Posts by YF Chiro

Why Stretching Isn’t Fixing Your Tight Muscles

If you’re stretching regularly but still feel tight, sore, or restricted, you’re not alone. Many people assume tight muscles mean they need more stretching. But in many cases, stretching isn’t fixing the real problem—and sometimes it’s not the solution at all.

Muscles often feel tight not because they’re shortened, but because they’re protective. When the nervous system senses instability, joint restriction, or poor communication between the brain and body, it increases muscle tension to create support. This is the body’s way of keeping you safe.

Stretching a muscle that’s tight due to protection may provide temporary relief, but the tension usually returns—sometimes even stronger—because the underlying issue hasn’t been addressed.

Your muscles are controlled by your nervous system. When joints in the spine or extremities aren’t moving properly, nerve signals can become distorted. The brain may interpret this as a threat and respond by tightening surrounding muscles.

That’s why stretching alone often feels like a short-term fix. You’re working on the symptom (muscle tension), not the cause (joint restriction and nervous system imbalance).

Stretching Can Sometimes Make Things Worse

Overstretching muscles that are already overworked or compensating can lead to irritation, inflammation, or even injury. This is especially common in areas like the neck, low back, hips, and hamstrings.

If your body is using muscle tension to stabilize a problem area, forcing that muscle to relax without correcting the source can leave you feeling unstable or sore.

Dr. Jensen focuses on restoring proper joint motion and improving nervous system function. When spinal or joint restrictions are corrected, the brain no longer needs to hold muscles in a protective state. As communication improves, muscles can naturally relax, balance returns, and movement becomes easier—often without aggressive stretching.

Stretching has its place, but it’s not always the answer to tight muscles. If tension keeps coming back, it may be your body signaling a deeper issue.

By addressing how your spine, joints, and nervous system work together, chiropractic care helps your body release tension from the inside out—leading to longer-lasting relief and better overall function.

Click here to contact Dr. Jensen or call 605-371-3346

When Nothing Is “Wrong” — But You Don’t Feel Right

Many people are walking around right now feeling off physically—not injured, not sick, not dealing with obvious pain—yet not truly well either. Sleep feels lighter. Stress feels heavier. Muscles feel tight for no clear reason. Energy comes and goes. You may struggle to explain it, but you know something doesn’t feel quite right.

This experience is more common than most people realize. “Feeling off” often has less to do with a single diagnosis and more to do with how the body adapts to ongoing stress.

Stress doesn’t always show up as anxiety or overwhelm. Very often, it shows up in the body first. Long hours of sitting, constant screen use, emotional pressure, disrupted routines, and limited recovery all place demands on the nervous system. Over time, the body shifts into a protective state. Muscles stay tense. Breathing becomes shallow. Movement feels restricted. The body stays alert even when it no longer needs to be.

When this becomes the baseline, people may feel disconnected from their body, less resilient, or simply not themselves. They may describe it as feeling off physically without being able to point to one specific problem. Nothing is technically “wrong,” but the body isn’t functioning at its best.

This is where chiropractic care can support the bigger picture. Rather than focusing only on symptoms, we look at how well the spine and nervous system are communicating. Restrictions in spinal movement can interfere with the nervous system’s ability to regulate stress and adapt to daily demands. When those restrictions are addressed, the body often responds with greater ease and balance.

Many people notice changes they didn’t expect: deeper breathing, improved sleep, clearer focus, or a general sense of calm. These subtle shifts matter. They are signs that the nervous system is moving out of constant protection and back toward regulation.

Feeling well isn’t just about the absence of pain. It’s about how adaptable, present, and connected you feel in your body. If you’ve been telling yourself that you’re “fine” while quietly feeling off physically, it may be worth listening to that signal.

Sometimes the body doesn’t need fixing.
It needs support.

