December Reflections

With the first snow and the rapid descent of temperature, I can say confidently that we have officially heralded the holidays! 'Tis the season of spending quality time with loved ones, frantic shopping for those last-minute gifts, plenty of caroling and games with those around us, and all the travel that comes along with it. I know that this tends to be a busy season for most; I know that is true for us here as well. But, when you get a moment of quiet, I implore you to pause and take in the past year; all that you have accomplished and ended up falling short on, all the positive and fun moments, as well as the most difficult parts of the year. 

Think about all the ups and downs of your wellness and health. How did you care for your body over the past year? What did you do to improve your health? Maybe this was a particularly difficult year for your health, and that’s okay! Recognizing this can often be the first step in making a positive change. Now, take a moment to explore what the next year will have in store for you! Do you want to start going to the gym consistently next year? Do you want to sign up for that 5k you’ve been talking about doing over the past 3 years? Or is it something simple, like having more whole foods on a daily basis? Wellness and health is like a snowball, they start with small, simple changes that can continue to build with momentum.

As you begin to consider what next year has in store, remember that meaningful change does not happen immediately; it’s a process! We take steps each day to improve upon the last, just as with every adjustment.

To all of us here, we wish you a restful and joyful holiday season! We look forward to seeing you all in the new year!
 

TOY DRIVE
running until DEC 13, 2025

We are running a toy drive in cooperation with the Lighthouse Church of Mifflintown!

NEW PATIENTS that bring in a toy receive our ENTIRE NEW PATIENT EXAM FOR $50 (normally $170).

CURRENT PATIENTS that bring in a toy receive a chance to win a $50 GIFT CARD for our supplement line.

Join in on the season of giving and help the local community!

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. 

References:

1: De Geer CM. Intervertebral Disk Nutrients and Transport Mechanisms in Relation to Disk Degeneration: A Narrative Literature Review. J Chiropr Med. 2018 Jun;17(2):97-105. doi: 10.1016/j.jcm.2017.11.006. Epub 2018 Jun 14. PMID: 30166966; PMCID: PMC6112070.

Newsletter Articles
December 2025

• What Thousands of Patients Say About Their Chiropractic Care Experience
• Recovering from Whiplash: Why Completing Chiropractic Care Matters
• Trigeminal Neuralgia and Insomnia resolved Under Chiropractic Care
• Finding Relief from Years of Muscle Spasms with Chiropractic Care

What Thousands of Patients Say About Their Chiropractic Care Experience

A new nationwide survey, published by BMC Health Services Research on November 26, 2025, offers encouraging news for anyone who seeks chiropractic care—or is considering it. Nearly 18,000 patients across Denmark shared their experiences in one of the largest studies of its kind, giving a clear picture of what people value most in their chiropractic visits. The overwhelming message was simple: people feel highly satisfied with their care, especially when they receive personal attention, clear communication, and support that helps them feel reassured about their health.

One of the strongest findings in the study was that patients deeply appreciate the way chiropractors listen, examine thoroughly, and take the time to understand what they are going through. According to the survey results, more than 97% of patients said they felt they were being heard and well-informed during their visit. Many also reported that their chiropractor helped them understand their condition and what steps they could take afterward—an important part of feeling confident and supported during a healing process.

For many people, chiropractic care includes evaluating and correcting subluxations—areas of the spine that may not be moving well or may be irritating nearby nerves. When these imbalances are corrected, patients often report feeling more at ease, more mobile, and more reassured about their health. This sense of improvement was reflected in the survey: patients rated the "effects and reassurance" domain as one of the strongest contributors to their overall satisfaction. When people feel their visit truly helps them function better, their confidence in chiropractic care naturally rises.

The study also revealed that patients value smooth, respectful experiences in the clinic. Friendly staff, easy appointment booking, and feeling welcomed made a big difference in how people rated their care. While clinic features like parking and waiting areas mattered less, personal interaction mattered enormously. Even so, the survey found that delays or surprise side effects, though uncommon, could temporarily lower satisfaction—reminding clinics how important it is to provide clear information and set expectations.

