Archive for October 2025

Chiropractic Care vs. Surgery for Lumbar Disc Herniation: Which Is the Better Option?

Lumbar disc herniation is one of the most common causes of lower back pain, radiating leg pain, and even numbness or weakness. When a spinal disc in the lower back bulges or ruptures, it can put pressure on nearby nerves—often leading patients to believe surgery is the only solution. However, for many people, chiropractic care offers an effective, non-invasive alternative that can relieve pain and restore function without the risks and downtime associated with surgery.

Understanding Lumbar Disc Herniation

Between each vertebra in your spine lies a cushion-like disc that absorbs shock and allows flexibility. When part of that disc protrudes or “herniates,” it can compress the spinal nerves in the lumbar (lower back) region. This can cause symptoms such as:

• Sharp or burning pain in the lower back or leg
• Tingling, numbness, or weakness down one side
• Difficulty bending, sitting, or lifting

While severe cases may require surgery, many herniations can heal naturally with the right conservative care—and chiropractic adjustments can play a key role in that process.

Chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper alignment and motion to the spine, which can help reduce the pressure on the affected disc and nerves. Techniques may include:

• Spinal adjustments to correct misalignments and improve joint mobility
• Flexion-distraction therapy to gently decompress the spine
• Targeted exercises and stretches to strengthen the core and support healing
• Lifestyle and posture guidance to prevent future flare-ups

By reducing inflammation and improving spinal mechanics, chiropractic care can often relieve pain and promote healing without medication or surgery. Many patients experience improved range of motion, less nerve irritation, and better overall function.

When Surgery May Be Necessary

In some cases—such as severe nerve compression, loss of bladder or bowel control, or lack of improvement after conservative care—surgery may be necessary to remove or repair the damaged disc. However, it’s important to explore non-surgical options first, as surgery carries risks like infection, scar tissue, and lengthy recovery times.

If you’re struggling with a lumbar disc herniation, chiropractic care can be a highly effective first line of treatment. Dr. Barton evaluates each patient individually to determine the safest and most effective care plan. For many, gentle chiropractic adjustments can help relieve pain, restore mobility, and prevent future injury—without the need for surgery.

Click here to contact Dr. Barton or call 708-922-1400

Nerve pain—also called neuropathic pain—can feel sharp, burning, tingling, or numb. It often stems from nerve irritation, compression, or damage, and can affect areas like the back, neck, arms, or legs. For many people, it becomes a daily struggle that interferes with sleep, movement, and overall quality of life.

What Causes Nerve Pain?

Common causes include spinal misalignments, herniated discs, or inflammation that puts pressure on the nerves. Sciatica, for instance, occurs when the sciatic nerve in the lower back becomes compressed, sending pain down one or both legs. Even small misalignments in the spine can disrupt nerve communication, leading to discomfort throughout the body.

Chiropractic adjustments focus on restoring proper alignment to the spine. When vertebrae are realigned, pressure on the nerves can decrease, improving circulation and allowing the body’s natural healing processes to work more effectively. Many patients experience reduced inflammation, improved mobility, and lasting pain relief without relying on medication.

Gentle, targeted spinal adjustments can:

• Reduce nerve compression and irritation
• Improve spinal flexibility and posture
• Support better nervous system function
• Help prevent future flare-ups

A Holistic Approach to Healing

At our office, nerve pain treatment goes beyond adjustments. We may recommend stretching routines, ergonomic changes, or lifestyle adjustments that support long-term spinal health. Every treatment plan is customized to your needs and designed to help you regain comfort and function naturally.

If nerve pain has been holding you back, chiropractic care offers a safe and effective way to get to the root of the problem—not just mask the symptoms. Schedule an appointment today to start your path toward natural, lasting relief.

Click here to contact Dr. Barton or call 708-922-1400

How Adjustments Can Help You Breathe Easier

Your posture affects far more than how you look — it directly influences how well you breathe. When your spine, shoulders, and rib cage are properly aligned, your lungs can fully expand, and your diaphragm moves the way it should. But when you slouch forward, spend hours at a desk, or hold tension in your shoulders, that alignment changes. The result? Restricted breathing, less oxygen flow, and lower energy.

Many people don’t realize that poor posture and shallow breathing often go hand in hand. When the chest and upper back are compressed, the lungs can’t take in as much air. This means the brain and body receive less oxygen, which can lead to fatigue, stress, and even reduced focus. Over time, this pattern can also strain the neck, shoulders, and lower back — creating a cycle of discomfort that’s easy to overlook.

