His allergy flare ups would leave him with itchy skin and difficulty sleeping.  He used steroid cream and medication to help alleviate his symptoms for short periods of time. 

The chiropractor examined him and found structural shifts in his neck, midback, low back, and sacrum.  He had tight muscles, decreased range of motion, and posture abnormalities.  Additional testing confirmed these findings.  These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.

Following chiropractic adjustments, his symptoms improved, his eczema cleared and his flare up episodes were less frequent and less severe.  He became more interested in playing and began sleeping better.

The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in this population.

About Chiropractic, chronic pain, Dry Needling, General, good health, Sports

Now Offering Dry Needling

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River Falls Spine Chiropractic and Wellness Center is pleased to announce that Dr. Steven Gartzke has completed training in Dry Needling and is now certified to perform this valuable technique in our office in order to treat myofascial trigger points, connective tissue, neural and muscular ailments.

Over the years, dry needling has become a popular treatment technique in manual physical therapy. Physical therapists and other healthcare providers in many countries employ dry needling in the clinical management of patients with myofascial pain and trigger points. Dry needling cannot only reverse some aspects of central sensitization, it reduces local and referred pain, improves range of motion and muscle activation pattern, and alters the chemical environment of trigger points.*

So … what exactly IS dry needling? The following article from the Mayo Clinic’s website is a great overview of what dry needling is, and why it can benefit chiropractic patients.

You may have heard of a treatment called dry needling and wondered what exactly it is or if it’s something that may be right for you.

While the name of the procedure may sound intimidating, dry needling is safe, minimally discomforting and often an effective technique for patients with certain musculoskeletal presentations. Dry needling is a treatment performed by skilled, trained physical therapists, certified in the procedure. A thin monofilament needle penetrates the skin and treats underlying muscular trigger points for the management of neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairments.

So, what is a trigger point? A trigger point is a local contracture or tight band in a muscle fiber that can disrupt function, restrict range of motion, refer pain or cause local tenderness. When dry needling is applied to a dysfunctional muscle or trigger point, it can decrease banding or tightness, increase blood flow, and reduce local and referred pain.

It’s important to note dry needling is not the same as acupuncture. It uses similar tools, but that’s where the similarities end. Dry needling is performed by different practitioners with different training. Acupuncture is based on Eastern medicine, while dry needling is rooted in Western medicine and evaluation of pain patterns, posture, movement impairments, function and orthopedic tests.

Dry needling treats muscle tissue, and its goal is to reduce pain, inactivate trigger points and restore function. It rarely is a standalone procedure. Rather, it often is part of a broader physical therapy approach incorporating other traditional physical therapy interventions into treatment.

Dry needling can be used for a wide variety of musculoskeletal issues, such as shoulder, neck, heel, hip and back pain. While research indicates dry needling is a safe and effective approach for treating and managing pain, some insurance companies may not reimburse for the procedure.

https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/on-pins-and-needles-just-what-is-dry-needling

If you have any questions about Dry Needling or would like to make an appointment, give Dr. Gartzke a call at 715.425.9439

* Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3201653/

General, good health, Vertigo

Chiropractic Shown to Help with Meniere’s Disease, Vertigo & Ringing in the Ears

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Recent research reporting on a 64-year-old woman who was suffering from Meniere’s Disease reveals that chiropractic may play an important role in caring for people with this condition. The research reported in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research showed improvements in Meniere’s Disease after chiropractic adjustments to the upper part of the neck.

“Research is revealing that there is a relationship between structural abnormalities in the spine, the nervous system and brain” stated Dr. Matthew McCoy, a chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the journal that published the study. 

Research has shown not only that the brain relies on normal structural integrity and joint movement, but that complex neurological communication and pathways involved in helping humans balance and orient themselves in space are tied into spinal biomechanics and their related neurological pathways. 

“It makes perfect sense when you think about it” stated Dr. McCoy. “Meniere’s disease may be related to how the entire body communicates with the brain and the most critical area for this is the spine and the most critical area of the spine is the upper part of the neck.” 

