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The human body is a marvel of interconnected systems, with nerves playing a vital role in transmitting signals between the brain and various parts of the body. One such crucial network of nerves is the brachial plexus, a complex web of nerves that extends from the spine through the neck and into the arm. Understanding the brachial plexus, its injuries, and how chiropractic care can aid in recovery is essential for maintaining optimal health and function  The brachial plexus is responsible for controlling movement and sensation in the shoulder, arm, and hand. Comprised of nerves stemming from the cervical spine (neck), the brachial plexus can sustain injuries ranging from mild to severe, often resulting from trauma or overextension. Minor injuries to the brachial plexus may include strains or pinched nerves, leading to symptoms like pain, tingling, or weakness in the affected arm. These injuries can occur due to repetitive motions, poor posture, or sudden jerking movements, such as those experienced in sports activities or during manual labor. On the other hand, major injuries to the brachial plexus, such as avulsion or rupture, can result from more severe trauma, such as car accidents or falls. Whiplash, a common injury in car accidents, occurs when the head is forcefully jerked backward and then forward, leading to strain or damage to the neck and its associated nerves, including the brachial plexus. Common causes of brachial plexus injuries also include car and motorcycle accidents, sports injuries, and birth trauma. Additionally, certain risk factors, such as participating in contact sports, having a physically demanding job, or being involved in high-impact activities, may increase the likelihood of sustaining such injuries. Our Buffalo chiropractors and massage therapists can play a crucial role in alleviating symptoms and promoting recovery from brachial plexus injuries. Our doctors assess spinal alignment and nerve function and can use adjustments to relieve pressure on the nerves. Massage therapy can complement chiropractic care by targeting muscle tension and promoting circulation, thereby reducing pain and enhancing healing in the affected area. Furthermore, our chiropractors provide personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs, incorporating soft tissue work, nerve flossing, joint traction, and e-stimulation. Additionally, our doctors recommend therapeutic exercises, stretches, and ergonomic swaps to prevent future injuries and promote long-term wellness. At our chiropractic and massage office in Buffalo, NY, we are dedicated to helping individuals recover from brachial plexus injuries and regain optimal function and quality of life. If you are suffering from symptoms related to a brachial plexus injury, don't hesitate to reach out and schedule a consultation with our experienced team. Your journey to healing starts here! Bethany Wolcott D’Youville Chiropractic ‘26

How often do you think about your pillow? Probably not very often even though you use it every night. If you experience neck pain, it may be time to consider a new one. The right pillow support can be the key to waking up refreshed and revitalized every morning and finding a chiropractic-approved pillow is the best place to start.  Typically, it is recommended that you replace your pillows every 2-3 years. Memory foam pillows are ideal because they conform to your body while maintaining their structure—good support is crucial when choosing a pillow. Pillows that are too firm can cause tightness in the neck and shoulders but pillows that are too soft can put your head in a bad position for 6-8 hours causing pain. Water pillows are another great option as you can adjust the firmness by adding or removing water from them. Talk with your provider about what is best suited for you. The position you sleep in also plays a role in what pillow you should choose. For side sleepers, it’s recommended that your pillow be a bit taller and firmer for good head and neck support whereas those who sleep on their backs should get a thinner and softer pillow to get proper alignment and not have your head too far forward. Everyone should invest in a pillow that has a gentle neck roll at the base of the pillow which follows the natural curve of the spine at the neck. At your next chiropractic visit, tell your provider if you often wake up with neck pain. They measure patients to fit them to specific pillows right here in the office. Keeping your spine in a neutral alignment overnight can be a huge help for reducing pain and maintaining a healthy spine so it’s a worthwhile investment to improve your sleep every night! Bethany Wolcott D’Youville Chiropractic ‘26

If you’ve ever seen someone at your gym walking around with huge, perfectly round bruises on their back and wondered what happened to them, you should see the other guy—as in, you should see a licensed massage therapist!  LMT’s do a form of therapy called cupping. Cupping is a therapeutic technique that involves multiple cups that can be made of different materials such as glass, plastic, or silicone. The therapist uses the cups to create a vacuum that draws blood to that area of the skin. This leads to the circles of bruising that you may have seen around Buffalo. It’s believed that the force of the suction draws enough blood to the area that smaller capillaries expand and can burst beneath the surface of the skin. More blood will be sent to the area to repair and stimulate healing at a cellular level and also release toxins. This technique also loosens the muscle tissue in the area, increases lymph flow, and relaxes the nervous system. Cupping is a deep-tissue therapy that helps with scar tissue, knots, muscle tension, and swelling. Additional benefits of cupping include increased blood flow to the area, pain relief, increased inflammation and healing, and relaxation. Cupping can be a great recovery method for athletes as well as a relief for those with chronic pain. It can be done on the back, arms, legs, and other areas. Athletes with sore muscles need to promote tissue healing from the increased load and stress that has been placed on their bodies. Getting more blood flow to the area is a great way to do that and speed up the process. Likewise, cupping can ease the symptoms of chronic pain issues such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, low back pain, and migraines. The powerful effect of increased blood flow and inflammation is one of the reasons that cupping has been practiced for hundreds of years. Recently, one of our own chiropractors Dr. Sarah Novotny began offering her cupping services for one to two areas of the body. This is a quicker appointment for focused areas versus massage therapy which is more of a whole-body experience in conjunction with massage and relaxation. Come see your local Buffalo massage therapists and chiropractors to give cupping a try and get those red circles on your back too! Bethany Wolcott D’Youville Chiropractic ‘26

