Jenga and Your Spine | Walton Clinic of Chiropractic

So what DOES Jenga have to do with your spine???  Watch and find out.



Walton Clinic of Chiropractic, Springfield, IL.  (217) 544-4000  WaltonClinic.com

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Probiotics Gut Health & Depression???

By now you may have heard of probiotics.  Simply, they are the "GOOD" bacteria that live in your intestines (gut).  We all need them, but most of us don't have them in the proper amount.  Here's a quick video showing some new research on their importance.  


Contact the doctors at Walton Clinic in Springfield, IL for more information on other ways to fight depression or to schedule a FREE consultation.

Importance of Your Nervous System

How important is it to take care of your Nervous System?  Watch the short video from Dr. Matt Link at the Walton Clinic to discover why.  


#WaltonClinicCanHelp #YourFamilyChiro #Springfield waltonclinic.com
Walton Clinic of Chiropractic, Springfield, IL Chiropractor

NEWS STORY - Ear Infections & Chiropractic

Healthy Kids = Happier Moms!!!  We've seen families come in in a state of despair b/c their child is in pain & doesn't sleep.  It's frustrating b/c as a parent, you don't know what to do.  You know that antibiotics shouldn't be the answer b/c you've read that too much can harm your child....but your pediatrician doesn't have anything else to offer.  #WaltonClinicCanHelp #YourFamilyChiro #Springfield waltonclinic.com  *P.S. insurance typically does help kids in need of Chiropractic care!  Just ask the team at Walton Clinic of Chiropractic, Springfield, IL.

What Texting Does to Your Neck....

Have you ever wondered what texting does to your neck?  

Probably not....but, you may want to watch this.

The doctors at the Walton Clinic of Chiropractic in Springfield, IL see many people DAILY who's health has been improved by helping them restore proper positioning and function of their spine.  

Contact us for more info or to schedule a consultation at no charge.

  www.WaltonClinic.com  or  (217) 544-4000

What is Health?

Short video with a very simple explanation of HEALTH.

Spinal Fusion Surgery?

WHAT THE.....?! This is what a typical spinal fusion surgery looks like. *warning: video may be graphic for some. Let's cover some reasons why this surgery makes NO sense.

1) There is ABSOLUTELY no research spinal fusion benefits a person (long term) UNLESS the spine is unstable. I hope most people plan on living long after they've had surgery.

2) The spine isn't moving/functioning properly which caused the herniation, degeneration, arthritis, etc in the first place. So, let's FUSE the spine to further prevent motion in the spine because that's going to help the problem????

3) Spinal surgeries have proven SOOOO successful over the years...right? Oh, so that's why the MAJOR INSURANCE companies had to create a specific code for FAILED BACK SURGERY.

4) Traditionally, the need for spinal surgery is based on the presence of a disc herniation confirmed on MRI, YET, research has shown time and time again that (conservatively) 60% of the population have DISC BULGES (confirmed on MRI) and have NO back pain whatsoever. Maybe it's not the bulge that's causing the problem???

5) Research continues to show that conservative care, i.e. Chiropractic and Physical Therapy (restoring proper motion & strengthening the musculature respectively) combined provide better long term outcomes in not only reducing pain, but increasing function and stopping and reversing the degenerative process.

6) We hear time and time again "Well, my insurance will pay for the surgery but will only cover a limited number of treatments for Chiropractic & PT." THIS is why your insurance rates continue to skyrocket. You elect to have a surgery which costs thousands of dollars and your insurance company pays for it. Insurance companies are in the business to make MONEY....NOT to make sure you're healthy. YOUR job is to make sure you're healthy.

Do you need any more reasons NOT to have spinal surgery, because I can keep going???

#WaltonClinicCanHelp #YourFamilyChiro #Springfield

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*SCHEDULE a FREE consultation TODAY.

I Wish I Would Have....

Have you ever looked back at your younger years and said to yourself, "I wish I would have (insert comment here)."  You see, we hear this a lot at the Walton Clinic, mostly when it pertains to a patient's spine, posture, and over all health.  

