Chiropractic care is changing fast in 2026. Many people think it is only for back pain or neck cracks. Dr. Dan Wallis from Elevate Chiropractic joined the Stronger Weekly podcast to explain the truth. He shares how this medicine helps babies, pregnant mothers, and top athletes. The goal is not just to fix a sore back. It is about making the whole body work better by focusing on the nervous system. Dr. Wallis explains that your body has the power to heal itself when you remove things that get in the way.
Latest Health and Fitness News
Before the main talk, there are some big updates in the health world. New studies show how drugs, food, and even faith affect our lives.
Weight Loss Drugs and Addiction
A new study looks at weight loss drugs like Ozempic. Researchers studied 600,000 patients over three years. They found that these drugs might help treat addiction. People taking these drugs had lower rates of drug and alcohol problems.
The numbers are quite high:
- 25% lower risk for opioid addiction.
- 20% lower risk for cocaine and nicotine use.
- 18% lower risk for alcohol issues.
For people who already had an addiction, the drugs helped even more. There was a 39% drop in overdoses. There was also a 50% drop in deaths related to drugs. Doctors say this is a huge deal for the future of treatment.
How Processed Foods Affect Toddlers
What your child eats now can change how they act later. A study of 2,000 children found a link between food and behavior. Kids who ate many ultra-processed foods (UPFs) had more issues. These foods include sugary drinks and packaged snacks.
When kids eat more of these foods, they show more anxiety and aggression. They are also more hyperactive by the time they reach kindergarten. In the United States, about two-thirds of a child’s calories come from processed foods. The good news is that these effects can be reversed. If parents switch to whole foods, the child’s behavior often gets better.
New Findings on ADHD
ADHD might not be just one disorder. Brain scans now show two distinct types of ADHD. The first type affects the parts of the brain used for attention. The second type affects the whole brain, including memory and emotions.
This helps explain why some kids need therapy while others need medicine. Personalized treatment will be the future of helping these children.
Measles Outbreak in South Carolina
There is a large measles outbreak in South Carolina. This is the biggest outbreak since the year 2000. Most cases are in children under 19 years old. Almost all of these children were not vaccinated. Health officials are working hard to stop the spread. Vaccinations in the area have gone up by 162% recently.
The Science of Faith and Recovery
Science now supports the idea of a “higher power” in recovery. Harvard researchers looked at 55 different studies. They found that spiritual practices help reduce the use of drugs and alcohol.
People who attend religious services once a week have an 18% lower risk of substance abuse. This is not about one specific religion. It is about having a community and a sense of purpose. Connection to other people helps humans heal.
The True Goal of Chiropractic Care
Dr. Dan Wallis says many people use chiropractors the wrong way. He compares it to buying an expensive smartphone just to use the calculator. It works, but you are missing most of the features.
The main focus of a chiropractor is the nervous system. Your brain and spinal cord control every part of your body. This includes your gut, your heart, and your muscles. If there is stress on the spine, it can block signals from the brain. Chiropractors find these blocks and remove them. This allows the body to adapt to stress and stay healthy.
Chiropractic Care for Children and Babies
Many parents are surprised to learn that babies can see a chiropractor. It is very different from adjusting an adult. The movements are very gentle and light.
Helping Infants Thrive
Birth can be hard on a baby’s body. The pulling and twisting during birth can put pressure on a newborn’s neck. This can lead to issues like colic or trouble sleeping.
When a baby is adjusted, it calms their nervous system. Dr. Wallis sees babies who struggle with digestion. After an adjustment, their bodies relax and start working correctly. This is not magic. It is just helping the body do what it was made to do.
Pediatric Health and School
Chiropractic care can help older kids too. Dr. Wallis shared a story about a girl who missed 100 days of school. She was always sick. After getting regular adjustments, she only missed three days the next year.
Her body was better at fighting off germs. This type of care also helps kids with:
- Ear infections: Adjustments help the ears drain properly.
