Overcoming Tech Neck

It’s no surprise that people are looking down more and more often. Cell phones, TVs, and workstations are now more prevalent than ever before, and as a result, more and more people suffer from neck ailments that are not getting better. While prevention is extremely valuable in counteracting these potentially harmful activities, the fact is that many people cannot get away from technology. The question then becomes: What am I to do if I have to use a screen for large parts of my day?  

Most of these suggestions are going to be simple, but in reality, simple recommendations are best because they’re realistic for the everyday person to implement. Sure, I could suggest that everyone get a standing desk, but the reality is that most people cannot afford a high-quality standing desk — and even if they could buy one, it may not solve all of their issues. 

The first suggestion that I would give to most people would be to take more short breaks during the day. Breaks like the ones I am describing can be as simple as standing up a few times an hour for 20-40 seconds. These breaks do not have to disrupt productivity, and they likely won’t if you time them correctly.

Another suggestion is to make some subtle changes to your workstation. If your monitor is too low, put a box or a book underneath it to raise it up. If your monitor is too far away, simply move it closer. Again, this is very simple and at first it might not seem effective, but over time it can help a lot. 

Finally, I’d recommend that you visit a chiropractor. If your neck and upper back are out of alignment, you’ll experience heightened pain and suffering when using your devices for long periods of time. Chiropractors can realign your joints and help alleviate your tech neck.

Do Chiropractors Prescribe Medications?

Do chiropractors prescribe drugs or medications? This question gets asked at my office more than you might think. The answer, for now, is no. Chiropractors do not prescribe medications, and in most states, they are forbidden from doing so. So, you might ask, how do chiropractors help people if they don't prescribe medication?   

Before I answer that question, let me divulge some statistics regarding prescription medications. Mayo Clinic, one of the most trusted medical sources in the world, stated that 70% of all Americans take at least one medication. They also state that 50% of Americans take at least two medications, and 20% of Americans are on at least five medications. It's important to note that there is not a single medication out there that is not responsible for at least one death annually. Therefore, these numbers, when expounded, are staggering given the numbers of deaths they cause. Now, I am not advocating for the dismantling or death of prescription drugs, but rather I am trying to get people to understand the magnitude of how many drugs are prescribed in this country and the impact they can have. 

Chiropractors look at the body differently than medical doctors do. Most chiropractors believe that the body is capable of getting better, without much help, if all parts of the body are working properly. Think about this example: Remember the last time you got a bad scrape that bled for a short period of time. Did you have to do anything to get that to stop bleeding? The answer is no. Furthermore, did you have to do anything to get that wound to heal? The answer is, again, no. Your body healed that wound without any problem. 

Now, there can be roadblocks to the healing process that cause widespread issues, such as joint misalignment and nervous system interference. This is at the heart of what chiropractors believe and work on on a daily basis. Most chiropractors find misalignments of the spine, correct them, and as a result, the patient gets better (and then feels better) faster and more efficiently.  

Put simply, chiropractic care, at least the way I practice it, helps the body help itself — and that is why patients get better and feel better. If you’d like to learn more, give me a call or stop in!  

How To Find The Right Chiropractor

Let’s be honest. Finding a health care provider can be a challenging task, and finding a great chiropractor might be among the hardest in this category! So, where do you start?  

Finding the right chiropractor for you depends on what you want to get out of chiropractic care.   Are you looking for a chiropractor who values flexibility, or would you prefer a more rigid approach with multiple visits that are scheduled months in advance? Would you prefer a chiropractor who individualizes every treatment plan regardless of injury, patient, etc., or would you rather enlist the help of a chiropractor whose treatment plans are all roughly the same?   

Going one step further, is the convenience of scheduling appointments important to you? What about waiting for scheduled visits once you get to the office?  

At Hanft Family Chiropractic, the answers are clear and straightforward. I develop and implement every treatment plan based on that individual’s needs. There is NEVER an identical treatment at my office, and each patient receives the care they need and a treatment plan they are willing to begin. I do not pressure patients to receive treatment they are not comfortable with, and I do not incentivize patients with pre-payment options. Put simply: you come to my office when you require treatment, and there is never any pressure to keep going and going.  

