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Neck Pain Doesn’t Have to Be Your New Normal

Neck pain

How Evidence-Based Chiropractic Care Helps You Move Better and Feel Better—Fast

Neck pain has a way of sneaking into daily life. It may start after a car accident, slowly build from long hours at a computer, or show up without a clear reason at all. At first, it’s easy to ignore — a stiff morning here, a sore afternoon there. But over time, that discomfort can turn into persistent pain, limited movement, headaches, or even numbness and tingling in the arms or hands.

The good news? Neck pain does not have to be your new normal.

At Vector Spine and Sport in Murray, Utah, we help patients every day who assumed neck pain was something they just had to live with. Using an evidence-based approach, we focus on restoring motion, reducing inflammation, and helping your body recover — not just temporarily masking symptoms.

Why Neck Pain Is So Common

The cervical spine is designed for movement, but modern life often works against it. Prolonged sitting, forward head posture, repetitive screen use, and stress all place strain on the joints, discs, and muscles of the neck. Add a sudden trauma like a car accident or fall, and the tissues can become irritated very quickly.

Common contributors to neck pain include:

  • Poor posture and “tech neck”
  • Whiplash from auto accidents
  • Joint stiffness and restricted motion
  • Muscle tension and trigger points
  • Disc irritation or degeneration
  • Chronic stress and muscle guarding

When movement is restricted or tissues become inflamed, the body compensates — often leading to worsening pain over time rather than improvement.

Why Rest and Medication Often Aren’t Enough

Many people try to manage neck pain with rest, over-the-counter medications, stretching, or massage alone. While these approaches may provide short-term relief, they often don’t address the underlying mechanical problem — joint restriction, poor movement patterns, or unresolved inflammation.

Without restoring proper motion and function, symptoms tend to return, sometimes more intensely than before.

That’s where chiropractic care comes in.

An Evidence-Based Approach to Neck Pain Relief

At Vector Spine and Sport, Dr. Jacob Reesor uses current research and clinical best practices to guide care. Chiropractic treatment focuses on improving how the joints of the neck move, reducing irritation to surrounding tissues, and supporting the body’s natural healing processes.

Care typically includes:

  • A thorough exam to identify the source of pain
  • Gentle chiropractic adjustments to restore joint mobility
  • Soft tissue techniques to reduce muscle tension
  • Movement and posture guidance to prevent recurrence
  • At-home exercises tailored to your specific needs

This approach helps address why the pain started — not just where it hurts.

Neck Pain After a Car Accident

Even minor car accidents can place significant force on the neck. Whiplash injuries often don’t feel severe immediately, but symptoms can appear days or weeks later. Stiffness, headaches, and reduced range of motion are common signs that the neck hasn’t fully recovered.

In Utah, chiropractic care for auto injuries is typically covered under Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance — often with no out-of-pocket cost. Early evaluation and treatment can significantly improve recovery and reduce the risk of chronic pain.

Moving Better Is the First Step to Feeling Better

When neck joints move properly and muscles are functioning as they should, inflammation decreases, circulation improves, and pain often fades. Patients frequently report:

  • Improved range of motion
  • Reduced stiffness and tension
  • Fewer headaches
  • Better posture
  • Greater comfort at work and during daily activities

Most importantly, they regain confidence in their ability to move without fear.

Start Your Recovery Today

If neck pain is interfering with your work, sleep, or quality of life, it’s time to address it — not ignore it.

At Vector Spine and Sport, we’re here to help you move better and feel better, using care rooted in evidence and tailored to you.

📍 Vector Spine and Sport — Murray, Utah
📞 801-456-0352

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Why Your Hands Might Be Numb — And What to Do About It at Vector Spine and Sport

Neck pain

Have you ever noticed that strange tingling in your fingers — maybe when you wake up, when you’re driving, or when you’re working at a computer? Sometimes it’s mild, a little annoying. Other times it’s sharp, frightening — like a zap or a burning. You stretch, shake your hand, and for a moment it feels better, but then the numbness creeps back in. It’s easy to assume that the problem must be in the wrist. But more often than not, the root of the problem lies higher up — in your neck.

At Vector Spine and Sport in Murray, Utah, we treat many patients whose “hand problems” turn out to be nerve issues originating in the cervical spine. Understanding that connection often makes the difference between temporary relief and lasting healing.

The Hidden Connection: Neck Nerves and Hand Sensation

Your neck is more than just a pivot for your head. It houses nerves that reach all the way down your arms to your hands and fingers. When the spinal joints in your neck lose mobility — due to poor posture, trauma (like an auto accident), degenerative changes, or tight muscles — those nerves can become irritated, compressed, or inflamed. What follows is a cascade of symptoms: tingling, numbness, weakness, “pins and needles,” shooting pain, or a burning sensation.

