Horning Newsletter

Each month Dr. Horning takes the time to research important issues regarding health and well being. He also spreads a little humor and note worthy facts for your enjoyment.

April Newsletter

April 2025

Complimentary Consultation
In our continuing quest to introduce more people (including children) to the benefits of chiropractic care we are offering a complimentary consultation to see if chiropractic can help. Call the office for an appointment and bring in this page in order to receive your
FREE consultation. Call now: 856-778-8688

Enjoy the benefits of chiropractic – the largest natural, drug-free, surgery-free, expressive healthcare system in the world.

More and more families are discovering that periodic chiropractic checkups and adjustments promote health and healing without drugs and dangerous medical treatments.

More and more people are turning away from symptom treatment and choosing natural ways of achieving and maintaining health.

Are you tired of taking drugs and the medical runaround? Welcome to the world of chiropractic – discover how natural health can be.

This Issue’s Table of Contents
● Common Myths About Chiropractic
● Why Every Pregnant Woman Should See a Chiropractor
● Did you know?
● How Chiropractic Care Affects Digestion, Immunity, and Hormones
● Eating with the Seasons: Nourishing Spring Foods
● Researching Chiropractic
● Success Story
● Humor
● References

When people think of chiropractic, they often picture loud cracks, twisted bodies, and quick fixes for back pain. These images, shaped by movies, television, and secondhand stories, tend to miss the mark. Many of the most common beliefs about chiropractic care are based on outdated assumptions or misunderstandings that don’t reflect the real experience.

One widespread belief is that chiropractic is only useful for back pain. While many find relief in that area, chiropractic care focuses on how the spine affects the nervous system. When the spine is misaligned or not moving well, it can interfere with how nerves communicate with the rest of the body. That interference can show up in many ways—poor sleep, low energy, digestive issues, or trouble focusing. Many patients have shared that after starting care, they noticed unexpected improvements beyond what they originally came in for. Chiropractic doesn’t cure or treat specific conditions—it helps the body work better.

Safety is another area where myths often take hold. A common concern is spinal adjustments, especially to the neck, are dangerous. It’s an understandable fear, especially when stories are shared without context. However, research shows the risk of serious complications from a chiropractic neck adjustment is extremely low. According to the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, the risk is about the same as having one’s hair washed at a salon.(1) Most people find adjustments to be gentle, precise, and relieving.

Then there’s the idea that chiropractic is “cracking backs.” This oversimplifies a highly skilled and thoughtful process. Chiropractors use a wide range of techniques. Some involve a quick, light thrust; others use hand-held instruments; still others include positioning the body in a way that allows natural correction. The goal is not force—it’s precision. A good chiropractor observes subtle patterns, listens to the body, and adjusts with intent to reduce nerve interference so the body can respond more efficiently.

Another common myth is that once someone starts seeing a chiropractor, they’re locked in for life. People often hear this and assume it’s a sales tactic. The truth is that ongoing care is entirely voluntary. Many people choose to continue because they feel a difference in their daily lives—more energy, less stiffness, better digestion, or improved mood. Just like regular exercise or healthy eating, chiropractic care is something people often want to keep up with because it helps them feel and function.

Some also question whether chiropractors are “real” doctors. The answer is yes—they are trained extensively in anatomy, physiology, neurology, radiology, and diagnosis. Chiropractic education includes thousands of classroom and clinical hours, plus national board exams. While their approach differs from medical doctors, their education is demanding and science-based.

Many people who once believed these myths had changed their minds after experiencing care themselves. They come in uncertain and leave feeling more connected to their bodies. It’s often not about what gets fixed but how much better life starts to feel when the nervous system can do its job.

Why Every Pregnant Woman Should See a Chiropractor

During pregnancy, many women have trouble sleeping, pressure in the hips, and occasional sciatica that can make everyday movement uncomfortable. Some discover that visiting a chiropractor brings significant relief. One mother described how, after a few visits, her body felt more balanced, her discomfort eased, and her sleep improved. She noticed she could breathe more deeply and move more freely, even late in the third trimester.

As the baby grows, posture shifts, ligaments loosen, and the spine compensates. These changes are part of the body’s natural preparation for birth, but they can also create stress in the spine and nervous system. Chiropractic adjustments help reduce that stress, allowing the body to adapt more comfortably.

Pregnant women often report feeling more centered and stable after an adjustment. Many say their hips feel better aligned, and their belly carries more evenly. Others notice improved sleep, fewer aches, and a stronger sense of connection to their changing bodies. Rather than focusing only on relief from discomfort, chiropractic care supports the body’s ability to function well throughout pregnancy.