The 64-year-old woman in this study had Meniere’s disease and anxiety.  She had arm weakness, ear irritation, giddiness, neck and jaw clicking with pain, stiffness, and sciatica.  She feels like a bad cold brought on the Meniere’s disease years ago. Each episode included symptoms of severe vertigo, dizziness, nausea, visual disturbances, hearing loss, and fullness in the ear. These episodes would last six to eight hours. She tried different therapies, journaling, and medications which only provided temporary relief. 

The chiropractor examined her and found structural shifts in her upper neck.  She had postural changes and tight muscles in her neck.  X-rays and other testing confirmed these findings.  These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct. 

Following upper cervical chiropractic care, her Meniere’s disease improved dramatically.  She immediately felt like her head was clear after the first adjustment.  She only journaled about one episode over the course of care.  Her Meniere’s related symptoms improved and allowed her to do more activities, traveling to visit her grandchildren and taking a walk on the beach.   

The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in patients with Meniere’s Disease. Source: Matthew McCoy DC, MPH
Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research
http://www.uppercervicalsubluxation.com

CLICK HERE to review the research

If you suffer from Meniere’s disease or any of it’s related symptoms, contact Dr. Gartzke for a consultation on how you may benefit from chiropractic treatment.

birth trauma, General, Infants, Pediatrics

Chiropractic Treatment for Infant Suffering from Effects of Birth Trauma

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An 8-month-old male who experienced birth trauma was suffering from vertebral subluxations, GERD, constipation, torticollis, plagiocephaly, developmental delays, and abnormal sleeping patterns after a traumatic delivery. Medical interventions and physical therapy had failed to help.

Interventions and Outcomes: Sustained contacts, high-velocity low-amplitude (HVLA) adjustments (Diversified Technique) were applied to various spinal segments where vertebral subluxations were present. The patient’s mother reported complete resolution of his GERD, which resulted in him being able to discontinue the use of his prescription medications (Zantac and Prilosec). His sleep dysfunction and constipation resolved and he also had complete resolution of his torticollis achieving full range of motion throughout his cervical spine.  Upon continued chiropractic care the patient began to reach his developmental milestones. 

Conclusions: The chiropractic care of a patient with severe gastrointestinal disorders, torticollis, developmental delays, and abnormal sleeping patterns is presented.  Significant improvements and resolutions of the patient’s multiple conditions and symptoms were seen after only two chiropractic visits with complete resolution of his GERD after four visits.  The results of this case study attest to the usefulness and benefits of chiropractic care. Further research is warranted.

Complete article can be found and referenced HERE at vertebralsubluxationresearch.com.

Resolution of Severe Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Chronic Constipation, Sleep Disturbance & Developmental Delays Following Chiropractic in an Infant with Birth Trauma: A Case Report & Selective Review of the Literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health Chiropractic, Volume 2020 Chris Boman, DC& Jessica Allen, DC  Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic ~ July 14, 2020 ~ Pages 18-25

corona virus, Covid-19, General, good health, Immunity, Nutrition, supplements

Bold Action Required to Defeat Second Wave of COVID-19

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River Falls Spine Chiropractic & Wellness Center shares an analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola on the use of Vitamin D for possible prevention of illnesses, including Covid-19. Good information to consider when educating ourselves in the best ways to stay healthy, any time.

LINK TO FULL ARTICLE ON MERCOLA WEBSITE

As health officials continue to expect a second wave of COVID-19 this fall, spreading information about how to prevent it is becoming crucial. One of the most important strategies in this regard is to optimize your vitamin D level.

Vitamin D not only helps regulate immune function and prevent respiratory illnesses in general, but mounting data analyses show clear parallels between vitamin D levels and the risk of infection, severity and mortality from COVID-19 as well.

While U.S. authorities are still trying to debunk (and even instill fear) of vitamin D supplementation, British and Scottish authorities appear to be embracing a more sensible approach.

The British Frontline Immune Support Team, founded “to make available some of the best quality immune supportive products … to help keep those on the NHS (UK National Health Service) frontline resilient and strong,” is already providing health care workers with free nutritional supplements known to bolster and regulate immune function.

