Why Your Spine Could Be the Secret to Better Health
💡 Did you know your spine is more than just a stack of bones supporting your body? At Lifetime Chiropractic in Forked River, NJ, we often say that your spine is the secret to better health, and here’s why.
Your spine houses your central nervous system, which is like the body’s command center. It sends signals from your brain to every organ, muscle, and tissue in your body. When your vertebrae are misaligned—a condition called subluxation—those signals can get disrupted. Even small misalignments can affect your posture, cause tension or pain, and interfere with how your body functions.
How chiropractic helps:
Realigns the spine: Gentle adjustments restore proper alignment, freeing up nerves to communicate without interference.
Reduces pain and tension: Correcting spinal misalignments can relieve back, neck, and even headache pain.
Boosts overall wellness: Better nerve function can improve digestion, sleep, energy levels, and even immunity.
Enhances posture and movement: A healthy spine supports better balance, mobility, and athletic performance.
In short, chiropractic care isn’t just about treating pain—it’s about optimizing your body’s natural ability to heal and function at its best. By keeping your spine healthy, you’re essentially supporting your entire body from the inside out.
Whether you’re a busy parent, an athlete, or someone who spends long hours at a desk, a healthy spine can be a game-changer for your health and daily life.
📍 Serving Forked River, Lacey, Waretown, Barnegat, and surrounding areas.
DOT Physicals at Lifetime Chiropractic: What Drivers with Diabetes Should Know
If you’re a commercial driver living with diabetes, your DOT physical can feel stressful—but it doesn’t have to be! Many certified chiropractors are authorized to perform DOT physicals, and here at Lifetime Chiropractic we take a practical, driver-focused approach to keeping you safely on the road.
During your DOT physical, diabetes is evaluated with one main goal in mind: safety and stability. We will review how well your blood sugar is controlled, what medications you use (including insulin, if applicable), and whether you’ve had any recent episodes of hypoglycemia. We also look for complications that could affect driving, such as vision changes, neuropathy, or delayed reaction time.
The good news? Well-controlled diabetes often qualifies without issue! Bringing documentation from your primary care provider—such as recent A1C results, medication lists, and treatment notes—can help streamline the process and support full certification.
At Lifetime Chiropractic we perform DOT exams with a focus on function, mobility, and overall health, making the visit efficient and driver-friendly. With preparation and good diabetes management, your DOT physical can be just another quick stop on the way to staying certified and on the road safely.
CDL/DOT Physical Exams In Forked River, NJ
Our DOT exams can be made by appointment but walk-ins are always welcome. They are stress free and should take about 30-45 minutes.
Make sure you bring the following:
PHOTO ID
LIST OF MEDICATIONS
HEARING AIDS
EYEGLASSES
IF YOU HAVE SLEEP APNEA, BRING YOUR RECENT SLEEP APNEA RECORDS SHOWING CPAP USE AT MINIMUM 4+ HOURS OF USE FOR AT LEAST 70% OF THE DAYS FOR 30+ DAYS
IF YOU HAVE NON-INSLUIN TREATED DIABETES, BRING 3 MONTHS OF SELF-MONITORING BLOOD GLUCOSE LOGS (WITH TIMESTAMPS AND DOWNLOADABLE DATA) and RECENT HbA1c RESULTS (LAST 4 MONTHS)
IF USING INSULIN TO TREAT DIABETES, A COMPLETED FORM MCSA-5870 FROM THE TREATING CLINICIAN IS REQUIRED NO LATER THAN 45 DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER THE DOT EXAM
Don’t Let Holiday Stress Take a Toll on Your Health
The holiday season should be a time of joy, celebration, and connection with loved ones—not a time of pain, stress, and exhaustion. Chiropractic care can help you experience the holidays the way they’re meant to be enjoyed: pain-free, energized, and fully present.
Don’t wait until you’re in pain or your body breaks down under the stress. Take a proactive approach to your health this holiday season. We are ready to help you navigate the holidays with confidence and comfort.
Call our office today to schedule your appointment and discover how chiropractic care can transform your holiday experience. Your body will thank you, and you’ll be able to create the memorable, joyful holiday season you deserve. Let us help you make this your healthiest, happiest holiday season yet!
No insurance, no problem. We offer affordable care!
We offer gentle care for Little Spines too!
At our office, we prioritize the spinal health of babies and children by routinely checking for spinal subluxations, muscle spasms, and scoliosis. It is common for young ones to have healthy, perfectly aligned spines, which can bring peace of mind to parents.
However, if we do identify any minor issues, these can typically be addressed during a quick visit. Early detection and intervention are key to ensuring that any potential problems do not develop further. Our goal is to support the healthy growth and development of your child’s spine, providing you with confidence in their overall well-being.
Keeping spines healthy in babies and children is essential for their overall development and well-being. The spine plays a crucial role in supporting the body, protecting the spinal cord, and enabling movement. Here are some key practices to promote spinal health in early life:
Proper Positioning
From infancy, ensure that babies are placed in positions that support spinal alignment. When they are awake and supervised, encourage tummy time to strengthen neck and back muscles. Avoid extended periods in car seats, swings, or bouncers, as these can restrict movement and lead to poor posture.
Ergonomic Baby Gear
Choose baby carriers, strollers, and cribs that promote healthy spinal alignment. A carrier that distributes weight evenly helps protect the spine, while cribs should be at a height that allows for easy lifting without straining.
Encourage Movement
Physical activity is vital for developing strong muscles that support the spine! Encourage crawling, walking, and engaging in play activities that promote balance and coordination. Activities like swimming can also be beneficial for overall muscle development.
Monitor Posture
As children grow and start school, monitor their posture when sitting, especially during homework or screen time. Ensure they have a supportive chair and desk setup, and teach them to keep their back straight and feet flat on the floor.
Regular Check-ups
Routine chiropractic check-ups can help ensure that any spinal issues are identified and addressed early. Chiropractors can provide gentle adjustments that promote optimal spinal health and development as your little one grows big and strong!
Promote Healthy Habits
Teach children the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, proper nutrition, and hydration. Strong, healthy bodies contribute to better spinal health.
Limit Screen Time
With the increase in child screen use, it's essential to set limits on daily screen time, ensuring that children take regular breaks to stand, stretch, move around, or go outside!
By implementing these practices, parents and caregivers can help ensure their children's spines remain healthy, supporting their development and overall quality of life.
What is the Effect on Driver Certification Based on FMCSA Blood Pressure Guidelines?
During your Department of Transportation (DOT) Physical Exam, your Certified Medical Examiner with measure and record your blood pressure (BP) at least twice.
A Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) driver with a BP less than 140/90 can be certified for 2 years, if there are no other disqualifying health conditions or specific medications they are prescribed.
Elevated BP Stages & Certification Periods:
Stage 1 - BP 140-159/90-99
Certification Period: 1 year
Stage 2 - BP 160-179/100-109
Certification Period: 3 months as one time certification.
Within the 3 months, if the BP is below 140/90, the driver may receive a 1 year certification.
Stage 3 - BP Reading >180/110
Disqualified
You will have to stop driving your CMV until your BP is equal to or less than 140/90 during a new DOT exam.
The driver can only be certified at 6 month intervals for rest of their driving career.
Treatment for high blood pressure usually includes both medications and lifestyle changes.