Feeling Dizzy? Here’s How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Dizziness

Do you struggle with frequent dizziness, lightheadedness, or a spinning sensation that seems to come out of nowhere? You’re not alone. Dizziness affects millions of people every year, and while the causes can vary, one often overlooked factor is dysfunction in the neck. If you’re tired of feeling off balance, chiropractic care might hold the key to relief.

What Causes Dizziness?

Dizziness can be caused by a range of issues—from inner ear disturbances and blood pressure changes to neurological conditions. But in many cases, especially when tests come back “normal,” the root cause may be cervicogenic dizziness, a condition that stems from dysfunction in the cervical spine (your neck). Poor posture, whiplash, or joint restrictions in the upper neck can interfere with nerve signals, leading to imbalance, disorientation, or a spinning sensation.

Understanding Cervicogenic Dizziness

Cervicogenic dizziness (or cervicogenic vertigo) occurs when abnormal sensory input from the neck muscles and joints confuses the brain’s balance systems. Patients often describe it as feeling “foggy,” unsteady, or like the room is slightly shifting. It’s commonly associated with:

  • Forward head posture

  • Tension in the neck and shoulders

  • Recent trauma or whiplash

  • Limited neck mobility

This type of dizziness is particularly frustrating because it doesn’t always show up on imaging or balance tests—and that’s where chiropractic care can make a difference.

How Chiropractic Treatment Helps with Dizziness

Chiropractors specialize in identifying and correcting misalignments or restricted motion in the cervical spine. Through gentle adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and postural correction strategies, chiropractic care can restore proper movement and nerve flow in the neck—often reducing or eliminating symptoms of dizziness.

Additional benefits include:

  • Improved head and neck posture

  • Reduced muscle tension

  • Better blood flow to the brain

  • Enhanced balance and coordination

Many patients report noticeable improvements within a few visits, especially when dizziness is related to postural stress or old injuries.

When to See a Chiropractor for Dizziness

If you’re experiencing frequent dizziness that hasn’t improved with other treatments, and especially if it’s accompanied by neck stiffness, headaches, or a history of neck trauma, chiropractic care may be an effective and natural solution.


Don’t let dizziness disrupt your life.
Take the first step toward balance and clarity today. Schedule your consultation and let’s get to the root of your symptoms—naturally.

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How to Correct Forward Head Posture with Chiropractic Care

"Chiropractor correcting forward head posture in patient"

Do you spend hours on screens, drive long commutes, or suffer from constant neck and shoulder pain? You might be dealing with forward head posture—and chiropractic care offers a safe and natural solution.

What Is Forward Head Posture?

Forward head posture (FHP) happens when your head shifts in front of your shoulders, placing excessive strain on your neck and upper back. For every inch the head moves forward, it can add up to 10 extra pounds of pressure on the spine.

Over time, this misalignment can contribute to:

  • Chronic neck and shoulder pain

  • Headaches

  • Fatigue

  • Tingling in the arms or hands

  • Poor breathing and posture-related stress


Why Forward Head Posture Is So Common Today

Modern lifestyles are the perfect recipe for poor posture. Long hours on phones, computers, or tablets—even while relaxing—pull the head forward and round the shoulders. Whether you’re working at a desk, studying, or just spending time online, these habits reshape your spine’s natural alignment.


How Chiropractic Care Helps Correct Forward Head Posture

Chiropractors are experts in restoring alignment and improving the function of your nervous system. Here’s how a chiropractic approach targets the root cause of forward head posture:

1. Spinal Adjustments

Precise chiropractic adjustments help bring your head and spine back into a healthier position, relieving pressure on joints, muscles and nerves.

2. Postural Assessments

We examine the spine to see how far the head has shifted forward and identify imbalances in your spine. We can even take x-rays to see exactly where your posture needs improvement.

3. Corrective Exercises

Your care plan may include targeted exercises focusing on posterior chain training—simple but powerful tools to retrain your posture.

4. Ergonomic Coaching

Proper setup of your workstation, driving posture, or even sleeping position can prevent further strain. Chiropractors offer actionable advice to support long-term change.


