Garden Strong, Stay Pain-Free!

As the weather warms up and spring blooms begin to appear, many of us are eager to get back outside and into the garden. While gardening is a wonderful way to stay active and relieve stress, it can also put unexpected strain on your back, neck, and joints if you’re not careful.

This month, we’re focusing on how to garden without back pain, improve your posture, and keep your spine healthy all season long.

 Why Gardening Can Be Tough on Your Body

Gardening often involves repetitive movements like bending, twisting, lifting, and kneeling. All of which can stress your spine if done improperly. Without the right preparation and posture, even a few hours in the yard can lead to subluxation, injury and weeks of discomfort.

Before You Garden: Prepare Your Body

Just like any physical activity, gardening is safer and more enjoyable when your body is warmed up.

Try these simple movements before you start:

• Gentle Torso Twists: Loosen up your spine and improve mobility

• Shoulder Rolls: Reduce tension in the upper back and neck

• Hip Circles: Prepare your lower body for bending and lifting

• Hamstring Stretch: Prevent strain when bending forward

Taking 5 minutes to warm up, stretch, and get your body into motion prior to starting can prevent most ailments!

While You Garden: Protect Your Posture

Good posture is key to preventing pain and injury. Keep these tips in mind:

• Bend at your hips and knees, not your waist

• Keep items close to your body when lifting

• Avoid twisting while carrying heavy loads

• Use a kneeling pad or low stool instead of bending for long periods

• Switch positions frequently to avoid overuse

Think of it this way: your spine loves movement but it loves variety even more.

After You Garden: Recover and Reset

Once you’re done, help your body recover with a quick cool-down:

• Child’s Pose Stretch: Gently stretches the lower back

• Standing Backbend: Counters forward bending

• Neck Stretches: Relieve tension from looking down

• Light Walking: Keeps circulation flowing and reduces stiffness

A few minutes of recovery can prevent soreness the next day.

The Role of Chiropractic Care in Spine Health

Even with the best habits, daily activities like gardening can lead to subtle misalignments in the spine. Over time, these can affect how your body moves, feels, and functions.

Chiropractic care helps by:

• Restoring proper spinal alignment

• Improving mobility and flexibility

• Reducing tension and inflammation

• Supporting your nervous system for overall wellness

Regular adjustments can keep your body functioning at its best, so you can enjoy the activities you love, pain-free.

Stay Active, Stay Aligned This Spring

Gardening should be something you look forward to, not something you recover from. By preparing your body, maintaining good posture, and supporting your spine with regular chiropractic care, you can make the most of this beautiful season.

In Good Health,

Drs. Mark, Matt & Tami
(www.mifflintownchiro.com)

PS: Remember to check back often to our website.  Please leave feedback on the layouts!

PSS:  If you would like an email reminder of your appointments please stop by at the front desk and talk to Sharon. 

Newsletter Articles
March 2026

• Chiropractic Care Helps Facilitate Vaginal Birth After Previous Caesareans
• Gastrointestinal Function Helped by Chiropractic According to Study
• Phantom Limb Pain Resolved with Chiropractic Care
• Chiropractic Adjustments Help Low Back Pain Among the University Students

Chiropractic Care Helps Facilitate Vaginal Birth After Previous Caesareans

Many women who have delivered a baby by Caesarean section wonder whether they can safely have a vaginal birth in a future pregnancy. This option is commonly known as a vaginal birth after Caesarean, or VBAC. In recent years, VBAC has received growing attention because repeat Caesarean surgeries can increase the risk of complications such as infection, blood loss, and longer recovery times. Because of these concerns, healthcare providers and expectant mothers are increasingly exploring safe ways to support natural birth when appropriate.

Research shows that many women who attempt labor after a previous Caesarean can successfully deliver vaginally. In fact, studies have found that about 60–80 percent of these attempts result in a successful VBAC when the pregnancy is considered appropriate for it. A successful VBAC often offers several benefits, including faster recovery, fewer surgical risks, and a lower likelihood of complications in future pregnancies. For many mothers, it can also provide a more satisfying and empowering birth experience.