Vitamin D could almost be thought of as a designer drug for helping the body to handle viral respiratory infections. It boosts the ability of cells to kill and resist viruses and simultaneously dampens down harmful inflammation, which is one of the big problems with Covid.

— Adrian Martineau, professor of respiratory infection and immunity.

Read the full article HERE on the Mercola website. River Falls Spine Chiropractic & Wellness Center is sharing this information for your own use, and not necessarily promoting any particular product promoted or sold via Mercola. If you have any questions about Vitamin D or any supplement, please feel free to ask Dr. Gartzke – he will be happy to talk with you!

About Chiropractic, allergies, asthma, General, good health, Immunity, Pediatrics

Chiropractic Care of a Pediatric Patient with Asthma, Allergies, Chronic Colds & Vertebral Subluxation

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Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health Chiropractic, Volume 2009

Objective: To provide supporting evidence on the effectiveness of chiropractic care in relieving asthma and allergies and overall improvement in a pediatric patient’s immune system and health.

Clinical Features: A 7-year-old male was presented by his parents for chiropractic evaluation and possible care. The suffered from chronic colds, allergies, and asthma since the age of 5 months. At the time of initial evaluation, the patient was on a 1x/day dose of prescription Alavert for allergies and Albuterol for asthma. The patient’s illness caused him to miss approximately 1–2 days a month of school due to colds and symptoms of asthma. His parents also indicated that his health problems resulted in monthly visits to his medical doctor.

Interventions and Outcomes: The patient was cared for using specific, low-force adjustments with the Activator Instrument to address areas of vertebral subluxation in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbosacral spine. Within two weeks of initiating chiropractic care, the patient was able to discontinue his allergy and asthma medications (as decided upon by his parents) and the use of his nebulizer. In the first 5 months after beginning chiropractic care, he has had only wellness checkups at the medical doctor. In the past school year, the patient has not missed any days of school due to illness.

Conclusion: This case report provides supporting evidence that chiropractic care can help balance immune system functioning and relieve asthma symptoms as well as colds and allergies. It is recommended that further research be done on this subject to support the findings of this case study.

Joel Alcantara, BSc, D.C.; Laura Van Roo, D.C. and Rosemary E. Oman, Msc, FASBE, DC

Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic ~ Volume 2009 ~ Issue 3 ~ Pages 1-7. August 17, 2009

Anxiety, General, good health, Immunity, Stress

New Research Sheds Light on Chiropractic, Stress, Anxiety & Immunity

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Article taken from Tuesday, April 21, 2020 – 11:16 Research News Staff

New Research Sheds Light on Chiropractic, Stress, Anxiety & Immunity

Research Reveals Chiropractic May Alleviate Suffering & Optimize Function

Recent research reported in the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research on patients suffering with anxiety, stress, pain and immune challenges reveals that chiropractic may play an important role in helping these patients.  The literature included supports the role of chiropractic in those suffering from anxiety and its related health challenges and calls for more research in this area.

CLICK HERE to review the research

“Research indicates that minor shifts in the structure of the spine may impact brain function, suggesting that these structural shifts may be a factor in a number of health challenges including anxiety, stress and immunity. Structural shifts may lead to nerve obstruction and could possibly result in a host of health problems related to mental health” stated Dr. Matthew McCoy, a chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the journal that published the study. Other chiropractic researchers have reported on similar results and reviews of the scientific research reveal numerous other studies that have shown a similar connection. 

Research has shown not only that the brain relies on normal structural integrity and joint movement, but that complex neurochemical communication and pathways involved in helping humans to “feel good” and heal are tied into spinal biomechanics and their related neurological pathways. 

“It makes perfect sense once you understand the neurological connections between the spine, the brain, and the nervous and immune system” stated McCoy. “The seat of human emotion is the Limbic System and we know that this system extends all the way down the spinal cord. By removing obstructions there, things like anxiety, effects from stress, immunity and well-being are affected.” 

For decades mental health specialists have strived to find an answer for patients suffering from a multitude of anxiety and stress related disorders. We now know many naturally occurring brain and spinal cord chemicals play a role in emotions, anxiety, stress, immunity and pain reduction, leading to an increased sense of wellbeing. 