Let me give you an example.  Recently, a new patient came to us with pain and stiffness in her neck, upper back, shoulder and had numbness going all the way to her fingertips.  She's in her early 30's, and at that age we all believe that we shouldn't have any problems until we're older.  She had no recent injury.  She mentioned she played sports growing up, but again, had no injury.  Sure, she had some bumps and bruises a long the way, but hey kids heal...right?  She stated she always knew she had a 'slight' scoliosis (improper curvature of the spine), but didn't think it ever affected her.  Now, back to her current complaints.  "It just came out of nowhere," she says.  You would not believe how many times we hear this a day.

In actuality, 90% of people's aches, pains....poor health don't just come out of nowhere.  Think about it.  Someone doesn't just get out of shape or overweight overnight.  It's an accumulation of not eating healthy or not exercising or both for months or years.  People don't just wake up with heart disease or high cholesterol.  Again, it's years of breakdown that occurs.

Poor posture may reveal potential future health problems.

So, when it comes to the patient I referred to earlier, I'm confident that had she had her spine checked by a Pediatric Chiropractor, who deals specifically with proper spine alignment and motion, nervous system function and their relation, at a younger age she would most likely not be experiencing her current aches and pains.  She'd be able to sleep comfortably at night and she'd be able to play with her young children without stopping due to pain.  She'd be able to enjoy life.

Do you want the most for your child/children?  Give them the best opportunity to have a healthy nervous system.  Get them checked by a Pediatric Chiropractor.  You get their teeth checked.  Your get their lungs and heart checked.  You get their ears and eyes checked.  Doesn't it make sense to get their spine and nerve system checked???  It just happens to control all other parts of their entire body.

Have questions regarding Chiropractic for KIDS or ADULTS?  Contact our office today to schedule a FREE consultation.  (217) 544-4000 or www.WaltonClinic.com

Medical Errors Kill 440,000 Americans Per Year???

Medical errors kill 440,000 Americans per year???  Click here to read the full article.

Yeeeeooow!  This stat has gone up.  Last report from several years ago was 225,000.

A little perspective: This would equate to about 670+ Boeing 747s full of people crashing....each year.  Would you fly if this were the case?

Let's say these were Chiropractic patients, and just .001% die from a Chiropractic adjustment.  That would be 4.4 people per year.  Chiropractors would be out of business if this were the case.  

It seems most people's fears develop from what they've heard, not from what is true or what they've actually experienced.  Chiropractic (as a profession) has been around for over 120 years and has been proven over and over to be safe and effective.  If Chiropractic were killing 4 people per year it would 1) be national headlines and 2) no longer be a profession.

Now, we're not saying 'don't go to the hospital.'  But we encourage you to look at more natural and obviously safer options especially before undergoing the risk of surgery.

Toys For Tots Campaign

Can You Believe This?

Last week the American Medical Association came out supporting a ban on pharmaceutical advertising (full article in the Washington Post).  This was a major step for the medical community.  There's no way to sugar coat the reality that the pharmaceutical companies are in business to make money.  As they say, "the proof is in the numbers."  From 1997 to 2007, direct to consumer advertising went from $300 million to $3 BILLION.  This has led to many problems, one being driving up the cost of healthcare.  Another problem is that the doctors aren't allowed to be doctors, meaning patients come in with a certain complaint and demanding a medication they saw on tv.  Unfortunately, this form of healthcare is just chasing symptoms.  Which is why you hear of people who get on one medication and eventually end up on multiple meds.  One med to counteract the adverse symptoms of the previous med.  

Fortunately, everyone already has access to a form of healthcare that doesn't chase symptoms and gets to the CAUSE of the problem.  That healthcare is Chiropractic.  Surprised?  You see, Chiropractic works to detect problems in the function of the nervous system.  And, the nervous system controls how the entire body functions.  The spine has a direct impact on how the brain and spinal cord function which is why Chiropractic works so well!  With a carefully and specific adjustment, Chiropractors work better motion and position of the spine improving the communication from the brain to the body and the body to the brain.  Many people enjoy improved energy, better sleep, better digestion, better immune function, and much, much more.  People who typically have headaches or migraines have a remarked decrease.  All because the nervous system is functioning better!

