​Commonly known as GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease, acid reflux occurs when there is a backward flow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus. For people who suffer from chronic GERD, regular heartburn is a common symptom, along with coughing, wheezing, problems swallowing, and regurgitation of food or liquid. Rather than relying on medications that mask these symptoms, individuals who visit a Des Moines chiropractor are able to achieve long-term relief. 

Addressing Common GERD Symptoms 

When a person with GERD visits the doctor complaining of symptoms, the first recommendation is usually small lifestyle adjustments like a more balanced diet. Avoiding fried and fatty foods, eating more fruits and vegetables, reducing caffeine or alcohol consumption, and focusing on small meals are some of the most common ways to alleviate symptoms. 
If the problem persists, a doctor may prescribe over-the-counter medications or prescriptions. While these can reduce symptoms of GERD, they do not address the underlying reason for them. GERD arises when the esophageal sphincter, or the muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, is weakened and does not remain closed between meals, so the best way to avoid the condition is to ensure the muscle is strong and properly functioning. 

GERD Relief Through Chiropractic Care 

Along with simple lifestyle changes, chiropractic care is an effective method for managing GERD and its symptoms. The main goal of Des Moines chiropractic care is to realign the spine, which prevents nerve interference throughout the entire body. This interference can impact everything related to the central nervous system, including the function of your esophageal sphincter. 

Studying the effects of chiropractic care on GERD has shown us that it is an extremely useful form of care for the condition. For example, one study explored GERD in an infant who was relieved of all symptoms after just three months of regular adjustments. 

In addition, another study showed why chiropractic care is a better method for managing GERD than medication. This piece found that the main cause of GERD, in many cases, can be linked back to medication that has negatively impacted the esophageal sphincter. When Des Moines chiropractic care is utilized, the positive impact on overall health can avoid the need for additional medications that create this risk. 

Chiropractic Care and Your Health 

There is more to chiropractic care than simply fixing health issues like GERD. The reason it works is that a Des Moines chiropractor like Dr. Shane Hoffman will focus on your total body health, removing any root causes of GERD and other health conditions. When you visit Thrive Family Chiropractic, our goal is a holistic approach to total body wellness – including your digestive system, but not stopping there. 

During your first visit to Thrive Family Chiropractic, you will be able to share your symptoms and concerns with our team. From there, you will receive a completely personalized plan of care aimed at meeting your goals and improving your overall health. If you are suffering from GERD or simply want to avoid these problems down the line, contact us today. 

Sources

Alcantara, J., Anderson, R. “Chiropractic Care of a Pediatric Patient with Symptoms Associated with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Fuss-Cry-Irritability with Sleep Disorder Syndrome and Irritable Infant Syndrome of Musculoskeletal Origin.” The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, 2008 Dec; 52(4): 248-255. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2597889/.

Angus, K., Asgharifar, S., Gleberzon, B. “What Effect Does Chiropractic Treatment Have on Gastrointestinal (GI) Disorders: A Narrative Review of the Literature.” The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, 2015 Jun; 59(2): 122-133. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4486990/

Modern medicine has made childbirth a much safer experience than it used to be, and many times it can save the lives of both mothers and babies. But it is also important to recognize when interventions like this are not necessary and question if they may have long-term effects. In fact, a new study from Australia has shown that birth interventions may be linked to health issues, in both the short and the long term. One way to protect against these effects is to reduce your risk for birth interventions through proactive care from an Urbandale chiropractor.

Impact of Birth Interventions 

From 2000 to 2008, Australian researchers looked at 500,000 women who had healthy, low-risk pregnancies but had interventions including induced labor, hormones to speed up labor, delivery by vacuum and forceps, and delivery by Cesarean section. Babies who were born with one of these interventions experienced more jaundice and feeding problems in the first 28 days than those born without. In addition, babies delivered by C-section had lower temperatures. 

While most of these risks had been commonly understood and communicated to the parents, the study also identified long-term risks that were not understood previously. The researchers found that children born by C-section were more likely to experience diabetes and obesity by age five. Children born with any intervention also had increased rates of respiratory infection, pneumonia, and bronchitis by age five. 