When I started my practice 14 years ago, I set forth a few key, non-negotiable tenets as to how I would run my office. At the core of that is I do not make anyone wait for scheduled appointments. This means that if you have a 5 p.m. appointment and you arrive on time or a bit early, you will be seen by 5 p.m. That’s a promise I make to every patient, and I take it very seriously.  

Booking appointments at Hanft Family Chiropractic is super simple. You can do so in two main ways: 1) Call the office when we are open. I answer my phone 99% of the time, and in doing so, I can schedule appointments for you when needed. 2) Schedule online anytime. This is what the majority of my patients are using now, and it’s super easy, convenient, free, and you can use it 24 hours a day. It simply requires your name, email, and a phone number.  You can schedule online here. 

In the end, choosing a chiropractor is a tough decision. You want an office where the care you receive is excellent, the people you work with are friendly and on your side, and you want an overall experience that fits with your expectations. If you value flexibility and honesty, my office will not only be a good fit, but will likely impress you. If you’re still unsure, check out my practice’s Google reviews. Each and every review is authentic, and I’m proud to have earned each and every one of them. If you feel I’m a good fit for your needs, I hope I can earn your review someday, too.

How Often Should I Visit A Chiropractor?

How often do I need to go? This is a question I get a lot. The answer is not always simple, and it’s far from universal among everyone. But keep reading for a few guidelines on how often you should visit a chiropractor.

How often you need to go really does vary quite a bit. A person involved in a serious car accident is going to require more care than someone whose lower back hurts from gardening. In most cases, a person who falls off their roof is going to require more care than someone who mowed the yard. The severity of the injury and the trauma involved will often dictate how often a person needs to go, as well as how long it will take them to get better. At Hanft Family Chiropractic, I pride myself on making each patient a unique treatment plan that fits their injury and personal circumstances. In some cases, progress is faster than expected and in some rare cases, it’s slower than expected.  

In general, my goal is always to provide excellent care without going overboard with the visit frequency.  I usually err on the side of fewer visits rather than too many, as we can always increase the number of visits, if necessary, to achieve the patient’s short and long-term goals.  

In the end, care by any medical or chiropractic professional can (and should) vary based on how the injury/pain was obtained, a patient’s age, a patient’s overall health, and many other factors. When at the appointment and afterwards, ask yourself if it feels “right.” If your gut is telling you something doesn't feel right, then get a second opinion! I always recommend second opinions when care is not progressing like it should. Second opinions usually confirm that I was correct in my approach, which bolsters the patient’s confidence to keep coming in.

 If you’re wondering if you can be helped, remember that I always offer a free consultation to anyone. While this consultation does not include any care, it does give you plenty of time to ask questions and get some great information prior to any official, care-based visit. 

Is Chiropractic Care Painful?

There are quite a few misconceptions about chiropractic care, and whether or not it’s painful is probably in the top five. The simple answer is that it is generally not painful. I’ve been practicing for 14 years, and while I cannot say that all my adjustments have been pain free, the overwhelming majority of adjustments I’ve delivered have caused little to no pain. 

When a patient comes into the office in extreme pain (8 out of 10 or greater), they think that the adjustment is going to hurt. But typically, these appointments go very well and do not inflict the pain levels that the patient anticipates. Conditions where this has been the case include lower back disc herniation, severe spasms, and severe neck pain.

If you or someone you know is considering chiropractic care but are afraid that it will be painful, you can rest assured that the appointment likely will not hurt. I’ll likely be able to get you through the appointment, and feeling better, with little to zero pain. As always, if you have any doubts or concerns, give me a call and I’ll help in any way that I can!

How To Treat Neck Pain Without Medication

It is estimated that up to 80% of the population will encounter back pain in some form or another. This pain costs Americans billions of dollars each year, which includes money spent on medications, doctor’s visits, lost work, and many other factors. Neck pain accounts for a sizable portion of this back pain, and it affects millions of Americans each and every day. So what are the options for treatment? You guessed it; chiropractic care is a good option that millions of Americans use every day.

Chiropractic care for neck pain, at least at Hanft Family Chiropractic, focuses on two main concepts for alleviating pain. 

1. Chiropractic care in the neck works to make sure that the joint alignment is good. Proper joint alignment allows the joints to function more effectively and reduces the stress on the joints. As a result, pain levels can diminish and leave you feeling better.