A key benefit is the support chiropractic provides to the nervous system. The spine protects the communication pathways between the brain and the body. The function can be affected when these pathways are irritated or under pressure. By gently adjusting the spine, chiropractors help restore proper communication, which may improve digestion, energy levels, and overall ease.

Some women also find that regular care encourages better fetal positioning. One mother shared that her baby had settled heavily on one side in her third trimester. After a few targeted adjustments, the baby shifted and remained more balanced. She described the change as feeling “lighter,” as if her body had made space where needed.
Research supports these experiences. A 2007 review published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic care during pregnancy may reduce back pain, improve overall comfort, and even lessen the need for pain medications during labor (2).

Chiropractic care during pregnancy isn’t only about addressing discomfort—it’s about helping the body work the way it was designed to. As the body makes room for new life, chiropractic can support that process by keeping the spine and nervous system clear and responsive.

Every pregnant woman deserves to feel strong, supported, and in tune with her body. Gentle, thoughtful adjustments can make a meaningful difference in how a woman experiences her pregnancy and prepares for birth. For many, that difference is not just physical but deeply reassuring.

Did you know?

Flowers aren’t the only things that bloom in spring—so do babies! Studies show more babies are conceived in spring than in any other season.

Birds sing louder in spring. This isn’t just your imagination—many birds become more vocal in spring to attract mates and mark territory.

How Chiropractic Care Affects Digestion, Immunity, and Hormones

Most people don’t think about their spine when dealing with digestive issues, fatigue, or hormone imbalances. But the spine does far more than support the body’s structure—it’s the main channel through which the nervous system sends signals. When that communication breaks down, a range of problems can appear: slowed digestion, weakened immune response, and hormone irregularities.

One patient—a young woman—originally came in for back discomfort. Over time, without changing her diet or routine, she noticed her digestion improved. Bloating disappeared, stomach aches subsided, and she felt more energetic. The only shift in her life was regular chiropractic adjustments. Her experience reflects what many have found: when nervous system function is restored, the body begins to regulate itself more efficiently.

The nervous system influences everything from intestinal movement to immune system readiness to hormone release. Spinal misalignments, known in chiropractic as subluxations, can interfere with these vital signals. They don’t always cause pain but disrupt how the body works. With gentle adjustments, chiropractors aim to restore that flow, allowing the body to function as intended.*

Another example involved a father of three who constantly battled colds and sinus congestion. After a few months of chiropractic care, he noticed he wasn’t getting sick—even when his kids brought home the usual school-time bugs. His immune system seemed to be working more effectively. That shift wasn’t about boosting anything artificially but clearing the nervous system so it could do its job without interference.

Hormonal changes are often mentioned, too. Some women report a more regular menstrual cycle after beginning care. Others say they sleep better, feel calmer, or experience more emotional balance. These aren’t promises—they’re observations from people who notice what happens when their bodies start communicating better.

People often come in expecting one thing to improve and are surprised when something else shifts, too. It’s not a coincidence. The body is connected in ways that aren’t always obvious, and removing pressure from the nervous system can have a ripple effect on digestion, immunity, and hormone balance.

The body is built to heal and self-regulate. Chiropractic care doesn’t add anything new to the system; it simply helps remove what’s getting in the way.

Eating with the Seasons: Nourishing Spring Foods

As the earth awakens from winter, spring brings fresh vitality not only to the soil but to our bodies. According to the teachings of Dr. Weston A. Price, traditional cultures thrived by eating seasonally—honoring the cycles of nature and consuming nutrient-dense foods available at the time. In spring, this means embracing lighter, cleansing foods while still ensuring we receive the fats and minerals needed for deep nourishment.

Spring is the perfect time to incorporate leafy greens like dandelion, nettles, watercress, and arugula into the diet. These bitter greens stimulate the liver and aid detoxification after a heavier winter diet. Traditional diets often included wild spring greens as tonics, and modern nutritional research supports their richness in chlorophyll, magnesium, and antioxidants. Lightly steaming or sautéing them in butter or ghee—a traditional fat praised by Dr. Price—enhances the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K (4).

Pasture-raised eggs, another springtime staple, are particularly nutrient-rich this time of year as hens begin laying more frequently. Eggs from chickens allowed to forage on spring grasses contain higher levels of omega-3s and fat-soluble vitamins. Raw or cultured dairy products from grass-fed cows also reflect seasonal improvements in nutrition and can provide beneficial probiotics when fermented.

