A New Year!

What about a new year inspires us to start anew and tackle the things we want to accomplish? The new year is a blank slate; we are able to create the "fresh start effect" and feel confident in setting new and exciting goals. However, creating long-standing CHANGES is extremely difficult (a year is a long time)!! To make positive CHANGES that last, it’s important to set realistic and meaningful goals. Break larger aspirations into smaller, manageable steps, and don’t hesitate to celebrate every bit of progress along the way. Start slow!!! There is no rush in achieving your goals!! Whether you’re looking to work out more, improve flexibility, make healthier choices, or start walking, start small! A 2-3 minute walk a day that you can consistently add to throughout the year is better than walking for 30 minutes each day and not staying consistent!

With all CHANGE, we want the immediate satisfaction of results, or some kind of instant dopamine hit. Whether this is seeing an immediate drop in weight, the satisfaction of making that first healthy meal from scratch, or the first sign of muscular improvements in your body. These can mask themselves as the goal when they are small steps on the journey!! Progress doesn't happen all at once, and progress isn't linear; it is like a roller coaster ride with all of the ups, downs, twists, and turns. But, with patience and persistence, we can achieve life-changing results. Achieving CHANGE is hard; that's why we are here to encourage, guide, and celebrate with you every step of the way, regardless of what the goal may be.

But all of this takes a lot of energy and a lot of focus, especially when it is all new! But, by addressing imbalances, maintaining proper alignment, and reducing any nerve interference, chiropractic treatments can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and boost your overall energy. These benefits not only make it easier to stay consistent and energetic throughout your week but also enhance your ability to tackle all the CHANGES you have set out for yourself! Regular adjustments ensure your body stays resilient, allowing you to build on your progress without setbacks. Whether it’s preparing for a more active lifestyle or simply feeling your best as you pursue personal growth, we want to support your journey in making 2026 your year of lasting, positive change.

Our team is already gearing up to provide you with even more tools and resources to enhance your well-being. We’re committed to staying at the forefront of chiropractic care and holistic health, offering you the best techniques and treatments available. This year, we’ll be introducing new programs designed to educate and empower you in your wellness journey. From tips on maintaining proper posture to strategies to live a healthy lifestyle, we’re here to ensure you have the knowledge and support to make informed decisions about your health. CHANGE begins with knowledge, and we’re excited to share new approaches and insights that will help you embrace this year’s opportunities.

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
January 2026

• Research Documents That Chiropractic Helps Whole Body Function
• Patient with Asthma and Aspirin-Related Breathing Problems Helped by Chiropractic
• Chiropractic Causes an Increase in Athletic Performance and Recovery Time
• Ulcerative Colitis Helped by Chiropractic: A Case Study

Research Documents That Chiropractic Helps Whole Body Function

A scientific study published by PLOS One on December 11, 2025, explored what happens inside the body when people receive regular chiropractic care over time. Instead of focusing only on pain or movement, the researchers looked at measurable changes in the nervous system, stress response, and immune activity. This helps answer a common question many people have: Does chiropractic care influence overall health, not just how we feel day to day?

The study followed adults with mild, recurring spinal discomfort who were not in active pain. Over a 12-week period, one group received chiropractic care aimed at improving spinal function and correcting subluxation, while another group received a look-alike comparison approach. Blood, saliva, and hair samples were taken to measure things like stress hormones, immune markers, and substances linked to brain health. These measurements allowed researchers to see how the body adapted over time, not just immediately after care.

One of the most interesting findings involved a substance called brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF. This chemical supports brain adaptability, learning, and repair. After 12 weeks, people receiving chiropractic care showed higher levels of BDNF compared to the comparison group. In simple terms, this suggests the nervous system may become more adaptable and resilient when spinal function is improved and subluxation is addressed.