Because these symptoms manifest so far from the actual source, many people — and even some doctors — mistakenly treat it as a wrist or hand problem. That often leads to wrist braces, anti-inflammatories, or even repetitive appointments with no real improvement.

Why So Many Conditions Begin With the Neck

Several factors can set the stage:

  • Everyday posture: Slouching at a desk, hunching over a phone, or “tech neck” = constant strain on upper cervical joints and muscles.
  • Acute injury: Car accidents, falls, or sudden impact can throw the spine out of alignment. Even if you feel “fine,” nerve irritation can begin silently and worsen over days or weeks.
  • Chronic strain or degeneration: Over years, disc wear, arthritis, or joint stiffness can gradually compress nerves.
  • Muscular tension: Tight muscles in the neck, shoulders, or upper back can constrict nerves — especially when combined with poor posture or previous injury.

When nerves are irritated at the spine — even slightly — hand symptoms begin. The result can be unpredictable: a good day, a bad day, flare-ups with work or driving, intermittent weakness. That kind of inconsistency often leads to frustration, fear, or resignation.

How Chiropractic Care Uncovers & Treats the Real Problem

At Vector Spine and Sport, we believe in fixing the root cause, not just masking the symptoms. The first step is a thorough examination: looking at posture, spine alignment, joint mobility, soft tissue quality, and nerve function. That lets us pinpoint which vertebrae or muscles are causing the irritation — something a simple wrist brace or pain pill can never do.

Once identified, gentle but precise chiropractic adjustments restore joint movement and reduce pressure on nerves. Soft tissue work helps relax tight muscles that might be strangling nerve pathways. Posture coaching, ergonomic advice, and therapeutic exercises support long-term healing and prevent recurrence.

Patients often tell us they feel the difference almost immediately — more flexibility, less “pins and needles,” stronger grip, greater comfort when driving or typing. And over time, many achieve complete relief, without surgery, injections, or lifelong reliance on drugs.

When Muscles and Tension Need Extra Help — Enter Shockwave Therapy

But what about those sneaky cases where nerve irritation is worsened by years of muscle tension, scar tissue, or chronic inflammation? That’s where Shockwave Therapy (EPAT) comes in — a powerful regenerative tool that complements chiropractic care beautifully.

We use acoustic pressure waves to penetrate deep into tight tissues, stimulate blood flow, reduce inflammation, and encourage cellular repair. That helps break up tight muscle bands or fibrous scar tissue that may be compressing nerves. Over a few sessions, many patients experience significantly reduced tension, improved nerve flow, and restored sensation.

Because the therapy is non-invasive, drug-free, and requires no downtime, it’s an excellent option even for busy adults, students, or people with demanding schedules.

What to Do If You’re Experiencing Hand Numbness (or Suspect Nerve Involvement)

If you notice persistent tingling, weakness, or numbness — especially when associated with neck stiffness, poor posture, or a history of injury — don’t wait. Nerve issues often worsen over time and can lead to permanent changes if neglected.

Visiting Vector Spine and Sport means you get:

  • A comprehensive exam focused on spine, muscle, and nerve function
  • A tailored treatment plan combining chiropractic and, if needed, shockwave therapy
  • Guidance on posture, ergonomics, stretching, and self-care
  • Ongoing support until you regain strength, sensation, and confidence

And if your symptoms began after a car accident or other trauma — know that in Utah, your care is often covered under Personal Injury Protection (PIP). That means your initial exam and treatments are likely to be paid for automatically — whether you were at fault or not.

You Don’t Have to Live With Numbness — Relief Is Possible

We believe in a simple truth: your body should feel strong, responsive, alive — not numb or tingly. When nerves are treated at their source, when muscles relax, and when posture aligns — the difference can be dramatic.

At Vector Spine and Sport, we specialize in helping people in Murray and the greater Salt Lake Valley reclaim their body’s function. If you’re dealing with hand numbness, tingling, or any signs of nerve irritation — call us at 801-456-0352 or book online. Your journey back to feeling connected and pain-free starts here.

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Neck Pain Holding You Back? Here’s What You Need to Know

Neck pain

When Neck Pain Becomes a Real Pain in the Neck

Neck pain isn’t just annoying—it’s one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints in the U.S., affecting nearly 30% of adults each year. Whether it’s from long hours at a computer, poor posture, a car accident, or just sleeping wrong, neck pain can make even simple movements feel impossible.

At Vector Spine and Sport in Murray, Utah, we see patients every day who have been told to “just rest” or “take pain meds” — yet the problem persists. That’s because most neck pain isn’t simply about muscle soreness; it’s about joint dysfunction, inflammation, and nerve irritation that need a more targeted approach.