If you've ever wondered if Chiropractic can help you, or maybe you're unsure about Chiropractic but would like to learn more, schedule a time at Walton Clinic to sit down with the doctors to discuss your concerns.  Or, call our office at (217) 544-4000.

Finally, now's a great time to get checked!  Find out how you can save money on your initial visit by helping our Toys For Tots campaign.  

Awaken Your Inner Force

*(Make sure you read entirely to see our special offer.)

Unless you've been living under a rock lately, you've probably heard of this little movie by the name Star Wars: The Force Awakens coming out on December 18th.  And you probably know these movies tell of an ongoing battle between the Jedi (the good guys) and the Dark Side.  Both utilize 'the force,' which is first described by Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi as "an energy field created by all living things, that surrounds and penetrates living beings and binds the galaxy together."  Basically, this 'force' allows the characters to be more "in-tune" with other people and their environment allowing them to move quicker and concentrate deeper.

As crazy and sci-fi as it may sound, we all really do have an Inner Force that controls our body and allows us to be "in-tune" with our environment.  What is this 'force?'  You know it as your nervous system.  The central nervous system is the Master Controller of your body.  It controls and coordinates every cell, tissue and organ and organ system, i.e. heart, lungs, digestion, immune system, reproductive system, etc.

The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord.  The brain is protected by the skull and the spinal cord is protected by the vertebral column.  Unfortunately, due to certain stresses (whether physical, chemical, or emotional) the bones of the vertebral column can become misaligned.  This misalignment disrupts the signal (the FORCE) from your brain to your body and body back to the brain.  This disruption leads to what we call "dis-ease."  Most people recognize dis-ease as fatigue, lack of concentration, indigestion, headaches, difficulties breathing (asthma), constipation, joint pain, etc.  Their Inner Force becomes disrupted and this dis-ease can lead to disease.

Because the alignment and function of your spine is so detrimental to the function of your nervous system, we strongly encourage everyone to get their spine checked by a Chiropractor on a regular basis.  Put aside whatever misconceptions you may have or have heard of Chiropractic and "Awaken Your Inner Force!"

Need some encouragement to get checked?  
Check out our Toys for Tots campaign this month.

Or....

Check our website at Walton Clinic or call us at (217) 544-4000.

May the FORCE be with YOU!

- Dr. Matt Link, DC

Toys For Tots

Let's Bring It!!!

Our goal is to fill our office 
with toys and make sure that 
no child goes without a toy this Christmas!  

Why?  

Because giving just feels good and it's the 
right thing to do!

BUT, here's what we're doing for you.....

For those who are NOT currently 
Chiropractic patients in our office:

Bring in a NEW un-wrapped gift 
and receive a CONSULTATION, 
EXAM, & XRAYS (if needed) 

at NO CHARGE.  

We'd like the opportunity to see if we can help 
you with problem you may have been putting 
off getting taken care of.  Now is the perfect 
time to find out if Chiropractic can help you or 
a loved one with those aches and pains or with 
improving your overall health!
**We're sorry, but due to government regulations, 
our offer excludes those with Medicare/Medicaid.

For our current patients:

We ask that you do the same....bring in a 
NEW un-wrapped gift to give a child that 
may otherwise not have a happy holiday.

Why?

See our reason above!  :)

This offer runs through 
Friday, December 18th, 2015
....so don't put it off!!!

Contact Walton Clinic (click here) or 
call our office at (217) 544-4000 
for more info.

Promise Yourself (a Mental Adjustment)

Today, I had the opportunity to attend a group with a fantastic message.  The name of this group, Optimist International, gives you some insight of what they're about.  But, it was their creed which they recite that got me thinking about how we should interact with other people, how we should interact with ourselves and how both affect our health.  

