Elevate Life Chiropractic and Wellness

We strive at Elevate Life Chiropractic and Wellness to help our patients adopt a “health care model” instead of a “sick care model.” In order to do that, it is necessary for people to have a basic understanding of how their bodies work. Different parts of the back are vulnerable to different problems, so we want to explain what makes up the backbone. The backbone is actually dozens of separate bones, called vertebrae. Most of them are separated by spongy discs that absorb shock. In back, they have protruding bony arches. The spinal cord, which transmits messages between the brain and the rest of the body, travels through the canal made by these arches, and they are linked together by joints. The neck bones are made up of seven vertebrae called the cervical vertebrae. The atlas is the topmost one and the axis is right beneath it, without any disc between. The upper back is made up of the twelve thoracic vertebrae, which the ribs connect to. The lower back is made up of the seven lumbar ...

A headache can ruin our entire day and make it difficult to perform our daily tasks. There are over 100 different types of headaches, but the three most common are migraines, tension headaches, and sinus headaches. Certain types of headaches have their own unique symptoms and are caused by different environmental or psychological factors. Fortunately, Dr. Paul Hoyal at Elevate Life Chiropractic and Wellness can alleviate pain caused by headaches. The greatest majority of common headaches have triggers, such as foods, noises, lights, stress, and other physical problems. Research shows that spinal manipulation – one of the primary treatments provided by chiropractors– may be an effective treatment option for tension headaches and headaches that originate in the neck. Spinal manipulation and/or chiropractic adjustments will improve spinal function and alleviate stress on the musculoskeletal system. If you have questions or concerns regarding chiropractic treatment for headaches, please gi...

The neck has a tough job, as it supports the weight of the head which weighs about 10lbs. If you’re someone who spends too much time on the phone, the neck may become stiff, and if the head is tilted, you are putting more than 10lbs of pressure on your shoulders. The cervical spine is composed of vertebrae that begin in the upper torso and end at the base of the skull. For many people, neck pain will heal with time. If you can’t find relief, seek help from Dr. Paul Hoyal at Elevate Life Chiropractic and Wellness. Neck pain may result from abnormalities in the soft tissues – the muscles, ligaments, nerves – as well as in the bones and discs of the spine. The most common causes of neck pain are due to wear and tear and may cause aches in the upper back, shoulders, or arms. If you experience weakness or numbness in the arms or legs, seek treatment immediately. Dr. Paul Hoyal will develop an individualized treatment plan depending on the cause. If you have questions or concerns regarding n...

As part of our holistic care at Elevate Life Chiropractic and Wellness, we use acupuncture to treat pinched nerves. One of the most infamous kinds of pinched nerve injuries is carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and it often results from overuse at work. This injury will get worse if not allowed to heal, with potentially devastating results. The carpal tunnel is a part of the inside of the arm made up of the wrist bones and connective tissue. The median nerve branches off from the neck and travels through the carpal tunnel on its way to the thumb and first three fingers. Compression of the carpal tunnel or blockages within it will disrupt signals to the fingers and could cause the patient to feel pain, tingling, or shock along their wrist, arm, and neck. There are a few different injuries which could cause CTS-like symptoms, so Dr. Hoyal will need to do some tests to determine whether a pinched median nerve is truly the cause of the patient’s pain. If it is, acupuncture treatments can provid...

At Elevate Life Chiropractic and Wellness, we are happy to welcome first-time chiropractic patients.  New chiropractic patients often arrive frustrated, having tried other treatment methods and not found relief from their pain or discomfort.  Chiropractic takes a systemic approach to care, meaning the whole body and the body’s ability to heal itself are considered in every case. This is why your initial consultation and assessment with a chiropractor is especially 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.  From there, we can form a treatment plan to target any issues and improve overall health. What surprises most new patients is that chiropractic does not incorporate drugs as part of treatment.  Chiropractic focuses on treating the root cause of any pain, rather than masking symptoms with medication.  Whether you are in serious pain or looking to restore your bo...

The body goes through many changes during pregnancy, and some women experiencing pain and discomfort assume there will be no relief until the due date. But that’s not true! At Elevate Life Chiropractic and Wellness, we can help expectant mothers maintain a healthy pregnancy with prenatal chiropractic adjustments. Chiropractic care during pregnancy is a safe and effective way to care for a woman’s changing body and prepare for delivery.  In later stages of pregnancy when the abdomen begins to protrude, the back and pelvis respond to this change. For some women this can result in a misaligned spine or joints. Maintaining pelvic balance and alignment during pregnancy is possible, and prenatal chiropractic adjustments can help.  A healthy pregnancy benefits the mother and baby all the way through to labor and delivery! To learn more about chiropractic adjustments and all the services provided by Elevate Life Chiropractic and Wellness, visit  www.kcfamilychiropractor.com  for more informati...