Click here to contact Dr. Jensen or call 605-371-3346

Your immune system is your body’s built-in defense network, constantly working to protect you from illness, infection, and inflammation. But did you know that regular chiropractic care can help strengthen that system? By improving communication between the spine, nervous system, and immune system, chiropractic adjustments help your body function at its best.

The Connection Between Chiropractic and the Immune System

Your nervous system controls every function in your body — including your immune response. When the spine is misaligned, it can disrupt the nerve signals that help regulate immunity. Gentle chiropractic adjustments remove this interference, restoring clear communication between the brain and body so your immune system can work efficiently.

Reducing Stress and Inflammation

Chronic stress and inflammation are two of the biggest factors that weaken immunity. Chiropractic care helps balance the nervous system, reduce tension, and calm the body’s stress response. Patients often notice they sleep better, feel more relaxed, and recover more quickly from minor illnesses or fatigue.
By reducing inflammation and stress, chiropractic care supports the body’s natural healing and defense processes.

Promoting Whole-Body Health

When your spine and nervous system are in balance, every part of your body — including your immune system — performs better. Many patients report fewer colds, faster recovery times, and more energy after consistent chiropractic care. Combined with proper nutrition, hydration, and movement, regular adjustments help keep you healthy year-round.

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The Bottom Line:
Chiropractic care is about more than pain relief — it’s about helping your body function optimally from the inside out. Dr. Tom Jensen focuses on restoring balance to the nervous system so your immune system can stay strong, resilient, and ready to protect you.

Click here to contact Dr. Jensen or call 605-371-3346

In today’s busy world, it’s easy to feel the weight of stress on your shoulders—literally. The way you hold your body affects more than just how you look; it can also influence how you feel. Poor posture doesn’t just create back and neck pain, it can actually increase feelings of stress. The good news? With the right chiropractic care, you can break the cycle and find relief.

When you slouch at your desk or hunch over your phone, your spine shifts out of its natural alignment. This puts pressure on your muscles, joints, and nervous system. Your body interprets this tension as stress, which can lead to fatigue, irritability, and even trouble sleeping. Over time, poor posture can trick your brain into feeling more anxious and overwhelmed.

Stress works in the opposite direction as well. When you’re tense or worried, your muscles tighten and your shoulders tend to rise. Many people clench their jaw or collapse into a forward-leaning position without even realizing it. This creates a cycle where stress worsens posture, and poor posture adds more stress.

Chiropractic adjustments restore balance to your spine, relieving the physical strain caused by poor posture. As your body aligns properly, your nervous system functions more smoothly, helping you feel calmer and more focused. In addition to adjustments, your chiropractor can teach you posture-friendly habits—like how to sit at your desk, stand tall, and stretch throughout the day.

Stress is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to control your health. By improving your posture and keeping your spine in alignment, you can reduce daily tension and give your body the support it needs to handle challenges with ease. Regular chiropractic care from Dr. Jensen is a natural way to improve both posture and stress levels so you can feel your best.

Click here to contact Dr. Jensen or call 605-371-3346

Don’t Ignore That ‘Click’: What Popping Joints Really Mean

Popping, clicking, or cracking sounds from your joints may seem harmless—maybe even satisfying—but they can tell a deeper story about your spinal health. At Your Family Chiropractor, we help patients understand what these noises mean and when it’s time to take them seriously.

When a joint “pops,” it often means gas bubbles are being released in the synovial fluid that lubricates your joints. This is usually harmless and temporary. However, when joint noises become frequent, accompanied by pain, stiffness, or a feeling that something is “off,” it could signal a deeper issue.

In many cases, clicking joints—especially in the neck, back, or shoulders—stem from misalignments in the spine. These misalignments, known as subluxations, affect how the joints move and how the nervous system communicates with the rest of the body. Over time, subluxations can lead to muscle imbalances, joint degeneration, and chronic pain.

Your spine is the foundation for healthy movement. When it’s out of alignment, the rest of the body compensates, leading to extra stress on joints. That “click” may be your body’s way of saying, “Pay attention—something needs fixing.”

