Spine maintenance is the ongoing care and attention given to the health of your back and spinal column. It involves a proactive approach—one that focuses on prevention rather than waiting until pain appears. By maintaining proper alignment, flexibility, and strength, you help protect your spine from daily stress, aging, and injury.

Think of spine maintenance like routine care for your vehicle. You wouldn’t wait for your car to break down before checking the oil or tires—the same goes for your spine. Regular maintenance ensures your body runs smoothly, reduces wear and tear, and keeps you moving comfortably.

• Stretching – Gentle stretches targeting the hamstrings, hips, and lower back can ease tightness and improve mobility.
• Heat and Ice Therapy – Alternating between heat and cold packs helps calm inflammation and relax tense muscles.
• Posture Awareness – Making small adjustments in sitting and standing positions can reduce daily strain on the spine.
• Core Strengthening – Strengthening abdominal and back muscles provides better support and stability for the spine.

While home remedies can provide short-term comfort, professional care is often needed for lasting relief. Dr. Stangherlin uses chiropractic adjustments, posture correction, and personalized treatment plans to address the root cause of back pain. His goal is not only to reduce pain but also to restore function and prevent future issues.

Why Choose Dr. Stangherlin?
With years of experience serving the Temple Terrace community, Dr. Stangherlin understands the unique challenges patients face. His approach combines gentle techniques with individualized care, helping patients return to an active, pain-free lifestyle.

While spinal adjustments have long been associated with easing back and neck pain, a growing body of research has shown that chiropractic treatments can also support whole-body wellness.

Greater attention has been placed on the connection between spinal health and the nervous system. Because the nervous system controls nearly every function of the body, proper alignment of the spine has been viewed as essential in maintaining overall health. When misalignments, often referred to as subluxations, are corrected through chiropractic adjustments, improved communication between the brain and body can be supported.

As this connection has gained attention, chiropractic care has been increasingly used for conditions such as headaches, posture problems, and even stress management. Patients have reported better sleep, improved mobility, and a greater sense of well-being after consistent care. These outcomes have positioned chiropractic not only as a solution for injury recovery but also as a proactive approach to health maintenance.

Another trend that has been observed is the rise of preventive chiropractic care. Rather than waiting until pain or dysfunction is present, regular adjustments are now being used to maintain balance, flexibility, and resilience. This approach has been especially valued among athletes, professionals who sit for long hours, and individuals seeking natural methods of maintaining health without reliance on medication.

The holistic perspective offered by chiropractic care has made it a popular choice for individuals who want to take an active role in their health journey. With the rising interest in drug-free and non-invasive treatments, chiropractic has been positioned as a trusted and effective option in the broader conversation of integrative healthcare.

Here’s something that is often forgotten: posture plays a much greater role in health than most people realize. The brain and spinal cord — along with every member of your family, including children — are sensitive to poor posture. When posture is compromised, disturbances in the nervous system can occur, often leading to issues such as headaches, muscular tension, and even fatigue.

At first glance, posture may seem like nothing more than a structural appearance. A hunched walk through the mall, a rounded upper back, or difficulty standing tall are clear outward signs. However, posture is much more than the way one stands or holds the head. The alignment of the spine directly influences the way the body functions, and when misalignments are present, the results can be far-reaching.

For example, the cervical spine (neck) is naturally designed with a 43-degree curve. When this curve is reduced or reversed — a situation that is more common than many realize — the head shifts forward from its natural center of gravity. This condition, known as forward head posture, places tremendous stress on the muscles of the neck and upper back.

With each inch of forward head tilt, the effective weight of the head increases by an additional ten pounds. As a result, neck and back muscles are forced to work harder just to keep the eyes level and the head upright. Over time, this strain often causes stiffness, discomfort, and restless nights spent trying to sleep with tight, fatigued muscles.

The correction of forward head carriage and other posture-related issues requires specialized care. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to address the mechanics of posture while also considering the vital connection it has to the nervous system. By restoring proper alignment, the burden on the muscles is reduced, and the body is given the opportunity to function more efficiently.

Improved posture not only supports spinal health but also contributes to a greater sense of energy and overall well-being. When the nervous system is able to operate without constant interference, the results can be life-changing.