Interestingly, patient characteristics—such as age or the phase of care—had far less impact on satisfaction than the actual experience of the visit. Whether someone was new to chiropractic care or had been a patient for years, positive communication and personalized attention remained the biggest drivers of satisfaction. This reinforces the idea that meaningful human connection lies at the heart of effective care, no matter the setting.

Overall, this national survey paints a picture of chiropractic care as a supportive, patient-centered experience where people feel listened to, understood, and helped. Whether someone visits for pain relief, mobility issues, or nervous system support—including correction of subluxations—their satisfaction largely depends on feeling cared for as a whole person. As chiropractic clinics continue to refine their communication and collaboration with other health professionals, patients stand to benefit even more from a healthcare experience rooted in respect, clarity, and genuine connection.

Recovering from Whiplash: Why Completing Chiropractic Care Matters

Whiplash injuries are incredibly common, often resulting from car accidents or sudden impacts that snap the head forward and back. The result can be ongoing pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and even difficulty concentrating. What many people don’t realize is that the effects of whiplash can linger for years if not properly treated. A new study, published in the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research on November 17, 2025, explored how following a complete chiropractic care plan—focused on correcting subluxations and restoring spinal function—can make a big difference in recovery and long-term health.

The study reviewed 14 people who suffered whiplash injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents. Each participant received chiropractic care designed to improve movement, reduce pain, and restore balance to the spine. The group was divided into two categories: those who completed their care until they reached what’s known as "maximum medical improvement" (MMI)—the point when the body has healed as much as possible—and those who stopped before reaching that stage. Researchers then compared how much each group improved using a standard measure called the Neck Disability Index, which tracks how neck pain affects daily life.

The results were striking. Those who continued chiropractic care until reaching MMI experienced an average of 82% improvement in their condition. In contrast, those who discontinued care early showed only 37% improvement. This difference was statistically significant, meaning it wasn’t just coincidence—it reflected a real difference in recovery outcomes. In other words, patients who stuck with their care plans and continued their chiropractic care until their spines were fully stabilized saw much greater long-term relief and functional improvement.

The research also underscored the role of vertebral subluxation—misalignments or restricted motion in the spine that interfere with nerve communication and muscle balance. After a whiplash injury, these subluxations can limit movement and contribute to chronic pain. Chiropractic care focuses on identifying and correcting these spinal issues, helping restore proper motion and alignment. As spinal function improves, the nervous system can communicate more clearly with the rest of the body, supporting faster healing and improved overall well-being.

Another important takeaway from this study was that healing isn’t just about the number of visits—it’s about completing care until true stability is achieved. Both groups in the study had roughly the same number of visits, but the patients who continued until they reached maximum medical improvement did much better. This suggests that reaching full recovery requires consistency and a commitment to correcting underlying spinal dysfunction, not just temporary symptom relief.

This study adds to growing evidence that chiropractic care can play a vital role in recovery after whiplash and similar injuries. By addressing spinal subluxations, improving movement, and supporting nervous system function, chiropractic care helps patients heal more completely and avoid chronic pain. The message is clear: when it comes to recovery, completing your care plan can be the key to regaining comfort, mobility, and lasting health.

Trigeminal Neuralgia and Insomnia resolved Under Chiropractic Care

Trigeminal neuralgia is often described as one of the most intense and debilitating types of facial pain a person can experience. Attacks can strike suddenly and feel like electric shocks across the face, making everyday activities—like brushing teeth, washing the face, or even feeling a breeze—painful or impossible.

A recent case report, published in the Asian Pacific Chiropractic Journal on October 1, 2025, shares the story of a 45-year-old woman who had been living with this condition for years and struggling to find lasting relief. Her experience sheds light on how chiropractic care, including the correction of subluxations, may offer hope for people with chronic facial pain.

Before seeking chiropractic care, the woman had tried nearly everything. Medication helped briefly but caused side effects and eventually stopped working. Dental procedures provided only temporary relief. Even alternative approaches such as acupuncture didn’t resolve the pain—which by then had spread across her face and was disrupting her sleep, work, and emotional well-being. By the time she arrived at a chiropractic clinic, her pain was severe enough to interfere with basic daily tasks, and she was exhausted from years of unsuccessful treatments.

