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

As spinal wellness practitioners, we at the Billings chiropractic office of Dr. Robert Larson want our patients to understand how to maintain their own preventive care. In order to protect their backs, patients must first understand how their backs work, which is why we want to make sure they know the basics of spinal anatomy. The bones of the back are scientifically known as vertebrae, and they are linked by a complex system of joints, spongy discs, muscles, and ligaments. Vertebrae have hollow arches in back which together make up the spinal canal, through which the spinal cord runs from the brain to the thighs. Additional nerves branch off it to the rest of the body. At the top of the spinal column is a specialized vertebra called the atlas, which allows the head to move up and down, and below it is the axis vertebra, which rotates the head from side to side. Including the atlas and axis, the top seven vertebrae are called the cervical bones, or the neck bones. Next are the twelve t...

If you have kids, you’re probably doing your back to school shopping. A backpack is the best way for children to carry items, but not all backpacks are created equal. In order to prevent problems with muscle strains and worn-out cartilage in the future, we at Dr. Robert Larson’s chiropractic office want to provide a guide to proper backpack usage. A person should always wear both shoulder straps, and ideally, the backpack will have a strap across the chest, as well. The straps should be wide and padded. The backpack should sit on the middle of the upper back, not sagging down to the lower portion. It should weigh no more than 15% of the wearer’s bodyweight. This means that you should avoid getting a backpack with wheels or a pull-out handle or one which is disproportionately large for your child. As your child learns their schedule, they will need to plan when they can switch out books and other items so they aren’t carrying around too much. When your child leaves for school in the mor...

Scoliosis is a lateral (toward the side) curvature of the spine that occurs most often during the growth spurt just before puberty. Scoliosis is usually mild and needs no treatment; however, for more severe cases treatments include a back brace or sometimes surgery to straighten the spine.  Dr. Robert L. Larson, D.C., explores all non-invasive treatment options first, before deciding if surgery is necessary. A proper diagnosis of scoliosis is required to treat the curve. During an initial consultation, Dr. Robert L. Larson will perform a physical exam. During the physical exam, he will ask if there is any history of scoliosis in your family and if you have experienced any pain or weakness. He may check range of motion, muscle strength, and reflexes, but will ultimately perform something called the forward-bend test. During this test, the patient will bend over as if they are trying to touch their toes. This position makes the curve more obvious to detect. If you have questions or conce...

At the chiropractic office of Dr. Robert L. Larson, we strive to keep up with the latest advances in medical technology in order to best serve our patients. Dr. Larson is certified to manage spinal trauma cases and interpret MRI spinal scans. His office is also home to a digital motion x-ray machine, which provides additional valuable information to practitioners. Digital motion x-ray machines take hundreds of x-ray images of a patient’s spine while being put through different poses. This allows video software to assemble the images into a high-resolution animation of the spine that can be played back, paused, and overlaid with curvature measuring apps. By watching the video, a chiropractor is able to gain more information about how strained ligaments or other abnormalities are affecting the overall musculoskeletal system. This is particularly useful while analyzing cases of whiplash, in which the ligaments in the neck have failed, causing instability at the base of the skull.  Given t...

If you’ve been diagnosed with arthritis, you’ve probably experienced joint inflammation at one point or another. Joint inflammation can be painful and frustrating when the pain is chronic. Arthritis pain can last a lifetime, but the good news is that the pain is manageable. Dr. Robert L. Larson, D.C., offers a wide range of non-invasive procedures to manage pain without medication. Gentle spinal manipulation combined with exercise and inflammatory diet will reduce arthritis pain and inflammation while restoring mobility. Alternative treatments for managing arthritis pain include relaxation and stress management techniques, electrical muscle stimulation, and physical therapy. Adopting a healthier lifestyle will put less pressure on joints and additionally benefit overall wellness. If you have questions or concerns regarding arthritis pain management, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.drrobertllarson.com for more information. To schedul...

The shoulder is made up of several joints that combine with tendons and muscles to allow movement and a wide range of motion in the arm. Joint pain in the shoulder area may develop the more mobile a person is. Frequent mobility may lead to increasing problems with instability or limitations of the soft tissue or bony structures in the shoulder. If you experience pain in the shoulder that won’t go away with self-care, schedule a chiropractic consultation with Dr. Robert L. Larson, D.C. Most shoulder problems fall into four major categories – tendon inflammation, instability, arthritis, or a fracture. In the case of an acute injury causing intense pain, Dr. Robert L. Larson D.C. will construct an individualized treatment plan to alleviate pain. Treatment generally involves rest, modifying daily activities, and/or therapeutic exercises to improve strength and flexibility. If you have questions or concerns regarding shoulder pain management, please give us a call. To learn about services w...

Sleep plays a role in memory and health and a lack thereof will lead to obesity, poor concentration, and create a higher risk of developing harmful health conditions such as diabetes, stroke, and heart attack. Sleep also plays a critical role in immune function, metabolism, learning, and other vital functions. If you find you feeling constantly fatigued or aggravated due to lack of sleep, schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert L. Larson, D.C., to discuss treatment options. Everyone benefits from a good night sleep because sleep is important for various aspects of brain function. Sleep deprivation will impair cognition, concentration, productivity, and performance. A good night sleep should never be underestimated, and if you struggle with insomnia or poor sleep quality, don’t be afraid to seek help. Improving sleep quality will help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, keep the immune system healthy and better your overall wellness. If you have questions or concerns regarding sleep qu...