Lamb is a classic spring meat, traditionally consumed in many cultures during this season. It is a rich source of heme iron, zinc, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), especially when the animals graze on fresh pasture. Bone broth from lamb or poultry is also supportive to the digestive system as the body transitions to lighter fare.

Finally, sprouted grains and legumes are more digestible and nutrient-available than their unsprouted counterparts and were traditionally soaked or fermented before consumption. This mimics natural springtime germination and is in line with the wisdom Price documented from indigenous diets (4).

By following the rhythms of nature and embracing seasonal foods, we align our diets with traditional wisdom and modern nutritional science. Spring invites us to lighten up without losing the deep nourishment our ancestors prized.

Researching Chiropractic

Chiropractic clinical case histories have been a regular feature of our patient newsletter since its inception. There seems to be no limit to the health problems that respond positively to chiropractic care. How many people suffering, reliant on medication and drugs, and facing a life of limitation could be helped by chiropractic care?

Probably most of them.

A 35-year-old pregnant woman developed back and pelvic pain in the later stages of her pregnancy. The pain was strong enough to interfere with her sleep and daily activities.

Rather than taking medication (which can be risky during pregnancy), she visited a chiropractor. She received gentle spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and simple home exercises designed for pregnancy. She was also given tips for better posture and movement during her day.

After six weeks of care, the pain dropped dramatically, and she was able to sleep better and move more comfortably. This case highlighted that chiropractic care can be a safe and natural option for pregnant women dealing with back or pelvic pain.(5)

A 35-year-old woman with a rare condition that causes muscle weakness (called spinal muscular atrophy) was suffering from painful jaw problems that made it hard to eat and speak. Because her body was already physically weak, regular medical or dental treatments weren’t ideal.

She went to a chiropractor, who used gentle hands-on treatments, soft tissue work (like massage), and specific exercises to help relax and strengthen the muscles around her jaw.

After a short course of care, her jaw pain got much better and her ability to open and move her mouth improved. This case showed that even people with complicated health issues can benefit from personalized, gentle chiropractic care.(6)

Success Story

Pain from Osteoarthritis, Dual Hip Replacement, and Back Surgery:
“A New Lease on Life!”

Having Osteoarthritis I had to have both my hips replaced as well as back surgery. I still experienced severe pain in my legs and lower back. I could not walk or stand up for any length of time. I spent years being depressed, lethargic and feeling sorry for myself.

A friend suggested I see Dr. Horning. When he told me he could help me, I was skeptical but desperation had me agree to treatment.

Today I am for the most part, pain free. At 67, I joined a fitness center. I now workout 3 times a week with a personal trainer. I am starting to plan and do things I never thought I would ever be able to do.

Dr Horning has given me a new Lease on Life I am very grateful to him. He and his staff are wonderful! Peggy H.

Humor

I opened the windows to let in some fresh spring air, and my dog immediately started barking at the breeze. I told him, “Buddy, it’s just wind.” He replied with more barking. So now I live with a furry meteorologist who’s very anti-weather.

I told my wife I was going to spring into action and clean out the garage. An hour later, she found me sitting in a lawn chair, drinking lemonade, claiming I was “supervising the seasonal transition.” She didn’t laugh… but the garden gnome seemed impressed.

Bye

Please write or stop by and give us your feedback. Are there any subjects you’d like to hear about? Anything you dislike? Feedback is always important to us. And, of course, if you’d like hard copies of this newsletter, stop by the office, and we’ll give you some for your friends and relatives. If they have email, have them write to us, and we’ll add them to our subscriber list.

References

1. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Volume 25, Issue 8, 2002, Pages 501–506.
2. Borggren, C. L. (2007). Pregnancy and chiropractic: a narrative review of the literature. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 30(6), 447–453.
3. Kent, C. (1996). Models of vertebral subluxation: A review. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, 1(1), 1–7.
4. Fallon, S., & Enig, M.G. (1999). Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and the Diet Dictocrats. Washington, D.C.: NewTrends Publishing.
5. Bernard, M.N., & Kirk, J.A. (2016). Chiropractic management of pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain: a case study. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 15(2), 129-133
6. Visscher, C.M., & Lobbezoo, F. (2009). Conservative care of temporomandibular joint disorder in a 35-year-old patient with spinal muscular atrophy type III: a case study. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 8(4), 187-192.

 

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