All posts by sikorskychiro

chiropractic, disc herniations, Lower back pain

How Chiropractic Care Changes the Brain and Relieves Back Pain:

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Chiropractic care for herniated disc spinal manipulation brain effects chronic low back pain treatment chiropractic adjustment benefits disc herniation treatment without surgery

Chronic low back pain is one of the most common conditions we see in our office, especially in patients with lumbar disc herniation. While many people think of chiropractic care as simply treating the spine, new research shows it may also affect something even more important — the brain.

This form of treatment is particularly effective for patients struggling with disc herniation and chronic low back pain, highlighting the chiropractic adjustment benefits and offering disc herniation treatment without surgery.

🔬 What the Research Shows

A recent review published in Frontiers in Neurology examined how spinal manipulation therapy impacts the brain in patients with chronic low back pain and disc herniations.

Researchers analyzed multiple studies using advanced imaging like fMRI and found that chiropractic-type treatments may:

  • Change how the brain processes pain
  • Improve communication between brain regions
  • Reduce pain intensity and disability
  • Improve emotional health related to chronic pain

🧠 The Brain–Body Connection

The study found changes in several key brain areas:

  • Prefrontal cortex → involved in pain perception and decision-making
  • Default mode network → linked to chronic pain patterns and rumination
  • Visual and sensory networks → involved in how the body interprets movement and discomfort

👉 In simple terms:
Chiropractic care may help “reset” how your brain experiences pain.

💥 Why This Matters for Patients

Chronic pain is not just a structural problem — it is also a neurological pattern.

This research supports what we see clinically every day:

  • Patients don’t just feel less pain
  • They move better
  • They function better
  • They often feel mentally better as well

🦴 What This Means for Herniated Discs

If you’ve been told you have a disc herniation, you may think your only options are:

  • Medications
  • Injections
  • Surgery

However, this research suggests that conservative care like chiropractic adjustments may:

  • Reduce pain
  • Improve function
  • Influence the nervous system in a positive way

⚖️ A Conservative First Approach

At Sikorsky Chiropractic Clinic, our goal is to:

  • Reduce pain naturally
  • Restore movement
  • Improve how your nervous system functions

We combine:

  • Chiropractic adjustments
  • Rehabilitation exercises
  • Neuromuscular techniques (DNS)
  • Personalized care plans

🧾 The Bottom Line

New research continues to support that chiropractic care is not just about joints and muscles — it may also play a role in how the brain processes pain.

If you are dealing with chronic low back pain or a disc herniation, there are effective, non-surgical options available.

Do chiropractors actually help a herniated disc? Yes, chiropractors a can help with non-surgical disc herniations.

📞 Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re struggling with back pain, schedule an evaluation to see if conservative care is right for you.

Call or schedule online.

Brain functional changes following spinal manipulation therapy in patients with lumbar disc herniation and chronic low back pain: a scoping review – PubMed

chiropractic, neck pain

Upper Crossed Syndrome: A Common Cause of Neck and Shoulder Pain in Office Workers | Elgin Chiropractor

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The Study: Upper Crossed Syndrome in the Workplace: A Narrative Review with Clinical Recommendations for Non-Pharmacologic Management

Upper Crossed Syndrome: A Common Cause of Neck and Shoulder Pain in Office Workers

Modern work environments often require long hours at a computer. While technology has improved productivity, it has also contributed to a growing problem affecting the neck, shoulders, and upper back. A recent narrative review published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health examined a condition known as Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS) and its impact on workplace-related neck and shoulder pain. (PubMed)

Understanding this condition can help explain why many people who work at desks experience persistent tension, stiffness, and headaches.

What Is Upper Crossed Syndrome?

Upper Crossed Syndrome was originally described by Czech neurologist Vladimir Janda. It refers to a predictable pattern of muscle imbalance affecting the neck, shoulders, and upper back.

In this pattern:

  • The upper trapezius and levator scapulae become tight.
  • The pectoralis major and minor in the chest become tight.
  • The deep cervical flexor muscles in the neck weaken.
  • The middle and lower trapezius muscles in the upper back weaken. (PubMed)

This imbalance creates a “crossed” pattern between tight and weak muscle groups. Over time, it can lead to postural changes such as:

  • Forward head posture
  • Rounded shoulders
  • Abnormal shoulder blade movement (scapular dyskinesis)

These postural changes place increased stress on the neck and upper back.

At home work posture tips from Dr. Steve!

How Common Is It?

Upper Crossed Syndrome is especially common among people who spend much of their workday sitting at a computer.