Dr. Jensen often sees athletes and active individuals who ignore these signs until discomfort escalates. He understands the impact of spinal misalignment on joint health and performance. Regular chiropractic adjustments restore motion, reduce inflammation, and prevent long-term damage before it begins.

If you notice persistent popping in your neck, shoulders, knees, or hips—especially with pain, tightness, or reduced range of motion—it’s time for a chiropractic evaluation. We’ll assess spinal alignment, joint integrity, and muscular balance to identify the root cause.

Don’t let joint noises go unchecked. Chiropractic care offers a proactive approach to maintaining joint and nervous system health. When your spine is in proper alignment, your body moves better, feels better, and functions at its best.

Clicking joints may be common, but they’re not always normal. Let’s figure out what your body is telling you—before it gets louder.

Click here to contact us or call 605-371-3346

In today’s digital world, hours spent at a computer are unavoidable for many people. Unfortunately, prolonged screen time often leads to a common issue known as “tech neck” or computer-related neck strain. This condition results from poor posture, repetitive movements, and extended periods of looking down at screens, leading to tension, stiffness, and discomfort in the neck and shoulders. Fortunately, chiropractic care offers a natural and effective way to relieve computer neck strain and prevent long-term complications.

Understanding Computer Neck Strain:

When you spend long hours hunched over a computer, the weight of your head shifts forward, placing excessive stress on the neck and upper spine. This unnatural posture strains muscles, ligaments, and joints, leading to symptoms such as:

• Neck stiffness and pain
• Shoulder tension
• Headaches
• Reduced range of motion
• Tingling or numbness in the arms

Over time, untreated computer neck strain can contribute to chronic pain, spinal misalignments, and even degenerative conditions.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help:

Chiropractic adjustments focus on restoring proper alignment in the spine, relieving tension, and improving mobility. Here’s how chiropractic care can help alleviate and prevent computer neck strain:

1. Spinal Adjustments
   Misalignments in the cervical spine can increase muscle tension and discomfort. Chiropractic adjustments correct these misalignments, promoting proper posture and reducing strain on the neck.
2. Postural Corrections
   A chiropractor can assess your posture and provide personalized recommendations to improve ergonomics, reducing unnecessary stress on your spine while working at a computer.
3. Muscle Relaxation & Soft Tissue Therapy
   Chiropractors use techniques such as massage, stretching, and trigger point therapy to release muscle tension, improve circulation, and enhance flexibility in the neck and shoulders.
4. Lifestyle & Ergonomic Advice
   Simple changes, such as adjusting monitor height, taking breaks, and practicing proper sitting posture, can make a significant difference in preventing recurring strain.

Take Action for a Healthier Neck:

If you’re experiencing discomfort from computer neck strain, don’t ignore the symptoms. Chiropractic care provides a drug-free, holistic approach to pain relief and spinal health. Regular adjustments, combined with ergonomic improvements and stretching exercises, can help you maintain a pain-free and productive work life.

Schedule a chiropractic evaluation today and take the first step toward better posture, reduced tension, and long-term spinal health!

Click here to contact us or call 605-371-3346

Heart Health & Chiropractic: The Surprising Connection

February is Heart Health Month, a time to focus on cardiovascular wellness and the steps we can take to keep our hearts strong. While diet and exercise are well-known factors in heart health, one often-overlooked contributor is spinal alignment. Proper spinal health plays a crucial role in circulation, nerve function, and overall cardiovascular well-being. Here’s how chiropractic care can support a healthier heart.

The Spine’s Role in Circulation

The spine houses and protects the central nervous system, which controls every function in the body, including heart rate and circulation. Misalignments in the spine, known as subluxations, can create nerve interference, disrupting signals between the brain and heart. This interference may contribute to issues such as poor circulation, increased blood pressure, and even heightened stress levels—factors that all impact heart health.