Common Causes of Neck Pain

Neck pain often develops from a combination of mechanical and lifestyle factors. Some of the most frequent causes include:

  • Poor posture – Especially forward head posture from looking down at phones or screens.
  • Muscle tension and strain – Often from stress, repetitive movement, or overuse.
  • Joint restriction or misalignment – When the cervical spine joints lose mobility, pain and stiffness increase.
  • Whiplash injuries – Common after auto accidents, leading to ligament strain and chronic discomfort.
  • Arthritis and disc degeneration – Age-related wear can cause inflammation and nerve irritation.

The good news? Most of these problems respond well to conservative care — and that’s exactly what we do best.

How Chiropractic Care Helps

Chiropractic adjustments help restore proper motion and alignment in the cervical spine. When the joints in your neck move as they should, muscles relax, inflammation decreases, and nerve communication improves.

Dr. Jacob Reesor uses a gentle, evidence-based approach to assess and treat the source of your neck pain. Treatments may include:

  • Targeted spinal adjustments to improve movement
  • Soft tissue work to reduce tension
  • Exercise and posture correction
  • Ergonomic and lifestyle recommendations

Research published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic care can significantly reduce neck pain and improve range of motion compared to standard medical care (JMPT, 2019).

In short — chiropractic care doesn’t just mask pain. It corrects the problem.

Shockwave Therapy: A Breakthrough for Chronic Neck Pain

For patients with long-standing or muscle-dominant neck pain, Shockwave Therapy (EPAT) is a game changer. It works by delivering acoustic pressure waves into tight or inflamed tissues, stimulating increased blood flow and cellular repair.

Shockwave helps:

  • Break up adhesions and scar tissue
  • Increase oxygenation in muscles and tendons
  • Accelerate healing and pain relief

A 2023 study in Frontiers in Neurology found that shockwave therapy significantly improved pain and function in patients with chronic myofascial neck pain, compared to control groups (PMC10406644).

At Vector Spine and Sport, we use both focused and radial shockwave technologies to address both surface-level muscle issues and deeper connective tissue dysfunction.

What to Expect at Vector Spine and Sport

When you visit our office, we start with a comprehensive exam and consultation to identify the root cause of your pain. We then create a personalized plan that may include:

✅ Chiropractic adjustments to restore movement
✅ Shockwave therapy to stimulate healing
✅ Deep tissue laser therapy to reduce inflammation
✅ Home care and posture training to prevent recurrence

Our goal is simple — to help you move better, feel better, and live without restriction.

Don’t Let Neck Pain Control Your Life

Neck pain doesn’t have to slow you down or become part of your daily routine. Whether your pain started from an injury, your desk job, or just life’s wear and tear, help is available — and it works.

Call today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Jacob Reesor and discover how our integrated approach can help you finally find relief.

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Why Your Posture Matters More Than You Think

Posture

The Posture Problem: A Modern Epidemic

Let’s face it—most of us spend way too much time hunched over screens. Whether it’s your computer, phone, or steering wheel, modern life has trained our bodies into unnatural positions. Over time, those “small” postural habits can add up to big problems—neck pain, tension headaches, shoulder stiffness, and even lower back pain.

In fact, research from the Journal of Physical Therapy Science shows that forward head posture significantly increases muscle tension and spinal stress, leading to chronic pain and fatigue.

At Vector Spine and Sport, we see these patterns every day. The good news? You can correct them—and your body can heal once alignment and movement are restored.

What Happens When Posture Breaks Down

Your spine is designed to maintain balance and efficiency. When posture breaks down, your muscles, joints, and ligaments must work harder to keep you upright. This can lead to:

  • Chronic neck or upper back pain
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Shoulder tension and restricted motion
  • Lower back pain
  • Numbness or tingling in arms and hands

Even your breathing and digestion can be affected—forward head posture compresses the chest cavity, limiting lung expansion.

Think of your body like a car: if the tires are misaligned, the vehicle still runs—but not efficiently. Over time, wear and tear build up. Your spine works the same way.

How Chiropractic Care Helps

Dr. Jacob Reesor takes an evidence-based approach to posture correction. Through precise chiropractic adjustments, he helps restore natural motion to the joints of your spine and neck. This allows muscles to relax, inflammation to decrease, and nerve communication to improve.

Research published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that spinal manipulation not only reduces pain but also improves postural balance and proprioception—your body’s awareness of where it is in space.

Beyond adjustments, Dr. Reesor provides targeted exercises and ergonomic coaching to help you build strength and maintain healthy posture between visits.

Shockwave Therapy: A Game-Changer for Muscle Tension

For patients with chronic muscle tightness or postural strain, Shockwave Therapy (EPAT) offers a powerful complement to chiropractic care. This treatment uses focused sound waves to stimulate cellular repair, increase blood flow, and break down scar tissue.