Research cited in the review shows:

  • Neck pain affects roughly 55–69% of computer users
  • Shoulder pain affects approximately 15–52% of computer users (PubMed)

Prolonged sitting, poor workstation ergonomics, and repetitive tasks can gradually reinforce the muscle imbalance that leads to UCS.

Symptoms of Upper Crossed Syndrome

People experiencing this condition may notice:

  • Neck stiffness
  • Shoulder pain
  • Upper back tightness
  • Frequent headaches
  • Reduced shoulder mobility
  • Fatigue in the upper back when sitting

If left untreated, the condition may progress and contribute to more serious issues including:

  • Shoulder impingement
  • Thoracic outlet syndrome
  • Cervicogenic headaches (PubMed)

Dr. Steve talks Posture!

Non-Pharmacologic Treatment Approaches

The review highlights several effective conservative strategies for managing Upper Crossed Syndrome.

These include:

Postural Correction

Improving posture helps reduce strain on the cervical spine and shoulder girdle.

Targeted Stretching

Stretching tight muscles such as the chest, upper trapezius, and levator scapulae can restore balance.

Strengthening Exercises

Strengthening the deep neck flexors and the middle and lower trapezius muscles helps stabilize the upper spine.

Workplace Ergonomics

Adjusting workstation setup is a key prevention strategy. Proper monitor height, keyboard position, and chair support can reduce stress on the neck and shoulders. (PubMed)

Regular Movement Breaks

Standing and moving every hour can significantly reduce prolonged strain.

How do you use your phone?

be contributing to your symptoms.

At Sikorsky Chiropractic & Fitness Clinic in Elgin, IL, we evaluate posture, movement, and spinal function to help patients restore normal mechanics and reduce chronic pain.

If you would like to learn more about treatment options, contact our clinic to schedule an evaluation.

chiropractic, Lower back pain, neck pain

How Chiropractic Care May Influence the Brain — Not Just the Spine

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Why Chronic Low Back Pain Is More Than Structural

At Sikorsky Chiropractic & Fitness Clinic in Elgin, IL, we often explain that pain is not just about structure — it is also about how the nervous system responds.

New research published in Frontiers in Neurology (2025) supports this idea.

A recent review examined how spinal manipulation therapy affects brain function in people with:

This research helps us better understand why chiropractic care can play an important role in long-term recovery.

Chiropractic Care and the Brain

Most people associate chiropractic treatment with:

  • Joint mobility
  • Muscle tension
  • Spinal alignment

However, the nervous system is deeply involved in how we experience pain.

The review analyzed neuroimaging studies to observe what happens in the brain before and after spinal manipulation.

Researchers found measurable changes in brain regions involved in:

  • Pain perception
  • Movement control
  • Emotional processing of pain
  • Sensory integration

These included areas such as:

  • The prefrontal cortex
  • The insula
  • The anterior cingulate cortex
  • Sensorimotor regions

These areas are responsible for how the body interprets discomfort and regulates movement.

Why This Matters for Patients in Elgin

Chronic low back pain is not always caused by ongoing injury.

Over time, the nervous system can become overly sensitive — continuing to signal pain even after tissues have healed.

This process is known as central sensitization.

The findings suggest spinal manipulation may help regulate how the brain processes pain signals, supporting more balanced communication between the brain and body.

At our Elgin chiropractic clinic, this aligns with what we see every day:

Pain is often both mechanical and neurological.

Movement, Stability, and Nervous System Function

Pain changes movement patterns.

In turn, movement changes how the brain interprets pain.

This is why combining chiropractic care with movement-based rehabilitation is essential.

Spinal manipulation may help create a temporary window where:

  • Pain sensitivity decreases
  • Motor control improves
  • Movement feels safer

This allows patients to return to:

  • Exercise
  • Work
  • Sports
  • Daily activities

with less guarding and fear.

What This Means for Low Back Pain Treatment

If you are dealing with:

  • Disc injuries
  • Chronic low back pain
  • Recurring flare-ups

Treatment should focus on more than symptom relief.

A comprehensive plan should include:

  • Restoring movement
  • Improving nervous system function
  • Building long-term resilience

Chiropractic care may support the nervous system’s ability to regulate pain more effectively.

Chiropractic Care in Elgin, IL

At Sikorsky Chiropractic & Fitness Clinic, we take a performance-based approach to treating back pain.

Our goal is not only to reduce discomfort but to:

  • Improve movement
  • Enhance stability
  • Support long-term recovery

Research like this helps explain why addressing both the spine and nervous system is essential for lasting results.

Reference

Cao, L., Shu, J., & Li, B. (2025).
Brain functional changes following spinal manipulation therapy in patients with lumbar disc herniation and chronic low back pain: A scoping review.
Frontiers in Neurology, 16, 1712320.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2025.1712320

chiropractic, Lower back pain

Cervical Spine Manipulation Remains Safe

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Each year, new research reinforces the same conclusion: chiropractic spinal manipulation poses no greater risk than other forms of treatment. 