As a chiropractor, I see this connection every day. When posture improves, breathing does too. Chiropractic adjustments help realign the spine, improve rib mobility, and reduce muscle tension that restricts your chest and diaphragm. Once the body is balanced again, breathing becomes deeper and more natural. Many patients notice that after just a few adjustments, they can take fuller breaths and feel more relaxed throughout the day.

Better posture and breathing also support your body’s overall performance. Whether you’re an athlete looking to increase stamina or simply want to feel less tension and more energy, improving spinal alignment makes a difference. Deeper breathing enhances oxygen delivery to your muscles and organs, boosts focus, and helps regulate stress. It’s one of the simplest yet most powerful ways chiropractic care can help your body function at its best.

If you’ve noticed yourself taking shallow breaths, feeling tight through your chest and shoulders, or dealing with ongoing fatigue, your posture may be part of the problem. Chiropractic adjustments can help open up your chest, restore alignment, and make it easier to breathe — naturally.

At our office, we focus on more than pain relief — we help your body work the way it was designed to. When posture and breathing improve, so does everything else.

Click here to contact Dr. Barton or call 708-922-1400

Aging is a natural part of life, but how we age is largely up to us. While genetics play a role, your daily habits and lifestyle choices have a much greater impact. One often-overlooked factor in healthy aging is spinal health — and that’s where we come in.

Your spine does far more than support your posture. It’s the communication highway between your brain and body. When your spine is properly aligned, your nervous system functions at its best, helping every organ, muscle, and cell stay in sync. This is essential for maintaining balance, strength, coordination, and even mental clarity as you age.

Over time, stress, injuries, and poor posture can create misalignments, or subluxations, in the spine. These subtle shifts can interfere with nerve function, leading to stiffness, pain, fatigue, and slower recovery. Regular chiropractic adjustments restore proper alignment, allowing your body to move more freely and efficiently.

One of the biggest benefits of chiropractic care for older adults is improved mobility. When joints move the way they should, it’s easier to stay active — and activity is the foundation of longevity. Chiropractic adjustments help reduce inflammation, relieve tension, and keep your range of motion strong, so you can continue doing the things you love.

It also supports balance and coordination by ensuring the brain receives accurate signals from the body. This can lower your risk of falls and help you stay confident and independent as you age.

Healthy aging isn’t about avoiding time — it’s about maximizing it. By keeping your spine aligned and your nervous system healthy, Dr. Barton helps your body function the way it was designed to. Combined with good nutrition, regular movement, and mindful stress management, it’s one of the most natural ways to stay youthful and strong.

Aging smarter starts with how you care for your spine. Regular chiropractic adjustments can help you move better, feel better, and live better — no matter your age.

Click here to contact Dr. Barton or call 708-922-1400

If you’ve ever dealt with jaw pain, clicking, or stiffness, you may already know how disruptive TMJ issues can be. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull and is responsible for talking, chewing, and everyday movement. When this joint becomes strained or misaligned, the discomfort can spread to your face, head, neck, and even shoulders. The good news? Dr. Barton offers a natural and effective approach to easing TMJ pain and restoring balance.

Understanding TMJ Problems

TMJ disorders often come from a combination of stress, teeth grinding, poor posture, or even past injuries. Symptoms may include:

• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Clicking or popping sounds
• Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
• Headaches or ear pain
• Tightness in the neck and shoulders

Many people don’t realize how connected the jaw is to the rest of the body. A misaligned spine, especially in the upper neck, can contribute to jaw tension and worsen TMJ issues.

Dr. Barton looks at the whole picture, not just the jaw itself. By improving alignment in the spine and addressing tension in surrounding muscles, chiropractic adjustments help reduce the stress placed on the TMJ. Gentle techniques may also be applied directly to the jaw to restore proper movement.

Regular chiropractic care can:

• Reduce pain and inflammation
• Improve jaw mobility
• Ease tension in the neck and shoulders
• Promote natural healing without medications

Because chiropractic care takes a holistic approach, patients often notice improvements beyond just jaw relief. Better posture, less stress, and improved nervous system function can all contribute to long-term comfort and reduced flare-ups.

You don’t have to live with jaw pain or daily discomfort from TMJ issues. Dr. Barton offers a safe, non-invasive way to address the root of the problem and support lasting healing. If you’re struggling with TMJ symptoms, now is the perfect time to explore how chiropractic adjustments can restore balance and help you feel like yourself again.

Click here to contact Dr. Barton or call 708-922-1400