Clinical studies—including one published in Frontiers in Neurology (2023)—show that shockwave therapy can reduce muscle tone and pain associated with postural dysfunction.

At Vector Spine and Sport, we use both focused and radial shockwave technologies to target deep and surface-level tension. The result? Faster relief and longer-lasting improvements in mobility.

What to Expect at Vector Spine and Sport

When you visit our Murray clinic, you’ll start with a comprehensive exam and posture assessment. Dr. Reesor will evaluate your spine, joint motion, and muscle balance to identify the root of your problem—not just the symptoms.

Your personalized treatment plan may include:

✅ Chiropractic adjustments to restore motion
✅ Shockwave therapy for tight or inflamed muscles
✅ Deep tissue laser for inflammation control
✅ Corrective exercises to improve posture and strength

Our goal isn’t just to relieve pain—it’s to help you move, stand, and feel better for life.

Why Posture Care Matters Long-Term

Good posture isn’t just about how you look; it’s about how your body functions. Proper alignment improves:

  • Energy efficiency
  • Joint health
  • Athletic performance
  • Concentration and mood
  • Injury prevention

You don’t have to live with tension or discomfort from poor posture. With the right combination of chiropractic and modern therapies, you can retrain your body and get back to living pain-free.

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From Nagging Pain to Real Relief: Why Chronic Pain Doesn’t Have to Be Your New Normal

Living with Chronic Pain: More Common Than You Think

If you’ve been living with daily pain, you’re not alone. According to the CDC, more than 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience chronic pain that lasts longer than three months. Whether it’s your back, neck, shoulder, or knees, ongoing pain can start to feel like a new normal—but it doesn’t have to be.

At Vector Spine and Sport, we specialize in helping patients in the Murray and Salt Lake area find real, lasting relief—without surgery or long-term medications. Our approach combines chiropractic care, deep tissue laser, and shockwave therapy to address pain at its source and help your body heal naturally.

Why Traditional Pain Management Falls Short

Many patients come to us after trying everything—pain pills, injections, even multiple rounds of physical therapy—with little success. The problem is that most of these treatments only mask symptoms rather than addressing the root cause.

Pain medications like opioids or NSAIDs may dull discomfort temporarily, but they don’t fix the mechanical issues, inflammation, or scar tissue that keep pain coming back. Over time, this can lead to dependence, tolerance, or even worsening pain sensitivity.

That’s where chiropractic and regenerative technologies like Shockwave Therapy step in—treating the source of pain, not just the symptoms.

Chiropractic Care: Restoring Alignment, Restoring Function

Chiropractic care is more than just spinal adjustments—it’s about restoring movement, improving function, and relieving pressure on the nervous system.

Dr. Jacob Reesor uses gentle, targeted adjustments to correct joint dysfunctions that cause pain and stiffness. When your spine and joints move properly, inflammation decreases, circulation improves, and the body can heal more efficiently.

Research from the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics shows that chiropractic adjustments can improve mobility, reduce pain, and even enhance the body’s proprioception—its sense of position and balance. For chronic pain sufferers, this often means fewer flare-ups, better posture, and less day-to-day discomfort.

Shockwave Therapy: Science-Backed Pain Relief

If your pain has lingered for months or years, Shockwave Therapy (EPAT) may be the missing piece. This non-invasive treatment uses acoustic pressure waves to stimulate your body’s natural repair process, increasing blood flow, breaking down scar tissue, and accelerating tissue regeneration.

Clinical studies consistently support its effectiveness. A 2023 review in Frontiers in Immunology found that Shockwave Therapy significantly reduces pain and improves function in chronic tendon and soft tissue injuries (PMC10468604).

At Vector Spine and Sport, we use both focused and radial shockwave technology, allowing us to treat everything from deep-seated tendon injuries to surface-level inflammation. Patients often notice improvement after just a few sessions—with no downtime and no side effects.

Conditions We Commonly Treat

Our integrated approach is especially effective for chronic conditions such as:

  • Low back and neck pain
  • Shoulder and rotator cuff injuries
  • Tennis and golfer’s elbow
  • Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Hip and knee pain
  • Muscle trigger points and scar tissue buildup

Whether your pain stems from overuse, poor posture, or an old injury that never healed right, we’ll tailor a plan that helps you move and feel better.

What to Expect at Vector Spine and Sport

When you visit Vector Spine and Sport, you’re not getting a cookie-cutter treatment. Dr. Reesor begins each new patient visit with a thorough consultation and exam, discussing your history, lifestyle, and goals. From there, he creates a customized treatment plan using a combination of chiropractic adjustments, shockwave therapy, laser therapy, and therapeutic exercises.

Our goal is to help you move better, feel better, and get back to doing what you love—without relying on pills or surgery.