Never been to a chiropractor? Or have you been treated for such conditions such as back or neck pain and you’re wondering what else the chiropractic profession has to offer you? Since your health and your time are so important, we wanted to answer some of the frequently asked questions that we get from new patients about chiropractic treatment, including: What does treatment consist of? What conditions are typically treated? Does chiropractic treatment hurt? How many times will you need to come back? Is chiropractic expensive? What does chiropractic treatment involve? If you’re preparing for your first visit to a chiropractor, then it’s perfectly normal to wonder what to expect. Especially if you are dealing with an injury or condition that is causing you pain and/or interrupting your activities of daily living. The most important thing to know is that treatment begins the first day you see your chiropractor and that most patients report a reduction of their symptoms after their first visit. Also, on that first visit date you can expect your chiropractor to sit down one on one with you and discuss your injury or condition in detail. Once your doctor understand what is hurting, when it hurts, and your health history, an evaluation of the joints and muscles associated with your injury will be conducted as well as a neurological screening to make sure everything is sound. Depending on the severity of your injury or condition a series of x-rays or MRI’s will be ordered to further understand your problem. All first appointment are usually 30 to 45 minutes in length, with subsequent visits taking approximately 15 to 30 minutes. Do chiropractors treat more than back and neck pain? Although many people associate chiropractic care with the neck and back, it actually can be used to effectively treat issues and conditions from head (for example; temporomandibular joint [TMJ] to toe (for example plantar fasciitis of the feet). The focus of chiropractic care is on the relationships between the function of joints, muscles and nerves throughout the body. Does Chiropractic treatment hurt? The short answer is no. In some cases, people experience soreness after treatments as we work on areas that are already irritated. However, in most cases people describe the sensation associated with painful areas being worked on as “good pain”. How many times will you need to come back? Since every individual and the circumstances associated with their injury or condition are unique, there is no definitive answer to this question. The treatment duration will depend on factors, such as severity, the symptoms you are experiencing, as well as how proactively you work to recover from the injury by following home care recommendations. Research shows that patients who have a positive outlook and stretch and strength their muscles outside of the office have a greater recovery rate. For less severe issues, you can reasonably expect that your chiropractor will recommend between 3-10 visits, most likely spread across several weeks. More severe or chronic issues may require more treatments over a longer period of time. After your initial evaluation your chiropractor should be able to give you a good sense for how many treatments to expect. In general, the majority of conditions we treat are built up over time, so it will often take a few visits to undo the damage and get to the bottom of the primary cause. Is Chiropractic expensive? Compared to many types of medical care and procedures, chiropractic is often less expensive and insurance can often help keep costs low. Considering long-term treatment plans with medical professions can involve medication, surgery, or intensive physical therapy, chiropractic care can often provide a less expensive, natural, healthy alternative. At Peak Performance Chiropractic we accept most type of insurances offered in New York State. Before scheduling an appointment, it’s always smart to check your health benefits to make sure you know what to expect. We are happy to verify your benefits for you if need be. If you have a particular question that wasn’t directly answered or you are ready to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to call the office at (716) 335-9711 .

Pediatric Chiropractic Care Kids Have Stressful Environments, Too. The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association has initiated a ground-breaking study on the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic care for children. The preliminary results are outstanding and show that chiropractic care is safe for children. Even more significant are the unexpected benefits parents reported with their children’s care: Improved sleeping Improved behavior and attitude Improved immune system function Many spinal problems seen in adults began as early as birth. Even so-called ‘natural’ birthing methods can stress an infant’s spine and developing nerve system. The resulting irritation to the nerve system caused by spinal and cranial misalignment can be the cause of many newborn health complaints. Colic, breathing problems, nursing difficulties, sleep disturbances, allergic reactions and chronic infections can often be traced to nerve system stress. As children begin to participate in regular childhood activities like skating or riding a bike, small yet significant subluxations may occur. If neglected, the injuries during this period of rapid growth may lead to more serious problems later in life. Regular chiropractic checkups can identify potential spinal injury from these traumas, make the correction early in life and help avoid many of the health complaints seen later in adults. Proper spinal maintenance is an important key to better lifelong health. If you have a particular question that wasn’t directly answered or you are ready to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to call the office at (716) 335-9711 .