Her initial chiropractic evaluation revealed several indicators of imbalance—postural shifts, restricted neck movement, uneven leg length, and neurological signs such as dizziness with eye movements. These findings suggested irritation in the nervous system and structural misalignments consistent with subluxations. The chiropractor developed a personalized care plan focused on restoring proper alignment and supporting better nerve function. As subluxations were corrected over time, her scans and physical findings began to show improvement.

Within the first few weeks, she noticed her facial pain easing, her posture improving, and her strength returning. By the midpoint of her care, she was able to resume normal daily activities and reported being "very happy" with her progress. By the end of her care plan, she experienced significant reductions not only in pain but also in stress, sleep disturbance, and functional limitations. Her disability score dropped meaningfully, and many of her objective neurological findings improved. Most importantly, she regained a sense of control and could once again enjoy meals, engage socially, and participate fully in her work and family life.

This case highlights the potential value of chiropractic care, especially when aimed at restoring alignment and reducing subluxation, for individuals experiencing severe facial pain or nerve-related discomfort. This patient’s dramatic improvement adds to growing evidence that chiropractic care may offer a non-invasive, drug-free pathway toward relief and better quality of life. For people who feel they have "tried everything," her story is an encouraging reminder that new possibilities for healing may still exist.

Finding Relief from Years of Muscle Spasms with Chiropractic Care

Many adults live with chronic back pain, stiffness, or muscle spasms without ever discovering the real cause. One possible contributor is a spinal finding known as fish vertebrae—a biconcave shape of the vertebral bone often seen alongside degeneration. While the shape itself cannot be reversed, the symptoms it creates—pain, tightness, loss of mobility, and sleep disruption—can make everyday life extremely difficult. A recent case report published in the Asian Pacific Chiropractic Journal on October 1, 2025, highlights how chiropractic care, including the correction of subluxation, helped a 42-year-old man regain comfort and mobility after years of worsening spasms.

Before beginning chiropractic care, this patient had been living with severe muscle spasms around his mid-back. These episodes struck two to three times every day, often lasting 20 minutes at a time and forcing him to get up and walk just to reduce the pain. The problem had been growing progressively worse over the previous two years and was now interfering with his ability to sleep, breathe comfortably, and exercise. Despite seeing multiple therapists and undergoing imaging studies, he was told that nothing could be done to help his condition.

His chiropractic examination revealed significant restrictions in spinal movement, pain on even gentle pressure, and an uneven pattern of spinal alignment that included scoliosis and degeneration at two spinal levels. Subluxations were identified near the area of degeneration—places where spinal segments were not moving correctly and where nerve and muscle irritation could easily develop. These imbalances were believed to be contributing to his body’s ongoing protective muscle spasms. The goal of care was clear: correct subluxations, reduce mechanical stress, and relieve the nervous system irritation that was sending his muscles into overdrive.

Within the first month of chiropractic care, the patient noticed something he hadn’t felt from any other treatment—his spinal movement improved, and the spasms became far less frequent. By his four-week review, he reported a 50% improvement in symptoms, with spasms dropping from several times a day to just a few times per week. His range of motion increased, and he could move more freely without triggering pain. These early changes signaled that his spine and nervous system were beginning to function more normally.

Ten weeks into care, the transformation was remarkable. The spasms had completely resolved. His mobility had improved by 90%, and he could sleep comfortably without fear that lying down would trigger a painful episode. He even reported feeling calmer and more confident, no longer living in constant anticipation of the next spasm. "My overall posture and mobility have improved greatly," he said, adding that he was able to live with far less discomfort than he had in years.

This case demonstrates that even when structural changes in the spine—like fish vertebrae—cannot be reversed, their painful effects can often be managed successfully. By correcting subluxations and restoring balance to the spine, chiropractic care may help reduce protective muscle tension, decrease pain, and improve overall function. For individuals living with chronic back issues or degenerative findings, this story offers hope that meaningful, life-changing relief is possible.