Your Path to Pain-Free Living Starts Here

Chronic pain doesn’t have to define your life. Whether you’ve been struggling for months or years, there’s hope—and we’d love to help you find it.

If you’re ready to finally get to the root of your pain, schedule a consultation with Vector Spine and Sport today. Let’s get you back to moving freely, sleeping better, and enjoying life again.

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From Weekend Warrior to Everyday Aches: Why Your Pain Might Be More Than Just Overuse

Weekend athlete

When the Weekend Catches Up With You

You know the feeling. It’s Monday morning, and after a weekend of hiking the Wasatch, dominating your pickleball league, or just getting a little too enthusiastic about yardwork—you wake up stiff, sore, and wondering if you’ve suddenly aged 10 years overnight.

Welcome to the world of the weekend warrior—the hardworking adults who give 100% at their job all week and then give 120% on the field, trail, or court over the weekend. While staying active is vital for your health, sudden bursts of activity after a sedentary week can lead to microtears, joint strain, and inflammation that your body isn’t quite ready for.

That’s where Vector Spine and Sport steps in. We help weekend warriors recover from overuse injuries, chronic aches, and those “mystery pains” that sneak up after an intense workout.

Common Weekend Warrior Injuries

It’s not just elite athletes who get hurt. The truth is, weekend warriors experience many of the same injuries—just without the pro trainers and recovery teams. Some of the most common injuries we treat at our Murray chiropractic clinic include:

  • Low back pain and stiffness from lifting, running, or improper form
  • Shoulder pain from throwing, swimming, or weight training
  • Knee pain and tendonitis from hiking, cycling, or running
  • Tennis and golfer’s elbow from gripping and repetitive strain
  • Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendon pain from long hours on your feet

Each of these conditions shares a common thread: muscle imbalance, repetitive stress, or poor biomechanics—things chiropractic care and shockwave therapy directly address.

How Chiropractic Care Helps You Bounce Back

At Vector Spine and Sport, chiropractic treatment isn’t just about “cracking your back.” It’s about improving your body’s movement and mechanics so you can perform better and recover faster.

Dr. Jacob Reesor performs targeted spinal and joint adjustments to restore motion, reduce inflammation, and relieve nerve pressure that contributes to stiffness and pain. Adjustments can also help improve flexibility, coordination, and posture—all critical for preventing recurring injuries.

Studies have shown that chiropractic adjustments improve neuromuscular control, reduce pain, and can enhance athletic performance. A 2022 study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that spinal manipulation helps improve joint function and proprioception—your body’s awareness of movement and position.

In short: Chiropractic care keeps your body moving the way it was designed to move.

Shockwave Therapy: Your Secret Recovery Weapon

If your pain has lingered for weeks—or even months—after rest, stretching, or massage, you might be dealing with a chronic soft-tissue condition like tendonitis or fascia irritation.

Shockwave therapy (EPAT) is one of the most effective non-invasive tools for these stubborn injuries. It works by delivering acoustic pressure waves deep into the tissue, triggering the body’s natural repair mechanisms. This increases blood flow, stimulates cell regeneration, and breaks down scar tissue.

Clinical research has shown impressive results:

  • A 2023 meta-analysis in Frontiers in Immunology found that shockwave therapy significantly improves pain and function for conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles and patellar tendinopathy (PMC10468604).
  • Another study in the American Journal of Sports Medicine found that 90% of patients with chronic patellar tendinopathy improved with shockwave compared to only 50% with conservative care.

At Vector Spine and Sport, we use both focused and radial shockwave technology, allowing us to treat both surface-level and deep-tissue injuries. Most patients notice improvement within just a few sessions.

Why Combining Chiropractic and Shockwave Works Best

Here’s the secret sauce: chiropractic and shockwave work best together.
While chiropractic care restores alignment and improves movement patterns, shockwave accelerates tissue healing at the cellular level. This one-two punch helps you heal faster, move better, and reduce your risk of reinjury—without relying on medications or surgery.

How to Prevent Future Weekend Warrior Injuries

The best injury is the one you never get. Here are Dr. Reesor’s top prevention tips for weekend warriors:

  • Warm up properly. A 5–10 minute dynamic warm-up can make a huge difference.
  • Build strength gradually. Don’t go from couch to competition in one weekend.
  • Stay hydrated. Muscles and joints function best when properly hydrated.
  • Get adjusted regularly. Prevent stiffness and poor mechanics from setting you back.
  • Recover like a pro. Use shockwave, laser, and stretching to keep your body tuned up.

Ready to Feel Better and Move Better?

You don’t have to let nagging pain or stiffness keep you off the court—or the trail. Whether you’re recovering from a sports injury or trying to prevent one, the team at Vector Spine and Sport in Murray, Utah is here to help you get back to doing what you love—safely and pain-free.

