Category: Treatment Options

The Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Toddlers

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Laney Wiechmann at Pott. County Sports & Family Chiropractic

While regular check-ups with the pediatrician are essential, chiropractic care can also play a crucial role in supporting your toddler’s growth and development. Here’s how chiropractic care can benefit your little one:

1. Enhanced immune system – Chiropractic adjustments can help support a healthy immune system. By ensuring proper spinal alignment, chiropractic care helps the nervous system function optimally, which can enhance your child’s natural defense mechanisms against illnesses.

2. Optimal growth and development – A properly aligned spine is crucial for healthy growth and development. Chiropractic care can help address misalignments that might interfere with the body’s natural growth processes, promoting better overall development.

3. Relief from growing pains – Toddlers often experience growing pains, which can be uncomfortable and disruptive. Chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate this discomfort, allowing your child to move and play more freely.

4. Improved neurological function – A healthy spine contributes to improved neurological function. Chiropractic care can enhance cognitive development and learning abilities by supporting a well-functioning nervous system.

5. Injury prevention – Regular chiropractic care can help maintain proper posture and alignment, reducing the risk of injuries during play and sports activities. It’s a proactive way to support your child’s physical health.

6. Addressing digestive issues – Chiropractic adjustments can also aid in alleviating common digestive issues like colic, reflux, and constipation, which can make your toddler more comfortable.

7. Better sleep quality – Spinal misalignments can affect sleep quality. Chiropractic care can improve sleep patterns by addressing these misalignments, leading to better rest and overall well-being.

Ready to learn more about how chiropractic care can benefit your toddler? Schedule a consultation with us today and give your child the gift of a healthy spine and nervous system!

How Chiropractic Care Helps Relieve Constipation

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Picture of Nate Wiechmann, D.C., adjusting a toddler with her mom nearby.

Digestive health plays a crucial role in overall well-being, affecting everything from energy levels to mood and even sleep quality. When it comes to maintaining a healthy digestive system, many people may not immediately think of chiropractic care, but spinal adjustments can offer significant benefits for improving bowel function.

Let’s explore how chiropractic care can aid in better digestion and healthier bowel movements…

Understanding the Connection Between the Spine and Digestion

The nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord and nerves, plays a vital role in regulating bodily functions, including digestion. The spine houses and protects the spinal cord, which communicates with the digestive organs via nerves that extend from the spinal cord. Misalignments or subluxations in the spine can disrupt this communication, potentially leading to digestive issues like constipation, acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome or IBS.

How Chiropractic Adjustments Support Digestive Health

  1. Restoring Nervous System Function – Chiropractic adjustments help correct spinal misalignments, which can improve nerve function. When the spine is properly aligned, the nerves can communicate more effectively with the digestive organs, facilitating better digestive processes and reducing symptoms like constipation or reflux. By enhancing the communication between the brain and digestive organs, chiropractic care supports the optimal functioning of the gastrointestinal system.
  2. Enhancing Bowel Movements – Research supports the effectiveness of chiropractic care in improving bowel function. For example, a study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that children with functional constipation experienced significant improvement in bowel habits following chiropractic adjustments. The adjustments addressed spinal misalignments that were disrupting nerve signals to the digestive system, leading to fewer constipation episodes and reduced discomfort.
  3. Reducing Digestive Discomfort – Chiropractic care can help alleviate digestive discomfort by addressing misalignments that affect the digestive organs. For instance, the Webster Technique, a gentle chiropractic adjustment used primarily with pregnant women, has been shown to relieve symptoms of reflux and improve overall digestive comfort by reducing tension and misalignments in the spine and diaphragm.
  4. Promoting Overall Well-being – Beyond improving bowel function, chiropractic adjustments contribute to overall health and well-being. By ensuring proper alignment and nervous system function, chiropractic care supports better sleep, increased energy levels and enhanced quality of life — all of which can positively impact digestive health.

Integrating Chiropractic Care Into Your Routine

If you’re experiencing digestive issues or simply want to support optimal digestion, consider integrating chiropractic care into your routine. Regular adjustments can help maintain spinal alignment, improve nervous system function and promote better digestive health.