This research describes five patients with anxiety including two women and three men.  In addition to anxiety, they all complained of symptoms including stress, headache, neck pain, back pain, high cholesterol, hypertension, and overall decreased immune system function.  They all had hopes of reducing their stress and anxiety levels.  

The chiropractor examined each of them and found structural shifts along the spine.  Other testing and an anxiety assessment confirmed findings.  These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct. 

Following chiropractic adjustments, the patients reported improvement in their symptoms.  Each showed a reduction in anxiety, reported better immune function, increased energy, better mood, better sleep, and decrease in stress. 

The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in this population.     

Contact Information: 

Matthew McCoy DC, MPH
Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research
https://www.vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/vertebral-subluxation-research-1/
support@vertebralsubluxationresearch.com

About Chiropractic, Athletes, General, Knee Injuries, Sports, Sports Injuries

Knee Injuries

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How chiropractic can treat this common sports injury

Christina DeBusk February 13, 2018
3 minute read

photo and text credit: Chiropractic Economics

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMSD) reports that knee injuries are among the most common sports injuries sustained by athletes nationwide.

In fact, they rank right up there with other common athletic injuries such as muscle sprains and strains, fractures, and dislocations.

Though knee pain is problematic for anyone that must endure it, when it strikes someone who spends a lot of time being physically active, it can make life extra miserable. And if they play within the pro sports arena, it could even take away their livelihood.

So, what can you do help your athletic patients prevent or heal their knee pain so they can stay in the game without having to suffer? There are a few different options to consider, the first of which is chiropractic.

Chiropractic for knee pain relief

Several studies have revealed that chiropractic care is an effective tool for helping with sports-related injury prevention and treatment. One of the most notable studies was published in 2010 in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders and it involved 59 Australian Rules footballers. Twenty-eight of the participants were subjected to sports chiropractic intervention and the rest served as a control.

After almost eight months of individualized treatment sessions, it was noted that, when compared to the control, there was a “significant” difference in lower-limb muscle strains for those who received chiropractic care. Researchers also found that there was a sizeable difference in the number of weeks the control subjects missed due to non-contact knee injuries as they spent more time on the bench than the individuals who engaged in chiropractic.

Another study, this one published by The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, involved 43 subjects with chronic, non-progressive osteoarthritic knee pain. After undergoing three manual treatments per week for two consecutive weeks, “the intervention group reported a significant decrease in the present pain severity.” They also reported improved knee mobility when compared to a control.

At-home relief remedies

In addition to chiropractic, there are also many things athletes can do at home to potentially speed up the recovery process. Here are a few action items to consider.

  • The NIAMSD indicates that following the RICE method—rest, ice, compression, and elevation—can help reduce the pain, swelling, and tenderness associated with knee injuries. This involves reducing the amount of activity sustained, icing the knee area for 20 minutes at a time up to eight times per day, compressing the knee, and elevating it so it is above the heart.
  • Self-massage. Another at-home treatment method that can help with knee pain, especially if the pain is associated with osteoarthritis, is self-massage according to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). To perform this self-treatment, the AMTA indicates that deep gliding strokes with the heel of the hand provide the greatest benefit. Just press four of fingertips into the tissue surrounding the entire knee area, moving the tissue up and down using short strokes.
  • Knee-strengthening exercises. Strengthening your knees is beneficial from both a prevention and treatment standpoint while also improving flexibility says and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). This can be accomplished by regularly performing knee exercises such as straight-leg lifts, single-leg dips, wall squats, and step ups.
  • Lower body stretching exercises. The AAOS also stresses that lower body stretching exercises conducted after strength training sessions can help ease knee-related pain by increasing flexibility and reducing muscle tightness. Thus, stretching directed toward the quadriceps and hamstrings is part of a comprehensive healthy knee exercise regimen.
  • An anti-inflammatory diet. When most people hear the word “anti-inflammatory,” they think of medications. However, Medical News Today reports that an anti-inflammatory diet can also help with knee pain. This consists of adding fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids (such as salmon, sardines, trout, and tuna), berries, avocados, watermelon, grapes, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, cabbage, olives, and olive oil to a dietary plan.
  • Taping the knee. When engaged in activities that use the knee, whether in sports or everyday activities such stair climbing and squatting down, the athlete may also find relief in using tape to better support the knee area. One study published in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy found that both McConnell Taping Technique and Kinesio Taping Method were effective for lowering participants’ knee pain levels.