Here are three different studies that found more evidence that chiropractic is safe.

Acute neck pain: effective and safe (systematic review + meta-analysis)
A 2025 systematic review in Systematic Reviews concluded that the available data support spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) for reducing pain, improving cervical range of motion, and decreasing disability in patients with acute neck pain.Link

This echoes a systematic review from last year: “no statistically significant difference in AEs [Adverse Events] between manipulation and control groups. All reported AEs were mild (e.g. temporary pain aggravation, soreness); no moderate or serious AEs occurred… HVLA cervical manipulation does not increase the risk of mild or moderate AEs compared to controls.” (3) Pankrath et al. Pain Physician. 2024 Link

And a new systematic review confirms what several prior biomechanical studies have shown: “consistent evidence that cervical SMT induces less strain on the vertebral artery, particularly within the V3 segment, compared to passive cervical ROM.” (4) Fagundes C et al. Clinical Biomechanics. Dec 2025. Link

And… an extensive Medicare study of neck pain patients also confirmed: “Management with chiropractic care was associated with lower rates of adverse events than primary medical care. The prescription drug therapy group had the highest risk of any measured adverse outcome.” (5) Whedon et al. JMPT. Sept 2025

If you’re in pain and want a safe, effective treatment option without drugs, call or text us. We’d be happy to schedule an appointment and see whether you may benefit from chiropractic care.

Sikorsky Chiropractic Clinic provides high-quality chiropractic care in Elgin, IL. Visit our website to learn more and explore the conditions we treat.

chiropractic, sleep

What Your Sleep Tracker Is Really Telling You.

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You’ve probably heard of REM sleep, Light sleep Deep sleep, HRV or you might even track your sleep with a Whoop, Aura ring or fitness watch.

But what does all of that actually mean?

Let’s break it down.

Sleep Is Not Passive

Sleep isn’t “doing nothing” — it’s a highly active, regenerative process.
Your brain cycles through different stages, each with a job to do:

  • Light Sleep
    Theta brain waves ease you out of wakefulness and into sleep.
    This stage sets the foundation for deeper physical and mental repair.

  • Deep Sleep (Slow-Wave Sleep)
    Delta waves dominate here.
    This is when:
    • Growth hormone is released
    • Tissues repair
    • Your brain helps clear metabolic waste and toxins

  • REM Sleep
    Your brain waves look similar to when you’re awake, but your body is effectively “offline.”
    REM is key for:
    • Memory consolidation
    • Emotional resilience
    • Creativity and problem-solving

HRV: A Window Into Stress and Recovery

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) measures the small variations between heartbeats.

  • Higher HRV → better recovery, adaptability, and nervous system balance
  • Lower HRV → may indicate chronic stress, overtraining, or poor recovery

You don’t need perfect numbers, but trends over time can tell you how well your body is bouncing back.

How to Optimize Your Sleep

  • Go to bed and wake up at consistent times — even on weekends.
  • Create a wind-down routine: meditation, breathing exercises, light stretching, or journaling.
  • Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
  • Avoid screens before bed — or at least use blue-light filters.

How to Support Better Sleep During the Day

  • First Thing in the morning get 10 minutes of sunlight on your body while your drinking coffee. Sitting in the sunlight will help tell the body to wake up.
  • Move your body daily. Even a walk helps regulate your nervous system.
  • Stay hydrated. Aim for about half your body weight in ounces of water
    • Example: 160 lbs → ~80 oz of water per day
  • Avoid alcohol before bed. It may help you fall asleep, but it disrupts deep and REM sleep.
  • Limit blue light exposure at night.
    Blue light from phones, tablets, and computers can interfere with melatonin and delay sleep.

Bottom line:
Good sleep is not an accident.
When you understand your sleep stages and HRV, you can make small, targeted changes that lead to deeper recovery, less stress, and better performance in your daily life.

Pain keeping you up at night?
Call or book online.
Safe, natural chiropractic care can help. Welcome – Chiropractic Care and Wellness in Elgin IL

chiropractic, Uncategorized

The Top 5 Chronic Diseases Affecting Americans

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1️⃣ Heart Disease – The leading cause of death in the U.S., often linked to lifestyle factors like poor diet, inactivity, and stress.


2️⃣ Cancer – Early detection and prevention through screening and healthy habits remain key.


3️⃣ Stroke – Often preventable through blood pressure control, regular exercise, and a balanced diet.


4️⃣ Arthritis – Causes chronic pain and limited mobility, but movement, therapy, and weight management can help.