Ready to explore how chiropractic care can benefit your digestive health? Contact us today or use our online scheduling tool to book an appointment.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for the Throwing Athlete

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Picture of a softball player pitching the ball

Whether you’re involved in football, baseball, softball, javelin or another sport that demands precise throwing mechanics, maintaining peak performance and preventing injuries are paramount. Chiropractic care can help enhance your athletic abilities and keep you in top shape.

Here’s are some of the chiropractic services we offer that may benefit you:

Chiropractic Adjustments

Chiropractic adjustments help optimize spinal alignment and joint mobility. By ensuring proper alignment, we can alleviate tension and improve your range of motion, crucial for the precision and power needed in throwing sports.

Trigger Point Dry Needling

This technique targets muscle knots and trigger points, common among throwing athletes due to repetitive motions. By releasing these tension points, dry needling helps enhance muscle function, reduce pain and promote quicker recovery.

Cupping Therapy

Cupping promotes blood flow, loosens muscles and enhances tissue flexibility. It’s particularly beneficial for relieving muscle soreness and improving performance, which can help prevent overuse injuries common in throwing sports.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or HBOT, helps accelerate recovery by delivering pressurized oxygen directly to your tissues, aiding muscle repair and reducing inflammation. It’s an effective complementary therapy for managing chronic injuries and promoting overall athletic recovery.

Why Choose Pott. County Sports & Family Chiropractic?

At Pott. County Sports & Family Chiropractic, we prioritize your performance and well-being by offering personalized care tailored to your athletic needs. We emphasize non-invasive approaches to enhance your body’s natural healing processes, helping you achieve optimal performance without unnecessary downtime.

Whether you’re striving for precision in your throw or recovering from a repetitive strain injury, Dr. Nate Wiechmann and our team are here to support you. Schedule an appointment at our Oakland or Council Bluffs clinic today to explore how chiropractic care can elevate your performance and keep you in the game. After all, your athletic journey deserves the best care!

Understanding Adrenal Fatigue and Thyroid Dysfunction: Signs, Symptoms and Solutions

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Adrenal fatigue and thyroid dysfunction are two common conditions that can significantly impact your well-being. Recognizing the signs and symptoms is crucial for seeking appropriate care and support. Here’s what you need to know:

Adrenal Fatigue Symptoms

  1. Chronic fatigue – Feeling exhausted even after a full night’s sleep
  2. Difficulty sleeping – Trouble falling asleep or waking frequently
  3. Stress and anxiety – Heightened feelings of stress, anxiety or overwhelm
  4. Brain fog – Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
  5. Cravings – Intense cravings for salty or sweet foods
  6. Low immunity – Frequent illnesses or slow recovery from infections
  7. Weight gain – Especially around the abdomen
  8. Digestive issues – Such as bloating or constipation
  9. Low Blood Pressure – Feeling lightheaded when standing up quickly

Thyroid Dysfunction Symptoms

  1. Fatigue – Persistent tiredness despite adequate rest
  2. Weight changes – Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
  3. Temperature sensitivity – Feeling cold or hot when others are comfortable
  4. Hair and skin changes – Dry skin, hair loss, or brittle nails
  5. Mood changes – Mood swings, irritability, or depression
  6. Menstrual changes – Irregular or heavy periods
  7. Muscle and joint pain – Aches, pains, or stiffness
  8. Digestive issues – Such as constipation
  9. Hoarse voice – Unexplained changes in vocal tone

Solutions

If you suspect adrenal fatigue or thyroid issues are impacting your quality of life, consider scheduling a functional medicine consultation. Through advanced diagnostic techniques and biofeedback, we can help you identify the underlying factors contributing to your symptoms and develop a personalized plan for your journey to optimal health.

Men’s Health Matters: Five Tips to Prioritize Your Well-Being

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Picture of Nate Wiechmann, D.C., talking with a male patient at Pott. County Sports & Family Chiropractic in Council Bluffs

By: Nate Wiechmann, D.C.