Does back pain keep you awake at night, or do you wake up feeling sore? By making simple changes in your sleeping position, you can take the strain off your back, shoulders, and other surrounding joints. Dr. Paul Hoyal of Elevate Life Chiropractic understands that it may be difficult to change sleeping positions, especially if you’re a creature of habit, but we are here to explain the benefits of being able to do so. If you have low back pain, you can get a better night’s rest by sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees. Sleeping on your side alone won’t provide relief, as this can put pressure on your hips, pelvis, and spine. Putting a pillow between the legs will keep these extremities in proper alignment. Additionally, sleeping on your side in fetal position will open the space between your spine and vertebrae, alleviating disc pain in the lumbar spine. If you have questions or concerns regarding back pain management, please give us a call to discuss your treatment opt...

The hip is a highly flexible and stable joint. It’s what allows us to walk, run, and jump. In addition to being flexible, each hip joint must be strong enough to support half of our body’s weight. If a hip joint wears out, a patient may develop bursitis, arthritis, or possibly sacroiliac joint dysfunction. If your hip is causing you pain, Dr. Paul Hoyal of Elevate Life Chiropractic can develop an individualized rehabilitation plan to increase your range of motion and get you back in tip-top shape. To assess your condition, you will need to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hoyal. For some hip problems, improving the flexibility of short and tight muscles is necessary to restore full function. Physical rehabilitation exercises for hip pain may include manual therapy techniques, posture correction, and therapeutic exercises to strengthen the hip and prevent injury. Depending on the patient’s condition, a rehabilitation program may be suggested for 4-6 weeks.   If you have questions or con...

Dr. Paul Hoyal of Elevate Life Chiropractic and Wellness treats patients and relieves pain, but patient self-care is just as important for their continued health. Simple changes to everyday habits can help you to live a pain-free life.  So many of us spend a lot of a typical day sitting, between working at computer desks, watching TV, and commuting to work. All of this sitting can cause back pain, making it the most common reason patients visit the chiropractor.  Making a few adjustments to how you sit can ease this stress, help alleviate back pain, and minimize future visits. Believe it or not, you’ll put less stress on your back when you don’t sit up straight. Leaning back just enough so that your thighs are at a 135-degree angle with your torso is an optimal seated position for preventing back pain. Long periods of sitting are what really increase the risk of muscle pulls, strains, and cramps. So if you don’t have time to walk around and stretch at work, try switching between sittin...

Chiropractic care is typically sought out by people seeking relief from neck or back pain.  The staff at Elevate Life Chiropractic and Wellness 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 suffe...

For centuries, acupuncture has been well-known to treat almost anything. From musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain, leg pain, or neck pain, to other ailments, such as nausea, headache, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Acupuncture takes a holistic approach to improving overall health and overall function. Dr. Paul Hoyal at Elevate Life Chiropractic and Wellness would like to take this time to explain the additional benefits of acupuncture for the body. Traditional Chinese medicine is based on the two opposing forces: yin and yang. When these forces are in balance, the body is healthy, and the energy is flowing like it should. However, when this energy is blocked, this disruption may lead to pain, lack of function, or illness. Acupuncture therapy can stimulate energy flow and boost overall function of the nervous system, endocrine and immune systems, cardiovascular system, and digestive system. If you have questions or concerns regarding acupuncture treatment, please give us a ...

Without an X-ray of the spine, there are several common physical symptoms that may indicate scoliosis. One of the most common tests for detecting scoliosis is called the Adam’s Forward Bend Test, in which the individual bends from the waist as if touching the toes. Dr. Paul Hoyal of Elevate Chiropractic and Wellness will then observe for one or more of the following signs of scoliosis: One shoulder is higher than the other One shoulder blade sticks out more than the other One side of the rib cage appears higher than the other One hip appears higher or more prominent than the other The waist appears uneven The body tilts to one side One leg may appear shorter than the other If you have questions or concerns regarding scoliosis or scoliosis treatment, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about services provided at the practice, visit  www.kcfamilychiropractor.com  for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Paul Hoy...

Acupuncture dates back to 2500 years ago when the Chinese used it as a component of their healthcare system. Dr. Paul Hoyal of Elevate Life Chiropractic and Wellness utilizes acupuncture today because it is still proven to provide beneficial results to those suffering from low back pain, fibromyalgia, menstrual cramps, and osteoarthritis. If you’ve been skeptical about trying acupuncture, perhaps we can convince you to give it a try. Acupuncture is a safe and effective way to relieve pain. It has the ability to improve the body’s functions while promoting the natural self-healing process by stimulating acupressure points on the body. To begin acupuncture treatment, you will lay comfortably on a treatment table while precise acupoints are stimulated on various areas of the body with tiny needles. Most people feel minimal discomfort as the needles are placed. If you have questions or concerns regarding acupuncture, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn ...

Pain is an unpleasant feeling for most. It may appear as a sting, a burn, or an ache and can feel sharp or dull. Dr. Paul Hoyal at Elevate Life Chiropractic and Wellness helps patients eliminate pain and encourage you to seek treatment for yours before it becomes chronic. Chronic pain can last for weeks, months, or even years and psychological factors can make it worse. Common sources of chronic pain include injuries, headaches, backaches, and joint pain. By letting this pain go untreated, you are only hurting yourself further. Once the cause of the pain is determined and proper treatment is received, you will begin to heal and the pain will reduce over time. Seeking treatment for chronic pain can help you get your life back. Treatment will depend on the cause of your symptoms. If you have questions or concerns regarding chronic pain management, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about services provided at the practice, visit  www.kcfamilychiro...

