Collyard Chiropractic

11/21/2025

Showtime....Both Dr Carrie's daughter, Lyla (lead: Lizzie) and Emily's daughter, Belle (stage crew) are involved in the Spectrum Theater Performance of "Pride and Prejudice" this weekend. We welcome you to join us!

11/19/2025

"The “ergonomically perfect posture,” the elusive mythical way of counteracting not moving around all day like we were intended to do. I know I do not practice this. In fact, I argue that its invention was designed to reduce the liability of companies that demand eight hours of sitting: “We have had several seminars by trusted professionals instructing our employees on how to sit the entire day.” Even if one were able to spend 8 hours sitting 98% of the time with perfect ergonomic posture, you’re still not moving.

There are repercussions to prolonged sitting, in fact there are two syndromes I’ve discussed quite a while ago associated with sitting. The one affecting the upper back is called Upper Cross Syndrome and the one affecting the lower back is called Lower Cross Syndrome.

It refers to muscular imbalance between the front and back. For instance, lower cross syndrome involves over-stretched, weakened abdominal and gluteal muscles and shortened, weakened lower back and hip flexor muscles. Upper cross involves tight SCM and pectoralis, and over-stretched lower trapezius and neck flexors.

I’ve recommended Bruegger’s Stretch several times before, but if you find yourself in a situation where you’re sitting for prolonged periods getting up and just stretching your upper back, neck, low back will help counteract it. It probably goes without saying, but if you do find yourself suffering in those areas with chronic pain, it’s a good idea to start with your chiropractor." - Dr. Erick Thompson

11/18/2025

Testimonial Tuesday.

"Dr. Carrie, Emily and Julie are awesome! Thank you for not making me feel bad that I hadn’t been in in awhile. My mistake. You guys are great! I already feel so much better." - on-again, off-again patient

11/17/2025

Support the Arts.
Spectrum High School presents "Pride and Prejudice" this weekend. See you there.

11/14/2025

We made it to the next round. You have until the end of the month to vote for your favorites.

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11/12/2025

"Every now and then, I find it to be a good idea to remind people (especially men, or those with men they love in their lives) that there is a common cause of low back pain that can be fixed with almost zero effort, and no financial investment.

On a leisurely drive to Florida back in 2011, I was just getting into Georgia from Tennessee when my right low back began aching. The pain progressed to the point that it was sharp, and I would almost have rated the discomfort as severe. It took me approximately until Orlando before I just needed to do something to alleviate the pain, so I made the courageous decision to take my wallet out of my back pocket and set it on the center console.

Wallets, regardless of thickness, when being sat on will set your pelvis off balance and if you’re sitting for a long enough time will cause that pelvic imbalance to become worse and worse and feasibly become a chronic low back pain problem.

So, if you have your wallet in your back pocket while driving or sitting for prolonged periods of time, take it out, put it in your front pocket. If you have been harping on your husband or father about his wallet in his back pocket for years and he just won’t listen, then consider this a great Christmas gift idea." - Dr. Erick Thompson

11/11/2025

To all who fought and served...We thank you!

Tony Collyard, Air Force
Robert Glinsek, Marines

11/10/2025

We made it through to round 2 in the Elk River' Readers' Choice Awards. We appreciate your support in the next step. Go vote for your favorites!...

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11/05/2025

"Last week, in my discussion about our blind spots when driving, I mentioned Activator. Interestingly, I’ve had 2 patients curious about some of the specifics on the Activator adjusting tool. So, I thought to myself, “Self, why don’t we discuss some of the specifics about the Activator.” And I thought that sounded like a pretty good idea this week.

The Activator tool was developed and patented in 1976. It aims to provide as precise, high velocity, low force adjustment. The force used by the activator ranges from 11lbs to 28lbs (or 50 to 125 Newtons). The velocity of the activator thrust is 0.003 seconds. The velocity is so fast that it bypasses the body’s stretch response, so the body can’t guard against the adjustment as easily.

Contrast that with a manual adjustment. The force from a manual adjustment varies, but on average is 264 Newtons (twice as much force). The velocity is even more of a difference .145 seconds. That’s a 40x difference. When we talk about force, the equation F=MA or the amount of Force is equal to the mass times the acceleration. If the acceleration is 40 times faster, and the force is half as much, the mass behind the manual adjustment has to be much more than the activator.

This difference makes the Activator the perfect technique for people with arthritis, osteoporosis; it’s great for toddlers and those with anxiety about getting adjusted in certain areas. It also works wonderfully on wrists, elbows, knees, feet, ankles, collarbones and my favorite: ribs. If you’re curious about studies that have been done, activator.com has a great library.

If you know someone who should really be seen by a chiropractor, but is apprehensive for any number of reasons, remind them that many of us use the activator that is much more gentle and still incredibly effective." - Dr. Erick Thompson

11/04/2025

Testimonial Tuesday...

"Just a HUGE Thanks to my Chiropractor Dr. Erick!! At Collyard Chiropractic. My husband & I just finished our first day hunting and climbing the Owyhee mountains in Idaho. I’m so grateful that I was able to actually do it this year with the vigorous climbing & miles we put on. For the past year Dr. Erick has helped me recover from a shoulder/muscle type injury as well as helping me maintain my lower back & neck. I’m definitely no spring chicken anymore at 52 however I’m not ready for that darn rocking chair yet!! Thank you Dr. Erick for always listening to all my concerns & seriously taking the time to care & help me stay healthy. It means the world to me that I can still enjoy these activities with my family. There is definitely something really healthy & breathtaking being in the mountains climbing & enjoying nature’s blessings. I appreciate all your help with keeping me out in my happy place with my husband & dogs enjoying life couldn’t have done it without you all at Collyard Chiropractic!!" - HG (lover of life)

10/31/2025

Got plans for the weekend? Does it include high amounts of sugar and carbs?....
You're going to suffer the inflammatory consequences on Monday. You should call today to save yourself an appointment.

10/29/2025

"How’s your blind spot awareness? In the newer cars, we can kind of cheat our way through lane shifting and check to our side due to the blind spot detection technology. Can you, without looking for a little orange light on your side mirror, easily check your blind spot or are you having a catch when you turn your head in one or both directions? I have a lot of patients who know it’s time to get adjusted because their blind spot is getting bigger – they can’t turn their head all the way.

There are a few possible causes for that between the muscles, the bones in the neck, the ribs and even the collar bones. Sometimes it requires a massage, or dry needling, or acupuncture and other times a good ol’ adjustment is exactly what the body needs.

When I am adjusting someone’s neck and upper back, I’m either going to adjust manually or with the activator. Often, the Activator tool is perfect to adjust that area. You don’t have to worry about fighting through angry muscles, the direction is very precise and can be significantly less forceful than the standard manual adjustment. The reasons listed also make it a great option for those who are a little anxious about being adjusted in the neck (or anywhere else for that matter.)

If your blind spot is getting bigger, because looking over your shoulder is getting more uncomfortable or difficult, getting it checked and possibly adjusted could make a big difference." - Dr. Erick Thompson