The study also examined stress hormones, particularly cortisol. Cortisol helps the body respond to challenges, but long-term imbalance can contribute to inflammation and fatigue. Results showed short-term changes during the care period, followed by healthier-looking stress hormone patterns after care ended. This suggests chiropractic care may help the body regulate stress more efficiently over time, rather than simply masking symptoms.

Immune system markers told a similar story. Certain signals associated with ongoing inflammation were lower in those receiving chiropractic care, while markers related to healthy immune regulation improved. These shifts point toward better balance rather than over-activation of the immune system. Researchers noted that these changes may reflect the body adapting positively as spinal function improves and nervous system communication becomes more organized.

Overall, this study adds growing evidence that chiropractic care may influence whole-body health through the nervous system, stress regulation, and immune balance. While more research is always helpful, these findings support the idea that correcting subluxation and improving spinal function can have effects that go well beyond temporary relief. For many people, chiropractic care may play a meaningful role in supporting resilience, adaptability, and long-term wellness.

Patient with Asthma and Aspirin-Related Breathing Problems Helped by Chiropractic

Living with chronic breathing problems can be exhausting. For people dealing with a condition that combines asthma, frequent sinus trouble, and strong reactions to common pain relievers like aspirin, everyday life can feel like a constant struggle to breathe freely. These individuals often face repeated flare-ups, reliance on medications, and even surgery, yet still experience ongoing symptoms that interfere with sleep, energy, and overall quality of life. Finding additional ways to support the body’s natural ability to function well is an important goal for many.

A case study published in the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research on December 22, 2025, followed a 32-year-old woman who had lived with asthma and chronic sinus problems since childhood. Over the years, she experienced frequent breathing difficulties, sinus pressure, and fatigue, despite using multiple medications and undergoing repeated sinus procedures. She relied on a rescue inhaler daily and continued to have flare-ups that limited her comfort and activities. Like many people with long-standing respiratory challenges, she was looking for a way to feel better and regain a sense of control over her health.

Care in this case focused on identifying and correcting spinal subluxations which are areas where the spine was not moving or functioning as well as it should. Subluxations interfere with normal nerve communication between the brain and the rest of the body. When nerve communication is disrupted, the body may have a harder time regulating systems involved in breathing, inflammation, and overall balance. The goal of chiropractic care in this case was not to treat symptoms directly, but to support the nervous system so the body could function more efficiently on its own.

As a result of her chiropractic care, over the course of several months, the woman reported noticeable improvements. She experienced easier breathing, less sinus pressure, and fewer flare-ups. One meaningful change was a significant reduction in her reliance on a fast-acting inhaler. She also reported feeling less fatigued and more capable of handling daily activities. These improvements were not just felt subjectively; standardized health questionnaires showed gains in both physical comfort and overall well-being during her care.

Objective measurements were also used to track progress. Scans that assess patterns related to nervous system activity showed a shift toward more balanced readings over time. This suggested that as subluxations were corrected, the body’s internal regulation may have become more stable. While no single test tells the whole story, combining these measurements with the patient’s real-world improvements painted a consistent picture of positive change.

This case highlights the potential value of addressing spinal subluxations as part of a broader, supportive approach to health—especially for people dealing with chronic conditions that have not fully responded to conventional treatments alone. The outcomes in this study suggest that supporting nervous system function may help the body better manage breathing challenges and inflammation. For people seeking additional, non-drug ways to support their health, this research offers encouraging insights and underscores the body’s remarkable capacity to improve when given the right support.

Chiropractic Causes an Increase in Athletic Performance and Recovery Time

Some people think of chiropractic care as something you turn to when your back or neck hurts. But growing evidence suggests it may play a much bigger role in how the body performs and recovers. A case published in the first quarter 2026 issue of the Asian-Pacific Chiropractic Journal followed a physically active middle-aged man who sought chiropractic care for long-standing back pain and a recent neck injury. What stood out in this case was not only his pain relief, but the surprising improvements he experienced in how his body moved, recovered, and performed overall.