A case series published in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic on February 9, 2026, explored how chiropractic care may support women who hope to achieve a VBAC. The study followed several pregnant women who had previously delivered by Caesarean section and were experiencing pregnancy-related discomfort such as low back pain, pelvic pain, sciatica, or abnormal fetal positioning. These women sought chiropractic care during their pregnancies to help improve comfort and support their goal of having a vaginal delivery.

During care, spinal restrictions and vertebral subluxations were identified and addressed as part of a program designed to support proper spinal and pelvic function. As care progressed, the women experienced improvements in their musculoskeletal symptoms, including reductions in back pain and pelvic discomfort. In cases where the baby was not initially positioned head-down, the fetal position eventually corrected to the optimal position for birth.

Most importantly, all of the women in the study went on to give birth vaginally after their previous Caesarean deliveries. Labor began naturally without medical induction, and no adverse events were reported during their chiropractic care. These outcomes suggest that improving spinal and pelvic balance through the correction of subluxation may help create a more favorable environment for both the mother and baby during pregnancy and childbirth.

While this case series involved only a small number of patients and more research is needed, it highlights an encouraging possibility. Chiropractic care aimed at restoring proper spinal alignment and nervous system communication may support healthier pregnancy function and potentially contribute to successful VBAC outcomes. For expectant mothers hoping for a natural birth after a previous Caesarean, this type of conservative care may become an important part of a comprehensive approach to pregnancy wellness.

Gastrointestinal Function Helped by Chiropractic According to Study

Digestive problems are far more common than many people realize. In fact, tens of millions of Americans experience gastrointestinal issues such as abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, or other digestive complaints. These conditions can significantly affect daily life, often causing discomfort, fatigue, and frustration. Traditional treatment typically focuses on medications, dietary changes, and sometimes surgery, but researchers continue exploring additional approaches that may support digestive health and overall well-being.

A recent scientific review published in the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research on March 5, 2026, examined the possible relationship between chiropractic care and gastrointestinal function. The study looked at previously published research along with observations from a small clinical feasibility project. Researchers wanted to better understand whether improving spinal function and addressing vertebral subluxation might influence digestive health through the nervous system.

One reason this idea is being explored involves what scientists call the "gut–brain axis." The digestive system has its own complex network of nerves—sometimes referred to as the body’s "second brain." These nerves communicate constantly with the brain through the spinal cord and autonomic nervous system. Because of this connection, changes in nervous system function may influence digestion, intestinal movement, and even immune activity within the gut.

Several case reports reviewed in the study described people with digestive disorders who experienced improvements after receiving chiropractic care. Some individuals reported reduced abdominal pain, better bowel regularity, and improved quality of life. In certain cases, long-standing digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, or inflammatory bowel conditions became much less severe after care aimed at correcting subluxation and improving spinal function.

The study also included a small real-world trial in a chiropractic clinic. One participant who completed the full three-month program reported meaningful improvements, including less bloating and gas, better sleep, and progress toward personal health goals such as weight loss. Improvements were also seen in spinal function and certain indicators related to gut bacteria balance. Although the study was small and larger research is needed, these findings suggest that the nervous system may play an important role in digestive health.

Researchers concluded that chiropractic care may offer a promising supportive approach for people dealing with digestive problems. By helping restore proper nervous system communication through correction of subluxation, chiropractic care may influence the gut–brain connection that regulates many digestive processes. While more large-scale studies are needed to confirm these effects, the early evidence suggests that improving spinal health could be one piece of the larger puzzle in supporting healthy digestion and overall wellness.