Signs You May Have Forward Head Posture

  • Neck, shoulder, or upper back tension

  • “Tech neck” pain after screen time

  • Rounded shoulders or slouched posture

  • Numbness or tingling in hands

  • Recurring headaches


Chiropractic: A Holistic Solution for Postural Pain

Instead of just masking symptoms with pain relievers, chiropractic care focuses on long-term correction by improving spinal alignment, muscle balance, and nervous system function. With consistent care, many patients not only relieve pain but also experience better well being and mobility.


Take the First Step Toward Better Posture

If you’ve noticed signs of forward head posture or postural fatigue, don’t wait. A licensed doctor of chiropractic can help you realign your spine, retrain your muscles, and feel like yourself again—without drugs or surgery.

👉 Schedule a posture assessment today and take your first step toward a healthier, more upright future.

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Chiropractic vs. Physical Therapy for Pain: Which One is Right for You?

Chiropractic vs Physical Therapy

Introduction

 

  • If you’re dealing with chronic pain, back pain, or an injury, you’ve probably considered chiropractic care or physical therapy.
  • Both treatments aim to reduce pain and improve mobility, but they work in different ways.
  • In this article, we’ll break down the key differences, benefits, when to choose one over the other, and why Chiropractic may be a good starting point.

Chiropractic Care: What Is It?

  • Focus: Spine alignment, nervous system health, joint mobility.
  • Techniques Used:
    • Spinal and extremity adjustments
    • Soft tissue therapy
    • Lifestyle recommendations (posture, supplements, ergonomics and overall wellness consulting)
  • Conditions Treated:
    • Back pain, neck pain, sciatica
    • Headaches/migraines
    • Joint and muscle pain
    • Postural issues
    • Whiplash
    • Numbness/Tingling

Physical Therapy: What Is It?

  • Focus: Rehabilitation, muscle strength, movement mechanics.
  • Techniques Used:
    • Stretching & strengthening exercises
    • Balance & coordination training
  • Conditions Treated:
    • Post-surgical recovery
    • Sports injuries
    • Muscle imbalances

Chiropractic vs. Physical Therapy: Key Differences

Feature Chiropractic Care Physical Therapy
Primary Goal Restore spinal alignment & nerve function Improve strength & mobility
Treatment Method Manual adjustments Exercises
Best For Back pain, neck pain, sciatica, headaches Post-surgery recovery, muscle weakness
Frequency of Visits Short term pain relief, Optional maintenance after Short-term, referral driven

When to Choose Chiropractic Care

✅ If you have spinal misalignment, , poor range of motion, nerve pain, or chronic headaches.
✅ If you prefer a hands-on, natural approach to pain relief.
✅ If you want long-term spinal health & wellness.

💡 Pro Tip:

Many patients start with Chiropractic first to improve range of motion and reduce pain. Once they feel better they visit a P.T. or continue on with home exercises to build strength. If it hurts to much to move without resistance, sometimes you need to get adjusted (passive care) for relief before transitioning to active care. Also in some cases the patient maybe under the impression its “just a muscle strain”, however a strain should heal within days, or if more significant weeks. For those with lingering stiffness of months or years, we know that can be chronic underlying issues with joint mechanics that need adjusting. Some other cases are mismanaged, such as an athlete with a 6 pack told they need to strengthen their core. That athletes back pain is likely not due to a deficit in strength, as they are ripped, however the spine may have some wear and tear that needs Chiropractic. A simple X-Ray can reveal any such degeneration internally. You can always combine both for the best results if you can tolerate exercise.


When to Choose Physical Therapy

✅ If you’re recovering from surgery or a sports injury.
✅ If you need a supervised exercise plan to rebuild strength.


Final Verdict: Which One is Right for You?

  • Both chiropractic care and physical therapy can help with pain and mobility.
  • Chiropractic is ideal for spine-related issues and long-term wellness.
  • Physical therapy is good for post-injury rehabilitation and strengthening.

Get a Personalized Plan

If you’re unsure which treatment is right for you, book a consultation with Dr. Tucker and Team.
👉 Schedule Your Consultation: 215-750-8006.

