In 1967 Joseph Kabalka was in Vietnam hiking over mountains and hills. He was on the move constantly, being dropped here and there from a helicopter. Along with his fellow marines, he’d jump out of the “chopper” six feet from the ground.

“I firmly believe that’s why I have the problems I have today,” Joseph said, referring to the stress the jumps and gear-laden hikes put on his shoulders, neck and back.

While Joseph’s injuries have a unique origin story, many people suffer from low back pain, shoulder pain and neck pain. The resulting pain from an accident or personal injury can limit mobility and reduce quality of life. And, like Joseph, for many the pain continues to compound until they find themselves in a doctor’s office.

In Joseph’s case, he found himself at a sports doctor’s office in Pensacola where they gathered x-rays and MRIs. When the doctor called Joseph in to talk about the results, it wasn’t promising.

“There’s really nothing we can do for you,” Joseph recalled the doctor saying. “We can weld all your vertebrates together and shorten your movement area but you’re going to have a different life.”

For Joseph, it was a choice between dealing with pain or dealing with not being able to move.

This can be the case for many people with back and neck issues. Traditional medicine will often include invasive, life-altering surgeries as well as addictive pain medications as a solution to chronic pain and the injuries causing it.

There is another way, however. Chiropractic care for back and neck pain can be the answer.

After hearing from his doctor, Joseph sought another option at the Navarre Chiropractic Center.

“The doctor looked at my x-rays and MRI and discussed with me about not only how he felt but how I felt,” Joseph said.

When you’re in pain, it can be very reassuring to be able to talk through exactly what you’re experiencing.

Dr. Llaird Likens cares about your overall well being and will seek to provide solutions that fit your circumstances, your wishes and your lifestyle. Fortunately, Dr. Likens has many different tools he brings to the table, different from a typical chiropractor.

That’s because his continued learning and certifications in areas like clinical nutrition, chiropractic biophysics, whiplash, impairment ratings, applied kinesiology and functional medicine allow him to see the whole picture for a patient. Dr. Likens is able to use a variety of therapies and treatments for a particular patient based on their individual needs.

In this case, Joseph receives ongoing traction therapy and acupuncture.

Traction removes pressure from the spine by stretching and manipulating the muscles and discs apart to create space and provide relief.

“Fresh fluids go in and give me a little cushion and hopefully keeps the spine and neck straight,” Joseph says of the therapy.

Using traction, Dr. Likens aims to relieve pressure and pain associated with back and disc problems, joint pain, sciatica and even herniated discs and other spinal injuries.

Joseph also receives regular acupuncture treatments in order to stimulate his nerve endings and alleviate pain and mobility issues. The thin, sterile needles used in acupuncture send messages to the brain that allow the release of endorphins and other chemicals that help relieve pain. Acupuncture takes the body out of fight or flight mode and allows the body and muscles to relax and eliminate tension.

The combination of these treatments have given Joseph his life back. He comes in two times a week and now has a better quality of life. He has avoided surgery, a fused back and a life-long subscription to pain medication.

“When you have someone on the other end that cares about how you feel and listens to what your needs are, it works. You work as a team. You get problems resolved,” Joseph said.

Being able to return to normal activities is the goal with chiropractic care. Avoiding addictive pain medications, muscle relaxers and invasive surgeries is possible if you’re suffering from pain after an accident, injury or as the result of the type of work you do.

Dr. Likens works with a variety of treatment options to help you feel better. If you have any questions, call us today so we can help you get started. Dr. Llaird Likens accepts insurance and offers self-pay options. Dr. Likens also proudly serves veterans as a partner with the Veterans Administration (VA). He services those living or visiting in Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Midway or Mary Esther.

If you’re thinking about making an appointment with a chiropractor, it’s important to have a crystal clear understanding of what you’re looking for. Chiropractic care is a holistic approach to wellness that focuses on the health and alignment of the spine and musculoskeletal system. While techniques and treatment plans vary among chiropractors, there are common expectations to consider. In this article, we will look into some key things you should look for about your chiropractor.

