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...

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...

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 ...

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...

To put text neck in perspective, when the spine is in a neutral position, the head weighs about 15lbs. When the head is facing down, to look at a phone and respond to several texts, the neck leans forward and weighs about 25lbs. Having your head down to look at your phone will wreak havoc on your spine, sooner or later. Dr. Paul Hoyal of Elevate Life Chiropractic and Wellness wants patients to avoid “text” neck by following these tips. If you look at your cell phone too much, you may notice upper back pain that ranges from a mild pain to a sharp, severe, stiffness. Shoulder pain and tightness are also possible. Dr. Paul Hoyal may suggest spinal manipulation to treat the problem, but you will need to make some daily changes to feel relief. You can avoid “text” neck by taking frequent breaks from your phone or laptop throughout the day. Be sure to always look forward, instead of down, to take a strain off the neck. If you have questions or concerns regarding posture or ergonomics,...

Practicing good posture tips goes beyond standing up straight, good posture can reduce stress on the spine, and prevent injury during exercise. Good posture helps us balance because by standing up straight, we center our weight over our feet, taking pressure off our knees and hips. If you walk past a mirror and catch yourself slouching, Dr. Paul Hoyal of Elevate Chiropractic and Wellness Center encourages you to follow these tips. Imagine that a string is attached to the top of your head and pulling you upwards. The idea is to keep your body in perfect alignment, maintaining the spine’s natural curvature, neck straight and shoulders parallel with the hips. To stand correctly, you should always keep your shoulders back and relaxed while pulling in your abdomen and keeping your feet about hip distance apart. Balance your weight evenly on both feet and try not to tilt your head forward, backward or sideways. Finally, you should always keep your legs straight, but your feet relax...

Dr. Paul Hoyal of Elevate Life Chiropractic and Wellness 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. Regular chiropractic adjustments also help facilitate healthy blood flow and nerve function.  For a chronic migraine sufferer it may take weeks of consistent ad...

More professional athletes are turning to chiropractors than ever.  Medical doctors tend to treat a sports injury by alleviating symptoms with medication and recommending rest from activity.  At Elevate Life Chiropractic and Wellness, our approach to rehabilitating sports injuries takes the rest of the body and its natural ability to heal itself into account.  This always results in less time ‘benched’ from activity and a speedy recovery! You don’t need to be a professional athlete to rehabilitate a sports injury the right way.  If you or your family members are involved in sports, a chiropractor can help you too.  Rather than prescription medication and rest from activity, a chiropractor will focus on repairing any damage to hard and soft tissue with chiropractic adjustments to     the spine and extremities.  If you are in pain from an injury, of course your chiropractor will advise the best pain relief strategy for you.  However, y...

Dr. Paul Hoyal of Elevate Life Chiropractic and Wellness heals patients dealing with problematic spinal discs using spinal decompression therapy.  Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy is a safe, targeted treatment for any discs wreaking havoc on a patient’s spine or nerves.  Injured discs in the neck and back cause pain, but can also affect the rest of the body.  Herniated discs often have direct impact on the central nervous system, causing more pain to the extremities.  Dr. Paul Hoyal can determine if spinal decompression is appropriate for your issue. Spinal decompression is performed with equipment that resembles a table but has moving parts.  Depending on the location of the issue, patients lie on their back or stomach, and are attached to the equipment with padded straps so distraction forces can be applied to the spine.  The treatment alternates between applying distraction forces to the vertebrae and periods of partial relaxation.  The...

Most cases of whiplash are often caused by car accidents, but whiplash can occur in any event that the head and neck are suddenly forced backward and then forward. If you’ve ever let your neck whip around on a rollercoaster, you probably realized after the fact that this wasn’t a good idea. Whiplash doesn’t always arise immediately following trauma, which is why Dr. Paul Hoyal of Elevate Life Chiropractic and Wellness encourages patients to visit the office after suffering injury. Mild whiplash is not life-threatening, but if left untreated, over time it can do more harm to the body than good. If the head and neck are forced out of their normal range-of-motion this can lead to symptoms of neck strain, upper back pain, and/or shoulder pain. Dr. Hoyal will discuss treatment methods depending on the severity of whiplash, but typical treatment options include electric muscle stimulation or hand manipulation. If you have recently been injured in an automobile accident or have question...