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Why Your Headaches May Be Coming from Your Neck

Headaches and Neck Pain

Do you suffer from frequent headaches that just won’t go away? You might be surprised to learn that the root cause of your headaches isn’t in your head—it’s in your neck. Many headaches, particularly tension headaches, stem from issues in the cervical spine and are known as cervicogenic headaches. If you find yourself reaching for pills too often, it may be time to address the underlying root cause.

 

The Neck-Headache Connection

The cervical spine, or the neck, is responsible for supporting your head and allowing movement. However, poor posture, stress, injuries, or misalignments in the neck can put pressure on nerves and muscles, leading to referred pain that manifests as headaches. Some common causes include:

  • Poor Posture – Looking down at your phone or working on a computer for extended periods can create muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, leading to headaches.
  • Cervical Misalignments – Subluxations (misalignments in the spine) can irritate nerves and reduce proper blood flow, contributing to chronic headaches.
  • Muscle Tension and Trigger Points – Tight muscles in the neck and upper back can refer pain to the head, mimicking a traditional headache.
  • Previous Injuries – Whiplash or past trauma can lead to long-term dysfunction in the cervical spine, making headaches a persistent issue.

Signs Your Headache Is Neck-Related

Not all headaches originate in the neck, but here are some signs that yours might:

  • Pain starts at the base of your skull and travels to the forehead or behind the eyes.
  • Stiffness or discomfort in the neck when moving.
  • Headaches triggered by various neck movements or postures.
  • Pain that worsens after long hours of desk work or phone use.

Natural Solutions for Neck-Related Headaches

Rather than masking the pain with medication, addressing the root cause can provide long-term relief. Some effective solutions include:

  • Chiropractic Care – Gentle spinal adjustments can help realign the cervical spine, reducing nerve irritation and improving function.
  • Postural Correction – Improving ergonomics at work and home while practicing good posture can significantly reduce strain on the neck.
  • Stretching and Strengthening Exercises – Targeted exercises for the neck and upper back can relieve tension and improve mobility.
  • Massage Therapy – Soft tissue work can release tight muscles and reduce trigger point pain.
  • Lifestyle Changes – Staying hydrated, managing stress, keeping up with appropriate nutrients and incorporating movement into your daily routine can all contribute to headache relief.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you experience chronic headaches that don’t improve with simple lifestyle changes, seeking professional care is essential. Chiropractors specialize in diagnosing and treating spinal issues that may be contributing to your headaches and possible neck pain. With the right approach, you can find lasting relief and get back to enjoying life headache-free.

If you’re ready to address the root cause of your headaches, schedule a consultation with our office today!

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10 Signs You Need to See a Chiropractor Today

Chiropractor Adjusting Low Back

 

Are you experiencing unexplained aches, stiffness, or mobility issues? Your body may be telling you it’s time to see a chiropractor. Chiropractic care is a natural, non-invasive approach to treating pain, improving posture, and enhancing overall wellness. In this blog, we’ll explore 10 key signs that indicate you should book an appointment with a chiropractor today.

1. Chronic Back Pain

Persistent back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek chiropractic care. Lingering pain that doesn’t resolve on its own, typically needs intervention. Whether it’s from poor posture, long hours sitting at a desk, or an old injury, chiropractic adjustments can help realign your spine and relieve discomfort.

2. Frequent Headaches or Migraines

Tension headaches and migraines are often linked to spinal misalignment and muscle tension in the neck and upper back. Chiropractic care can help reduce headache frequency and intensity by improving spinal alignment and relieving muscle stress.

3. Stiffness and Limited Range of Motion

If you notice difficulty moving your neck, shoulders, or back, a chiropractor can help restore flexibility and improve your range of motion. Regular adjustments keep your joints functioning properly and prevent stiffness from worsening.

4. Poor Posture

Sitting at a desk all day can lead to poor posture, which puts excess strain on your spine and muscles. Chiropractors can correct misalignments caused by bad posture and provide guidance on ergonomic improvements to prevent future issues.

