working-body-chiropractic

How Chiropractic Care May Improve Your Stress Levels

Fri, 01 May 2026 23:10:00 GMT

Chronic stress carries measurable physical consequences, including increased risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and depression, among others. Chiropractic care addresses several of the physiological mechanisms through which stress affects the body.

How Stress Affects the Body

When the body perceives a threat, whether a physical danger or a demanding work deadline, it activates the sympathetic nervous system's "fight-or-flight" response. This response is adaptive in acute situations, but when stress is ongoing, the physiological effects accumulate.

Common physical symptoms associated with chronic stress include:

Neck and shoulder muscle tension
Headaches and migraines
Low back pain
Nausea, bloating, and gastrointestinal changes
Sleep disturbances
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ)

Alongside muscle tension, the fight-or-flight response elevates blood pressure and heart rate, slows digestion, and increases cortisol production, the body's primary stress hormone.

The Chiropractic Approach

Chiropractic care focuses on the relationship between musculoskeletal function and the nervous system. The vertebrae of the spine protect the spinal cord and provide attachment points for the network of nerves that carry signals between the brain and body. When vertebrae are misaligned, a condition called subluxation, or when surrounding muscles and connective tissues are tight, they can place pressure on nearby nerves.

This nerve irritation can disrupt normal nervous system signaling. Chiropractic adjustments realign the vertebrae, reducing that pressure. A 2020 literature review published in Acta Biomedica found evidence that spinal manipulation can help balance nervous system activity.

"Misaligned vertebrae and tight tissues press on nerves, and sustained nerve irritation can be a contributing factor in the body's ongoing stress response."

 Documented Mechanisms and Benefits

Muscle and Tissue Tension Relief: Adjustments that correct subluxations reduce mechanical stress on surrounding soft tissues. Massage therapy, soft-tissue mobilization, and trigger-point therapy address muscle tension directly. The American Chiropractic Association notes that tension headaches and migraines are associated with tight neck muscles, conditions that often respond to cervical adjustments and soft tissue treatment.

Cortisol Regulation: Cortisol mobilizes glucose to meet acute demands, but chronically elevated cortisol has systemic effects on cardiovascular, immune, and metabolic function. By improving nervous system signaling, chiropractic care may support the body's ability to downregulate the stress response and normalize cortisol levels.

Heart Rate Variability: High-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV), a measure of the interval between heartbeats, tends to decrease under stress and serves as a marker of autonomic nervous system balance. A 2020 randomized controlled trial published in Scientific Reports found that massage therapy increased HF-HRV and improved subjective relaxation.

Endogenous Hormone Release: Chiropractic treatments, including spinal adjustments and massage, are associated with the release of serotonin and endorphins. These neurotransmitters have well-established roles in pain modulation and mood regulation, contributing to the relaxation many patients report following treatment.

Sleep Quality: Poor sleep and chronic stress are mutually reinforcing. Stress impairs sleep, and insufficient sleep heightens stress reactivity. By addressing musculoskeletal pain and supporting nervous system balance, chiropractic care can remove physical barriers to restful sleep.

Stress management is multifactorial, and chiropractic care is one component of a broader approach to physical and mental well-being. If you have questions about how chiropractic treatment may be relevant to your situation, we encourage you to schedule a consultation.

Schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms and care options at https://www.workingbodychiro.com/contact .

Your Feet Are the Foundation: How Foot Mechanics Affect Your Entire Body

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 22:26:45 GMT

When a patient comes to us with persistent lower back pain, hip discomfort, or recurring leg tension, the conversation doesn’t always start at the spine. Often, the most important question is: what’s happening with the feet?

Your feet are the only point of contact between your body and the ground. They bear your full weight with every step, absorb impact, and set the biomechanical tone for everything above them. When that foundation is compromised, the entire kinetic chain pays the price.

