Health & Wellness Blog

Most people think of migraine as something that happens entirely in the head. The research tells a more specific story: the upper neck (the joints, muscles, and nerves at the base of your skull) has a direct, well-mapped neurological connection to the same pain-processing pathway that drives migraine. Here's what's actually established, what's still emerging, and where the evidence runs out. The Mechanism: Why the Neck and Migraine Pain Share a Pathway Strong evidence: Sensor

Pregnancy puts real strain on your spine and pelvis, and growing kids run into their own share of aches, tension, and developmental bumps. At Asa Wellness Center, Dr. Kayle Martinsen offers chiropractic care adapted for both, always gentle, evaluation-based, and never a one-size-fits-all adjustment. Research on chiropractic care for pregnant patients and children is real, but it's a newer and smaller body of evidence than what exists for adult back pain. Below is what the stu

Sciatica (pain that radiates from your lower back through your hip and down your leg) is one of the most common reasons patients come to Asa Wellness Center. It's usually caused by a herniated or bulging disc pressing on the sciatic nerve, and it can range from a dull ache to pain sharp enough to stop you mid-step. What the Research Says Chiropractic care for sciatica has more direct research behind it than most people expect. Here's what it shows. A randomized clinical trial

If you've been dealing with bloating, irregular digestion, or discomfort after eating and can't figure out why, a food sensitivity could be part of the picture, even if you've already cut out the "usual suspects." Sensitivity vs. Allergy: What's the Difference? A true food allergy triggers an immediate immune response and can be identified with standard allergy testing. A food sensitivity or intolerance is different. Symptoms are often delayed by hours or even a day, which ma

Watching your baby struggle with reflux is exhausting for both of you. If you've tried thickened feeds, upright positioning after meals, and every over-the-counter remedy your pediatrician has suggested, and you're still not seeing relief, it may be worth looking at whether spinal or nervous system tension is playing a role. A quick note on what's normal first Most infant reflux is what's called physiological reflux. It comes down to a baby's lower esophageal sphincter still

If you've been dealing with anxiety that doesn't seem to have an obvious trigger, it's worth knowing that your gut and your nervous system are more connected than most people realize. We touched on this system in our post on the vagus nerve's role in GERD, and the same pathway shows up again here, this time in relation to mood and anxiety. What the Gut-Brain Axis Has to Do With Anxiety Researchers refer to the gut-brain connection as the microbiota-gut-brain axis: a bidirecti

In our post on GERD trigger foods, we touched on how reflux is often connected to more than diet alone. One piece of that bigger picture is the vagus nerve, the main communication line between your brain and your gut. Here's what it actually does, and where chiropractic care may, and may not, fit in. What the Vagus Nerve Does in Digestion The vagus nerve is the largest nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system, running from the brainstem down through the neck and chest into

Not every bad headache is a migraine, and not every migraine feels the way people expect. Since the two are treated differently, it's worth knowing what actually separates them. Tension-Type Headache Pain on both sides of the head, often described as a tight band or dull pressure Mild to moderate intensity that usually doesn't stop you from going about your day Lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to several days Doesn't typically come with nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light

If you've read our migraine treatment page, you know we look at neck and spinal tension as one possible piece of the migraine puzzle. But how much does the research actually support that connection? Here's an honest look at what's been studied, what it found, and where the evidence is still thin. What Clinical Trials Have Found A handful of randomized controlled trials have tested chiropractic spinal manipulation specifically for migraine, rather than headaches in general. A

5 Foods That Commonly Trigger GERD Symptoms If you deal with GERD or frequent acid reflux, you've probably noticed that certain foods seem to make things worse. While triggers vary from person to person, a handful of foods are commonly reported to worsen reflux symptoms. Here's what to know, and why identifying your personal triggers matters more than following a generic list. Citrus Fruits Oranges, lemons, grapefruit, and other citrus fruits are acidic and can irritate a

A lot of patients ask me for actual meals once they've seen which foods rank highest for magnesium. A list of ingredients is useful, but a plate of food is what actually gets cooked on a Tuesday night. These three meals lean on spinach, black beans, quinoa, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, and salmon, foods that consistently show up near the top of any magnesium list. For the deeper breakdown of which foods and forms absorb best, see Best Foods for Magnesium. Black bean and quinoa b

Here are some of the best foods that are rich in magnesium: Dark leafy greens: I know, I know, but spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and collard greens are excellent sources of magnesium. They can be enjoyed in salads, stir-fries, or added to smoothies. Nuts and seeds: Almonds, cashews, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds are all high in magnesium. They can be eaten as a snack or added to yogurt or baked goods. Whole grains: Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, oats, and w

There are several types of magnesium supplements available, each with its own benefits and uses. Here are some commonly mentioned types of magnesium: Magnesium citrate: This type of magnesium is often used for its laxative effect and may be beneficial for those with constipation issues Magnesium oxide: Magnesium oxide is a commonly available form of magnesium, but it has lower bioavailability compared to other forms. It is often used as a laxative and may be helpful for relie

Food is one of the simplest tools we have for supporting the body's own healing process. Lean protein and colorful, fiber-rich vegetables (like the combination below) help fight the chronic inflammation that's linked to joint pain, digestive trouble, and headaches, the same issues we treat every day at Asa Wellness Center. Swapping in a sheet-pan meal like this one for heavily processed food is a small, practical step toward reducing inflammation and supporting your chiroprac