5. Sharp or Shooting Pain in Your Legs

Pain, tingling, or numbness in your legs could indicate nerve damage, such as sciatica. Chiropractic adjustments can help relieve pressure on the nerve and reduce pain symptoms.

6. You’ve Recently Been in a Car Accident

Even minor car accidents can cause whiplash and misalignments in the spine. If you’ve been in an accident, seeing a chiropractor can help prevent long-term pain and complications.

7. You Suffer from Frequent Joint or Muscle Pain

Chiropractic care isn’t just for the spine—it can also help relieve pain in the shoulders, wrists, knees, hips, and other joints by improving alignment and reducing inflammation.

8. You’re an Athlete or Engage in Regular Physical Activity

Athletes put a lot of strain on their bodies, leading to misalignments and muscle imbalances. Regular chiropractic adjustments can help improve performance, prevent injuries, and aid in faster recovery.

9. You Experience Numbness or Tingling in Your Arms or Hands

Nerve compression in the neck or upper back can lead to numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hands. The Doctor can distinguish if there are any upper extremity issues as well. Chiropractic care can help relieve pressure on the nerves and restore normal function.

10. You Want a Natural Approach to Pain Relief

If you prefer a drug-free, non-invasive method for managing pain, chiropractic care is an excellent option. Adjustments help your body heal naturally without relying on medication or surgery.

When to Book an Appointment

If you’re experiencing any of these signs, don’t wait for the pain to get worse. Chiropractic care can help you feel better, move more freely, and improve your overall quality of life.

Schedule Your Chiropractic Consultation Today!

At  Tucker Chiropractic Center, we specialize in helping patients achieve optimal health through personalized chiropractic care. Contact us today to book an appointment!

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Revolutionize Your Recovery with Shockwave Therapy: A Breakthrough in Pain Relief

Shockwave Therapy Near Me-Langhorne PA, Newtown PA, Levittown PA

If you’re struggling with chronic pain, sports injuries, or lingering musculoskeletal conditions, shockwave therapy could be the game-changing treatment you’ve been searching for. This non-invasive therapy accelerates healing, reduces inflammation, and provides long-lasting pain relief—without drugs, surgery or downtime.

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy for pain relief is an advanced treatment that uses acoustic waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing response. Originally developed to break down kidney stones, this cutting-edge technology is now widely used in chiropractic care, sports medicine, and orthopedic rehabilitation to treat conditions like plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, bursitis and chronic back pain.

How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?

Using targeted high-energy sound waves, shockwave therapy for musculoskeletal pain promotes blood flow, encourages tissue regeneration, and breaks down scar tissue. As a result, patients experience faster recovery from injuries, improved mobility, and significant pain reduction. Many patients report noticeable improvements after just a few sessions!

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy in Chiropractic Care

At our chiropractic clinic, we integrate shockwave therapy for injury recovery into holistic treatment plans, ensuring comprehensive healing. Here’s why this therapy is gaining popularity:

  • Non-Invasive & Drug-Free Relief – No need for surgery or prescription medications.
  • Speeds Up Healing – Stimulates collagen production and tissue regeneration.
  • Breaks Down Scar Tissue – Helps restore normal function to injured areas.
  • Reduces Pain & Inflammation – Ideal for chronic pain conditions and sports injuries.
  • Enhances Mobility & Flexibility – Beneficial for athletes, weekend warriors, and active individuals.

What Conditions Can Shockwave Therapy Treat?

Shockwave therapy is highly effective for a variety of chronic pain conditions and injuries, including:

  • Plantar fasciitis and heel pain relief
  • Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow treatment
  • Shoulder pain and rotator cuff injuries
  • Knee pain and patellar tendonitis
  • Hip pain and bursitis management
  • Sciatica and lower back pain therapy

What to Expect During Your Shockwave Therapy Session

Each session is quick and convenient, typically lasting around 15 minutes. Our chiropractors will apply a gel to the treatment area before using a specialized device to deliver the therapeutic shockwaves. Most patients experience minimal discomfort, and the benefits often become noticeable within a few treatments.

Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?