Understanding the Kinetic Chain

The term “kinetic chain” refers to the way your body’s joints, muscles, and connective tissues function as a linked system. Movement or instability at one point in the chain doesn’t stay contained. An ankle dysfunction alters knee loading. A shift at the knee alters the hip's compensatory motion. And a tilted pelvis forces the spine to adapt.

This is why we look beyond where pain is felt. The source and the symptom are often separated by several links in the chain.

What the Feet Are Actually Doing

The foot is a complex structure built around three distinct arches: the medial longitudinal, lateral longitudinal, and anterior transverse arches, which together form the Plantar Vault. This system serves several critical biomechanical functions:

Weight distribution: A healthy Plantar Vault spreads load evenly across the foot’s surface, preventing concentrated stress on any single structure.
Shock absorption: With each step, the foot acts as a shock absorber. When the arches lose integrity, this function is transferred upward, to the knees, hips, and lumbar spine, where those structures are not designed to manage that load.
Postural alignment: The feet anchor your skeletal alignment from the ground up. When they pronate excessively (rolling inward) or supinate (rolling outward), the resulting chain reaction tilts the pelvis and strains the spine.

How Foot Dysfunction Travels Upward

A collapse in the medial arch is one of the most common and underrecognized contributors to musculoskeletal pain. When the arch drops, the ankle rolls inward, which causes the tibia to internally rotate. That rotation is transmitted to the knee, altering its tracking. The resulting shift at the knee alters the direction of force into the hip joint, which then tilts the pelvis. A tilted pelvis then forces the lumbar spine out of its neutral curve to keep the body upright.

This is the kinetic chain in action, and it explains why patients experiencing chronic low back pain, sciatica, IT band syndrome, or hip impingement often benefit from an evaluation that includes the feet.

Common signs that a foot imbalance may be contributing to your pain include uneven wear on the soles of your shoes, recurring ankle instability, knee pain without a clear injury, one-sided hip or back pain, and postural asymmetry.

What We Look For and How We Address It

During your evaluation, we assess foot mechanics as part of a comprehensive postural and spinal analysis. If a foot imbalance is identified as a contributing factor, our approach may include:

Custom orthotics (Foot Levelers): Unlike over-the-counter insoles that support only one arch, Foot Levelers are custom-built to support all three arches of the Plantar Vault. Using advanced 3D scanning technology, they are individually handcrafted to the exact specifications of your feet, correcting asymmetry and providing the structural support your kinetic chain needs to hold your adjustments longer.
Movement and footwear guidance: Practical recommendations on footwear that supports arch integrity and daily habits that reduce repetitive strain on the kinetic chain. Shoes matter more than most people realize. Footwear that lacks arch support or allows excessive foot mobility, such as flat sandals or worn-down athletic shoes, can accelerate arch collapse and aggravate existing imbalances. We’ll discuss footwear as part of your care plan if it’s relevant to you.

Start From the Ground Up

If you’re managing persistent pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments, or if you notice that your shoes wear unevenly, it may be time to evaluate your foundation. At Working Body Chiropractic, we take a thorough, whole-body approach to understanding what’s driving your symptoms, and the feet are always part of that picture.

We invite you to schedule a visit so we can assess your kinetic chain and build a care plan that addresses the root of the problem, not just where it hurts.

Custom Orthotics: Why Precision Stability is important for Your Health

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 04:16:50 GMT

In chiropractic care, we often look at the body as a single, interconnected system. When a patient presents with chronic lower back pain, hip discomfort, or recurring neck tension, the source isn't always where the pain is felt. Frequently, these issues stem from a foundational imbalance in the feet.

The Science of the "Kinetic Chain"

Your feet are your only point of contact with the ground, bearing the entire weight of your body. They function as the base of a "kinetic chain." If the arches in your feet lose their structural integrity, a common result of gravity, age, or repetitive activity, the entire chain is affected.

A collapse in the arches causes the ankles to roll inward and the knees to rotate. This shift travels upward, tilting the pelvis and forcing the spine out of its natural alignment to compensate. This is why stabilizing the feet is often a critical component of achieving long-term relief from spinal discomfort.

