JULY NEWSLETTER

Recovering After the Fourth of July Weekend

Did the holiday leave you feeling a little less than refreshed? You're not alone!

The Fourth of July is one of the busiest weekends of the summer. Between standing in long lines at festivals, sitting on hard bleachers for parades and fireworks, traveling, pulling weeds in the garden, grilling, swimming, playing yard games, and carrying coolers or lawn chairs, it's easy to put extra stress on your body without even realizing it.

By the time Monday rolls around, many people notice:

• Stiff necks and shoulders
• Low back pain
• Tight hips
• Sore knees
• Aching feet
• Headaches
• Fatigue from poor posture and overuse

Why does this happen?

Even healthy activities can overload your muscles and joints when they're done for longer than your body is accustomed to.

Standing for hours causes fatigue in the muscles that support your spine.

Gardening often involves bending, twisting, kneeling, and lifting, which can strain the low back, hips, and shoulders.

Long car rides and sitting in lawn chairs can leave the spine compressed and joints stiff.

Weekend sports, swimming, and playing with the kids or grandkids may also lead to small misalignments that don't become noticeable until the excitement is over.

Tips to Help Your Body Recover

✔ Stay well hydrated.

✔ Take a gentle walk to loosen stiff muscles.

✔ Stretch your hips, calves, chest, and shoulders.

✔ Alternate ice and heat if you're experiencing soreness.

✔ Avoid sitting for long periods without getting up to move.

✔ Schedule a chiropractic adjustment to restore normal joint motion and help your body recover naturally.

Don't Wait for Pain to Become a Bigger Problem

Many people think soreness will simply "work itself out." Sometimes it does—but often those small aches become bigger problems if movement restrictions are left uncorrected.

A chiropractic adjustment can help restore proper movement, reduce muscle tension, improve posture, and get you back to enjoying everything summer has to offer.

If your holiday weekend left you feeling stiff, sore, or "just not quite right," we'd love to help you get back to feeling your best. Summer is too short to spend it in pain!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Murphy Chiropractic Center
"Helping our community move better, feel better, and live healthier—one adjustment at a time."

Hello everyone! My name is Noah Young. Some of you may remember me from a couple of years ago when I had the opportunity to shadow Dr. Murphy.

Since then, I have completed two years at the University of Missouri in Columbia. This summer, I’m excited to be back at Murphy Chiropractic Center as an intern working under Dr. Bucher. I began my internship in mid-May and will be here through the end of July before returning to Mizzou. Next May, I plan to begin my studies at Logan College of Chiropractic.

During my time at the clinic, I’ll be serving as Dr. Bucher’s assistant for a few hours each week. I’m honored to have the opportunity to learn from Dr. Bucher while also getting to know many of you this summer. I look forward to meeting you and being a part of your care at Murphy Chiropractic Center!

Summer Essential Spotlight:

Lavender – Your Travel & Skin Care Companion

Summer is made for sunshine, vacations, and outdoor adventures—but all that fun can sometimes leave you feeling stressed, sleep-deprived, or dealing with irritated skin.

That's why Lavender essential oil is one of our favorite must-haves for the season!

     Camping Companion

Keep a bottle in your backpack or camper for skin comfort, relaxation, and a fresh, calming scent at the end of the day.

July 19, 2026

NOTICE TO ALL PATIENTS

Change in Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Network Status

Effective July 8, 2026

Murphy Chiropractic Health Center will no longer be an in‑network provider with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS).

This change is due to ongoing non‑payment of claims and administrative restrictions that have made continued participation unsustainable.

What This Means for You

• You may still receive care in our office.
• Payment will be due at the time of service.
• We will provide a superbill for each visit.
• You may submit the superbill to BCBS for out‑of‑network reimbursement according to your plan.

We are here to help.

If you have questions about this change or need assistance with your superbill, please speak with our staff.

Thank you for trusting Murphy Chiropractic Health Center with your care.

Juice Plus is a great way to bridge the gap to increase the amount of fruits and vegetables and berries you eat every day. Some of you are probably not eating many fruits, vegetable and berries every day.  And some of you aren't eating any of these food groups.  This is good way to improve your overall health and improve your immune system. 

• Contact Wendy Murphy/Certified Health Coach
• wmurphy15@gmail.com or wmurphy.juiceplus.com
• Phone: 573-795-1066

doTerra Sale Items for June

Newsletter Articles
July 2026

• Chiropractic Helping Children Reach Their Full Potential
• Chiropractic Helps Give Relief After a Whiplash Injury
• Could Chiropractic Care Help with Acid Reflux?
• Frozen Shoulder Helped by Chiropractic

Chiropractic Helping Children Reach Their Full Potential

Every child develops at their own pace, but parents naturally become concerned when important milestones such as speech, balance, or emotional regulation seem delayed. While some children simply need more time, others may benefit from additional support to help their nervous system function at its best. A growing body of chiropractic research is exploring how spinal health and proper nervous system function may play a role in healthy childhood development.