2. Proper joint motion is another important aspect of chiropractic care, although it is not often thought of when someone looks into visiting a chiropractor. Making sure that a joint is moving properly is essential to that joint working correctly and, ultimately, to that joint feeling better. 

To illustrate this concept, imagine that you have a joint that is perfectly in place but still isn't moving the way it should. In a sense, it’s stuck! That “stuckness,” or lack of movement, will eventually irritate the joint and cause inflammation and continuous, or even increased pain levels.

As a chiropractor, I make sure the joint is in proper alignment AND moving in the right manner to ensure that your pain is relieved.  

When choosing a chiropractor, it’s important to remember these two key factors. Treating both joint alignment and joint motion is at the core of how I practice each and every day, and it’s a major factor in the pain relief I’m able to achieve for my patients.  

Neck pain does not have to be a part of your life. Find a great chiropractor and do what they suggest!  Feeling better is just a phone call or click away.

COVID-19 Update | HFC

Let’s be honest, a lot has changed in the past several weeks. And frankly, a lot more is likely going to change in the next several weeks. We are living in a brand new world and, with that, our expectations moving forward need to include concepts like understanding and being fluid with how we handle our day to day lives.  

COVID-19, or coronavirus, has morphed into a power that few expected in a timeframe that even fewer could have imagined. But, as we all know, much in our lives has changed and we have to adapt. Moving forward, I would encourage each and every one of you to be positive in your life mission, and to do what you feel is right in the presence of these new and emerging times. I, as a chiropractor, have embraced a new “normal” in my life, and that is both in my personal life as well as my practice. 

In my personal life, I’m spending more time with my family than ever before. I enjoyed a fantastic walk with my kids and dog yesterday on the Bear Creek trail. I feel strongly that my family will be stronger after this is all said and done, and that’s certainly a silver lining. I hope you can feel the same when the dust settles.  

 As of typing this, my practice is still open and I am seeing patients. Please know that I am taking precautions to help prevent the spread of the virus, and I take that quite seriously.  As most of you know, I pride myself on managing time very well, and as a result of that management, I am able to limit the number of people in my office at one time. A normal day will rarely have three or more patients in the office at one single time, and this will help ensure that minimal interaction among people is occurring.  I am, of course, sanitizing the table and other surfaces, and washing hands regularly.   

I think most of us have read enough on this emerging disease that is taking  our country by storm. If you have an ache or pain and think that chiropractic can help, please schedule a visit with me knowing that not only do I possess the experience to help with your chiropractic needs, but I am also doing my best to limit the spread of this virus.   

Be safe and take a few extra moments to love those closest to you.  

Best regards,

Dr. Hanft

What is a chiropractor?

Chiropractors, like most health care professionals, come in different varieties. Some chiropractors specialize in kids, while others only adjust adults. Certain chiropractors will adjust only the top two neck bones. Some chiropractors incorporate exercise and rehabilitation into their offices, while others rely only on chiropractic adjustments to help their patients. Other chiropractors, such as Dr. Hanft, adjust the entire spine and work on problem-focused issues and use evidence-based chiropractic treatments for those issues. Evidence-based approaches are only those supported by research and science.  

Some chiropractors also utilize nutritional supplements and products in their office to try to improve the outcomes with their patients. Chiropractors are now starting to sell cannabidiol (CBD) to further help their patients get better.  

What does it take to become a chiropractor?

With all this in mind, you might be asking yourself: What does it take to become a chiropractor?  The following are current requirements at most chiropractic colleges or programs:  

• The program itself is generally 4,000+ hours of classroom, practicum, and clinical work.  To put that in perspective, medical school is generally about the same. 

• Classroom work includes courses in microbiology, biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, as well as more clinical work like diagnosis, physical examination, technique related courses, and practice management.  

• The clinical work done after all this is generally geared toward adjusting real patients in a clinic setting under the supervision of a staff doctor.  

In addition, most states, including Missouri, require a chiropractor to have completed all four parts of National Boards as put forth by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. This includes three written exams and a practicum. The first three exams cover material from all the classes taken in chiropractic college, and are challenging and labor intensive. The practicum is a “real life” exam that involves mock patients imitating conditions/problems. During this portion of the boards, a student must diagnose or suggest treatment appropriate for their condition(s). Students also interpret imaging such as x-rays, MRI, and CAT scans during this exam.  