Avoiding Interventions Through Proactive Care 

While some interventions will be unavoidable and more helpful than harmful, it is also possible to take proactive steps to help avoid them. From the moment you find out you are pregnant, there are steps you can take to prepare for birth and optimize the chances of a low-intervention birth. 

One great way to prepare your body and baby for birth is to see a Des Moines chiropractor like Dr. Shane Hoffman regularly. In addition to reducing pain and discomfort, regular chiropractic adjustments can help the spine and pelvis stay balanced and aligned while it shifts to allow room for baby. It has even been found that many women under the care of a chiropractor had a shorter labor during their first pregnancy. 
Chiropractic care can also help with the positioning of your baby. A whopping 92% of women who had a breech baby and sought specialized care saw the baby turn into the correct position, allowing them to have a vaginal birth. 

From the time you know you are pregnant, you can begin receiving chiropractic adjustments that are non-invasive and entirely safe for both you and baby. While this will have the short-term benefits of relieving pain and discomfort, you can also encourage a birth that does not require risky interventions. 

At Thrive Family Chiropractic, we treat pregnant mothers with special attention and care. Dr. Shane Hoffman will meet you during your first appointment and walk you through your chiropractic care plan, ensuing you are comfortable along the way. We look forward to helping your baby enter the world gently and safely! 

Sources

Borggren, C.L. “Pregnancy and Chiropractic: A Narrative Review of the Literature.” Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 2007 Spring; 6(2): 70-74. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2647084/.
Choahan, N. “Birth Interventions ‘Negatively Impact Child’s Long-Term Health.’” The Sydney Morning Herald, 2018 Mar. https://www.smh.com.au/national/birth-interventions-negatively-impact-child-s-long-term-health-20180325-p4z66i.html.

It’s likely you’ve met someone affected by diabetes–nearly 10% of the United States population has some form of the disease. Every year, 1.5 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes, and it is the 7th leading cause of death in the country. The good news is that for many people, diabetes is a manageable condition through a combination of lifestyle changes, medical management, and preventative care like visiting an Urbandale chiropractor. 

Diabetes and the Body 

The source of diabetes is the pancreas, an organ responsible for creating insulin and moderating blood sugar levels. The insulin signals to our body to absorb glucose from food and convert it into energy; when this doesn’t happen, blood sugars can spike out of control. Diabetes can take different forms: Type 1 represents a pancreas that cannot create insulin in sufficient levels, while Type 2 occurs when the body responds incorrectly to the insulin. 

Over time, diabetes can lead to problems with the kidneys, eyes, nerves, feet, skin, and digestive system. The disease also carries an increased risk of heart disease, as well as bone disorders and joint problems. 
Most people with diabetes are treated through changes in nutrition and exercise routines, which can be very helpful. Injections of insulin and other medications may also be used to manage the condition, but there is no cure. People with diabetes often experience high costs of care and a poor quality of life without proper management. 

Chiropractic Care for Diabetes

When visiting a Des Moines chiropractor like Dr. Shane Hoffman, the pancreas will be the focus of your care for diabetes. The nerves that impact the pancreas run through your seventh thoracic vertebrae, T7. Any misalignments in and around this bone can impact the function of your pancreas, worsening your symptoms. Gentle adjustments can improve this alignment and allow your nerves to better communicate throughout your body, giving the pancreas its best chance of functioning well.
Chiropractic care has been shown to be effective for all forms of diabetes, including juvenile. One study from 2011 showed a significant decrease in hemoglobin A1C for a 4-year-old girl with Type 1 diabetes; another followed a 46-year-old with diabetes-induced neck pain, both of which improved with adjustments and exercise.

Managing Diabetes 

Diabetes can lead to many long-term complications when not managed properly over a lifetime. A common complication is called diabetic polyneuropathy, a type of nerve damage caused by diabetes. Not only can this cause pain, burning, and tingling in the lower extremities, but it is also a cause of foot amputations in diabetes patients. In one case, an 80-year-old man experiencing diabetic polyneuropathy underwent adjustments for four months, leading to an improvement and helping him avoid an amputation. 
Some diabetes is preventable, which is always the preferable option. But whether you are looking to avoid the disease altogether or manage an existing diagnosis, the team at Thrive Family Chiropractic is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your consultation with Des Moines chiropractor Dr. Shane Hoffman. 