If you’re dealing with persistent pain, shockwave therapy for chronic pain relief may be the solution you need. Whether you’re an athlete recovering from an injury, struggling with a long-term condition, or simply looking for an alternative to surgery, this innovative therapy can help restore your quality of life.

Book Your Shockwave Therapy Appointment Today

Ready to experience the benefits of shockwave therapy for pain relief? Contact our chiropractic clinic today to schedule a consultation at 215-750-8006. Our expert team is here to help you recover faster, move better, and live pain-free!

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The Benefits of Chiropractic Care: Your Road to Better Health

When most people think of chiropractic care, they imagine someone twisting their spine or hear a “cracking” noise. But chiropractic is about much more than adjustments—it’s a holistic approach to wellness that focuses on aligning the body to optimize overall health. If you’ve never been to a chiropractor before or have questions about chiropractic care, this blog will give you insights into how it works and some of the many benefits it offers.

What Is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, drug-free approach to health that focuses on diagnosing and treating mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. Chiropractors are trained professionals who use hands-on treatments to help alleviate pain, improve physical function, and support the body’s ability to heal itself.

How Does Chiropractic Care Work?
Your spine is a vital part of your body, serving as the central pathway for your nervous system. When your spine is misaligned, it can affect nerves, muscles, and other parts of your body, causing pain or dysfunction. Think of the tension involved with a fight or flight response. Now imagine someone in that state of stress for a long period of time. Chiropractic adjustments aim to correct these misalignments to restore proper alignment, calm the nervous system and balance within the body. This promotes better communication between the brain and the body, encouraging natural healing and helping relieve pain.

Common Myths About Chiropractic Care
Myth: Chiropractic is only for back pain.
Fact: While many people seek chiropractic care for back pain, it can also help with neck pain, headaches, joint issues, and more. Chiropractic care also has preventive benefits, helping keep your body in peak condition.

Myth: Chiropractors aren’t “real” doctors.
Fact: Chiropractors undergo rigorous education and training, including 8 years of university-level coursework, clinical training, and state licensure. They are experts in spine health and musculoskeletal wellness. The biggest misconception is that Doctors simply provide drugs. Chiropractors choose not to prescribe medication as they want to find the root cause of the underlying structural issues. After all, there is no shortage of drug use, its helpful to have other treatment options.

Myth: Once you start, you can never stop.
Fact: Your chiropractor will create a personalized care plan tailored to your needs, and it’s up to you how long you choose to continue. Many patients experience relief after just a few sessions and only return when it hurts again, while others choose ongoing care to maintain alignment and prevent future issues. This is no different than anything else that works well! If you find going to the gym makes you feel stronger, improved your bloodwork and look better you continue to go. If you see getting dental cleanings work on your smile, you keep up with it. Obviously the patients who choose ongoing care, see significant benefit in feeling and moving better.

The Benefits of Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care offers a range of benefits that go beyond pain relief:

Pain Relief: Chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate chronic and acute pain, particularly in the back, neck, shoulders, and joints.

Improved Mobility: When your spine and joints are properly aligned, your body moves more freely. This can be especially helpful for athletes, those with physically demanding jobs, or people with chronic pain conditions.

Headache Relief: For those who suffer from migraines or tension headaches, chiropractic adjustments may help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.

Better Posture: Sitting for hours, heavy lifting, or just daily stress can impact your posture. Chiropractic care can help you maintain or restore a healthy posture, which in turn can reduce pain and prevent future issues.

Enhanced Immune Function: Some studies suggest that chiropractic care can support immune function by reducing stress on the body and allowing the nervous system to work more efficiently.

Stress Reduction: When the spine is misaligned, it can increase stress on the body and mind. Chiropractic adjustments can help relieve stress by allowing the body to relax and function more optimally.

What to Expect at Your First Visit
If you’re considering chiropractic care, your first visit will typically include a thorough consultation/health history, physical examination including assessment of movement patters and possible x-rays if warranted. Based on this evaluation, your chiropractor will develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This may include a combination of adjustments, massage therapy, physiotherapy devices, shockwave therapy, lifestyle advice, exercises, nutritional supplements and wellness tips to help you achieve your health goals.