We’ll cover:

• Your health, well-being and education should be the top priority for your chiropractor
• Your chiropractor should be able to help you stop feeling pain
• You should be able to trust your Chiropractor with your entire family
• Your chiropractor should be recommended by other chiropractors
• Your chiropractor should have a wide variety of expertise and treatment options

Your health, well-being and education should be the top priority for your chiropractor

In today’s fast-paced world, finding a doctor who will take the time to really listen to your problems and tackle them like a detective can be hard to find. A doctor with a bedside manner that takes the time to talk to you and educate you is priceless. Of course, you want to feel relief too. Dr. Llaird Likens is dedicated to helping you feel better immediately while also providing you with the treatment, tools and knowledge to prevent future pain.

Dr Likens has been my savior for a few years now. Whenever my hips and lower back get out  of whack a quick adjustment and I’m like new again. He’s also very informational and truly wants to help solve the problem. I’ve been taught how to try and prevent the problems from  reoccurring as often. Would definitely recommend his services to anyone who’s looking for  some relief. | Amanda R.

Your chiropractor should be able to help you stop feeling pain

Every person is unique and it can be difficult sometimes to find the root source of pain. At times, medical professionals can skip past finding the source of pain and aim to medicate you or, worse, send you to surgery.

However, a good chiropractor will seek to identify the cause of the pain and perform corrective treatment to relieve the pain and prevent it from coming back. For those with chronic pain or who have been dealing with a particular injury for a while, this discovery and treatment process can feel like a life-saver.

Dr. Llaird is the best Chiropractor. He is incredibly knowledgeable and he really addressed the source  of pain that all of the other Doctors’ overlooked. He was a life saver for my active lifestyle! | Ashley S.

You should be able to trust your Chiropractor with your entire family

Chiropractic care is not just for adults or victims of auto accidents. It’s for the whole family! In fact, many health-conscious parents use chiropractic care for their infants, specifically to help with colic and excessive crying, digestive issues, sleep problems and ear tube drainage. Everybody at every age can benefit from chiropractic care.

Llaird is an amazing Chiropractor. I trust my body and the bodies of my entire family to him, including our infant. He truly listens to your needs and addresses them appropriately. | Matt C.

Your chiropractor should be recommended by other chiropractors

You know your chiropractor is good when other chiropractors come to him for treatment. An endorsement like that speaks volumes about a chiropractor’s reputation and expertise among his peers.

I am a chiropractor and Dr. Likens was my personal chiropractor for the last five years. He is a  knowledgeable and gifted Doctor, chiropractor, and acupuncturist. I am happy to recommend  Dr. Likens to anyone who needs chiropractic care. | Brandon B. 

Your chiropractor should have a wide variety of expertise and treatment options

Manual manipulation is a great foundation for chiropractic care. However, you should also expect other treatment options including acupuncture, applied kinesiology, functional medicine, nutrition coaching, massage, electric stimulation, heat therapy and more.

When these therapies are combined, they can have extraordinary outcomes such as increased range of motion and freedom from pain medication.

Dr Likens is very personable, caring, and extremely knowledgeable in the fields of  Chiropractic Care and Acupuncture. I have achieved quite a bit more range of motion  in my neck and back along with an increased level of pain management due to an  extensive treatment plan provided by Dr Likens. I highly recommend him for your  Chiropractic and Acupuncture needs. | M.W.

Dr. Llaird Likens has been serving Northwest Florida for over 18 years. These testimonials, along with many others, show him to be an extraordinary chiropractor with exceptional skills and compassionate treatment to patients. Whether you’re seeking relief from pain, improved mobility, or enhanced well-being, Dr. Likens’ chiropractic care and acupuncture expertise are highly recommended by satisfied patients, peers, and even fellow healthcare professionals.  If you have any questions, call us today so we can help you get started. Dr. Llaird Likens accepts insurance and offers self-pay options.

Lots of energy, no pain and feeling good. That’s the kind of health most Americans want.

Unfortunately, it’s not the reality as more and more people find themselves in some sort of chronic pain with low energy, difficulty sleeping and unable to do the fun activities they wish to do.

The good news is, chiropractic care can help you heal and achieve the kind of health you’re looking for. You will have to take action now and use every tool available with chiropractic care in order to reach that goal.