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Understanding Auto Injuries and Why You Shouldn’t Wait

Auto injury

Even a “minor” fender-bender can do more damage than you think. In the moments after a collision, your body releases adrenaline and cortisol—stress hormones that mask pain and inflammation. You may walk away feeling fine, only to wake up days later with neck stiffness, headaches, or sharp back pain. This is why getting checked by a chiropractor after an auto accident is so important.

Research supports early care. A 2008 review published in Spine Journal found that delayed evaluation and treatment often lead to slower healing and chronic symptoms. Another study showed that untreated or delayed whiplash injuries can cause persistent pain and movement limitations lasting years (PubMed). At Vector Spine and Sport, we often see patients who wish they had come in sooner—because catching these injuries early often means shorter recovery times and better long-term outcomes.

How Chiropractic Care Helps After a Car Accident

Chiropractic care plays a central role in restoring movement and reducing pain after an accident. Instead of masking symptoms with painkillers, we address the root cause—the mechanical and soft tissue injuries that occur during impact.

At Vector Spine and Sport, chiropractic treatment after an auto accident focuses on realigning the spine, restoring joint mobility, and reducing inflammation. Adjustments can relieve pressure on irritated nerves, improve circulation, and promote healing in the surrounding muscles and ligaments. Studies show chiropractic care can help reduce inflammation, improve range of motion, and prevent long-term degenerative changes in the spine (PMC).

Unlike many quick-fix treatments, chiropractic care is non-invasive, drug-free, and customized to each patient. We often pair spinal adjustments with techniques such as soft tissue therapy, deep tissue laser, and shockwave therapy, depending on your specific injuries. The goal is simple: relieve pain, restore function, and get you moving again without unnecessary medications or surgery.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Your first visit at Vector Spine and Sport begins with a comprehensive consultation. Dr. Jacob Reesor will discuss your accident, symptoms, and medical history to understand the full picture. This is followed by a detailed physical examination, including orthopedic and neurological tests, to pinpoint problem areas. If needed, imaging like X-rays or MRIs may be recommended to rule out fractures or disc injury.

Once we know what’s going on, you’ll receive a personalized treatment plan designed to get you out of pain and back to your normal activities as quickly as possible. This might include spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, laser or shockwave treatment, and exercises you can do at home to strengthen the injured areas. Each plan is tailored to your body’s needs—no cookie-cutter care, no unnecessary visits.

How Utah’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Works

If you’re worried about cost, here’s the good news: in Utah, your auto insurance covers your medical care after a car accident, regardless of who was at fault. This is called Personal Injury Protection, or PIP coverage.

PIP is included with every auto insurance policy in Utah and provides at least $3,000 in medical coverage per person. It pays for necessary treatments like chiropractic care, physical therapy, imaging, and rehabilitation. Whether you caused the accident or were hit by someone else, you’re eligible to use your PIP benefits for recovery.

That means when you visit Vector Spine and Sport after an accident, you won’t have to worry about out-of-pocket costs. We’ll work directly with your insurance company to handle billing so you can focus on getting better. If your care exceeds PIP limits, we can also work with your attorney or help coordinate with additional coverage options.

Common Auto-Related Injuries We Treat

Auto accidents can affect nearly every part of the body, but the most common injuries we see at Vector Spine and Sport include:

  • Whiplash and neck pain from sudden impact
  • Low back pain from seatbelt torque or spinal compression
  • Headaches caused by neck strain or nerve irritation
  • Shoulder and knee injuries from seatbelt restraint or impact
  • Soft tissue damage leading to stiffness and muscle spasms

Each injury is unique, and our goal is to treat both the pain and the underlying dysfunction to prevent long-term issues.

Getting Back on the Road to Recovery

If you’ve been in an auto accident, even if you feel “okay,” schedule a check-up. Some injuries take time to appear, and early intervention makes a world of difference. Chiropractic care can reduce pain, restore mobility, and prevent chronic problems before they start.

At Vector Spine and Sport, our team is experienced in working with auto injury cases and understands how to document and treat your condition effectively. We’ll help you navigate your PIP coverage, coordinate with other providers if needed, and get you on the path to healing—without the stress of unexpected bills.

Don’t wait until your pain becomes a problem. Reach out today for a consultation and take the first step toward recovery.

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Plantar Fasciitis: Why Your Heel Hurts and How to Fix It

Plantar fasciitis

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It happens when the thick band of tissue (plantar fascia) running along the bottom of your foot becomes irritated or inflamed. Think of it like a bowstring that supports your arch — when overstressed, it can create tiny tears that lead to stabbing heel pain, especially in the morning.