Is Chiropractic Care Right for You?
Chiropractic care is safe and suitable for people of all ages, from children to older adults. If you’re dealing with pain, limited mobility, or simply want to maintain optimal health, chiropractic care can provide a natural and effective path to wellness. However, if you have certain health conditions, it’s essential to consult with your chiropractor to determine the best course of action for your individual needs. In our office, we customize treatment so that a 90 year old woman with osteoporosis and a 20 year old football player will not receive the same generic treatment.

Schedule a Consultation Today
Chiropractic care is about helping your body function at its best, naturally. Whether you’re seeking pain relief, improved mobility, or a way to support your body’s healing, chiropractic care can make a real difference. We see the majority of the patients that present to our office reports some relief if not complete recovery. If you’re ready to take the next step toward better health, schedule a consultation with our office today. 215-750-8006.

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Modern High-Tech Adjusting Instruments

There are numerous tools used by doctors of chiropractic to help them take better care of their patients. Adjusting instruments are specific tools used by chiropractors to work on the spine, the extremities, and even the muscles. At our practice we use a few different adjusting instruments.
One of our most used adjusting instruments is called the Impulse.

The Impulse Adjusting Instrument was designed and developed by a chiropractor, an engineer, and a neurosurgeon. The Impulse allows us to provide a safe and effective chiropractic adjustment that feels a bit different than a traditional adjustment. Patients typically describe the adjustment as gentle and very comfortable.

There are 3 different power settings on the Impulse that allows us to properly handle misalignment’s in all regions of the spine. The versatility of the Impulse also allows us to adjust young and old patients alike. Adjustments are achieved through single or multiple high speed taps or “impulses” in a specific direction to correct “stuck” bones or joints.

Good candidates for Impulse adjusting include:

1-Patients with extreme sensitivity (especially to pressure)
2-Patients with severe joint degeneration (arthritis)
3-Post surgical cases (e.g. discectomy, laminectomy, spinal fusion)
4-Patients with severe muscle spasm
5-Patients with osteoporosis
6-Infants and young children
7-Patients who don’t respond to traditional adjustment techniques
8-Patients who fear traditional adjusting techniques

People with extreme sensitivity, with spasms, or who typically tighten up right when a traditional adjustment is being done can be great candidates for Impulse adjusting. The “tap” delivered by the Impulse is so fast, that the muscles can’t respond quick enough to lock things up. Therefore the adjustment can be done comfortably.

Because no twisting of the spine or heavy pressure is necessary to perform the adjustment with the Impulse, post-surgical patients are able to be adjusted safely. The patient simply lies in a prone position while the adjustment is performed comfortably.

Children make great candidates for Impulse adjusting because the “impulse” can be delivered quickly even if a child is squirming around a bit. With interchangeable styluses, a single tip can be used with Impulse to provide a safe and specific way to adjust even the tiny bones of a baby.

Are you a chiropractic chicken? Do you prefer an adjustment without any twisting, turning, pushing or popping? Or do you dislike the pressure of a traditional chiropractic adjustment? Then the Impulse Adjusting instrument may be perfect for you.

With either traditional adjusting or instrument adjusting, the end result is the same…a healthier spine and body with less nerve interference.

Ultimately, we communicate with each of our patients and will use adjustment techniques that are both comfortable and effective in each specific case.

If you have any questions about instrument adjusting, feel free to drop by the office or call us any time. We are here to serve and would be honored to speak with you and be a part of your ongoing journey to better natural health.

Ken Goldman, DC

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Free Community Workshop-Get BETTER, Faster!

On Thursday January 23rd, Tucker Chiropractic Center will be hosting a free workshop to help patients accelerate healing and get better results faster.
Dr. Tucker will address three root causes of health issues that are often overlooked.
If you are currently dealing with neck, shoulder, back or hip pain, simply come hear about why these conditions are not healing. All too often we simply are diagnosed with a pulled muscle, however that should heal within weeks. If you are dealing with health issues for months or years, something is wrong and not being addressed.
If you are treating with a Physical therapist, Medical Doctor or Chiropractor and simply are trying to learn how to get an extra boost to heal, feel free to attend as well.
We are here to help progress your care regardless if you are a patient with us or not. Our office purpose is to teach patients how to fix problems, naturally by addressing the root cause of their issue.