In this guide we’ll show you how to get started building better health with chiropractic care. Then we’ll get into some specific therapies you can use to feel better and increase your energy.

Build better health in 4 steps

If you implement these four common sense strategies, you’ll be building better health immediately, regardless of your age or current health.

1. Eat better
2. Prioritize sleep
3. Improve posture
4. Exercise

1. Eat better

Focusing on eating better and increasing the amount of nutrition you’re taking in can improve your health drastically. Eating well can improve your immune system, increase your bone health, reduce inflammation and help your body naturally recover from injuries and disease.

2. Prioritize sleep

Sleeping is one of the most underutilized health hacks in America today. Consistent nights with good rest can reduce stress, improve your mood and energy levels, allow you to think clearer and lower your risk for health problems like diabetes and heart disease. Unfortunately, at least 1 out of 3 Americans don’t get enough sleep according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

3. Improve your posture

If you can improve your posture by being aware of how you’re standing, sitting and laying, you might find your health, energy levels and mood are improved. That’s because bad posture can have a ripple effect throughout your body, spine and muscles that can cause pain and impair movement. Be mindful of your posture while using technology as well since things like phones, computers and video games usually inspire the worst posture.

4. Exercise Daily

While you’re already focused on your body, you may as well sign up for some light exercise. The benefits of exercise are heavily researched and documented. For you, a 30 minute walk or bike ride could do the trick. Yoga and swimming are also great options. Exercise will help you to begin building health and feeling better immediately.

Those are some basic ways you can immediately start feeling better. However, chiropractic care has so much more to offer. Read on to learn specifically how chiropractic health can improve your health.

How chiropractic adjustments improve your health

Chiropractic adjustments allow your spine, bones, muscles and entire body to be in natural alignment. When you’re not in alignment, there can be many symptoms, ranging from small (like a nagging hip pain) to big (like severe whiplash). Chiropractic care can improve your overall health by promoting better blood flow, increasing your flexibility, reducing pain and stiffness and improving muscle strength. Many patients are able to reduce and/or eliminate medications and improve their energy levels with chiropractic care.

How acupuncture improves your health

The ancient practice of acupuncture has a long history of improving health by stimulating the central nervous system and causing biochemical changes that stimulate the body’s natural healing process. Researchers also believe that acupuncture may encourage the release of endorphins, which reduce pain.

How clinical nutrition can improve your health

We’ve already covered how nutrition can improve your health. Clinical nutrition goes to the next level by using food and lifestyle changes to balance hormones to improve thyroid, adrenal and pancreas health. Clinical nutrition can also help with chronic pain, inflammation and fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. Dr. Llaird Likens has extensive training and experience with nutrition and can also help you detect any food allergies or sensitivities you have that may be impacting your health.

How trigger point therapy can improve your health

Trigger point therapy is a popular option for anyone suffering from back pain and neck pain. However, trigger point therapy can bring relief to anyone who walks into a chiropractor’s office. That is because this therapy targets any area or muscle that is sensitive to pressure or is linked with pain and stiffness. An experienced chiropractor can apply pressure to those areas in order to release tension, increase blood flow to the area, allowing the body to heal and move naturally which in turn decreases inflammation and irritation.

How myofascial release can improve your health

Myofascial release is a gentle treatment that targets and releases tightness, tension, knots and pain in myofascial tissue throughout the body. Also known as soft tissue treatment, it can ease myofascial pain syndrome or even everyday aches and pain. Myofascial release can improve your health by loosening and stretching your muscles, improving your range of motion, reducing soreness and stiffness and adding to your overall relaxed well being.

How muscle stimulation can improve your health

Muscle stimulation is a non-invasive process that causes muscles to contract and can reduce your discomfort during rehabilitation. Muscle stimulation improves your health by improving blood flow, increasing muscle strength, enhancing the link between the muscle movement and the brain, preventing atrophy and encouraging relaxation which can increase endorphin production.

If you’re looking to optimize your health give the Dr. Llaird Likens team a call to schedule an initial appointment. Dr. Likens is has over 21 years of experience as a chiropractic physician, acupuncturist, clinic director, team chiropractor, and lecturer with focused practice attention to the treatment of veterans, acute and chronic pain, auto injury, sports injury and performance, family chiropractic, injury rehabilitation, corrective spinal care, and health maintenance.