One recent case study published on July 1, 2026, in the Asia-Pacific Chiropractic Journal followed a two-year-old boy who was experiencing delayed speech, low muscle tone, emotional outbursts, and difficulty regulating his behavior. Although he had made some progress with speech therapy, his speech pathologist noticed signs suggesting that other neurological factors might be contributing to his delays. He was then evaluated by a chiropractor, who identified several areas of vertebral subluxation along with retained primitive reflexes—automatic infant reflexes that normally disappear as the brain and nervous system mature.

The child began receiving gentle, age-appropriate chiropractic care focused on correcting subluxation and supporting healthy nervous system function. His family was also given simple home activities designed to encourage movement, balance, body awareness, and overall development. These exercises were intended to complement his chiropractic care and support normal neurological maturation.

Over the following weeks, his parents noticed remarkable improvements. His speech began expanding rapidly, progressing from learning only one or two new words each day to as many as twenty new words daily. His social interactions improved, he became more imaginative during play, his balance and coordination increased, and he developed better control over his emotions. Perhaps the most touching moment came after about three months of care when the little boy happily told his family, "I'm so happy I can talk now."

As his progress continued, follow-up examinations showed improvements in muscle tone, posture, balance, and neurological function. Many of the retained primitive reflexes had resolved, and his parents reported that everyday life had become much less frustrating for both their son and the entire family. Better communication allowed him to express his needs more clearly, resulting in fewer emotional outbursts and a happier experience at home and daycare.

This report describes only one child's experience, so additional research is needed before broad conclusions can be made. However, it highlights the important relationship between the spine, nervous system, and childhood development. Chiropractic care is not intended to replace medical or speech therapy services, but it may serve as a valuable part of a team approach for some children. By helping improve nervous system function through the correction of vertebral subluxation, chiropractic care may support children as they grow, learn, communicate, and reach their full developmental potential.

Chiropractic Helps Give Relief After a Whiplash Injury

Neck injuries from automobile accidents can have lasting effects long after the damaged vehicle has been repaired. Many people continue to experience chronic neck pain, headaches, stiffness, and reduced mobility for months or even years following a collision. These lingering symptoms can make everyday activities difficult, interfere with work, and reduce overall quality of life. Fortunately, research continues to explore conservative approaches that may help people recover function and reduce pain.

One recent case study published on June 15, 2026, in the Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, followed a 54-year-old man who developed persistent neck pain and frequent headaches after being rear-ended in a motor vehicle accident. Shortly after the crash, he was diagnosed with an injury to one of the arteries in his neck. Follow-up medical testing several months later showed that the artery had healed, but he continued to struggle with significant pain, restricted neck movement, and headaches that affected both his daily life and his ability to perform his job.

Before beginning chiropractic care, a thorough examination and review of his medical history confirmed that the previous arterial injury had healed and that there were no signs of an active vascular problem. Specific forms of chiropractic care were then directed toward correcting vertebral subluxation and improving spinal function. Throughout his care, his progress was carefully monitored, and care was provided only when examination findings indicated it was appropriate.

Over the next six months, the man experienced substantial improvements. His neck pain steadily decreased, his headaches became much less frequent and less severe, and he regained greater freedom of movement in his neck. Everyday tasks such as driving, sitting for extended periods, and performing his work responsibilities became much easier. Quality-of-life questionnaires completed during the study also showed meaningful improvements in physical function, energy levels, emotional well-being, and the ability to carry out normal daily activities.

Like many people recovering from an injury, he experienced temporary soreness after a small number of visits, but these symptoms went away within a few days and no serious complications occurred. By the end of the study, his disability related to neck pain had decreased significantly, and both his pain scores and overall health measurements reflected marked improvement. His recovery highlights the importance of careful evaluation, appropriate care selection, and ongoing monitoring throughout the course of care.

This report demonstrates that chiropractic care may be a valuable option for some people with persistent neck pain and headaches after a whiplash injury. When combined with a thorough examination and careful clinical decision-making, correction of vertebral subluxation may help improve nervous system function, reduce pain, restore movement, and allow patients to return to the activities they enjoy.

Could Chiropractic Care Help with Acid Reflux?

