Can babies and children see a chiropractor?

Yes! Babies and children can safely visit a chiropractor starting shortly after birth. Up to 90% of newborns experience some degree of birth-related strain. Dr. Ryan has nearly two decades of experience with pediatric chiropractic care.

What are common signs a parent should take their baby to a chiropractor?

Common signs include: favoring turning the head to one side (torticollis), difficulty latching or nursing, colic, gas, or excessive fussiness, constipation or irregular bowel movements, reflux or frequent spitting up, arching back during feeding or crying, tight fists or stiffness, and general irritability or sleep troubles.

Why do kids need to see a chiropractor?

Children's active lifestyles — full of bumps, falls, and tumbles — can affect spinal alignment. Regular chiropractic visits support healthy development and proper alignment during growth spurts.

Can I see a chiropractor if I'm pregnant?

Absolutely. Dr. Ryan is Webster Certified and Perinatal Certified through the ICPA. Prenatal chiropractic care using the Webster Technique helps maintain pelvic balance and supports a more comfortable pregnancy and birth.

What is the Activator Methods Technique?

The Activator Methods Technique is a gentle, research-based approach using a handheld instrument for precise, comfortable adjustments — no twisting or turning required. Dr. Ryan has been an Advanced Proficiency Rated Activator Chiropractor since 2006.

What is the Thompson Drop Technique?

The Thompson Drop Technique uses a specialized drop table that slightly drops during the adjustment, providing comfortable, precise realignment without twisting, cracking, or popping.

What is the Webster Technique?

The Webster Technique is a specialized prenatal chiropractic adjustment that reduces tension in pelvic muscles and ligaments, improves pelvic balance, creates more space for baby movement, and supports optimal fetal positioning for a safer, more comfortable birth.

Can chiropractors only adjust the spine?

No. Chiropractic care extends beyond the spine to include extremity adjustments — ankles, knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, wrists, ribs, and even the jaw (TMJ) using the Activator Method.

What conditions does Full Bloom Chiropractic treat?

Common conditions treated include neck pain, low back pain, sciatica, headaches, mid-back pain, digestive or stomach issues, GI discomfort, anxiety, insomnia, poor posture, knee or foot pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.

Should youth athletes see a chiropractor?

Yes! Chiropractic care for young athletes improves posture and movement patterns, reduces the risk of sports-related injuries, enhances recovery, and supports healthy growth and development. Dr. Ryan is FMT 1 & 2 Certified through RockTape.

How often will I need to come in?

Full Bloom Chiropractic does not use pre-set care plans. Dr. Ryan tailors recommendations based on your examination findings. Visits are typically more frequent at first, then spaced out as healing progresses, with periodic adjustments recommended for long-term wellness.

Does insurance cover chiropractic care at Full Bloom Chiropractic?

Full Bloom Chiropractic is self-pay and out-of-network with all insurance companies. Payment is due at the time of visit. A superbill can be provided for patients who wish to seek reimbursement from their insurance. The office is not contracted with Medicare or Medicare supplement plans.

Understanding the Health Impacts of Tech Neck and Poor Posture from Phones

fullbloomchiroprac
5 days ago
3 min read

Smartphones have become essential in daily life, but their frequent use often leads to a common problem known as tech neck. This condition results from poor posture while looking down at phones, causing strain on the neck and spine. Parents and students, who spend hours on devices for work, study, or leisure, are especially vulnerable. Understanding how tech neck affects health can help you take steps to protect yourself and your family.

What is Tech Neck?

Tech neck refers to the neck pain and damage caused by looking down at handheld devices for extended periods. When the head tilts forward, the weight on the neck increases significantly. The human head weighs about 10-12 pounds in a neutral position, but tilting it forward by 15 degrees increases the load to about 27 pounds. At 60 degrees, the strain can reach 60 pounds or more. This extra pressure stresses muscles, ligaments, and discs in the neck.

Poor posture from phones often includes:

Head tilted forward and down
Rounded shoulders
Slouched upper back

These positions put unnatural pressure on the cervical spine and can lead to chronic pain and stiffness.

Common Symptoms of Tech Neck

People with tech neck may experience a range of symptoms, including:

Neck pain and stiffness
Shoulder pain or tightness
Headaches, especially at the base of the skull
Tingling or numbness in arms or hands due to nerve compression
Reduced mobility in the neck and upper back

Students who spend long hours studying on phones or tablets and parents who multitask with devices while caring for children often report these symptoms.

Long-Term Health Risks

Ignoring tech neck can lead to more serious health issues over time:

Degenerative Disc Disease: Constant pressure on spinal discs can cause wear and tear, leading to disc degeneration.
Poor Spinal Alignment: Chronic poor posture can cause permanent changes in the spine’s natural curve.
Muscle Imbalance: Overworked neck muscles become tight, while opposing muscles weaken, causing imbalance and pain.
Nerve Compression: Herniated discs or bone spurs from poor posture can pinch nerves, causing pain and numbness.

These problems can affect daily activities and reduce quality of life.

How to Prevent Tech Neck

Preventing tech neck involves changing habits and improving posture. Here are practical tips:

Raise your device: Hold phones and tablets at eye level to avoid bending your neck.
Take frequent breaks: Every 20-30 minutes, look away from the screen and stretch your neck and shoulders.
Practice good posture: Sit with your back straight, shoulders relaxed, and head aligned over your spine.
Strengthen neck muscles: Exercises like chin tucks and shoulder blade squeezes can improve muscle support.
Limit screen time: Set boundaries for device use, especially for children and teens.

Exercises to Relieve Tech Neck

Simple exercises can reduce pain and improve posture:

Chin Tucks: Sit or stand upright, gently tuck your chin toward your chest without tilting your head. Hold for 5 seconds and repeat 10 times.
Shoulder Blade Squeezes: Pull your shoulder blades together and hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
Neck Stretches: Slowly tilt your head to each side, holding for 15-20 seconds to stretch neck muscles.
Chest Stretch: Stand in a doorway, place your hands on the frame, and gently lean forward to stretch the chest and open shoulders.

Incorporating these exercises daily can help counteract the effects of poor posture.

Tips for Parents and Students

Parents can encourage healthy habits by:

Setting device time limits
Creating tech-free zones, especially during meals and before bedtime
Modeling good posture themselves
Encouraging outdoor activities and physical exercise

Students should be mindful of their posture during study sessions and use ergonomic setups when possible. Using a stand for tablets or laptops can reduce neck strain.