DOCTOR’S BLOG 

Historically, Chiropractic is well known for being a safe and effective treatment for many common conditions such as headaches, neck pain, back pain and others. Our goal is to restore the body’s natural function that improves health and overall wellness. This often times includes conditions that you may not think fit into what you would typically call “common.” Multiple Sclerosis, known as “MS”, is a chronic, unpredictable, and often times, debilitating disease that targets the central nervous system, the brain, and the spinal cord. It affects millions of people worldwide. The trademark sign of MS is the “plaquing” or calcium build up on the brain tissue itself. Because it directly effects the nervous system, common symptoms include numbness, tingling, loss of coordination, vertigo, fatigue, brain fog and more. It also effects people differently with some cases being relatively mild and manageable while others can be completely debilitating. Additionally, with the cause of MS being relatively unknown, new studies have shown that almost 75% of patients diagnosed with MS have experienced some sort of significant trauma prior to the diagnosis. Another connection to MS has been found in patients having problems with the flow of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) around the brain and spinal cord. It has been noted that misalignment of the bones in the upper neck have been linked to compression on these vital pathways. In Advanced Orthogonal (AdvO) Chiropractic care, we have seen remarkable improvement in many MS patients. By safely and gently re-aligning the upper neck bones, an Upper Cervical Doctor can restore not only the brain-body nervous system connection, but also improve the CSF flow toward its normal range. In fact, published research has shown Upper Cervical Chiropractic directly improves brain and nervous system function. Two of these major studies have been published on Upper Cervical Chiropractic and its results with MS conditions. A 2001 study followed 44 patients with MS under Upper Cervical care and 91% reported improvement after treatment. Another second study of 77 patients with MS was published in 2015 that also showed statistical improvements in MS symptoms after Upper Cervical Chiropractic adjustments.  These groundbreaking studies in Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care reveal why the AdvO procedure, developed and refined here at Pierce Clinic, are a key contributor to improving the lives of those dealing with MS. If you or a loved one is suffering from Multiple Sclerosis, schedule a FREE consult with one of our expert Doctors TODAY.

Pierce Clinic focuses on optimizing the body’s natural healing abilities and the promotion of overall health and wellness. While AdvO (Advanced Orthogonal) care is centered on maximizing the functioning of the nervous system, a nutrient-rich diet is necessary to support cellular repair and tissue regeneration, as well as maintaining your overall health. Just as a well-tuned car requires good-quality fuel to perform at its best, our bodies also need proper nutrition to heal and function optimally. This is the very reason why we emphasize the importance of consuming a balanced diet that provides essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. These would include things like vitamin A, vitamin D, Omega 3, zinc, vitamin C and plenty of water. Enhanced Nutrient Absorption: Proper spinal alignment aids in the optimal functioning of your digestive system. When the spine is misaligned, nerve interference can occur that disrupts the communication between the brain and digestive organs. The AdvO correction helps remove these interferences, allowing for improved digestion and nutrient absorption. Immune System Support: A well-functioning immune system is vital for overall health as it is the master system in how well your body responds to viruses, bacteria, illnesses and infections. Good nutrition is critical in strengthening the immune system. Coupled with AdvO care to ensure the proper functioning of your nervous system, your diet also helps in controlling how fast and effectively your immune response is. Nervous System Support: The central nervous system is responsible for all of your bodily functions as well as cognitive development, learning and behaviors, especially in children. Misalignments in the upper cervical spine can disrupt the flow of nerve signals, potentially causing a host of physical disorders and even affecting your neurological development. AdvO care aims to correct these misalignments in a gentle and precise way to optimize nerve function and support the development of healthy nerve signals throughout your body. This being said, nerves use a lot of nutrients and trace minerals and a well-balanced diet is essential for a healthy nervous system. Overall Wellness and Prevention: A holistic approach to health focuses on not just treating symptoms but getting to the source of the problem to prevent future health issues. Combining nutrition and AdvO care provides a comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying causes of health concerns and supports the body's natural healing abilities. Need help getting your health and wellness journey back on track? Schedule a FREE consultation with one of our expert Doctors TODAY. 

In 2021, Pierce Clinic of Chiropractic introduced into its practice the most powerful multi-wave therapeutic laser in the world. Since then it has helped hundreds of patients suffering from chronic spinal arthritis, disc injuries, ligament tears, muscle strains and much more. Why MLS Laser Works The MLS M6 laser is the only laser in the world that produces different wavelengths of laser energy at the same time. By using these specific wavelengths along with a patented delivery system, there is a powerful synergistic healing effect. Many patients have experienced results in as little as just a few treatments and there is zero risk of burn. No other class IV laser can say that! What does MLS Laser do and how can it help me? At Pierce Clinic, this MLS laser is a supportive and versatile tool used for patient care. The concentrated light energy penetrates into the tissue stimulating healing at a cellular level. It is a non-invasive, safe and effective treatment used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and promote wound/scar healing and soft tissue repair. Many patients have experienced long lasting results with minimal to no follow-up as they maintain great quality of life. In addition to the conditions listed above that have been helped by the MLS laser, it has also been used on athletes expediting recovery from sprains, patients accelerating recovery from rotator cuff surgery and post knee replacement, as well as patients who have had spinal fusions. The list is endless. Chiropractically speaking, it has assisted in stabilizing patients who have struggled to hold their atlas correction, particularly after whiplash injuries. My Favorite Success Story One of my favorite cases involves a patient who had been under upper cervical care for 15+ years. She felt amazing when she was holding her adjustment. But due to her challenging history, she struggled to hold her adjustment often requiring a correction 1-2 times per month at best. Unfortunately, she then experienced an injury that resulted in major disc and neck instability. She began coming into the clinic 4-5 days a week unable to hold her adjustment as her cervical misalignment was fluctuating drastically. Not long after her injury, Pierce Clinic brought in the MLS laser. I immediately recommended a protocol of treatment to help stabilize and strengthen her upper neck. After just 12 sessions of laser therapy, she held her next atlas adjustment for 6 months, something she had been unable to do for more than 10 years. Fast forward three years…. she is still holding her adjustment better then ever. She is able to live life fully without fear of “losing her adjustment”. Since this life changing case, I have recommended many patients for MLS laser treatments with the goal of strengthening and stabilizing the cervical spine in order for the patients to hold their adjustments better. And nearly every case has been successful! How can I find out if MLS Laser is for me? Ask your doctor if you are a candidate for MLS laser therapy and schedule your evaluation today. Whether its chronic arthritis, post-operative recovery, new injuries such as sprains or strains, old injuries or conditions that have not responded to other treatments or interventions, or simply wanting to hold your atlas adjustment better, MLS laser may be exactly what you need.