- ADHD and Sensory Issues: It calms the “fight or flight” response in the brain.
- Immune System Strength: A calm nervous system helps the body stay strong.
Support for Expecting Mothers
Prenatal care is a big part of what Dr. Wallis does. Being pregnant changes a woman’s center of gravity. It puts a lot of stress on the back and pelvis.
The Webster Technique
Specialists use the Webster Technique for pregnant patients. This method focuses on the pelvis and the sacrum. It makes sure there is plenty of room for the baby to grow.
When the pelvis is aligned, the baby can get into the best position for birth. Women who get chiropractic care often have:
- Less pain during pregnancy.
- Shorter labor times.
- An easier recovery after birth.
It is best to start this care in the first trimester. This sets the mother up for a healthy nine months.
Improving Sports Performance
Dr. Wallis works with college athletes at Colorado State University. He helps football players, basketball players, and track stars.
Faster Reaction Times
In sports, every second matters. If your brain cannot talk to your muscles quickly, you will be slow. Chiropractic care helps with proprioception. This is how your body knows where it is in space.
Studies show that athletes who get adjusted have faster reaction times. Their nerves fire more efficiently. This helps them play better and avoid getting hurt. Even if an athlete does not have pain, they get adjusted to stay at their best.
Injury Prevention
A “stinger” or a small tweak can slow an athlete down. They might feel okay, but their muscles might only be working at 70%. This leads to bigger injuries later. Keeping the spine aligned ensures the body is balanced. This protects the joints and keeps the athlete on the field.
Advice for Dads and Fitness Fans
Dr. Wallis is a father of three girls with a fourth child on the way. He knows how hard it is to stay fit while raising a family. He suggests a few things for busy dads.
Harmonizing Your Life
Most people talk about “work-life balance.” Dr. Wallis prefers the word harmonizing. Balance suggests you have to give equal time to everything. That is almost impossible.
Harmonizing means bringing things together. For example, Dr. Wallis works out in his garage while his kids play nearby. They see him lifting weights. They learn that fitness is important. It might be loud and messy, but it brings the family together.
Lifting Heavy Weights
Dads should continue to lift heavy weights as they age. Strength training is vital for hormones and bone health. It also makes you a better father. When you feel strong and healthy, you have more energy for your kids. You have a better mood and less stress. Taking care of yourself is not selfish. It helps you serve your family better.
How to Find the Right Chiropractor
If you want to start care, you must find a good doctor. Do not just go to the first one you see online. Look for these signs of a high-quality practice:
What to Look For | Why It Matters |
Nervous System Scans | Shows how your body is actually handling stress. |
X-Rays | The doctor should not guess what your spine looks like. |
Webster Certification | Essential if you are pregnant. |
Specificity | The doctor should adjust only the spots that need it. |
A good chiropractor will do a full exam before touching your spine. They should explain how they will help you reach your goals. They should use technology to track your progress.
Working with Other Professionals
Chiropractic care is not the only way to stay healthy. Dr. Wallis often works with physical therapists (PTs). These two jobs are different but work well together.
A PT helps with muscle rehab and stretching. A chiropractor focuses on the spine and nerves. Using both can help you heal from an injury much faster. A great doctor will always be honest about what they can and cannot do. They will refer you to other experts if it helps you get better.
Conclusion
Your health starts with your nervous system. Whether you are a pro athlete or a busy parent, your body needs to communicate clearly. Chiropractic care is a natural way to help that happen. It is about more than just a quick crack in the neck. It is about building a lifestyle that supports your long-term wellness.
By focusing on the brain and spine, you can improve your energy and your mood. You can help your children grow up strong and resilient. If you are in Northern Colorado, you can learn more by visiting Elevate Chiropractic. You can also follow Dr. Dan Wallis on Instagram for more health tips. Taking small steps today can lead to a much healthier future for your whole family.