As you can see, becoming a chiropractor is challenging and involves learning in a wide variety of course material and practical experience. This is all designed so that, upon graduation, chiropractors are ready to deliver exceptional chiropractic care to their patients on day one.

My educational journey began at the University of Wisconsin, where I received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Zoology. I then went on to the Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, where I earned my doctorate degree. I reached my goal of owning a practice when I opened the doors to Hanft Family Chiropractic in Columbia, Missouri, in 2005, where I feel fortunate to practice chiropractic care each day.

Who can benefit from going to a chiropractor?

Chiropractic care can benefit a variety of problems, including neck pain, shoulder pain, lower back pain, jaw pain, headaches, and sciatica, which is pain that affects the back, hip and outer side of the leg.

As an evidence-based chiropractor, I only tell patients I can help with conditions or problems that research and science has shown to be effective. My care typically helps these conditions by focusing on two primary components involved in promoting spine/pelvic health: joint alignment and proper joint movement.

Joint alignment seems to be what most people think of when going to a chiropractor. A mis-aligned joint has been proven to cause pain and can result in inflammation, and even deterioration of that joint, if left untreated long enough. However, proper joint movement is just as critical, if not more so. If a joint is left untreated and is not moving in a manner that it’s meant to, it will wear out that joint and cause minor to severe pain. An example of this is a “locked up Sacro-iliac (SI) joint,” which is where your sacrum (tailbone) connects with your pelvis (ilium). This joint is usually just below where a belt would be on your pants. When this joint doesn’t move properly, bending and lifting can become excruciating. This happened to me when I moved my family to Columbia, Missouri, and lifted a large number of boxes, furniture, and appliances. Once it was adjusted, it felt much better!  

With this information in mind, is it true that, as a chiropractor, I can treat everyone? The answer to this is simple: No. There are patients who enter my office who I cannot care for, including anyone that has hardware in their spine, pelvis or surrounding areas and is looking for treatment in that region. This hardware includes rods, screws, plates, and pins. Treating patients with this hardware is reckless and dangerous, and NEVER done at Hanft Family Chiropractic. If you have this hardware in your body, you should not be manipulated in these areas because the chance of “loosening” this hardware is too great and outweighs the potential benefits of treatment.

I also don’t treat patients if I suspect that they have kidney stones. These stones can often present as pain in the upper abdomen, sides or lower back. When this is suspected, I immediately refer patients to their medical doctor for evaluation prior to treatment. If it’s not stones, they usually end up back in my office and we can move on with chiropractic care.  

Chiropractic care can benefit a variety of people with a variety of conditions, ranging from neck and lower back pain to headaches and even jaw pain, with many others in between. A person should generally start with the most conservative treatment possible and work their way up to less conservative treatments as needed. Chiropractic is very conservative, while also extremely effective at treating a large population of those suffering, which makes it a great place to start for musculoskeletal problems.

Amanda | HFC Success Stories

Amanda suffered from several migraines per week before seeing Dr. Hanft.

But after seeing him on a regular basis, her migraines are all but gone. Amanda definitely considers this a success, and is so glad a family member recommended Dr. Hanft. In addition to pain reduction, Amanda also enjoys the warm, welcoming feeling of Hanft Family Chiropractic. Each time she walks in, she feels comfortable and confident that she will find treatment.

Start feeling better now. Book an appointment online!

Cade | HFC Success Stories

Cade rarely made time to go to a chiropractor.

He only went when his pain was too much to handle. Finally, he started seeing Dr. Hanft on a regular basis, and his life changed for the better. Now, his pain is manageable and he comes less and less often. For Cade, what sets Dr. Hanft apart is his punctuality. As a small business owner, Cade values his time, and it’s important to him that he doesn’t waste it. At Hanft Family Chiropractic, Cade is always seen on time, so he can move on to the rest of his daily activities quickly.

Make an investment in yourself. Book an appointment online today!

Jamie | HFC Success Stories

One of the main benefits Dr. Hanft’s patients appreciate is how easy it is to see him.

Every patient is seen at their appointment time. Jamie also likes the fact that Dr. Hanft has great flexibility around his schedule, meaning she can see Dr. Hanft at times that work best for her, and start feeling better faster.

If you want to feel better faster, book an appointment online today.