Our holistic approach to musculoskeletal problems at Elevate Life in Kansas City emphasizes how a proper understanding of the body’s workings can prevent or treat a lot of injuries with minimal invasiveness. If you have decided you want to start exercising, it is important to know how to avoid soft tissue injuries by doing warm-ups the right way. You don’t ever want to stretch a muscle that is still “cold.” Static stretches, which is the term for when someone holds a stretch for a long time, have their place, but that is during the cool-down at the end of a work-out. The best warm-ups are those which flex the body while keeping it in motion. These are called “dynamic stretches.” Some of the well-known examples are arm circles, butt-kicks, lunges, and leg swings. Yoga also includes a lot of dynamic stretches, which is part of the reason for its popularity. Warm-ups should take at least five minutes and should encompass the entire body, although people sometimes especially target ...

One of the most common sources of pain requiring holistic treatment is fibromyalgia. At the Elevate Life chiropractic and wellness center in Kansas City, we often treat patients who have failed to find relief through mechanisms that only target individual systems, which is why we want our patients to understand that fibromyalgia is a whole-body phenomenon. Fibromyalgia is a disorder of both the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system. It causes dull, throbbing pain and fatigue in every quadrant of the body as well as difficulties with memory and concentration. Relatedly, it also disrupts patients’ sleep and is highly correlated with depression, anxiety, and irritable bowel syndrome. It is especially prominent among people with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJD), but most TMJD patients are younger women, whereas fibromyalgia patients tend to be older. There are a number of treatments that can relieve the pain of fibromyalgia, including personalized acupuncture regimen...

Acute pain is defined as pain that arises quickly, may feel severe, but lasts a shorter amount of time than chronic pain. If you fall asleep in a weird position, or pull a muscle while lifting a heavy object, you may notice pain in a concentrated area, but it may be manageable with things you have around the house, such as an ice pack or a heating pad. If your acute pain becomes a cause for concern, seek the help of Dr. Paul Hoyal of Elevate Life Chiropractic and Wellness so he can help you get back to living a pain-free life. Acute pain comes on suddenly and usually caused by something specific. If you have pain that is present in your shoulders, neck, upper back, lower back, or even in the legs and hips, Dr. Paul Hoyal has a method to treat these problem areas. Once acute pain has been eliminated, the patient may carry on with their days like nothing is wrong. However, if pain lasts more than seven days, it risks becoming chronic. If the pain is hindering your daily activities, ...

Spinal manipulation may sound painful, but it’s actually a very relaxing method of treatment. The act of spinal manipulation targets vertebrae that have abnormal movement patterns or seem to function incorrectly. Dr. Paul Hoyal of Elevate Life Chiropractic and Wellness performs this method of therapy with his hands, while the patient is fully clothed to relieve back pain, manage pain, and increase a patient’s range of motion. Spinal manipulation, also known as hand manipulation or manual therapy, is designed to relieve pressure on joints, reduce inflammation, and improve nerve function. It has been known to relieve headaches, as well as back, shoulder, and neck pain. To perform a spinal manipulation, Dr. Paul Hoyal will have the patient lay on a table and apply firm pressure on the vertebrae that is causing discomfort. If you have questions or concerns regarding spinal manipulation, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about services provided at the ...

At the Elevate Life Chiropractic and Wellness clinic in Kansas City, we believe in minimally invasive interventions that allow the body to heal itself. One example of this is our treatment of tailbone injuries. While these injuries are serious and deserve attention, the best way to handle them is to manage pain symptoms and to adjust the bones so they don’t cause complications. The tailbone is actually a structure made up of several vertebrae at the bottom of the spine. It is scientifically known as the coccyx and pain in it is called coccydynia. An injury there is unlikely to be a fracture since it’s well protected, but strains can happen as a result of activities such as bicycling or horseback riding. Whenever vertebrae are displaced or tissues around them swell up, there is a chance nerve function will be impeded. In the case of the tailbone, this can result in sciatica and result in pain or numbness in the legs. After conducting imaging tests to confirm the tailbone is the l...

Our chiropractor, Dr. Paul Hoyal, takes a holistic and preventive approach to health. In order to avoid back pain, it is best if people begin practicing good habits at a young age. A major component of that is proper backpack usage. A backpack is a better option than a shoulder bag or a large purse. Weight should be distributed across both shoulders and, ideally, with a chest strap. But weight should also be kept to a minimum. Children shouldn’t be carrying anything they don’t anticipate needing and should make stops at their lockers throughout the day to switch items. A backpack should never weigh more than 15% of its wearer’s body weight. When putting items in the backpack, they should also be evenly distributed. The backpack should rest in the middle of the upper part of the back, not against the lower part. If your children are experiencing pain, numbness, or tingling in their shoulders or arms, that could also be a sign their backpacks are too heavy or are badly designed. T...