Sources

Murphy, D.R. “Diagnosis and Manipulative Treatment in Diabetic Polyneuropathy and Its Relation to Intertarsal Joint Dysfunction.” Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapies, 1994 Jan; 17(1): 29-37. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8138730.

Sudano, N., Robinson-Leblanc, D. “Improved A1C Levels in a Patient with Insulin-Dependent Type 1 Diabetes Undergoing Chiropractic Care: A Case Report.” Journal of Pediatric, Maternal, & Family Health, 2011; 4: 120-124. https://chiropracticpediatrics.sharepoint.com/Pages/2011_1087_diabetes.aspx.

Valli, J. “Chiropractic Management of a 46-Year-Old Type 1 Diabetic Patient with Upper Crossed Syndrome and Adhesive Capsulitis.” Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 2004 Fall; 3(4): 138-144. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2647023/.

For many people, fatigue is something that happens when you’ve been especially busy or your routine is off, and a good night’s sleep can be the fix. But others suffer from fatigue as a chronic condition or more regularly than they’d like. This fatigue can be traced back to nutrition, sleep habits, mental health, or even extreme moments of stress, and it is difficult to manage. One way to address fatigue holistically is to see a Des Moines chiropractor who will help you focus on overall health and habits, reducing fatigue and increasing energy. 

Understanding Fatigue 

It’s very common for fatigue to be treated with medication when you present the concern to a doctor. While this medication can offer short-term help, it comes with side effects and risks and is simply masking the issue. Rather than covering up fatigue, chiropractors like Dr. Shane Hoffman focus on identifying the root of the problem and resolving that issue. 

Fatigue can often be traced back to misalignments of the spine, as these misalignments cause nerve interference that breaks down the body’s natural communication systems. Over time, hormones can become imbalanced and cause fatigue and other sleep problems. 
It is also possible for stress to cause serious issues, including fatigue. Things like stress, insomnia, and even depression are often thought to cause fatigue and can also be traced back to these misalignments of the spine. Many people present with fatigue, depression, headaches, loss of energy, and other conditions, only to find that chiropractic care leads to significant improvements – like the man in this study. 

Addressing Fatigue with Chiropractic Adjustments 

When you visit Thrive Family Chiropractic, the main focus will be on aligning your spine so that your nervous system can return to its natural state. This is done through a series of gentle adjustments by Dr. Shane Hoffman, which slowly remove misalignments. As the body begins to function properly again, you may notice your overall health and wellness improving, which will help with energy levels. 
In some cases, an adjustment can help with simple issues that may be causing you pain at night, making sleep difficult. You may also experience the benefits of your nervous system working properly, so that you are more energized during the day. But some people suffer from a chronic
condition known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, which is more difficult to manage. 

Those with CFS often have misalignments in the spine’s top bone, the Atlas. When this is the focus of adjustments, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is often easier to manage, with patients reporting overall improvements in their energy levels.

Whether you are suffering from CFS or simply need to improve your daily energy level, a Des Moines chiropractor can help. At your first appointment with Thrive Family Chiropractic, we will work to understand your spine’s alignment and develop a plan to return you to optimal functioning. We look forward to helping you regain your energy, reduce fatigue, and live a happy and healthy life every day.

Sources

Berg, B. “Resolution of Fatigue, Malaise & Depression in a 30-Year-Old Male Following Subluxation-Based Chiropractic Care Utilizing Gonstead Technique: A Case Study.”Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research, 2016 Feb: 10-20. http://vertebralsubluxation.sharepoint.com/Pages/2016_1386_fatiguemalaise.aspx

​Woodfield, H.C., Dickholtz, M. “Quality of Life Improvement in Patients With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Following Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care.” Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research, 2012 Dec: 92-99. http://uppercervicalsubluxation.sharepoint.com/Pages/2012_1226_cfs.aspx

​Woodfield, C., Dickholtz, M. “Improvement in Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Following Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care: A Prospective Clinical Study.” Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research, 2012 Dec: 92-99. https://www.vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/2012/12/11/improvement-in-quality-of-life-in-patients-with-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-following-upper-cervical-chiropractic-care-a-prospective-clinical-study/.

