Category: Treatment Options

Everything You Need to Know About Cervical Traction

Leave a comment

If you’ve ever experienced neck pain, stiffness or tension headaches, you know how much they can affect your daily life. That’s where cervical traction comes in. This specialized technique has been a go-to solution for improving neck mobility and alleviating discomfort, and it’s one of the many tools we use at Pott. County Sports & Family Chiropractic to help our patients feel their best.


What is cervical traction?

Cervical traction is a therapeutic technique designed to gently stretch and decompress the cervical spine (your neck). By applying controlled force, either manually or with a device like the one shown above, this method creates space between the vertebrae. This can reduce pressure on compressed nerves, improve alignment and increase blood flow to the area, all of which can help relieve pain and improve mobility.

How does cervical traction work?

When your neck is in proper alignment, your body can function more effectively. However, poor posture, stress and injuries can lead to misalignments and compression. Cervical traction works by applying gentle, consistent force to the neck to:

  • Relieve pressure on the discs and nerves
  • Improve spinal alignment by reducing tension
  • Enhance mobility by increasing range of motion

This process is safe, non-invasive and often provides immediate relief for issues like stiff necks, tension headaches and more.

What does a cervical traction session look like?

During a session, we may use a specialized device like the one pictured above to apply traction to your neck. The device may look a little unconventional, but it’s designed for maximum comfort and precision. As you relax, the device gently stretches your neck, creating space between your vertebrae. The process typically lasts a few minutes, and many patients report a noticeable sense of relief afterward.

Who can benefit from cervical traction?

Cervical traction can be beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including:

  • Chronic neck pain
  • Tension headaches
  • Stiffness or reduced range of motion
  • Herniated or bulging discs in the cervical spine
  • Nerve compression (such as cervical radiculopathy)

If you’re unsure whether cervical traction is right for you, we’re here to help. Our team takes the time to assess your unique needs and determine the best approach for your condition.

Why choose Pott. County Sports & Family Chiropractic?

At Pott. County Sports & Family Chiropractic, we believe that understanding your treatment is just as important as the treatment itself. We take time to explain the “why” behind every recommendation, empowering you to make informed decisions about your health. Whether it’s cervical traction or another modality, our goal is to help you move better, feel better and live better.

If you’re curious about cervical traction or want to explore personalized care for your neck pain, we’re here to answer your questions. Book an appointment with us today and take the first step toward relief.

DOT-CDL Exams Now Available at Pott. County Sports & Family Chiropractic

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

We’re thrilled to announce that we are now offering DOT-CDL physical exams at both our Oakland and Council Bluffs locations!

For truck drivers and CDL holders, staying compliant with Department of Transportation regulations is crucial for maintaining your license and ensuring a safe, healthy driving experience. Our team is here to make the process as smooth and efficient as possible.

Why Choose Pott. County Sports & Family Chiropractic for Your DOT-CDL Physical Exam?

  1. Convenience – With locations in Oakland and Council Bluffs, you can easily schedule your exam at a time that fits your busy schedule.
  2. Expert care – As a certified third party tester, Dr. Nate provides thorough and accurate exams to ensure you meet all DOT requirements.
  3. Efficiency – We understand that your time is valuable. We aim to get you in and out quickly while providing top-notch care.
  4. Affordable – The cost for a DOT-CDL physical exam is $100, providing you with high-quality service at a great price.

What to Expect During Your Exam:

  • Comprehensive health assessment – We’ll evaluate your overall health, including vision, hearing, and cardiovascular health.
  • Quick turnaround – Our goal is to provide timely results so you can get back on the road without delay.
  • Supportive staff – Dr. Nate and our team will guide you through every step of the process to ensure a smooth experience.

We’re committed to supporting your career and helping you stay on the road safely. If you need a DOT-CDL physical exam, don’t hesitate to schedule your appointment with us today!

For more information or to book your exam, please contact us or use our online scheduling tool. We look forward to seeing you at our Oakland or Council Bluffs clinic!

Return to Play After a Knee Injury: 6 Ways to Optimize Recovery

Leave a comment
Dr. Nate Wiechmann assessing young athlete patient with knee pain

Knee injuries can sideline even the most dedicated athletes. At Pott. County Sports & Family Chiropractic, Nate Wiechmann, D.C., leverages his background in chiropractic care, sports medicine and functional movement to help athletes return to play, safely and efficiently.

Tailored Treatments for Optimal Recovery:

  • Targeted chiropractic adjustments – Realign the knee joint and surrounding structures to improve mobility and reduce pain, setting the stage for effective recovery.
  • Functional movement screens – Assess your movement patterns to identify and address any issues that may contribute to knee injuries or affect performance.
  • Trigger point dry needling –  Target specific muscle knots or “trigger points” to alleviate pain and improve muscle function.
  • Class IV laser therapy –  Utilize advanced laser technology to reduce inflammation, accelerate healing and promote tissue repair in the injured area.
  • BEMER therapy – Enhance circulation and support cellular repair with this unique electromagnetic therapy, aiding in the overall recovery process.
  • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) –  Accelerate healing and improve recovery with increased oxygen absorption in our pressurized chamber, helping to restore optimal function to your knee.

Our personalized approach addresses the root causes of knee pain, not just the symptoms. Integrating these diverse therapies ensures a well-rounded recovery plan that supports both immediate relief and long-term health.

Ready to get back in the game? Contact us today to schedule an appointment and discover how we can help you recover from knee pain and dysfunction.

The Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Toddlers

Leave a comment
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

Leave a comment
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

Leave a comment
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

Leave a comment

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

Leave a comment
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

Leave a comment
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

Leave a comment

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.