At least 8 out 10 Americans experience back pain in their lives. Are you one of them? Did you know 35% of all patients that go to the chiropractor are looking for treatment for back pain? Chiropractic care is a common remedy for back pain. But how do chiropractors help with back pain?

Today we’re sharing with you five ways that chiropractors help with back pain:

• Find the cause
• Realign the spine
• Soft tissue therapy
• Exercise and nutrition
• Lifestyle changes

If you or someone you love is suffering from back pain, read on so you can decide if chiropractic care is the remedy you need.

Find the cause

Finding the underlying cause of your back pain may be the single biggest benefit of seeing a chiropractor for your back pain. Whereas other treatments may focus on reducing the pain through medication or surgery, your chiropractor will seek to find the root cause of your back pain.

Dr. Llaird Likens will create a treatment plan for you that will involve a host of therapies that will pinpoint the cause of your pain and then work from every angle to get your body back to its healthy natural state. By finding the cause of your back pain, you’ll not only get immediate relief but also prevent it from returning.

Chiropractors are particularly skilled at finding the root cause of back pain because they see the entire body as one and understand the domino effect even the smallest misalignment can have. Other doctors often specialize in one particular area of the body, which can make finding underlying causes for back pain less probable.

Realign the spine

Realigning the spine is key to reducing your back pain since your vertebrae being misaligned is likely the cause of your back pain. The spine can become misaligned many different ways including a fall, a car accident and a sports injury to name a few. The ripple effect from that misalignment often gets worse and worse, causing muscle imbalances and overcompensation, stiffness, soreness and sometimes numbness and tingling.

Patients report immediate relief when having the spine put back into proper alignment. The residual effects of a spinal adjustment are just as important however. Once your spine is in its natural position, your tissues can begin to heal naturally because they’re not under stress, tension and not suffering from reduced blood flow and mobility.

Soft tissue therapy

Soft tissue therapy targets the muscles, tendons and fascia in the body to reduce pain and tension by breaking up adhesions and knots, reducing inflammation, increasing blood flow and improving mobility.

Soft tissue therapy allows the body to relax and reset so that the body can begin to heal naturally.

Exercise and nutrition can reduce back pain

Dr. Likens specializes in clinical nutrition and uses that experience to help patients with back pain. Every patient’s body is biochemically different and therefore responds to food differently. The wrong foods can cause inflammation in your body, which can cause or aggravate back pain. When you seek chiropractic care for your lower back pain, Dr. Likens will work to discover and eliminate foods that cause inflammation in your body.

It’s not just about what not to eat, however. Chiropractic care also involves counseling on what to eat in order to fuel overall strength and healing in the muscle tissue and bones. Research has shown that a higher quality diet is linked with lower back and spinal pain.

Chiropractic care also uses exercise as a way to help you with your back pain. Many times strengthening other parts of your body, such as your abdominals and glutes, can provide relief from back pain. However, your chiropractor will be able to prescribe the right strengthening exercises that will not cause you further injury or increase your back pain. This is important since some common moves can actually make your condition worse.

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes? You might wonder what changing little things about your everyday life has to do with back pain. Understandable!

However, your chiropractor can often take one look at you and know immediately how your posture, the way you sleep and the way you sit are all working together to cause you pain. If you’re suffering from back pain, your chiropractor might make recommendations about your posture, the shoes you wear, the way you sleep and even the amount of stress you have on a daily basis. Stress can lead to back pain as it can cause your muscles to stay tense, which can lead to a number of problems. 

One of the biggest advantages of chiropractic care is that it is non-invasive meaning that you can avoid surgery and medications. If you suffer from chronic back pain, that may sound particularly appealing to you. Dr. Likens has helped many patients reduce pain, avoid surgery and get off of potentially addictive pain medication.

If you are experiencing pain and considering alternative, non-invasive treatment, and you live in Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Midway or Mary Esther, please call us. Dr. Llaird Likens is ready and available to schedule an appointment for you. Heis highly trained and experienced with acupuncture and looks forward to the opportunity to help you feel better.