5️⃣ Diabetes – A growing epidemic influenced by diet and physical activity; lifestyle changes and early care make a big difference.

Prevention starts with small, consistent steps — healthy eating, regular movement, stress management, and routine chiropractic care.

chiropractic, Uncategorized

Exercise amplifies fat loss when paired with calorie restriction

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Most people understand that calorie restriction (dieting) can lead to weight loss, and that exercise can also contribute to weight loss. This study compared the effects of calorie restriction alone, exercise alone, and the combination of calorie restriction with exercise on total weight loss.

Summary

In this secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial, combining calorie restriction with high amounts of exercise led to greater fat loss and better preservation of fat-free mass than either moderate exercise or diet alone.

What was studied?

Researchers examined how different exercise volumes (moderate vs. high) during calorie restriction influence body composition in adults with type 2 diabetes and overweight/obesity. Outcomes included changes in total body fat, visceral fat, and fat-free mass.

Who was studied?

  • 82 adults (average age: 58 years; 71% men, 29% women)
  • All participants had type 2 diabetes and overweight/obesity.

How was it studied?

Participants were randomized to one of four groups for 16 weeks:

  1. Control: Standard medical care only.
  2. Diet-only: 25%–30% calorie restriction, no exercise.
  3. Moderate exercise: Diet + 150–165 min/week of combined aerobic + resistance training (3 sessions/week).
  4. High exercise: Diet + 300–330 min/week of combined training (6 sessions/week).
  • Aerobic training: Stationary cycling, intensity based on heart rate.
  • Resistance training: Major muscle groups (legs, chest, back) at near-failure, 8–12 reps per set.

Key Results

  • Body fat percentage reduction:
    • High-dose: –8.0%
    • Moderate-dose: –6.3%
    • Diet-only: –3.5%
  • Visceral fat reduction:
    • High-dose: –1,786 mL
    • Moderate-dose: –1,264 mL
    • Diet-only: –666 mL
  • Fat-free mass (FFM):
    • Preserved in high-dose group
    • Declined in diet-only (–0.7 kg) and moderate-dose (–0.5 kg)

Big Picture

  • Why this matters:
    • Fat loss improves insulin sensitivity and lowers cardiovascular risk.
    • Visceral fat reduction is particularly valuable because it disproportionately drives metabolic dysfunction.
    • Preserving FFM (muscle mass) is crucial for long-term metabolic health and prevention of sarcopenia.
  • Takeaway:
    High-frequency combined training (aerobic + resistance) amplifies the benefits of calorie restriction, producing greater reductions in fat—especially visceral fat—while preserving muscle mass.

If pain is preventing you from exercising, give us a call or schedule online. We can help reduce your pain so you can move more comfortably, exercise with greater ease, and improve your results from dietary changes.

Also go to our YOUTUBE channel for exercise tips.

Effects of caloric restriction with different doses of exercise on fat loss in people living with type 2 diabetes: A secondary analysis of the DOSE-EX randomized clinical trial

chiropractic, exercise, Uncategorized

How Exercise Improves Survival Odds After a Cancer Diagnosis

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When facing a cancer diagnosis, many people focus on treatment options like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. And rightly so—these conventional treatments remain the cornerstone of cancer management. But a growing body of research is showing that something as simple as regular physical activity can play a powerful supporting role in recovery and long-term survival.

A recent meta-analysis looked at studies involving the four most common types of cancer—breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal—and found that exercise after diagnosis is consistently linked to better survival odds. The data came from high-quality studies that followed patients over time, and the results were striking:

  • Breast cancer patients who were physically active had a 31% lower risk of dying from the disease compared to those who were inactive.
  • Lung cancer patients saw a 24% reduction in cancer-related death risk.
  • Prostate cancer patients had a 27% lower risk of mortality.
  • Colorectal cancer patients experienced a 29% drop in risk.

Even more encouraging: exercise didn’t just lower cancer-specific deaths—it also reduced overall mortality (death from any cause) by 22–37%, depending on the type of cancer.

Exercise as an Adjunct, Not a Replacement

It’s important to note that exercise is not a substitute for medical treatment. While conventional treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapies remain the foundation of cancer care, exercise-based interventions offer a complementary strategy. When added to standard care, physical activity may help enhance treatment efficacy, reduce adverse effects, and improve quality of life.

The Takeaway

Exercise isn’t just good for general health—it can be a meaningful part of cancer recovery. Whether it’s walking, yoga, or gentle strength training (always with your doctor’s approval), getting moving may support your body in more ways than one.

Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise routine, especially during or after cancer treatment.

Exercise and survival benefit in cancer patients: evidence from a comprehensive meta