As we celebrate Valentine’s Day during the month of February, it is not surprising that this month is also recognized as Heart Health Month. For those that don’t know, overall heart health and wellness has become somewhat of a crisis in the US, with one out of every three adults diagnosed with high blood pressure. Even more alarming is the fact that, according to the CDC, only about half of these individuals have their high blood pressure effectively managed. These two factors are what contribute to the fact that heart disease is BY FAR the leading cause of death in the US with almost 700,000 people a year dying and over 50 million affected. Shockingly, this even surpasses cancer by almost 90,000 individuals. So why is Heart Health Month so important and how does chiropractic affect high blood pressure and heart disease? In 2007, a study conducted by the University of Chicago Medical Center focused on 50 patients in the early stages of high blood pressure and hypertension. These patients were assessed by the University Hospital and an Upper Cervical practitioner and were identified as having a misalignment of their atlas bone. Over the course of 8 weeks, 25 of the patients were treated with upper cervical chiropractic care, while the other 25 receiving placebo or “fake” corrections. What they found… Of the 25 patients who received an actual adjustment, all 25 (100%) experienced significant changes to their blood pressure levels. The average decrease in the test group was 14 points in the top blood pressure number (systolic) and 8 points in the bottom number (diastolic) compared to the placebo group. The authors noted that the improvement in blood pressure (both systolic and diastolic readings) following the correction of the Atlas misalignment was comparable to the results of giving patients two different blood pressure-lowering drugs simultaneously. Again….100% of those patients who received the upper cervical correction had a significant decrease in their blood pressure. How does the atlas vertebrae affect blood pressure? First, the atlas protects the brainstem, which is directly responsible for transmitting electrical signals throughout the body. Think of this as the doorway between your brain, and the rest of your body. If the atlas is misaligned, it puts pressure on the brainstem which can cause body systems to go haywire, including those that regulate your blood pressure. Second, the alignment of the neck bones (cervical spine) can also directly affect blood and oxygen flow to the brain. Each of these bones has small holes called foramen which allow passage of the arteries that provide oxygen to your brain from your heart. If this area is misaligned, the flow can be disrupted, similar to how a kink in a garden hose can stop the flow of water. The Takeaway Our Doctors at Pierce Clinic of Chiropractic are experts in assessing and correcting issues related to the upper cervical area of your spine. Using our state-of-the-art AdvO technique we can effectively identify the source of the problem and correct it, helping to manage nervous system related issues like high blood pressure or hypertension. If you or someone you know is dealing with high blood pressure or hypertension, celebrate Heart Health Month by scheduling an evaluation with us TODAY.

Millions of people worldwide suffer from headaches. It is one of the most common ailments in the world. Often, headaches are described as an intense pressure in the head, like the brain itself is going to burst, but did you know that the brain itself cannot generate pain? In fact, all head pain must come from a cause outside of the brain.

Growing up, chiropractic care was not a part of my life. My parents used medical care when necessary, but relatively speaking we didn’t need much interaction with the health care world. My introduction to chiropractic came when I was in my 20s and my roommate’s girlfriend was trying to stir up business for her boss… a chiropractor. This initial introduction began an interest in chiropractic due, in part, to the effects that I experienced physically under chiropractic care, as well as a peaked interest in the idea of body health in general. The process took time to develop, but has now manifested with the result of a career change, a move across the country, completion of chiropractic school, and commitment to practicing and honing my skills as a chiropractor; all in the pursuit of ‘what is chiropractic?’ and ‘how can it help my family, friends, and others around me?

I didn’t grow up with chiropractic and I was constantly ill as a child. I had asthma, multiple flu and respiratory infections per year. I missed nearly 3 weeks of the 2nd grade with bronchitis. Now as a dad of 3 boys, I couldn’t imagine raising children without giving them chiropractic care. My kids are barely sick and when they are, its mild and lasts a day or two. The phase boys will be boys rings true with my kids. They are also running around, climbing, wrestling, taking risks, being daredevils, and of course, falling and getting hurt. I take it for granted, just being to check them right after a fall, give them an adjustment and seeing them run off with a huge smile and no worries.

My first experience with chiropractic was how it directly impacted my family.

I have spent the better part of my life involved in upper cervical care in one way or another. I was originally introduced to upper cervical and Pierce Clinic as a baby and was lucky enough to spend my early (extra early? I’m still young) years in alignment. It wasn’t until I left for the military and spent 10 years abroad that I really figured out how much I took for granted what this type of care did for my quality of life.