Common Causes

Plantar fasciitis doesn’t discriminate. We see it in:

  • Runners and athletes who place repeated stress on the fascia
  • People on their feet all day (nurses, teachers, warehouse workers)
  • Weekend warriors who jump back into sports without proper warm-up
  • Those with flat feet or very high arches
  • Weight gain or poor footwear choices, which increase stress on the heel

Symptoms to Watch For

  • Sharp heel pain with first steps in the morning
  • Pain after sitting for long periods
  • Worsening discomfort after activity
  • Tenderness at the bottom of the heel

Ignoring these symptoms often leads to chronic pain that can limit daily activities and even change how you walk — creating new problems in your knees, hips, and back.

Evidence-Based Treatment Options

At Vector Spine and Sport, we believe in treating the root cause, not just masking symptoms. Here’s how we approach plantar fasciitis:

1. Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic adjustments can improve foot and ankle biomechanics, taking stress off the plantar fascia. By aligning the spine and lower extremities, we support better movement patterns and healing.

2. Shockwave Therapy (EPAT)

Shockwave therapy delivers sound waves into the injured fascia, stimulating the body’s natural healing response. Research shows it improves blood flow, breaks up scar tissue, and reduces inflammation for long-term pain relief (Yapici et al., 2023; Charles et al., 2023).

✅ Benefits of Shockwave Therapy:

  • Non-invasive, no downtime
  • FDA-cleared and clinically proven
  • Often effective when other treatments fail
  • Safe alternative to injections or surgery

3. Deep Tissue Laser Therapy

Laser therapy helps control inflammation and accelerate healing in the fascia, complementing shockwave therapy and chiropractic adjustments.

4. Lifestyle & Rehab Exercises

We provide specific stretches and strengthening routines patients can do at home to improve flexibility and resilience of the foot. Proper footwear advice is also key.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

When you come to Vector Spine and Sport for plantar fasciitis treatment, Dr. Jacob Reesor will:

  • Perform a thorough consultation and exam
  • Identify the root cause of your heel pain
  • Create a personalized plan that may include chiropractic, shockwave, laser, and home exercises
  • Explain your options clearly, without pressure or “cookie-cutter” care

Our goal is simple: get you moving again without surgery or unnecessary medication.

Heel pain doesn’t have to sideline your life. If you’re tired of waking up every morning with stabbing pain, it’s time to explore effective, evidence-based solutions.

📍 Visit us at Vector Spine and Sport in Murray, UT
📞 Call/Text: (801) 456-0352
💻 Schedule Online: vectorspineandsport.com

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Back-to-School, Back to Pain? Preventing Back and Neck Issues for Students and Parents

Backpack pain

Why Back-to-School Season Can Be Hard on Your Back

Back-to-school season is a time of new beginnings — fresh notebooks, sports practices, and a return to routine. But for many students (and their parents), it can also mean new or worsening back and neck pain.

Between carrying heavy backpacks, spending hours seated at desks or in front of screens, and jumping back into sports, it’s no wonder we see a spike in musculoskeletal issues at Vector Spine and Sport during the fall.

But the good news? Back-to-school pain is preventable with a few simple changes and proactive care.

Common Causes of Back & Neck Pain in Students

  1. Heavy or Poorly Worn Backpacks
    • According to the American Chiropractic Association, backpacks should weigh no more than 10–15% of a child’s body weight (ACA Backpack Safety).
    • Wearing them over one shoulder or letting them hang too low increases strain on the spine and shoulders.
  2. Poor Desk Posture & Screen Time
    • Slouching forward, looking down at phones, or sitting at desks that aren’t ergonomically correct leads to forward head posture and tight upper back muscles.
  3. Sports & Overuse Injuries
    • Fall sports like football, soccer, and cross-country can cause repetitive stress on joints and soft tissues, leading to shin splints, knee pain, and shoulder strains.
  4. Stress & Lack of Movement
    • Mental stress can cause muscle tension, while long periods of sitting without breaks lead to stiffness and pain.

Tips to Prevent Back-to-School Pain

1. Choose the Right Backpack

  • Look for wide, padded straps, a padded back, and a waist or chest strap for better weight distribution.
  • Encourage kids to use both straps and tighten them so the pack sits high on the back.

2. Teach Desk & Screen Ergonomics

  • Screen top should be at eye level.
  • Feet flat on the ground, knees and hips at 90 degrees.
  • Take movement breaks every 30–45 minutes.

3. Warm Up Before Sports

  • Gentle dynamic stretches (leg swings, arm circles, light jogging) before practice reduce risk of strains.
  • Post-practice cool-down stretching keeps muscles flexible.

4. Stay Active as a Family

  • Evening walks, bike rides, or stretches together help keep everyone’s spines moving and healthy.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

At Vector Spine and Sport, we focus on evidence-based care to correct spinal misalignments, improve joint function, and relieve pain naturally.