Rayma | HFC Success Stories

Before coming to Hanft Family Chiropractic, Rayma couldn’t walk without her cane.

Her condition forced her to retire from teaching, something she loved and had done for over 40 years. That all changed after seeing Dr. Hanft. By working with Dr. Hanft over the past two years, Rayma now walks around quickly and nimbly, and hasn’t had to use her cane in over a year. Rayma appreciates the fact that Dr. Hanft listens to her and makes recommendations based on her body–not anything else. For Rayma, one of the major benefits of going to Dr. Hanft is that there’s never any obligation to make a long-term or even short-term commitment. It’s all about how you feel.

Ready to start your healing journey? Make an appointment today!

Feeling hot, hot, hot!

As a chiropractor living in Columbia, MO, it’s safe to say I know what HOT is!  But what does that heat really do and why can it be dangerous?  I recently wrote a newsletter article detailing some facts regarding heat related illness, and thought I’d share it for everyone.

We all knew it was coming.  Temperatures climbing and reaching the “danger zone” where it become ever difficult for our bodies to cool themselves.  We humans have a wonderful ability to sweat.  This process, where our body moves fluids to the surface of our skin to help cool us, is really quite amazing. Most of us can stay cool and healthy in even extremely high temperatures where other animals would suffer greatly.  This process of sweating is complex, but ultimately it relies on several factors including hydration, heart health, and circulation.  If a person has problems with any of these factors, or any others involved in proper cooling of the body, then they need to be particularly careful when being outside in high heat temperatures.

As defined and taught by the American Red Cross, heat related illnesses is generally divided into three groups of seriousness: 1) Heat Cramps   2) Heat Exhaustion  3) Heat Stroke

1)  Heat cramps are cramps that occur as a result of excessive water loss. These are generally the first stage of heat related illness. Athletes are often prone to these as they are often training/performing in high heat and at high levels of physical fitness, but anyone can experience these.

2)  Heat exhaustion is the next phase of heat related illness where a person feels hot, has excessive sweating, and can feel fatigue or dizziness.  This phase is usually due to sweat/water loss.  Although not generally a serious condition, it can become so at any moment so monitoring is important.

3)  Heat Stroke is next and is much more serious.  Heat stroke is where the body is so hot it begins to lose the ability to cool itself.  While heat exhaustion can be serious, heat stroke  is ALWAYS serious and if left untreated, will almost certainly lead to death or permanent disability.  Symptoms include dizziness, confusion, headaches and chills to name a few.  This condition requires immediate medical intervention.

No matter your fitness level, body type, or the conditions, it is important to respect mother nature and those hot temperatures by preparing properly and listening to your body.  If you feel really hot, then take the time to sit down and rest.  Find some shade, drink lots of fluids, and relax.  Summer is a wonderful time of year so get out and enjoy it….but be respectful of the elements and be proactive in taking care of yourself!

Spring has Sprung!

As a chiropractor living in Columbia, MO,  I think getting outdoors is one of the best parts of Spring. Gardening, walking the dogs, running (something I love), parks, and whatever else your heart desires. Unfortunately, warmer weather also means more aches and pains because we tend to “over-do” it before we’re ready. Bending, lifting, digging, planting, twisting, and a whole host of other movements that can put us in a world of hurt!

So this Spring, make it a point to “ease” into your activities. Instead of digging 40 holes for bulbs or walking 4 miles through Rock Bridge State Park, start easy. Dig a few holes or walk around your neighborhood and get into some “Spring Shape” before you light the world on fire and really get after it! Trust me, your body will be happy you did, and then once it gets even nicer, you can go out with confidence and have tons of fun!

(By the way, I practice what I preach!  My first runs in March are 20 minutes long at the most.  By the end of August, I’ll be going out for 3 hour runs in preparation for the marathon I’m training for.  If I went that long in March, I’d probably be hospitalized! )

I love my job!

Helping people has to be up there for “most loved jobs” and mine is no exception.  Sure I see people who are hurting…headaches, back pain, disc herniations….but the prospect of helping them is awesome and I love being a part of that.  Just this week I’ve helped people with conditions ranging from leg numbness (from a car accident) to muscle spasms in the upper back to headaches that sometimes are migraine-level intense.  I take great pride in knowing that patients leave my office feeling better immediately.