The brain is a contained in a hard shell, the skull, and is formed of a soft pudding-like mass of neurons and connective tissues that act as our body’s operating system. When that system is damaged in any way, even mildly, it can cause the body to crash like a computer with a virus. The brain sends out signals to the body and back again using nerves, which are best thought of as little electrical wires that send and receive signals. The nerves have a body and axons, amongst other parts. The axons are long offshoots from the body that are where the actual work happens, so if the axons take a hit, then the work of running the body falls apart and the system crashes.

Why Doesn’t The Skull Protect Us?

While the skull does an excellent job of protecting our brains, sometimes our heads take a hit and it causes the brain to move around inside the skull faster and more forcefully than is safe. The movement of the brain tissue in a rapid manner can literally rip the tiny nerve fibers, called axons, that communicate between nerves. Even though the brain if protected from the outside, the simple force of the motion is enough to cause harm. Imagine putting a chunk of Jell-O in a jar and shaking the jar versus if you just hit the jar from the outside. The Jell-O will break apart and may even dissolve. 

What Is a Concussion?

There are few things more frightening than the idea of traumatic brain injury (TBI), and yet many will experience a common and mild form of TBI, the concussion. Concussions occur when there is a traumatic event, such as an injury, to the head that creates tiny tears in the axons of the nerves in the brain. The axons are the long arms of the neurons, the cells that communicate nerve impulses to and from the brain. When axons are damaged, it can lead to impaired functioning of the nerves and the tissues they control. Fortunately, such damage is often temporary and the body will heal itself. In some cases, the injury leads to long-term complications, such as post-concussive syndrome.
Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion:
• Change in mood and affect, such as new irritability or sadness
• Impaired cognitive function
• Short-term memory loss
• Headache
• Alterations in gait and balance
• Blurry or double vision
• Excessive or inadequate sleep

How Can a Chiropractor help?

Since concussions are associated with injuries that tend to include some amount of impact, they can also occur with alterations in the structures of the upper spine and neck. Correcting any issue that has occurred, even mild misalignments, can help restore normal nerve communication and blood flow to the head and neck. This can help reduce the symptoms of concussion and associated injury. Your local Des Moines chiropractor, Dr. Shane Hoffman, can help by creating an individualized care plan to restore your health. 

Contact Dr. Shane Hoffman at Thrive Family Chiropractic in Des Moines, IA today to get started on the road to recovery. 

​It can be incredibly challenging to see a loved one suffer from a condition like Alzheimer’s disease. As your loved one gets older, they may struggle with dementia and even become diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. This disease can make it difficult for someone to take care of themselves and remember everyday details and even their family members. At Thrive Family Chiropractic, Dr. Shane Hoffman understands the challenges for families when a loved one gets diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. While there isn’t a cure for this disease, there are ways your trusted Urbandale chiropractor can help to slow the progression of the disease and help improve your loved one's quality of life. 

Alzheimer’s disease is commonly known for how it impacts someone’s memory, but it can also affect someone’s behaviors, personality, motor functioning, and more. Alzheimer’s is a degenerative disease that affects the brain. Neurons in the brain help make connections that inform your memory, reasoning, language, and social behavior. This disease can end up destroying these connections, which leads to the symptoms you may see in your loved one. Research has also drawn connections between Alzheimer’s and the spine, which houses the central nervous system. Your brain relies on the central nervous system to effectively communicate with the whole body. 

There are many ways that chiropractic care for the elderly can help people who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Your trusted Des Moines chiropractor can provide your loved one with an all-natural and safe approach to maintaining brain and spine health. Here are three ways chiropractic care can help someone with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

Increase Healthy Functioning

Chiropractic care helps increase healthy functioning throughout the whole body, including the brain, spine, and nervous system. Misalignments in the spine can disrupt healthy functioning, and chiropractic adjustments resolve those misalignments so that the brain can effectively communicate, and the body gets the nutrients it needs. 

Focus on Whole-Body Health

Chiropractors are known for adjustments to the spine, but we also offer a holistic approach to your health and well-being. This means that your Des Moines chiropractor focuses on whole-body health. There are many ways to promote a healthy lifestyle that can reduce symptoms and offer benefits to both mental and physical health. 