If you've ever experienced the burning discomfort of acid reflux, you know how much it can affect your quality of life. Gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as GERD, occurs when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the esophagus. This can lead to persistent heartburn, a chronic sore throat, difficulty swallowing, bloating, abdominal discomfort, and interrupted sleep. While medications and lifestyle changes help many people, some continue to struggle with ongoing symptoms despite their best efforts.

A recent chiropractic case study published on July 1, 2026, in the Asia-Pacific Chiropractic Journal followed a 43-year-old woman who had been dealing with GERD symptoms for approximately four years. Despite taking medication, following a gluten-free and dairy-free diet, and making other lifestyle changes, she continued to experience frequent heartburn, throat irritation, digestive discomfort, and upper abdominal pain. Her symptoms had become severe enough to interfere with caring for her two young children and performing her part-time job as an occupational therapist.

During her chiropractic evaluation, several areas of vertebral subluxation and postural imbalance were identified. Care was directed toward correcting these spinal problems and improving overall nervous system function. Along with chiropractic care, she was encouraged to continue her healthy dietary habits, practice good posture, and follow simple home-care recommendations designed to support her recovery.

Over the first two months of care, the woman reported noticeable improvement in her digestive symptoms. As care continued, her episodes of heartburn became less frequent and much less severe. She also experienced improvements in neck mobility, posture, and overall comfort. Eventually, she no longer needed her acid-reducing medication and instead managed her digestion with healthy eating habits and a natural digestive enzyme recommended through her healthcare routine.

More than four years after beginning chiropractic care, the patient's improvements had largely been maintained. Her reflux symptoms occurred only occasionally, were much milder than before, and no longer controlled her daily life. She was able to continue working, care for her family, and enjoy a much higher quality of life. While she still received periodic chiropractic checkups, her need for frequent care had decreased considerably as her condition stabilized.

This report describes only one patient's experience, so additional research is needed before broad conclusions can be made. However, this study highlights the close relationship between the spine, nervous system, and the body's many internal functions. While chiropractic care is not a treatment for GERD itself, correcting vertebral subluxation may help optimize nervous system function, allowing the body to function more efficiently. For some individuals, chiropractic care may become a valuable part of a comprehensive approach to improving digestive health and overall well-being.

Frozen Shoulder Helped by Chiropractic

Most of us take our shoulders for granted until something as simple as reaching into a cabinet, fastening a seatbelt, or putting on a jacket suddenly becomes painful. Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes increasing pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. It affects an estimated 2% to 5% of the population and often develops gradually. In many cases, the shoulder becomes so stiff that even everyday tasks become frustrating and difficult.

Frozen shoulder typically progresses through three stages. The first is the "freezing" stage, where pain gradually increases and shoulder movement becomes more limited. This is followed by the "frozen" stage, when the pain may lessen somewhat, but stiffness becomes the biggest problem. Finally comes the "thawing" stage, during which movement slowly returns. Unfortunately, this entire process can take anywhere from one to three years, and for some people, lingering discomfort may last even longer.

A July 1, 2026, case report published in the Asia-Pacific Chiropractic Journal described a 30-year-old man who developed frozen shoulder after a surfing injury. He experienced persistent shoulder pain that radiated into his upper back and neck, making reaching movements uncomfortable. His examination revealed limited shoulder function along with areas of vertebral subluxation and postural imbalance. Chiropractic care focused on correcting these spinal problems and improving overall nervous system function while monitoring his progress over a short period of care.

The results were encouraging. After just two chiropractic visits over a six-day period, the man's shoulder pain had completely resolved. He regained normal shoulder motion, could perform orthopedic shoulder tests without discomfort, and had already returned to lifting furniture and surfing. While this is only one patient's experience and cannot predict how every individual will respond, it demonstrates how restoring proper spinal function and correcting subluxation may play a role in helping the body recover from certain musculoskeletal problems.

The authors also reviewed other commonly recommended treatments for frozen shoulder, including physical therapy, exercises, medications, corticosteroid injections, and, in severe cases, surgery. They noted that although many of these approaches can improve pain and mobility, recovery often requires patience because the condition naturally takes time to resolve. They also emphasized that additional research is needed to better understand how chiropractic care may fit into the overall management of frozen shoulder.

Your nervous system controls every muscle, joint, and tissue in your body. When vertebral subluxations interfere with normal nerve function, the body's ability to move and heal efficiently may be affected. Chiropractic care is designed to help restore normal spinal function, allowing the nervous system to communicate more effectively with the rest of the body. While no single treatment is right for everyone, this case adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that chiropractic care may be a valuable part of a conservative approach for people suffering from frozen shoulder and other painful joint conditions.