Archive for July 2025

Don’t Ignore That ‘Click’: What Popping Joints Really Mean

Popping, clicking, or cracking sounds from your joints may seem harmless—maybe even satisfying—but they can tell a deeper story about your spinal health. At Barton Chiropractic Clinic, we help patients understand what these noises mean and when it’s time to take them seriously.

When a joint “pops,” it often means gas bubbles are being released in the synovial fluid that lubricates your joints. This is usually harmless and temporary. However, when joint noises become frequent, accompanied by pain, stiffness, or a feeling that something is “off,” it could signal a deeper issue.

In many cases, clicking joints—especially in the neck, back, or shoulders—stem from misalignments in the spine. These misalignments, known as subluxations, affect how the joints move and how the nervous system communicates with the rest of the body. Over time, subluxations can lead to muscle imbalances, joint degeneration, and chronic pain.

Your spine is the foundation for healthy movement. When it’s out of alignment, the rest of the body compensates, leading to extra stress on joints. That “click” may be your body’s way of saying, “Pay attention—something needs fixing.”

Dr. Barton often sees athletes and active individuals who ignore these signs until discomfort escalates. She understands firsthand the impact of spinal misalignment on joint health and performance. Regular chiropractic adjustments restore motion, reduce inflammation, and prevent long-term damage before it begins.

If you notice persistent popping in your neck, shoulders, knees, or hips—especially with pain, tightness, or reduced range of motion—it’s time for a chiropractic evaluation. We’ll assess spinal alignment, joint integrity, and muscular balance to identify the root cause.

Don’t let joint noises go unchecked. Chiropractic care offers a proactive approach to maintaining joint and nervous system health. When your spine is in proper alignment, your body moves better, feels better, and functions at its best.

Clicking joints may be common, but they’re not always normal. Let’s figure out what your body is telling you—before it gets louder.

Click here to contact our Office or call 708-922-1400

Posture and What It Says About Your Health

Posture is more than how you sit or stand — it’s a direct reflection of your spine, nervous system, and overall health. Good posture allows your body to move efficiently, breathe properly, and function at its best. Poor posture, on the other hand, can signal deeper issues and lead to long-term health problems.

When your posture is off, it often means your spine is misaligned. Spinal misalignments interfere with the nervous system, which controls every organ and function in your body. This can lead to symptoms like back and neck pain, headaches, fatigue, digestive issues, and even mood changes. If your shoulders round forward, or if your head tilts too far forward, that could be your body’s way of “breaking up” normal alignment patterns to compensate for stress or tension.

One of the biggest issues with poor posture is how it silently contributes to spinal degeneration. Think of your spine like the foundation of a house. If that foundation shifts, cracks begin to form throughout the structure. Your discs — the cushions between your vertebrae — rely on proper posture and movement to stay hydrated and healthy. Without that, they can start breaking up prematurely, leading to stiffness, nerve compression, and chronic pain.

Chiropractic care helps correct these imbalances. Through gentle adjustments, your chiropractor restores proper alignment to the spine, allowing the nervous system to function freely. This encourages better posture without forcing your muscles to overcompensate. In many cases, improved posture happens naturally as the body starts breaking up dysfunctional patterns and returning to a state of ease and balance.

It’s also important to stay aware of your daily habits. Sitting for long hours, looking down at your phone, or standing with uneven weight can all reinforce bad posture. Regular chiropractic visits, along with stretches, movement, and ergonomic awareness, can help you avoid breaking up the health of your spine over time.

At our office, we don’t just look at symptoms — we look at structure. Your posture is one of the most important indicators of your health. If you’re ready to improve your posture and unlock better energy, mobility, and well-being, schedule your chiropractic appointment today.

Click here to contact our Office or call 708-922-1400

Beat the Heat: Why Hydration and Spinal Health Go Hand-in-Hand

Summer heat is no joke—but neither is dehydration’s effect on your spine and nervous system. As temperatures rise, staying hydrated becomes more than a matter of comfort. It becomes essential for protecting your spinal health and overall function.

Your spine isn’t just bone—it’s a dynamic system of vertebrae, discs, nerves, and soft tissue that all depend on proper hydration. The intervertebral discs, in particular, act as natural shock absorbers. They’re made up of a soft, gel-like center that’s roughly 80% water. When you’re dehydrated, those discs can lose volume and flexibility, making the spine more prone to stiffness, discomfort, and even injury.

But the effects don’t stop there. Your nervous system—which runs through your spinal cord—also relies on adequate hydration to function properly. Without enough water, the body may struggle to regulate temperature, send accurate nerve signals, or keep inflammation in check. That means poor hydration can contribute to fatigue, slower healing, and even chronic pain.

This is where chiropractic care comes in. Regular adjustments help restore proper alignment in the spine, which allows for optimal nerve communication and fluid movement throughout the body. When your spine is in alignment and your body is hydrated, your systems can work together to regulate stress, repair tissue, and improve your overall energy levels—especially in the summer heat.

So how can you stay on top of hydration this summer?

• Drink water consistently, not just when you feel thirsty.
• Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you.
• Eat water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and leafy greens.
• Get adjusted regularly to support spinal alignment and nervous system performance.

At our office, we look at your health from every angle—including how simple habits like water intake impact your spine, mobility, and energy. A small change like staying better hydrated can improve the way your body moves and feels—especially when combined with gentle, targeted chiropractic care.

Don’t let the summer heat wear you down. Beat the Heat…Drink water, stay aligned, and feel the difference.

Click here to contact our Office or call 708-922-1400

How Flip-Flops and Sandals Affect Your Spine

Flip-flops and sandals may be summer staples, but most people don’t realize just how flip-flops affect your spine. These light, open shoes may feel comfortable, but they often lack the support your body needs—and that can lead to real problems from the ground up.

Your feet are your foundation. When they don’t have the right support, your entire posture can shift. Flip-flops and flat sandals offer little to no arch support, heel cushioning, or shock absorption. This causes your foot to work harder to stay stable with each step, often leading to changes in your gait, like shorter strides, inward foot rolling, or tight calf muscles. These small changes travel up the kinetic chain and can cause misalignment in your knees, hips, and spine.

Over time, people who wear unsupportive footwear regularly may develop lower back pain, hip discomfort, or neck tension. If you already have spinal misalignments, flip-flops can make things worse, especially when combined with long periods of standing, walking, or carrying bags while on vacation.

So, what can you do? Start by limiting your time in flat sandals and choosing supportive shoes for walking or long outings. Look for sandals with contoured footbeds, heel support, and arch structure. If you love the feeling of open shoes, consider orthotic flip-flops designed for better alignment.

At Dr. Barton’s chiropractic office, we help patients identify the hidden causes of discomfort, including issues that start with your feet. Chiropractic adjustments can restore proper alignment to your spine, reduce pain, and help your body move more naturally, even if you’ve spent years in less-than-ideal footwear.

This summer, enjoy your favorite shoes in moderation—but don’t ignore what they might be doing to your spine. Your back, hips, and feet are all part of the same system, and when one part is off, the rest feels it too.

Want to walk through summer pain-free? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Barton and let’s keep your spine supported from the ground up.

Click here to contact our Office or call 708-922-1400