Improve Quality of Life

Partnering with a chiropractor can help improve your loved one’s overall quality of life, too. From slowing memory loss to improving musculoskeletal functioning, Dr. Shane Hoffman understands that you want the best for your loved one and will work to help slow the speed of degeneration and improve their quality of life. 

If you or a loved one is dealing with Alzheimer’s disease, contact an Urbandale chiropractor near you at Thrive Family Chiropractic. Dr. Hoffman also serves the greater Des Moines area and is dedicated to providing you and your loved ones with quality, family-centered care. 


Sources

“Chiropractic Treatments for the Elderly”. Echiropractor.org https://www.echiropractor.org/chiropractic-treatments-for-the-elderly/

Lorenzi RM, Palesi F, Castellazzi G, Vitali P, Anzalone N, Bernini S, Cotta Ramusino M, Sinforiani E, Micieli G, Costa A, D'Angelo E, Gandini Wheeler-Kingshott CAM. “Unsuspected Involvement of Spinal Cord in Alzheimer Disease.” Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, 2020 Jan 30; 14:6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32082122/ 

​About 9% of men and 11% of women have dealt with infertility in some way. While some couples may take longer than the average to get pregnant, others may have tried for years with countless attempts and approaches. While infertility is medically defined as actively trying to get pregnant without success for at least a year, any amount of waiting or struggling to conceive can be devastating. While conventional medicine can offer some options for those trying to get pregnant, chiropractic care also offers hope and alternative approaches to those dealing with infertility. 

​Once you’ve hit a year of trying to conceive without success, doctors will generally begin ordering tests to discover the root cause of your infertility. Around one-third of issues lie with men, and around two-thirds deal with women. For men, the causes are finite and simpler. They can include gonad issues, sperm transport issues, or pituitary gland issues. For women, many more issues are possible and they can be very difficult to pinpoint and diagnose. They can include ovarian cysts, ovulation problems, thyroid problems, hormonal imbalances, Fallopian tube problems, uterine concerns, unhealthy weight, and drug or alcohol use. Sometimes, a great deal of testing is done and doctors are still unable to determine the exact cause of a couple’s infertility. Oftentimes, the root cause is linked to nervous system dysfunction. 

Nervous system dysfunction can manifest in a number of ways, but in most cases, the cause of this dysfunction can be found in the spine. When one or more vertebra is out of alignment, it puts pressure on the nearby nerves and can impede communication between the brain and the rest of the body. This wreaks havoc in the nervous system and in the other systems in the body that receive their instructions through the nervous system. 
​
When you visit a chiropractor like Dr. Shane Hoffman and share that you’re struggling with infertility, he or she will examine your spine for misalignments. In most cases of infertility, spinal misalignments in the lower back are present and significant. Your Urbandale chiropractor will adjust your spine several times over the course of many weeks and months, allowing your body to function properly and restoring optimal efficiency to your nervous system and reproductive system. 

Countless studies have explored the efficacy of chiropractic in helping couples conceive, and the research is incredibly encouraging for those struggling with infertility. At Thrive Family Chiropractic, our goal is always to help you achieve optimal health and meet your own personal health goals. If you’re desperately trying to get pregnant and feel like you’re out of solutions, please come visit us in Urbandale. Chiropractic can help significantly improve the likelihood of conception, and we would love to walk alongside you on this journey.

If you are looking for an answer to your infertility struggles, we encourage you to contact us at Thrive Family Chiropractic in Urbandale. Dr. Shane Hoffman and his team will teach you about the many benefits of chiropractic care and help you get healthier in all areas of your life.

Sources

Alcantara, J., Stern, G., Oman, R. “Female Infertility, Subluxation & Chiropractic Care.” Journal of Pediatric, Maternal, and Family Health, 2009 June; 1-10. https://www.vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/2009/06/08/female-infertility-subluxation-chiropractic-care-a-case-series-and-selective-review-of-the-literature/. 

Anderson-Peacock, E. “Reduction of Vertebral Subluxation Using Torque Release Technique with Changes in Fertility: Two Case Reports.” Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, 2003 July; 1-6. https://www.vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/2017/09/06/reduction-of-vertebral-subluxation-using-torque-release-technique-with-changes-in-fertility-two-case-reports/.