Hey fellas, it’s Dr. Nate here, and I want to have a real talk with you about something that often gets swept under the rug: men’s health. As men, we’re often taught to tough it out, ignore pain and soldier on. But the truth is, neglecting our health only leads to bigger problems down the road. This Men’s Health Week, let’s flip the script and prioritize our well-being like never before. Below are five tips to help you get started.

Listen to Your Body

Guys, I get it. We’re busy juggling work, family and everything in between. But ignoring those nagging aches and pains won’t make them disappear. Whether it’s that twinge in your back from sitting at a desk all day or that lingering shoulder pain from weekend warrior activities, your body is trying to tell you something. Don’t wait until it’s too late – let’s get to the root of the issue together.

Break the Stigma

Let’s face it – talking about our health isn’t exactly a macho topic of conversation. But here’s the thing: seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain or just want to optimize your performance, our clinic is a judgment-free zone where you can feel comfortable discussing your health concerns.

Optimize Your Performance

We’re not just here to fix problems – we’re here to help you thrive. Whether you’re hitting the gym, hitting the greens or just chasing after the kids, our goal is to support your active lifestyle and help you perform at your peak. We offer a range of services designed to keep you at the top of your game.

Invest in Your Future

Think of your health as an investment – the more you put into it now, the greater the returns down the line. By prioritizing preventive care and addressing issues early on, you can avoid more serious health problems in the future. So, don’t wait until something goes wrong – start investing in your health today and reap the benefits for years to come.

Take the First Step

No more excuses. It’s time to take charge of your health and show up for yourself. Whether it’s scheduling that long-overdue check-up or finally addressing that lingering pain, the first step is often the hardest – but it’s also the most important.

So, what are you waiting for? This Men’s Health Week, I challenge you to put yourself first. Your health matters, and it’s time to start treating it that way. Contact us or use our online scheduling tool to get started.

Embracing Healthy Aging with Chiropractic Care

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Picture of Nate Wiechmann, D.C., talking to an older male patient who is touching his arm, indicating elbow pain.

Aging is a natural process that brings about changes in your body, but it doesn’t mean you have to resign to aches, pains and decreased mobility. Chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to healthy aging, focusing on optimizing spinal health, mobility and overall well-being.

Maintains Proper Spinal Alignment

One of the key benefits of chiropractic care for healthy aging is its focus on maintaining proper spinal alignment. As you age, years of wear and tear, poor posture and injuries can lead to spinal misalignments, which contribute to a host of health issues, including chronic pain, reduced mobility and decreased quality of life. Chiropractic adjustments help realign the spine, alleviate pressure on nerves and restore proper function to the musculoskeletal system, allowing for improved mobility and reduced pain.

Optimizes Joint Function

In addition to addressing spinal health, chiropractic care also emphasizes the importance of maintaining optimal joint function. Joint stiffness and decreased range of motion are common with age, but regular chiropractic adjustments can help keep your joints supple and mobile. By ensuring your body’s joints are functioning properly, chiropractic care can also help prevent injuries, improve balance and coordination, and support an active and independent lifestyle well into your golden years.

Promotes Overall Well-being

Chiropractic care takes a holistic approach to health, addressing not only physical ailments but also underlying factors that contribute to overall well-being. This includes lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, stress management and ergonomics. With proper guidance on healthy living habits, you can feel more empowered to take an active role in your health and make informed choices that support healthy aging.

As you age, it’s essential to prioritize your health and well-being. Whether you’re looking to alleviate pain, improve mobility or enhance your overall wellness, chiropractic care can be a valuable tool. Schedule an appointment today and discover how chiropractic care can help you embrace aging with vitality and vigor.

Exploring Emotion Code/Body Code Work: Healing Beyond the Physical

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By: Nate Wiechmann, D.C.

In the journey toward optimal health and well-being, we often focus on addressing physical symptoms and ailments. However, what if I told you that many of our health challenges are rooted in deeper, emotional imbalances that go beyond the surface? Enter Emotion Code and Body Code work – holistic healing modalities that delve into the profound connection between our emotional well-being and physical health.

What is Emotion Code/Body Code Work?

