AlignLife Chiropractic Center of Springfield Illinois

Last week we delivered more than 1,200 non-perishable food items to Kumler Outreach Ministries thanks to the kindness of our clients, families, and friends at AlignLife of Springfield . I cannot put into words how grateful I truly am to all of you that supported our efforts during the 2017 Thanksgiving in July initiative.  Following the vandalism earlier in the year at Kumler Outreach Ministries we decided to revisit the nonprofit, to which we donated more than 800 non-perishable food items in 2015. Kumler Outreach Ministries, located at 303 N Grand Ave E, Springfield, IL, meets people where they live, feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, helping clothe people, teaching life skills and building relationships. The food pantry, clothing ministry, and medicine program reach thousands of people each year in the city and surrounding area. Sharon Brown, Kumler Outreach Ministries executive director, and her team provide support to those who need it most in our community 365

Vitamin C, found naturally in many fruits and vegetables, is needed for the growth and repair of tissues and because our body does do not store vitamin C; we need to consume it on a regular basis. In fact, Humans and guinea pigs are the only mammals in the world that do not produce vitamin C themselves, which is why it is so important to ingest either via diet or supplementation. We need vitamin C to make collagen – a protein that helps support tendons, ligaments and blood vessels and keeps the skin and other organs together. Vitamin C also improves the absorption of iron from plant-based foods and helps strengthen our immune system, protecting us from diseases. Vitamin C helps our energy levels by aiding in the production of dopamine in the nervous system. It also supports the adrenal function for increased metabolic energy and supports the liver in detoxifying the body. Vitamin C helps the body deal with stress by reducing the elevated levels of stress, hormones, and cortisol. V

If you’re planning to take part in our annual Run for Prevention 5k for Health Missions in Washington Park on September 30th it is important that you train.  If you are looking to take part competitively or this is your first 5k there are a number of things you should consider. 3.1 miles is a doable distance for almost anyone, but it requires a mix of strength and stamina that must be earned through training. That being said, if you are not wanting to run or jog the course, you are welcome to walk it. Washington Park isn’t flat so in training to run use hill strides to increase strength in your quads, hams, glutes and calf muscles. Find a short, steep hill, one in Washington Park would make sense, and stride up the incline for 10 to 20 seconds. Recover by walking back down the hill. Intervals encourage you to tolerate a faster pace despite fatigue. The challenge is to run all the intervals at a consistent pace and to push past your comfort zone. Start with a one-mile warm up at

Next month we kick-off our annual food drive ‘Thanksgiving in July’ in order to provide for those in Springfield that need a little help. Following the vandalism earlier in the year at Kumler Outreach Ministries we have decided to revisit this organization, to which we donated more than 800 non-perishable food items in 2015. Kumler Outreach Ministries meets people where they live, feeding the hungry, caring for the sick and helping clothe people. The food pantry, clothing ministry and medicine program reach thousands of people each year in the greater Springfield, Illinois area giving them help and hope. As well as non perishable food items, of which canned chili, peanut butter and spaghetti sauce are most needed currently, the organization is also asking for donations of shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste and diapers in sizes four, five, and six. In the summer the food pantry at Kumler is typically at its busiest. The community is always very generous at Christmas but donation

Scoliosis is an abnormal curving of the spine and can be debilitating if not diagnosed and treated properly. Severe cases can be painful and may limit day-to-day activity.  The curves in our spine help the upper body maintain balance and alignment. However, when there are abnormal side-to-side curves in the spinal column, this is scoli osis. There are a number of causes of scoliosis, which include but are not limited to, congenital spine deformities – in other words those that are present at birth and either inherited or caused by the environment - genetic conditions, neuromuscular problems, and limb length inequality.  As we head into summer and the children are running about the garden, playing with the hose, take five minutes to check your son’s, daughter’s, or grandkid’s as there are several symptoms to look for to help determine if someone has scoliosis. The earlier that scoliosis is diagnosed, the sooner it can be treated, and often times the negative curves can

In 2015 we launched the inaugural Health Missions Run for Prevention 5k, right here in Springfield. As a result, we saw more than 50 runners take part in the AlignLife of Springfield event in Washington Park. Last year the number of participants almost doubled and we raised thousands of dollars for Health Missions.  This year the run will take place on Saturday, September 30th and registration is now open . Health Missions is a non-profit established in 2004 to improve exposure of natural healthcare to underprivileged communities, domestically and around the world. The charity also works to educate the public about natural health opportunities, such as chiropractic care and lifestyle choices to enhance their health and vitality. We not only want to raise money for Health Missions but also involve the community. From young to old and seasoned runners to novices, participants can walk, jog or run the course. Now is the time to begin training for our 5k, while it’s not too hot, and

I am delighted to announce that we have expanded our services at AlignLife of Springfield Chiropractic & Natural Health Center. Born and raised in Springfield, IL, Emily Handley, 29, focuses on massage therapy having graduated in 2012 from Midwest Technical Institute and the Healing Arts Center in St. Louis, MO, in 2012. She has worked alongside chiropractors for the past four years.  When used to compliment chiropractic care, massage therapy can loosen tension in muscles and stabilize joints. Many patients find that, once massage is integrated into their care, their adjustments hold longer in between treatments. Using both therapies simultaneously can result in a much faster recovery time. Massage therapy can also help relieve pain from headaches, soft tissue and joints, fibromyalgia, and muscle tension. It can also help those with anxiety.  Emily is trained in Swedish massage style, but also offers deep tissue, prenatal and hot stone massage. Emily schedules her appointm