Some of the following topics will be touched on:
-How to reduce inflammation
-How to lose weight
-What is the right and wrong sleeping position
-Why does exercise hurt
-How to lift better
-Is your stress affecting your healing response

DrTucker will be around after the class to discuss any private questions you may have.

The office is located in Penns Square, right behind the Oxford Valley Mall Movie Theater.
The address is 402 Middletown Blvd. Ste 210, Langhorne PA 19047.
Please call to RSVP. 215-750-8006.
We look forward to seeing you!

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Yard-work & Bending Techniques

Yard-work & Bending Techniques

It’s that time of year again and you may have added leaf cleanup to your list of chores to do. Also, snow will be visiting us again soon, and you will have to be ready. Maybe you dread these chores because of your recurring back pain. Maybe in past years you’ve hurt your back doing leaf cleanup or snow shoveling and ended up with recurring pains. Or maybe you’ve had no problem with either of these chores in the past, but you want to avoid a possible injury to your back. Either way, in this post you will learn how to perform these activities while avoiding an injury or aggravation.

Both leaf cleanup and snow removal tend to be repetitive tasks involving frequent bending, twisting, and lifting. The difficulty of the lifting can vary drastically. Often the lifting involved is light, however a big bag full of leaves or a shovel full of wet snow can pose a greater lifting challenge. All of these activities provide equal opportunity to injure your back if you don’t carefully maintain proper posture and form throughout.

Helpful Tips To Avoid Injury When Doing Leaf Cleanup or Snow Removal

1-Warm up – Consider
leaf cleanup exercise. As with any exercise, you want to warm up for about 10 minutes first before moving forward into full activity. You can simply start with a walk before you begin. Another option is to start your cleanup slowly allowing your body to warm
up before picking up the pace.

2-Maintain good posture
– Whether you use a rake, a leaf blower, a mower, or other tool, you must maintain good posture to protect your spine. Head up and shoulders back. Avoid prolonged postures (such as looking down) without returning to your good, normal and balanced posture again.

Use your legs to perform a “mini-squat” when shoveling or bending to pick up leaves.

AVOID bending over using primarily your back. IMPROPER form demonstrated here:

3-Take breaks – Take a short break at least one or two times per hour. Consider some simple stretches or range-of motion exercises for your low back.

Back Extensions

Lateral Bends


Full Back Release – Seated Flexion

4-Bend correctly – When bending over to use a wheelbarrow, to pick up leaves, or to lift a bag, perform a correct squat.


5- Use the right tools- Leaf claws can help reduce bending. To completely avoid the repetitive task of raking and picking up leaves by hand, you may want to consider using a leaf blower and a mulching lawn mower. Using these two tools in combination allows you to clear your lawn and then easily mulch up and easily bag the leaves. Use of a sling to help bear the weight of a tool like a leaf blower can help greatly.

One Point Sling Used With Leaf Blower

When performing any physical task it is ideal to have your spine free of spinal misalignment’s. Taking great care of your spine and nervous system should be a top priority.

If you are currently suffering from back or neck pain or have a history of recurring pain, here are two things you can do right now to help:

#1. Get your spine checked for subluxations. Only chiropractors are highly trained to detect and correct spinal subluxations – spinal misalignment’s that interfere with the nervous system.

#2. Learn how to incorporate spinal stabilization exercises to your routine at least three times per week. The health of your spinal muscles will determine your ability to perform tasks like leaf cleanup properly. See this post for basic spinal stabilization exercises:

Core exercises to avoid recurring back pain

If you’d like to schedule a chiropractic examination or have any questions about good posture, how to bend correctly, back pain, adjustments, or spinal exercises, feel free to drop by the office or call us any time. We are here to serve and would be honored to speak with you and be a part of your ongoing journey to better natural health.

-Dr Ken Goldman

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