Wellness Minute with Dr. Brent Johnson

The thoracic spine — that’s the mid-back region — houses the nerves that help regulate your stomach and digestive organs.

Now, don’t get me wrong — rest has its place in the early stages of a back injury. But if you’re only resting and avoiding movement, you’re actually risking more stiffness, muscle atrophy, and slower healing.

Now, what triggers it? Often, it’s after a period of immobilization — like recovering from surgery or an injury — but it can also show up in people with diabetes or thyroid issues.

When you come into our office, we look at the full picture. Not just where it hurts today, but how your body is moving, where the imbalances are, and what habits may be driving dysfunction.

Stress plays a big role here, too. People often hold tension in the jaw without realizing it—especially during sleep.

Many of my patients say they feel “tight” or “creaky” when the weather changes. This is especially common in areas where there’s already some wear-and-tear—like old injuries or arthritis.

For example, weak glutes often contribute to knee tracking problems. Strengthening your hips, quads, and calves—alongside adjustments—can restore balance and reduce that daily pain you’ve been putting up with.

Cold air can also prompt tightness—especially in shoulders and the upper back. Self‑massage with a foam roller, tennis ball against a wall, or gentle shoulder rolls can break up stiffness.

Choose a backpack with padded straps and wide support—wear both straps, and keep your heaviest items close to your back. If the pack exceeds 10–15 % of your child’s body weight, consider a rolling option or a second bag.

Maybe you spend long hours on your feet, wear unsupportive shoes, or have flat feet or high arches that change the way your foot bears weight. Runners and people who suddenly increase their activity level can also be at risk.

Today, we’re diving into what carpal tunnel syndrome is, why it happens, and how chiropractic care can help you find relief naturally.

Now, you might be wondering — why would a baby even need chiropractic care? Well, think about it: Birth is a big event! Whether it’s a natural delivery or a C-section, the baby’s body goes through a lot of pressure and stretching just to enter the world. Sometimes, this process can cause tiny misalignments in the spine or tension in the muscles and joints.

Alright, picture your spine for a second. It’s not just a straight stack of bones — it’s a dynamic, flexible structure that protects your spinal cord and supports your whole body.

Now, most people first visit a chiropractor because they’re in pain — maybe it’s a sore back, a stiff neck, or an injury from working out. And that’s perfectly fine! But here’s the thing — chiropractic isn’t just about patching you up after something goes wrong. It’s about keeping your body in its best possible condition to prevent problems before they start.

The truth? Chiropractic care is incredibly safe — especially when it’s performed by trained, licensed professionals like the ones here at Castle Hills Chiropractic. In fact, it’s far less risky than many other common treatments for pain, like surgery or long-term use of pain medications.

Let’s start with one big myth — chiropractic care isn’t just about fixing injuries after they happen. It’s actually one of the best ways to prevent injuries in the first place.

At its core, spinal decompression is a non-surgical, gentle therapy designed to relieve pressure on the spine. It’s especially effective for conditions like herniated discs, bulging discs, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, and even chronic lower back pain.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to rush through meals without giving much thought to what we’re eating. We often eat on the go, in front of screens, or while multitasking, which can lead to overeating, poor digestion, and a lack of satisfaction from our meals. That’s where mindful eating comes in.

Why is core strength so important? For starters, a strong core helps you maintain good posture, which can reduce the risk of back pain and injury. Whether you’re sitting at a desk, standing, or lifting something heavy, your core muscles are working to keep your spine aligned and your body balanced.

Improving your sleep hygiene can lead to better rest and overall improved health. If you have persistent sleep problems or need personalized advice, we’re here to help. Feel free to visit us at Castle Hills Chiropractic or check out our website in the description for more resources and support.