Are you sick of yo-yo diets and starving yourself to lose weight? Are you looking for a permanent solution to keep the weight off? Learn the secrets of losing weight successfully and how to keep it off for good at a free workshop with Dr. Bryne Willey at AlignLife Chiropractic and Natural Health Center on Thursday 13th April 6 pm through 7 pm.  Dr. Bryne will be discussing three topics; how PH plays a vital role in weight management , why fatigue, depression, and pain usually accompany weight gain and simple, easy, tools for quick and permanent weight loss without drugs. “Do you constantly struggle with weight loss? Do you make progress only to see it fade away? There are many factors to weight loss that you may not be aware of. This workshop will not only inform you of these factors but teach you how to manage them in order to live a healthy and balanced lifestyle,” said Dr. Bryne. AlignLife is an integrated healthcare organization that focuses using natural measures to obtain

Alternative methods of healthcare are being explored more than ever before as we enter into increasingly progressive realms of modern medicine. Beyond pain management, the use of acupuncture continues to grow in popularity. Acupuncture is being used as a fertility aid, providing relief during pregnancy and in inducing labor—not only safe, it is also beneficial to mom and baby. Acupuncture stimulates specific points in the body by inserting thin needles through the skin. Practitioners implement acupuncture in a number of different ways. I practice a combination of traditional points, which can be traced back thousands of years in Chinese medicine, coupled with understanding the physiological functions and anatomical structure being treated. In no way is acupuncture a substitute for Western prenatal medical care, yet, it is very safe and offers complementary care with many benefits. Acupuncture can be extremely effective at relieving stress, morning sickness, hip and lower back pa

If you’re an athlete or have children that participate in individual or team sports, the chances are you, or they, have suffered an injury at some time. Such activities can result in painful sprains, strains, or even tears. A chiropractor can help if you’ve suffered a sports injury – and prevent it from happening again. Chiropractors are often associated with the treatment of the neck and spine. However, I treat injuries of all natures to the joints, muscles, and ligaments including, but not limited, to the shoulder, wrist, knee and ankle through manual adjustment of the spine and rehabilitation to the surrounding soft tissues. Chiropractors can also help prevent injury by ensuring your bones and muscles are lined up and balanced, which helps relieve tension or compression in the body allowing it to function better and become less susceptible to injury. The goal of our integrative approach of chiropractic adjustments, coupled with rehabilitation, is to first eliminate pain, but m

In the US alone nearly 20% of the population will be 65 or over by 2030. Chiropractic is one of the most frequently utilized care by older adults in America.  The most common reason an older adult might seek treatment from a chiropractor is for musculoskeletal symptoms. Chiropractors also provide a wide range of treatments, which include relief from arthritic pain, headaches, digestive problems, and insomnia.  Older adult patients are often encouraged to engage in exercise. In fact, weight bearing physical activity is essential for preventing weakening of the bones later in life. When bone mass has deteriorated, and the bones become weak and prone to fracture, osteoporosis occurs. Bones become thicker and stronger over time to resist forces placed upon them. If there are no forces to act against bones become thinner and weaker. This is why exercise is so important in leading an active life.  As we age, spinal discs, facet joints, ligaments, muscles and other spinal tissues b

When it comes to low back pain discomfort often isn’t a back problem at all. For example, if one side of your pelvis is higher than the other, this can result in back pain, hip pain, groin pain or even knee pain. Do you see where I’m going with this? The unevenness of your hips can pull on your lower back, which causes that tightness, especially if you sit for long periods. Every time your feet hit the ground the shock is transferred up your legs to your hips and spine, any irregularity or imbalance could be the culprit. If you have flat feet or over-pronation, where your foot tends to roll inward too much, this may be the cause of your backache. Or, it could be something as simple as one of your legs being ever so slightly shorter than the other. You could even have a curve in your spine. Or perhaps, and more seriously, one of the discs between your vertebrae of your spine could be degenerating. Either way, it’s definitely worth getting it checked out.  Although the causes of low

Good chiropractors do everything in their power to help relieve their patients’ symptoms as fast as possible – with as few adjustments as necessary – and also give advice on how to avoid future episodes of back pain or sciatica. All treatment must be based on an accurate diagnosis of your back pain. Make sure your chiropractor is well informed regarding your medical history, including ongoing medical conditions, current medications, traumatic or surgical history, and lifestyle factors. You should feel comfortable asking all the questions necessary to understand the chiropractic examination, diagnosis, and treatment plan when you meet with your chiropractor whether it is your first visit or during ongoing treatment. The chiropractor may check your posture and movement patterns, looking for things that aren't normal, such as one shoulder or hip that is higher than the other or a muscle group that isn’t working properly. The exam may also include muscle, reflex, and neurologic