Combining chiropractic with these at-home treatment methods can help the athlete heal his or her injury and return to the sports arena quickly and more effectively.

Give Dr. Steve a call if you have any questions or concerns about your knee pain or injury.

About Chiropractic, corona virus, flu, General, good health

How Chiropractic Helps Fight the Flu

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A healthy immune system is key to combating many illnesses, including the new corona virus. This post, which is considered general knowledge among chiropractic and medical communities, covers aspects pertaining to staying healthy during a normal flu season, but can be applied at any time.

The medical community is in unanimous agreement that the secret to fighting the flu is a healthy immune system. Unfortunately you can’t buy a healthy immune system and you can’t pop a pill and get a healthy immune system. A healthy immune system comes about as a result of having a fully functioning nervous system & body. Supporting the immune system is important to wellness. The most effective method is a comprehensive approach that involves exercise, stress management, diet, nutritional supplementation, plant-based medicines, and chiropractic care.

The flu season begins in November and is at its height between December and March. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 out of every 5 Americans will get the flu this year. The flu is another name for influenza. Considered contagious, it is a viral infection of the respiratory passages, which often causes fever, severe aching and/or intestinal infection. The flu is often mistaken for symptoms of the common cold. Colds are usually due to bacterial infection that overwhelms the body, often resulting in fatigue, coughing, sneezing, mucous build-up and drainage, fever and sometimes body aches. Are you prepared for the flu season?

Dr. Gartzke adjusts a young patient

Chiropractic care may be your answer to a clean bill of health this season. Chiropractic has been shown in hundreds of research articles to improve the function of the body’s immune system. If your immune system is working at 100%, especially because you get the benefits of chiropractic care, versus people who don’t use chiropractic, you have greater ability to be healthy and not suffer from as many cold’s and/or flu as the general population does. Chiropractic can give your immune system a boost with a spinal adjustment. Chiropractic care can help raise your natural resistance to disease by removing a serious interference to your proper body function: Vertebral subluxations. Remember, an elevated temperature (fever) is one of your body’s defense mechanisms, helping you to destroy infection. Lowering a mild to moderate fever reduces this defense against this illness condition. Likewise, other symptoms of colds and flu are the body’s attempts to clear itself of bacterial and viral influences that attack the body. Here are some facts and a recent study about chiropractic and the flu: A study shown in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research in 1997 showed chiropractic care to be effective in treating the flu. Over 2,800 individuals received regular chiropractic care and the result was an average decrease in the incidence of colds and the flu.

According to the World Chiropractic Alliance, spinal adjustments can help your immune system function better. An adjustment by a Doctor of Chiropractic corrects what are called vertebral subluxations, which can cause interference of the nervous system. When an adjustment is performed, it releases pressure on the nerves and allows more efficient interaction between your body’s nervous system and immune system. When your immune system is healthy it is better prepared to prevent or combat the flu.

Regular chiropractic care is beneficial to the body. Preventing the flu is just one of the many positive side effects of regular chiropractic maintenance. Do you really need a flu shot? Or could great flu-fighting benefits accrue from taking a healthier and more natural approach to fighting the flu? And of course eating right, exercising, and having a healthy body are all-important issues in combating the flu as well. The mind, emotion, and stress have a huge impact on immune function. Stress depresses the activity of white blood cells, the soldiers of the immune system that directly combat infection. Stress stimulates the sympathetic nervous system that is responsible for the fight or flight response. When the sympathetic nervous system is active, the immune system is not as stimulated and deep sleep is disrupted. The immune system appears to work at its best when we are happy. If you want a happy immune system, then you need to laugh often and view life from an optimistic point of view.

If you would like to learn more about utilizing chiropractic to improve or maintain your health, please give Dr. Gartzke at River Falls Spine Chiropractic & Wellness Center a call at (715) 425-9439. We’re here to help!