Active Life Chiropractic logo featuring stylized figures in motion, symbolizing health and wellness for families.

Address the Source of Your Pain

Man experiencing lower back pain while standing on a road, highlighting the need for chiropractic care to address pain sources.

So, you wake up with a headache, neck pain, etc. You have a busy day and can’t afford to be in constant pain; you reach for your over the counter(OTC) pain medication of choice. With the pain suppressed you go about your day as you would, without being in constant pain. While OTC medication is helpful at times, and can certainly be convenient, it is definitely inferior in the long run as a solution to what’s causing your pain. This is for a variety of reasons. It’s estimated by the FDA that NSAIDS cause 16,500 deaths every year. With the fact that these drugs are purchasable over the counter most people assume that they are safe to use at will. While not dangerous for the majority of people, these class of drugs put a strain on the kidneys and the liver. These effects are amplified if there is any alcohol in your system. If these reasons were not enough, when you take over the counter medication you are simply masking the issue that caused the pain in the first place. Chiropractic is a better option. Chiropractic can help with most of the aches and pains that someone would usually turn to an OTC medication for; but naturally, and with no significant health risks. In addition, Chiropractic helps to address the underlying issues with a lot of the everyday aches and pains people experience. As an example headaches, are a common issue people would take medication for. Often times headaches stem from the neck or cervical spine. Which when corrected, can alleviate neck pain and headaches as opposed to just masking them. Looking to Address the Source of Your Pain? If you ever have any questions if Chiropractic can help with an issue that you are regularly medicating for please contact us at (573)250-7427.

Chiropractic For CrossFit Athletes

Person lifting a barbell in a gym setting, emphasizing strength training for athletes, relevant to chiropractic care and injury prevention in CrossFit.

Rich Froning – The Fittest Man in the World Did you know Rich Froning, the fittest man in the world and avid Crossfitter, is a big supporter of chiropractic? “Rich Froning says that “at least once a week I see a chiropractor, if not more”. Now we all can’t be the strongest man (or woman) in the world, however this does not mean that chiropractic care is not beneficial for the average cross fit athlete. In this blog, I’ll talk about some of the benefits of Chiropractic and what we do differently at Active Life Chiropractic! Chiropractic is a specialty that addresses the muscles, joints, and nervous system. Without going into specifics it’s easy to see why this is an important part of an athlete’s regimen. Chiropractic is beneficial in both preventing and treating injuries if they have already occurred. At Active Life, Dr. Sam utilizes and exam technique called the SFMA (Selective Functional Movement Assessment) with this he is able to determine any areas that are restricted and need correction in the office, or areas that may be unstable and need correction in the box. Conversely, after an injury has happened it can help determine the cause so that future occurrences of such an injury can be prevented. As anyone who has done Crossfit knows it presents with a large variety of movements and exercises that not everyone can appreciate. Ranging from Oly/Powerlifting to Gymnastics and Cardio. Without the appropriate context, it can be hard to treat these athletes who perform such a broad range of activities. Dr. Sam has been doing CrossFit for 3 years and knows in detail the rigors of what CrossFit entails. In addition to this knowledge, he utilizes several targeted techniques to address the musculature as well as joints in every treatment, to maximize effectiveness. General Tips for Crossfit Athletes For any questions about anything health or wellness related, or if you have had the misfortune of having some type of sports injury, feel free to contact us here at Active Life at (573) 999-7805.

Overview of Your First Visit at Active Life

Happy athletic couple jogging together in a park, promoting fitness and wellness, relevant to chiropractic care for CrossFit athletes.

If you have or have not seen a chiropractor, this post is an overview of what your first visit at Active Life will be like. Step 1: The first steps are similar to any Doctor’s office, as we have you fill out the appropriate paperwork and get a copy of your insurance. Step 2: The next is a comprehensive history about your current issue. This is the beginning of diagnosing your issue, we will go in depth about the possible causes, factors that both irritate and relive your current pain, as well as many other details that provide helpful information. Step 3: After this is the examination. As part of his exam Dr. Sam does a functional movement exam called the SFMA (selective functional movement assessment), this part of the exam is a great tool that not many Chiropractors utilize. The exam has you perform a series of movements and sees where the limitations of your body are, with that information Dr. Sam can get a more specific cause of your problem and tailor your treatment appropriately. Step 4: In addition to the SFMA a musculoskeletal exam will be performed to provide additional information as to the specific cause of your condition. Final Step: Depending on the severity of your pain some palliative care will be provided on the first day. Typically this is an adjustment to the area in question, however if you are in a significant amount of pain or have never received chiropractic care before other techniques may be utilized instead.  If you ever have any questions or would like to come in as a new patient please contact Active Life at (573) 999-7805.

Navigating the Holiday Hustle: Keeping Your Nervous System Merry and Bright

Family gathering around a festive table, woman serving a holiday meal, joyful expressions, decorated Christmas tree in the background, emphasizing togetherness and celebration during the holiday season.

Posted by SamHenley on December 6, 2023 The holiday season, filled with festivities and cherished traditions, is undoubtedly a magical time of the year. However, amidst the joy and celebration, many of us find ourselves grappling with increased stress levels that can take a toll on our overall well-being. As a chiropractor with a passion for holistic health, I understand the profound impact that stress can have on our nervous system. In this blog post, we’ll explore the challenges of holiday stress and uncover practical tips to help you not only survive but thrive during this joyous season. Our nervous system plays a crucial role in regulating and coordinating the functions of our body, influencing everything from movement to digestion. Stress, particularly during the holidays, can wreak havoc on this intricate system. The constant hustle and bustle, coupled with the pressure to create the perfect holiday experience, can lead to heightened stress levels, negatively impacting both our physical and mental well-being. Maintaining a well-functioning nervous system is paramount, especially during times of increased stress. Chiropractic care, with its focus on spinal health and nervous system function, can be a key component in your holistic approach to well-being. Regular chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate tension, promote optimal nerve function, and contribute to an overall sense of balance and harmony in your body. Tips for Reducing Holiday Stress: As we navigate the holiday hustle, it’s crucial to prioritize our nervous system’s well-being. Chiropractic care, combined with holistic lifestyle practices, can empower you to embrace the season with joy and resilience. Remember, the holidays are about creating lasting memories and nurturing the bonds that matter most. By implementing these tips and incorporating chiropractic care into your wellness routine, you can ensure a healthier, happier, and more harmonious holiday experience. Wishing you a season filled with peace, joy, and well-aligned well-being! -Dr. Sam Henley and Staff