Robert L. Larson, D.C., C.C.S.T.

Dr. Robert L. Larson, D.C. has treated many first-time chiropractic patients.  Often, the patient has tried other treatment methods but is still frustrated with pain or discomfort.  What surprises most new patients is that chiropractic does not encourage drugs as part of treatment.  Chiropractic focuses on treating the root cause of any pain, unlike drugs that act as a ‘bandaid’ for symptoms but don’t correct the issue.  Chiropractic is based on healing the body as a whole.  The human body is resilient, and chiropractors use their knowledge of the spine and central nervous system not only to guide the body to self-heal, but improve musculoskeletal health and function.  Your initial consultation and assessment with a chiropractor is very important.  We will work to understand your goals for treatment, and take a very detailed record of your current condition using a physical exam, and sometimes x-rays.  Chiropractors not only treat damage to hard and soft tissue, but help patients exper...

Dr. Robert L. Larson, D.C. sees a lot of patients straining their back and neck by looking down at the screen on their devices.  You may have even heard this being called “text neck”. The average adult head weighs between 10 and 12 pounds, and neck muscles are meant to support the weight of the head in a neutral position.  Looking down at a screen increases the strain on your neck as if your neck is carrying a lot more weight.  Tilting your head forward just 15 degrees adds enough force to double the weight your neck is supporting, and the greater the angle, the greater strain.  Many people who text with their chin near the neck are tilting the head forward 60 degrees, which increases the load to about 60 pounds! The good news is we can make smarter choices about how to use devices every day to reduce strain on our bodies. Starting with good posture will always reduce strain on your neck.  Sit up straight with your shoulders lined up above your hips and your head upright. Hold your pho...

The motions of daily life, if done incorrectly, can result in injury to the spine. According to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), wellness is defined as “an active process that promotes health and enhances the quality of life.” We all stand, sit, lift, sleep, talk on the phone and partake in some sort of physical activity on a daily basis and at the chiropractic office of Dr. Robert L. Larson, D.C., we want our patients to utilize wellness tips so that they can add potential to their everyday lives. Indulge in a massage – set aside some time to experience the complete and total bliss of a massage. It soothes both the mind and muscles, improves sleep quality, and reduces stress. Unplug – these days it seems like we’re all glued to our phones, laptops, or even both at the same time. Taking a break from social media, email, blogging, and so on can help us recharge and gives our brain the downtime it needs to work at an optimal level. Get outside – Ditching the comfort of you...

Dr. Robert L. Larson, D.C. recommends chiropractic adjustments for migraine sufferers who have yet to find relief. Chiropractic treatment will not cure migraines, but it is one of the few ways to be proactive against migraines and help prevent them.  In someone prone to migraine episodes, a trigger can often be a misalignment, or subluxation of the spine.  Migraines can begin with tension in the neck, but even patients without migraines find keeping their neck free of kinks helps improve frequent headaches. Dysfunctional vertebrae in the neck can cause increased muscle tension and interrupt the nerves that control blood flow to the brain. Chiropractic adjustments relieve the pressure and tension that results in headaches, and keep the spine aligned to help it function at its best. The exact cause of migraines is unknown, but most theories acknowledge an interruption in either nerve activity, blood flow to the brain, or both.  Regular chiropractic adjustments also help facilitate health...

Chiropractic care is typically sought out by people seeking relief from neck or back pain.  Dr. Robert L. Larson, D.C., is also skilled in treating extremities like the knees, elbows, and the shoulders. The shoulder joint is the body’s most mobile joint. It is surrounded by nerves, tendons, bursa, and other tissues which can all experience irritation and cause pain. This complex structure means that shoulder pain can have many causes and may require your chiropractor to assess your overall health and condition to target the root of the problem.  Whether pain began after an injury or has increased over time, chiropractic treatment is a safe and effective way to treat damage to both hard and soft tissue.  When shoulder pain is caused by joint irritation, relief can often be achieved through an adjustment.  Pain in the muscles can be addressed by massage or stimulation therapy, and your chiropractor will recommend exercise and stretches if needed.  If you are suffering from pain in the sh...