The Importance of Custom Stabilization

Many people turn to over-the-counter inserts for relief, but there is a significant clinical difference between generic cushioning and professional custom stabilizers.

The Three-Arch System: The human foot actually has three distinct arches, the medial longitudinal, the lateral longitudinal, and the anterior transverse arch. Together, they form the "Plantar Vault." Most retail inserts only support one arch, leaving the foot and the rest of the body imbalanced.
Correction of Asymmetry: It is rare for a person’s left and right feet to be identical. Mass-produced inserts are symmetrical, which can inadvertently reinforce an existing postural tilt. Custom solutions are built to the unique specifications of each foot.

Integrating Foot Levelers into Your Care

We choose to work with Foot Levelers because their methodology aligns with our commitment to evidence-based, professional care. Unlike companies that use at-home casting kits, which are prone to errors without medical oversight, they use advanced 3D scanning technology.

This state-of-the-art system captures distinct data points to analyze how your feet support your weight while standing. This data allows for the creation of stabilizers that are:

Specifically Handcrafted: Each pair is built in the USA to match your digital footprint exactly.
Clinically Proven: Foot Levelers is backed by 37 clinical research studies and over 70 years of experience in the chiropractic profession.
Designed for Movement: While some orthotics "brace" the foot into a rigid position, these are engineered to be flexible, allowing for a natural gait while maintaining structural alignment.

A Comprehensive Approach to Wellness

Our goal is to help your chiropractic adjustments "hold" longer. When your foundation is level and supported, your spine doesn't have to work as hard to keep you upright. By addressing the biomechanics of the Plantar Vault, we can reduce the repetitive stress on your joints and improve your overall quality of life.

If you find that your pain is persistent or that your shoes are wearing unevenly, it may be time to evaluate your foundation. We invite you to schedule your next visit to see how precise stabilization can support your journey to health.

How Chiropractic Care Supports Long-Term Health Goals

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 03:58:03 GMT

Health goals often begin with motivation, but they are sustained through consistent function, movement, and adaptability. When pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility interfere, progress naturally slows. Chiropractic care addresses these underlying physical limitations by focusing on spinal alignment, nervous system function, and efficient movement patterns.

Rather than serving as a short-term solution, chiropractic care is often incorporated into a comprehensive long-term strategy to support physical performance, recovery, and overall well-being.

Improving Movement Quality and Reducing Physical Stress

Discomfort in the muscles and joints frequently limits daily activities and adherence to exercise. While acute injuries are one cause, ongoing mechanical stress from posture, repetitive motion, or inefficient movement patterns is often overlooked.

Common contributors to musculoskeletal strain include:

Prolonged sitting or computer use
Forward head posture and rounded shoulders
Extended use of mobile devices
Occupational demands that require repetitive or asymmetrical movement

Chiropractic care evaluates how the spine and joints move as a system. When alignment and motion are improved, the body can distribute physical stress more evenly, reducing strain on muscles and connective tissues.

Care Approaches May Include:

Specific spinal adjustments designed to improve joint motion and neurological communication
Gentle, low-force techniques when appropriate
Soft tissue therapies to address muscular tension and restricted movement
Therapeutic modalities that support tissue recovery and mobility

Improved movement efficiency often makes physical activity more comfortable, sustainable, and effective over time.

Supporting Pain Management Without Over-Reliance on Medication

Many individuals seek conservative care options to manage pain while minimizing long-term medication use. While medications can help manage symptoms, they do not address mechanical or neurological contributors to discomfort.

Chiropractic care focuses on correcting dysfunction that may contribute to pain by:

Reducing joint irritation and abnormal loading
Supporting healthy nervous system signaling
Improving circulation to stressed tissues
Encouraging the body’s natural recovery processes

With consistent care, patients often report improvements in daily comfort, reduced frequency of tension-related headaches, and greater tolerance for physical activity.