Phantom Limb Pain Resolved with Chiropractic Care

Phantom limb pain is a surprisingly common problem for people who have had a limb amputated. Even though the limb is no longer present, the brain and nervous system can continue sending pain signals that feel as if they are coming from the missing body part. This condition can cause sensations such as burning, stabbing, or aching in the absent limb, and it often interferes with sleep, mobility, and quality of life. Studies suggest that a majority of individuals with lower-limb amputations experience some degree of phantom limb pain during their lives.

A case study published on February 03, 2026, in the Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic, described an interesting situation involving a 66-year-old man who had undergone a below-knee amputation several years earlier. Like many people with amputations, he experienced persistent phantom limb pain. He also suffered from significant lower back pain that radiated into the remaining portion of his leg. These problems made standing, walking, and even sleeping uncomfortable, and previous treatments had provided only limited relief.

While receiving chiropractic care for his lower back condition, something unexpected happened. The man began to notice improvements not only in his back pain but also in the phantom limb pain he had experienced for years. Within several visits, he reported a period of complete relief from the phantom pain that had previously been persistent and difficult to control.

Researchers believe this improvement may be connected to how the spine and nervous system communicate. The lower back contains nerves that travel to the legs and feet. When spinal function is disrupted—sometimes associated with subluxation—it can affect how nerve signals travel between the brain and the body. Correcting spinal problems may help reduce nerve irritation and improve communication within the nervous system, which could influence how pain signals are processed.

In this case, the patient’s pain scores improved significantly during care. His reported pain levels dropped by about half, and his ability to function in daily life improved as well. Although the complete relief of phantom limb pain lasted only temporarily, the improvement was still notable because phantom limb pain can be extremely difficult to treat with conventional methods alone.

While this report describes only one individual and more research is needed, it highlights an important idea: the nervous system plays a powerful role in how pain is experienced. Chiropractic care focused on improving spinal function and correcting subluxation may influence nerve pathways and pain perception in ways that researchers are only beginning to understand. For individuals living with chronic pain after amputation, this type of conservative care may become an important part of a broader, multidisciplinary approach to improving comfort and quality of life.

Chiropractic Adjustments Help Low Back Pain Among the University Students

Low back pain is not just a problem for older adults. Many young people—especially college students—are now experiencing it more frequently. Long hours of sitting, studying on laptops, using smartphones, and maintaining poor posture can all place stress on the spine. Over time, these habits may contribute to spinal dysfunction and discomfort that interferes with daily activities, exercise, and concentration. Researchers have been paying increasing attention to this trend because early spinal problems can sometimes lead to chronic pain later in life.

A scientific review published on December 19, 2025, in the Pacific Journal of Spine & Neurosurgery looked at how chiropractic care may help people suffering from nonspecific low back pain. The researchers examined multiple clinical studies that compared chiropractic spinal adjustments with traditional physical therapy approaches. Both treatments are considered conservative, non-drug options designed to improve movement, reduce pain, and help people return to normal activity. The review analyzed eighteen carefully selected studies that measured outcomes such as pain levels, mobility, and disability related to back pain.

The findings showed that chiropractic care can produce meaningful improvements in back pain. Many patients experienced noticeable reductions in pain intensity, particularly during the early stages of care. By restoring movement to restricted spinal joints and helping correct subluxation, chiropractic adjustments may reduce mechanical stress on the spine and help the nervous system function more efficiently. These improvements often allow people to move more comfortably and resume normal daily activities.

Safety was also an encouraging part of the findings. Across the studies examined, serious complications were not reported. Most side effects were mild and temporary, such as brief soreness or fatigue after treatment sessions. These short-lived reactions are common with many forms of manual therapy and usually resolve quickly. Overall, both chiropractic care and physical therapy demonstrated strong safety profiles for people dealing with low back pain.

The study highlights an important message: conservative spinal care can play a valuable role in helping people manage low back pain. Chiropractic adjustments aimed at correcting subluxation may help restore proper spinal function and improve communication between the brain and body. When combined with healthy habits—such as good posture, regular movement, and strengthening exercises—many individuals can experience lasting improvements in comfort, mobility, and quality of life.