Before care began, the 44-year-old man had dealt with stiffness, limited movement, and recurring discomfort for more than two decades. Mornings were especially difficult, often requiring up to an hour just to feel mobile. A chiropractic examination showed multiple areas of imbalance, weakness, reduced range of motion, and poor coordination—signs that the nervous system and body were not working together as efficiently as they should. These kinds of findings are commonly associated with spinal subluxation, where joint dysfunction interferes with normal nerve communication.

As care progressed, measurable changes began to appear fairly quickly. Follow-up evaluations showed steady improvements in posture, muscle strength, balance, reflexes, and flexibility. By the end of the initial care period, most of the original problem indicators had resolved. Just as importantly, the individual reported feeling looser, stronger, and more comfortable in daily activities, with far less stiffness and pain than before.

One of the most interesting outcomes went beyond symptom relief. The patient noticed clear improvements in athletic performance, particularly in running. He reported feeling muscles engage more effectively, moving with better coordination, and recovering faster after physical activity. Instead of feeling worn down, his body seemed more responsive and resilient. These changes were significant enough that he noticed them early on and continued to experience them throughout care.

Researchers believe this may be explained by how chiropractic care influences the brain-body connection. Studies referenced in this paper suggest that correcting subluxation may improve how efficiently the brain communicates with muscles, leading to better strength, coordination, and reaction time. In simple terms, when nerve signals flow more clearly, the body can move with greater precision and less wasted effort—something that benefits athletes and everyday movers alike.

While this was a single case study, it highlights an important idea: chiropractic care supports more than pain relief alone. By improving nervous system function and overall movement quality, chiropractic helps people feel stronger, move better, and recover faster. As research continues to explore this connection, cases like this offer a real-world glimpse into how restoring proper spinal function can positively influence overall performance and well-being.

Ulcerative Colitis Helped by Chiropractic: A Case Study

Ulcerative colitis is a challenging digestive condition that affects the large intestine and can greatly disrupt daily life. People living with it often experience abdominal pain, frequent diarrhea, urgency to defecate, fatigue, sleep disruption, and unintended weight loss. Flare-ups can make it difficult to work, socialize, or even leave home comfortably. Conventional care often focuses on managing symptoms, but many people continue to search for additional ways to support healing and overall well-being.

The Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research published a case study on December 8, 2025, that followed a 48-year-old woman who had been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and was struggling with worsening digestive symptoms. Over a short period of time, she had experienced significant weight loss, ongoing abdominal discomfort, bloody stools, disrupted sleep, and limited ability to perform everyday tasks. Her quality of life had declined noticeably, and she was looking for supportive care to help her body cope with the stress and inflammation she was experiencing.

When a chiropractic examination was conducted and her spine and nervous system were evaluated, areas of restricted motion and imbalance were found. These types of findings are commonly associated with spinal subluxation, where joint dysfunction may interfere with normal nerve communication between the brain and the body. Because the digestive system is closely regulated by the nervous system, changes in spinal function may influence how well the gut is able to regulate movement, inflammation, and healing.

As care progressed, improvements began to appear gradually and then more consistently. The woman reported reduced abdominal pain, fewer urgent bowel episodes, improved sleep, and a return of her appetite. Over time, she regained weight and felt better able to manage her daily responsibilities. After 26 visits of chiropractic care, she described a dramatic overall improvement in her symptoms and quality of life compared to before she began chiropractic.

One important takeaway from this case is the connection between spinal health, nervous system balance, and organ function. When subluxations are corrected, the nervous system may communicate more efficiently with the digestive tract. This improved communication may help the body regulate inflammation and function more normally, allowing healing processes to occur more effectively.

While this was a single case study and not a large clinical trial, it highlights an important possibility: chiropractic care may play a supportive role in managing complex health conditions beyond back and neck pain. For individuals dealing with chronic digestive challenges, addressing nervous system function through correction of subluxation may offer an additional avenue for improving comfort, resilience, and overall well-being.