Chiropractic Care and Blood Pressure Regulation

Research has shown that spinal adjustments, particularly in the upper cervical spine, can help regulate blood pressure. A study published in the Journal of Human Hypertension found that a specific chiropractic adjustment to the atlas vertebra resulted in significant reductions in blood pressure, comparable to the effects of some blood pressure medications. By restoring proper alignment, chiropractic care may help support cardiovascular function naturally.

Reducing Stress for a Healthier Heart

Chronic stress is a major contributor to heart disease. When the body is under stress, it releases cortisol and adrenaline, which can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Chiropractic care has been shown to reduce stress levels by improving nervous system function and promoting relaxation. Many patients report feeling a sense of calm and balance after an adjustment, which can have positive effects on heart health over time.

Enhancing Circulation and Mobility

Spinal misalignments can lead to muscle tension, restricted movement, and poor circulation. Chiropractic adjustments help improve blood flow by relieving pressure on nerves and blood vessels. Better circulation means that oxygen and nutrients are more efficiently delivered throughout the body, supporting cardiovascular health and overall vitality.

Prioritize Your Heart Health This Month

This Heart Health Month, consider chiropractic care as part of your wellness routine. By ensuring your spine is properly aligned, you’re not only supporting a healthier nervous system but also promoting better circulation, reduced stress, and improved heart function.

Schedule a chiropractic visit today and take a proactive step toward a healthier heart and a healthier you!

Click here to contact us or call 605-371-3346

Maintaining a balanced diet plays a vital role in supporting your overall well-being. However, certain foods can increase inflammation, cause chronic diseases, and harm your health. By limiting or avoiding these items, you can improve your body’s function and feel your best. Here’s what to watch out for:

10 Foods to Avoid for Better Health

1. Cut Out Processed Meats

You expose yourself to high levels of sodium, saturated fats, and harmful preservatives like nitrates when you eat processed meats like bacon, sausage, or deli cuts. Studies link these foods to heart disease and certain cancers.

2. Avoid Sugary Breakfast Cereals

When you start your day with sugary cereals, you set yourself up for blood sugar spikes and crashes. These cereals lack nutrients and increase your risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity.

3. Skip Refined Grains

Eating white bread and pastries floods your body with refined grains stripped of fiber and nutrients. These foods spike blood sugar and contribute to weight gain and inflammation.

4. Say No to Packaged Snacks

Packaged snacks, including chips, crackers, and cookies, pack in unhealthy fats, sugars, and additives. By indulging frequently, you increase inflammation and your risk of chronic disease.

5. Cut Out Sugar-Sweetened Beverages

Sodas and sweetened teas overload your body with sugar and provide no nutritional benefits. Drinking these regularly contributes to weight gain, metabolic disorders, and type 2 diabetes.

6. Skip Fried Foods

Eating fried foods means consuming calorie-dense meals full of unhealthy fats. Frying also produces harmful compounds that elevate your risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

7. Avoid Non-Dairy Coffee Creamers

Non-dairy creamers often include trans fats and added sugars, which harm your heart and promote inflammation. Choose natural creamers to keep your coffee healthy.

8. Pass on Pre-Made Dough and Baked Goods

Pre-made doughs and commercial baked goods sneak in trans fats and sugars that damage your heart and overall health. Making your own ensures healthier options.

9. Ditch Artificial Sweeteners

Studies suggest artificial sweeteners disrupt metabolism and gut health, making you crave more sweets and potentially leading to weight gain.

10. Limit High-Sodium Foods

Canned soups, processed foods, and salty snacks overload your system with sodium, raising your blood pressure and heart disease risk. Opt for low-sodium options instead.

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Focus on Whole Foods By swapping out these foods for healthier, whole alternatives, you can reduce inflammation, improve energy levels, and protect yourself from chronic diseases.

Maintain a balanced diet. Your body will thank you for it!