Emotion Code and Body Code work are energy healing techniques developed by Dr. Bradley Nelson, aimed at identifying and releasing trapped emotions and imbalances in the body’s energy field. These modalities operate on the principle that unresolved emotional baggage and energetic imbalances can manifest as physical symptoms and health issues.

How Does it Work?

Emotion Code/Body Code practitioners use muscle testing or applied kinesiology to communicate with the body’s innate intelligence and identify areas of imbalance. Through a series of targeted questions, they uncover trapped emotions – unresolved feelings from past experiences – and release them using magnetic energy.

Trapped emotions can disrupt the body’s natural energy flow, leading to physical discomfort, illness and emotional distress. By releasing these trapped emotions, Emotion Code/Body Code work aims to restore energetic balance, promote healing and alleviate symptoms.

How Can it Help You?

Emotion Code/Body Code work can offer profound benefits for individuals struggling with a range of health issues, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression and unresolved trauma. By addressing the root cause of symptoms – often buried deep within the subconscious mind – these modalities facilitate healing on a holistic level.

Moreover, Emotion Code/Body Code work is not limited by time or space. It can address inherited emotional imprints and ancestral trauma passed down through generations, offering liberation and healing for individuals and their lineage.

Embracing Emotion Code/Body Code work as part of your holistic healing journey can empower you to release emotional baggage, break free from limiting beliefs and cultivate greater emotional resilience and well-being. By honoring the profound connection between our emotional and physical health, we can unlock the door to true healing and vitality.

Are you ready to explore the transformative power of Emotion Code/Body Code work? Contact us to learn more about how these modalities can support your journey toward optimal health and emotional well-being. Or, use our online scheduling tool to book an appointment.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for PTSD Relief

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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a complex mental health condition that can severely impact an individual’s quality of life. Traditional treatments often provide limited relief, leaving many searching for alternative therapies. Among these, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has emerged as a promising option, offering hope for those struggling with PTSD. In this blog post, we’ll explore how HBOT works and its potential benefits in alleviating PTSD symptoms.

Understanding PTSD

Before delving into HBOT’s benefits, it’s essential to understand PTSD. This condition can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, leading to symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, hyper-vigilance and mood disturbances. PTSD can significantly impair daily functioning and diminish overall well-being, making effective treatment crucial for recovery.

How HBOT Works

HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, allowing the lungs to absorb a higher amount of oxygen than usual. This increased oxygen concentration in the bloodstream promotes healing by enhancing oxygen delivery to tissues throughout the body, including the brain.

Benefits of HBOT for PTSD Relief

  1. Reduces anxiety and depression: HBOT has been shown to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression commonly associated with PTSD. The increased oxygen levels in the brain help regulate neurotransmitter function, promoting a sense of calm and emotional stability.
  2. Enhances cognitive function: PTSD often impairs cognitive function, leading to difficulties with memory, concentration and decision-making. HBOT supports brain health by improving blood flow and oxygenation, thereby enhancing cognitive abilities.
  3. Alleviates of sleep disturbances: Many individuals with PTSD struggle with sleep disturbances, including insomnia and nightmares. HBOT can help regulate sleep patterns by promoting relaxation and reducing hyperarousal, leading to improved sleep quality and duration.
  4. Reduces PTSD symptoms: Studies have shown that HBOT may reduce the severity of PTSD symptoms, including intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors and heightened reactivity. By addressing the underlying neurobiological mechanisms of PTSD, HBOT offers holistic symptom relief.
  5. Promotes of neuroplasticity: HBOT stimulates neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural connections. This process is essential for overcoming trauma-related changes in the brain and fostering resilience in individuals with PTSD.
  6. Accelerates healing of trauma-related injuries: In addition to its psychological benefits, HBOT promotes physical healing by accelerating tissue repair and reducing inflammation. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with PTSD who have sustained physical injuries during traumatic events.