You see, all too often we get caught up in the physical component of our health, i.e. diet and exercise, etc.  We even stress those components to a greater degree in our office.  But, something that is often overlooked and has a huge impact on our health as well is the mental component of our health.  Now, I'm not a self-help guru by any means, but I do know how the nervous system works and that it controls EVERYTHING in your body.  So, to me, it's safe to say that by 'feeding' your brain with everything good....including thoughts will produce a positive outcome.

My challenge....

I challenge you (as I'm challenging myself) to review this creed (video below).  Make some changes in how you speak to others and yourself, if changes are needed.  I think you'll see how your physiology and health changes.  I think you'll also be surprised at the impact you'll have on the physiology and health of those you interact with.

We've seen time and time again at the Walton Clinic of Chiropractic, those who get adjusted on a regular basis tend to 'carry' themselves differently and in a more positive manor.  Without even realizing it, there's often a transformation in not only how they move, but also in how they communicate with others, and it all boils down to what you feed the nervous system.

If you'd like more information on Chiropractic, our office, or health in general, 

contact the Walton Clinic (click here) or call us at (217) 544-4000.

Does My Insurance Pay For That?

"Does my insurance pay for that?"  This is a question we often get asked at the Walton Clinic.  It's a valid question...we understand that.  The answer....it depends.  Most of the time...yes, your insurance will HELP with the cost of treatment.  Some factors that alter what is covered could be your particular policy, your deductible, your co-pay, etc.  I will say, our staff does an awesome job at calling on the behalf of each of our patients and getting the best estimate as to what services are covered.

THE BIG QUESTION that should be asked though is 'who is really in charge of your health?'  Should your insurance company really be in charge of your health, or determine how much care you need?  It seems many times we see people not start care or not follow through with care because their insurance doesn't pay for all or a good portion of their care.  Some other questions to consider...does your insurance company pay for your GYM MEMBERSHIP (if you have one)?  When you go to the GROCERY store, does your insurance company pay for your FRUIT, VEGGIES, or other HEALTH food?  

We're guessing not.

One of the beefs we often hear people have with Chiropractic is that it costs too much.  Have you ever heard a rumor and then gone back to the source of that rumor and found it was totally incorrect?  Would you be surprised to know that Chiropractic is actually one of the least costly forms of healthcare?  It is!  People who use Chiropractic care actually spend less money over the course of their life on other forms of care including prescriptions, surgeries and therapies.  So, if you're going to spend money, which would you rather spend it on....staying healthy and living a fuller life, or surgery, recovery and potentially further complications?

We'll leave you with this...

"Spend your time and money for health now, 
or spend your time and money for illness later.  

The CHOICE is YOURS!" -Dr. Matt Link, DC

If you have any question of whether Chiropractic may benefit you, 

contact us at the Walton Clinic or call (217) 544-4000.

Conversation with a New Mom

Dr. Matt had a great conversation with a new mom this morning at the Walton Clinic!  Her son started life with colic...making life miserable for him, but also for mom & dad.  Their pediatrician basically told them he'd grow out of it.  Mom is concerned (as she should be) that his colic could be a sign of something else going on....and she's RIGHT.  

You see, just because something like colic is common with infants and they'll 'grow out of it,' doesn't make it NORMAL or right.  More and more research is showing that 80-90% of all newborns have suffered from SPINAL STRAIN during the birth process.  

As our conversation continued, mom relayed that her son may indeed be 'growing out' of the colic, but is now very congested and showing signs of a possible ear infection and having problems with constipation.  I explained to her this is a very common path we see in kids as they come into our office and are all subtle signs of SPINAL MISALIGNMENT that is causing stress to her son's nervous system.  Babies don't come to us because they're in pain or having a headache, etc.  They come to us because they're not able to live their life to their fullest potential because their nervous system is under constant stress.  And, going a step further, had mom come to us while she was pregnant or even before that, we could have helped make pregnancy and delivery easier for both her and baby...putting less strain on her newborn's spine from the get-go.