Click here to contact us or call 605-371-3346

Living without pain is one of life’s greatest treasures. When your body feels strong and balanced, you’re free to enjoy each day to its fullest. Chiropractic care offers a natural and effective path to pain-free living, making it one of the most valuable gifts you can give yourself or your loved ones.

Chiropractic Care Relieves Pain Naturally
Pain, whether caused by stress, injury, or poor posture, can disrupt your daily routine and limit your quality of life. Many people rely on medications to mask the symptoms, but chiropractic care addresses the root cause. By realigning your spine and relieving pressure on your nerves, chiropractic adjustments restore proper function to your body. This allows pain to decrease naturally, without the need for pharmaceuticals or invasive procedures.

Improved Mobility Means a Better Life
Pain doesn’t just hurt; it restricts your ability to move, work, and play. When your body is free from discomfort, simple activities like playing with your kids, taking long walks, or completing household tasks become enjoyable again. Chiropractic care improves joint mobility, muscle function, and overall flexibility. This ensures that you can keep doing the things you love without worrying about pain holding you back.

Prevent Pain Before It Starts
One of the greatest benefits of chiropractic care is its ability to prevent future issues. Regular adjustments maintain spinal health, reduce inflammation, and prevent the small misalignments that lead to chronic pain. By staying proactive with your care, you can avoid the wear and tear that might otherwise slow you down.

A Thoughtful Gift for Loved Ones
If you’ve experienced the benefits of chiropractic care, consider sharing it with others. Helping a friend or family member find relief from pain could change their life. A consultation or adjustment could be the first step toward their journey to pain-free living.

This season, prioritize what truly matters: your health and happiness. Chiropractic care offers a path to living pain-free, giving you the freedom to embrace every moment without discomfort. Whether for yourself or someone you care about, the gift of a healthy, pain-free body is one that keeps giving. Schedule an appointment today and start experiencing the joy of living without limits!

Click here to contact us or call 605-371-3346

Halloween brings excitement with trick-or-treating, costumes, and festive activities, but it can also put stress on your spine. Whether you’re walking long distances with your kids, carrying heavy bags of candy, or setting up decorations, it’s essential to protect your back and posture during these fun events. Here are some chiropractic tips to help you enjoy Halloween without unnecessary aches and pains.

1. Use a Backpack or Rolling Bag for Candy

Carrying heavy bags of candy in one hand can strain your shoulders and spine. Opt for a backpack to distribute the weight evenly or use a small rolling bag to reduce stress on your body. If kids are carrying candy, check their bags periodically to ensure they’re not too heavy for their size.

2. Wear Supportive Shoes

If you’re out trick-or-treating, you’ll likely walk a lot. Avoid footwear that lacks support, like flip-flops or flat shoes, which can lead to foot pain and misalignment in your spine. Choose cushioned, supportive shoes that will keep you comfortable and protect your posture throughout the night.

3. Stretch Before and After Walking

Long walks, especially in the cold, can tighten muscles and leave you stiff. Take a few minutes to do some light stretching before heading out. After the festivities, stretch again to keep your muscles loose and prevent back or joint pain.

4. Lift Decorations Properly

When lifting pumpkins or other heavy Halloween decorations, use your legs, not your back. Bend your knees, keep the object close to your body, and avoid twisting your torso. These simple adjustments will reduce the risk of back strain.

5. Take Breaks to Prevent Fatigue

If you’re walking through neighborhoods or setting up elaborate decorations, remember to take breaks. Fatigue can lead to poor posture and increase the risk of injury. Give yourself time to rest, hydrate, and stretch if needed.

6. Schedule a Chiropractic Adjustment

Even with precautions, festive activities can take a toll on your body. A chiropractic adjustment can realign your spine, relieve tension, and prevent minor aches from turning into chronic problems.

By following these tips, you can keep your spine healthy and enjoy all the fun Halloween has to offer. Stay active, but protect your body to ensure a pain-free, festive season!

Click here to contact us or call 605-371-3346