The Role of Chiropractic in Ongoing and Chronic Conditions

Chiropractic care may provide supportive benefits for individuals managing chronic or recurrent conditions associated with musculoskeletal or neuromuscular dysfunction, such as:

Persistent neck or back discomfort
Recurrent headaches or migraines
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction
Arthritis-related stiffness
Widespread muscular tension or fatigue
Sleep disruption related to pain or stress

By improving spinal motion and reducing nervous system interference, chiropractic care may help the body respond more efficiently to physical and environmental stressors. Some clinical research has also observed changes in blood pressure following specific cervical spinal interventions in select populations.

A Function-Focused Approach to Health Maintenance

Sustainable health outcomes depend on how well the body adapts to daily demands. Chiropractic care emphasizes functional improvement over symptom suppression, making it a practical option for individuals focused on achieving long-term health goals.

When spinal mechanics, nervous system communication, and movement patterns are optimized, patients are often better equipped to stay active, recover efficiently, and maintain progress over time.

Chiropractic care is not about quick fixes or temporary relief. Its value lies in improving how the body functions as a whole by supporting spinal mechanics, nervous system communication, and efficient movement. When these systems work together effectively, individuals are better positioned to pursue physical activity, manage discomfort, and maintain long-term health goals with greater consistency and resilience.

What to Expect at Your First Adjustment

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 18:43:51 GMT

If you’ve never been to a chiropractor before, your first visit can feel a little intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be!

Here’s what you can expect when you walk into Working Body Chiropractic for your first adjustment:

First, you’ll have a detailed consultation where we learn about your health history, any pain or discomfort, and your wellness goals.

Second, we’ll perform a gentle physical exam, including posture and spinal assessments.

Lastly, the adjustment is a precise, gentle technique designed to improve nervous system function and relieve tension. Most patients feel relief immediately, and the procedure is often painless or even relaxing.

We’ll finish by discussing a personalized plan to support your health, including follow-up visits and at-home care tips. You’re in control every step of the way, and we’re here to answer all your questions.

"Michael is knowledgable and willing to do the extra research where necessary. A true professional and my first stop for any issue."

Ryan Waddington

Is Your Nervous System Stressed Out?

Sun, 31 Jan 2021 18:37:10 GMT

Modern life can be overwhelming. Between long hours at desks, constant screen time, and everyday stress, your nervous system often bears the brunt of it all. But what does it mean when your nervous system is stressed?

Your nervous system controls everything in your body — from how you move, to how you heal, to how you feel. When it's under stress, signals don’t flow properly, leading to issues like tension, pain, fatigue, and reduced immunity.

Chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper nervous system function. By gently adjusting your spine, we help remove interference and improve communication between your brain and body. This can reduce stress symptoms and support your overall health.

If you feel constantly tired, tense, or off-balance, your nervous system might be crying out for some care. Schedule a consultation to see how chiropractic can help you restore balance and vitality.

" Dr Ackerman is great! I've been seeing him for over a year, and he has done wonders for my back. I highly recommend him."

Oz Shaar-Moshe

Desk Posture Fixes You Can Start Today

Sat, 30 Jan 2021 18:47:35 GMT

Sitting at a desk all day is tough on your spine and nervous system, but small changes can make a big difference. Here are some simple tips to improve your posture and reduce discomfort:

Adjust Your Chair: Your feet should rest flat on the floor, with knees at a 90-degree angle. Support your lower back with a cushion or lumbar support.
Screen Height: Position your monitor so the top of the screen is at or slightly below eye level to avoid neck strain.
Take Breaks: Stand up and move around every 30 minutes. Stretch your shoulders, neck, and back to keep muscles loose.
Keyboard and Mouse: Keep them close enough to prevent reaching or leaning forward.

By making these small adjustments, you reduce strain on your spine and nervous system, which helps prevent chronic pain and fatigue.

If you’re already feeling pain, a chiropractic evaluation can identify issues and provide targeted relief. Your body will thank you!