Chiropractic Care for Post-Holiday Aches and Pains

Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and celebration—but let’s face it, all that cooking, standing, eating, and socializing can leave us feeling a little worse for wear! Whether you spent the day standing over the stove, indulging in one too many servings of pie, or putting up with that one annoying uncle…you might be experiencing some post-holiday aches and digestion issues. This week, we’re diving into how chiropractic care can help you recover and feel your best. We’ve included some home remedies as well, so watch for those!

Standing (and Standing, and Standing) Takes a Toll

Hours of prepping, cooking, and entertaining can lead to serious strain on your muscles and spine. When we stand for extended periods, especially in the kitchen where we often lean or hunch over counters, it can lead to:

• Lower back strain. Prolonged standing compresses the spine, and if your posture is even slightly off, you’ll feel it in your lower back.

• Shoulder and neck tension. Hunching over countertops or bending down can lead to tightness in your upper back and shoulders.

• Foot fatigue. Standing for hours can lead to soreness in the feet and even impact the alignment of your lower body.

Chiropractic adjustments after Thanksgiving can help release tension in your spine, improve circulation to sore muscles, and restore your body’s natural alignment. In particular, an adjustment can address tension from standing by targeting the lower back, shoulders, and feet. Did you know all this standing can often cause one leg to go uneven which causes problems in your gait. All this is a domino effect causing pain and frustration. A simple visit to the chiropractor can save you a big headache! Literally!

Digestion After Holiday Feasts: Chiropractic Support for the Whole Family

Let’s talk about digestion—Thanksgiving is famous for heavy meals, and for many of us (including the kids!), that can lead to some discomfort. Here’s how chiropractic care and at-home remedies can help ease post-Thanksgiving digestive struggles.

For Adults

Heavy meals, rich in fats, sugar, and carbs, can overwhelm the digestive system. Here are some tips to ease digestion:

• Stay hydrated. Drinking water helps flush out excess sodium and sugar from big meals.

• Walk it off. A gentle walk after eating can stimulate digestion and reduce bloating.

• Chiropractic Zone Technique for Digestion. Zone 4 of the Zone Technique focuses specifically on digestive health. A Zone 4 adjustment can promote optimal function in your stomach and intestines, supporting smoother, more comfortable digestion after heavy meals.

For added support, consider digestive enzymes. We offer a high-quality digestive enzyme supplement in our office, which can help your body break down food more effectively and relieve bloating. Stop by before your big holiday meals and pick up a bottle for home use!

For Kids

Young digestive systems can be more sensitive, especially after indulging in holiday treats. Here are some kid-friendly tips:

• Offer water instead of sugary drinks. Staying hydrated is just as important for kids, and cutting back on sugary beverages can help prevent stomachaches.

• Encourage a walk or gentle activity after eating. Moving around can help kids avoid the post-feast slump and improve digestion.

• Adjustments for kids. Chiropractic adjustments are gentle and safe for children and can help them feel better if they’re struggling with post-holiday digestion or even general discomfort from sitting or standing too long.

Home Remedies for Digestive Comfort

If you’re experiencing post-holiday digestive discomfort, here are some simple remedies that can help until you can get in for a Zone 4 adjustment:

• Herbal teas like ginger or peppermint can help soothe an upset stomach.

• Pre and Probiotics found in quality supplements can balance the gut after a rich meal.

• Gentle stretching or yoga poses can stimulate digestion and reduce bloating. Try THIS ONE recommended by Charlene, PCW staff member and yoga enthusiast.

Get Back on Track with a Post-Thanksgiving Adjustment!

Once the dishes are cleared and the leftovers are stored, consider treating yourself to a chiropractic adjustment to help ease any soreness or discomfort lingering from the holiday. We’re here to help you feel better, whether it’s addressing muscle tension, supporting digestion, or realigning your spine. While we may not be able to adjust your weird uncle, we would love to adjust you!

We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and we look forward to helping you recover and feel your best for the rest of the holiday season. Call us today to schedule your post-Thanksgiving adjustment!

CLOSURE NOTICE: BOTH OFFICES

Both offices will be closed in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday, this Thursday and Friday, November 28 and 29.

If you and yours will be traveling, we wish you safe passage and look forward to seeing you back in the office Monday December 2nd for regular hours in Wichita and Derby.

THANK YOU

To the best patients in all of Wichita and surrounding areas!

The Thanksgiving food drive was a great success. You donated 322 items and $403!

You’re the best!!!

In Health,

The Staff at PCW: Dr. Shawn, Dr. Kayla, Maddy, Charlene, and Jo