Mom went on to say how NERVOUS she was to bring her infant child to a Chiropractor.  That's understandable was my initial response.  I followed that up with the fact that Chiropractic is actually one of the safest forms of healthcare.  Don't take my word for it!  If you look at malpractice insurance for healthcare providers, Chiropractors actually pay a fraction of what the typical Medical Doctor pays.  Which quite plainly means, if we were hurting people we would be either out of business or our insurance rates would be through the roof.  The great thing about what we as Chiropractors do, is we can modify our techniques for our pediatric patients to provide a safe, gentle and effective adjustment.

That being said, if you owned a Ferrari, you wouldn't want to take it to just any mechanic down the
street because he was close or didn't charge much.  You'd want to take it to someone with training and experience.  Same goes true for your body and especially that of a child/infant.  Both Drs. Adrian Walton and Matt Link have the training and experience with working with infants.

As mom and I finished our conversation, she asked "why don't more people know about this."  I wish I had a good answer for that.  I think mainly it's fear of the unknown.  BUT, that is our goal....to make it KNOWN what we can do for you and your family.

If you are unsure if Chiropractic would be beneficial for you or your child, give Walton Clinic a call:  (217) 544-4000.  The docs would be happy to schedule a consultation (at NO CHARGE) to discuss your problems, explain more about what we do, and see if we may be able to help.  

How Did That Happen?

It seems like many times a week at the Walton Clinic of Chiropractic, when the doctors are going over x-rays with patients, we get asked the question "how did that happen?"  They usually ask that when their x-rays look horrible.  Now, the first assumption most people have is "shouldn't that patient know what happened to them?"  More often than not, patients tell us something like, "well, the pain just came on a few years ago and has been gradually more frequent/intense."  The answer to the "how did that happen" question is both easy and complex.

You see, degeneration on x-rays can occur usually one of two ways.  One, the person is in a traumatic accident.  We all know the story of Christopher Reeve who was famous for playing 'Superman' in the movies.  Several years ago he suffered an upper neck injury when he fell off a horse.   That trauma severely and quickly altered the function of his entire nervous system not allowing his muscles and organs to function properly from his neck down.  The other way most people's spines degenerate are from what we see most often in our office. We are seeing more and more patients who under go multiple 'minor' traumas over a period of years.  And, most people don't even know they are undergoing these traumas.  Poor posture, working at a computer for long hours, repeated smart phone use, talking on the phone, reading a book, poor sleeping positions, repetitive use activities, etc.  These are just a few examples.

Case in point, here's is a neck x-ray of a 15 year old in our office.  At 15 years old, he is already showing signs of degeneration by how straight his spine is from this view...with NO TRAUMA, and no pain in his neck for that matter.  Research shows that an x-ray like this will lead to issues like headaches, eye problems fatigue/thyroid problems, concentration difficulties, and asthma.

This is why we highly encourage everyone to take care of their posture, and get their spine checked regularly, even from a young age.  Think it's not happening to you?  How do you know?  It's time to put aside the belief that 'Chiropractic doesn't work,' or 'kids shouldn't get checked.'  Chiropractic itself has been around for over 100 years, and treatment of the spine through adjustments have been around for thousands of years.

For more information on Chiropractic, or to set up an appointment, give our office a call at (217) 544-4000 or go to www.WaltonClinic.com.

Pregnancy, Children, and Chiropractic

In the video below, Drs. Adrian Walton and Matt Link of Walton Clinic discuss a couple things regarding pregnancy and pediatric chiropractic that Dr. Matt learned at a recent seminar.  This is just the tip of the iceburg.  Soon, Dr. Matt will discuss Chiropractic Webster Technique that is used to allow breech babies to turn naturally and for allowing the birth process to be easier for both mother and baby.

For more information, contact our office at (217) 544-4000 or go to www.WaltonClinic.com