By addressing the physiological and psychological aspects of trauma, HBOT offers a comprehensive approach to healing that complements traditional therapies. As research continues to uncover the therapeutic potential of HBOT, it remains a beacon of hope for those seeking relief from the debilitating effects of PTSD. If you or a loved one are experiencing PTSD symptoms, consider exploring HBOT as part of a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and goals. Contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Supporting Mental Health: Our Comprehensive Approach to Healing

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Picture of Nate Wiechmann, D.C., laughing with a patient at Pott. County Sports & Family Chiropractic

At Pott. County Sports & Family Chiropractic, we understand the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being. That’s why we offer a range of services designed to support mental health and holistic healing.

Here’s how our comprehensive approach can benefit you:

  1. Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic adjustments play a crucial role in supporting mental health by promoting alignment and balance in the nervous system. Misalignments in the spine can interfere with nerve function and disrupt the body’s ability to cope with stress. Through gentle and precise adjustments, we realign the spine, alleviate nerve interference and restore harmony to the nervous system. This can help individuals experience greater emotional stability, improved mood, and enhanced overall well-being.
  2. Autonomic Response Testing: Autonomic Response Testing, or ART, is a non-invasive assessment technique that evaluates the body’s response to various stressors. By identifying imbalances in the autonomic nervous system, ART helps uncover underlying factors contributing to mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression and trauma. With ART, we can personalize treatment plans to address your unique needs and promote emotional balance.
  3. Emotion/Body Code Work: Emotion and body code work focuses on releasing trapped emotions and restoring energetic balance within the body. Through gentle yet powerful techniques, we can identify and release emotional baggage that may be contributing to mental health challenges. By addressing emotional imbalances, we support overall well-being and promote a greater sense of inner peace and resilience.
  4. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT): Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, promoting oxygenation of tissues throughout the body, including the brain. By delivering concentrated oxygen to the body’s tissues, HBOT promotes cellular repair and regeneration, reduces inflammation and enhances cognitive function. Research suggests that HBOT may also be beneficial for individuals struggling with conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD and other mental health conditions.

We’re committed to providing holistic care that addresses the root causes of mental health concerns. Whether you’re seeking relief from anxiety, depression or trauma-related symptoms, we are here to support you on your healing journey. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve optimal mental health and well-being. Or, use our online scheduling tool to book an appointment.

What to Expect During Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

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Curious about hyperbaric oxygen therapy? Here’s what you can expect during a typical session at our Council Bluffs clinic.

You’ll lay in our HBOT chamber while breathing in pressurized oxygen — up to 3x the amount in the everyday environment. This helps pump oxygen to your body’s tissues, promoting healing, reducing inflammation and supporting overall wellness.

Once inside the chamber, you’ll hear air beginning to circulate. There are two windows at the top of the chamber — one on each end — where you’ll be able to see and talk to us. And we’ll communicate with you the whole time so you know what to expect.

As the chamber fills with air, you may experience a full sensation in your ears, similar to changing altitudes in an airplane or driving up a mountain. Once the chamber reaches its prescribed pressure, the fullness in your ears should subside.

You can take items inside the chamber with you, so you can listen to music or your favorite podcast, catch up on some reading, or just use the time to relax.

Near the end of your session, we’ll gradually decrease the pressure. This is the decompression phase, which usually lasts about 5-10 minutes. During decompression, you may experience an automatic “popping” sensation in your ears as a result of the decreasing pressure — again, just like you’d feel on an airplane.

After that, you’re free to go about your day or stick around for an adjustment. Either way, you’ll continue reaping benefits from the chamber long after your session ends. (But depending on your situation, you may want or need a few more.)

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition or simply looking to optimize your health, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is where it’s at!

In particular, it can help provide relief fo:

  • Anemia
  • Brain abscesses
  • Bubbles of air in blood vessels (arterial gas embolism)
  • Burns
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning
  • Crushing injuries
  • Deafness
  • Decompression sickness
  • Gangrene
  • Infections
  • Lung issues
  • Nonhealing wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers
  • Radiation injuries and skin grafts
  • Sports injuries, including medial collateral ligament and anterior cruciate ligament injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries and concussions

Contact us to learn more or use our online scheduling tool to book a session. (New patients get $25 their first one! Available in Council Bluffs only.)