Chiropractic adjustments help:

  • Improve posture and mobility
  • Reduce nerve irritation from restricted joints
  • Restore balance to overused muscles

Regular chiropractic care can even help prevent small aches from turning into bigger problems — keeping students focused on schoolwork and parents on their busy schedules.

Shockwave Therapy for Sports Injuries

For student-athletes or active parents struggling with chronic tendon pain — think shin splints, jumper’s knee, or shoulder tendonitis — Shockwave Therapy (EPAT) is one of the most advanced, non-invasive treatments available.

  • Stimulates blood flow & collagen production
  • Speeds up healing of microtears and chronic injuries
  • FDA-cleared and research-backed (Study on ESWT Effectiveness)

This means faster recovery and fewer missed practices or games.

What to Expect at Vector Spine and Sport

When you come in for a back-to-school check-up:

  1. Comprehensive Exam: We evaluate posture, mobility, and muscle balance.
  2. Personalized Care Plan: Could include chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, home exercises, or Shockwave Therapy if needed.
  3. Education: We teach proper ergonomics and stretches to keep you or your child pain-free.

Take Action Today

Don’t wait until pain disrupts your school year. Book a back-to-school posture and pain prevention visit at Vector Spine and Sport today.

📞 Call Us: 801-456-0352

💻 Schedule Online

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Why Plantar Fasciitis Can’t Be Ignored

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis affects over 2 million Americans each year and is one of the most common causes of heel pain. If you wake up with stabbing heel pain or feel discomfort after standing, running, or walking, you’re not alone.

At Vector Spine and Sport in Murray, Utah, we offer evidence-based, non-surgical treatments like Shockwave Therapy and chiropractic care to help you recover faster and get back to the activities you love.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes. Its job is to absorb shock when you walk, run, or jump.

When this tissue becomes inflamed or irritated, it leads to sharp, stabbing pain—especially with your first steps in the morning or after prolonged sitting.

Common symptoms include:

  • Heel pain worse in the morning or after rest
  • Stiffness or tightness in the arch of the foot
  • Swelling or tenderness at the heel

Risk Factors for Plantar Fasciitis

You may be at higher risk if you:

  • Have flat feet or high arches
  • Are on your feet all day at work
  • Wear unsupportive footwear
  • Are a runner or active athlete
  • Have tight calf muscles or Achilles tendons

Evidence-Based Treatment Options

Here’s a step-by-step guide to the most effective treatments for plantar fasciitis:

1. Shockwave Therapy (EPAT/ESWT)

Shockwave Therapy is one of the most advanced, FDA-cleared treatments for chronic plantar fasciitis. It works by delivering acoustic sound waves into the injured tissue, stimulating your body’s natural healing process.

Benefits include:

  • Improved blood flow
  • Reduced inflammation
  • Stimulated collagen production for tissue repair
  • Pain relief in as few as 1–5 sessions
  • Most treatment plans are between 3-8 visits

Research Evidence:

  • A 2023 Systematic Review found Shockwave Therapy significantly reduced pain and improved function in plantar fasciitis patients (NIH Study).

What to Expect at Vector Spine and Sport:

  • Quick, non-invasive treatment
  • No anesthesia, no downtime
  • Sessions last 15–20 minutes
  • Most patients resume normal activity the same day

2. Chiropractic Care for Plantar Fasciitis

While many associate chiropractors with the spine, at Vector Spine and Sport, Dr. Jacob Reesor also focuses on the biomechanics of the feet and ankles.

Chiropractic adjustments can:

  • Improve alignment in the foot, ankle, and lower leg
  • Reduce compensatory stress on the plantar fascia
  • Enhance overall mobility and posture

Bonus: Many patients with plantar fasciitis also have lower back or hip dysfunction. Chiropractic care can address the entire kinetic chain for better long-term outcomes.

3. Physical Therapy and Home Exercises

Stretching and strengthening exercises help:

  • Reduce tension in the plantar fascia
  • Improve calf flexibility
  • Support the arch of the foot

Examples include:

  • Calf stretches against a wall
  • Plantar fascia stretches with a towel
  • Rolling the foot over a frozen water bottle

4. Lifestyle Modifications

  • Switch to supportive footwear with good arch support
  • Use orthotic inserts if recommended
  • Lose excess weight to reduce strain on the feet

5. Other Medical Options

  • NSAIDs: For short-term pain relief only
  • Corticosteroid Injections: May help in severe cases but have risks with repeated use
  • Surgery: Reserved for <5% of patients who fail conservative care after 12 months

Patient Experience at Vector Spine and Sport

When you come to Vector Spine and Sport for plantar fasciitis treatment:

  1. Consultation & Exam – Dr. Reesor evaluates your symptoms, gait, and biomechanics.
  2. Personalized Treatment Plan – May include Shockwave Therapy, chiropractic care, and rehab exercises.
  3. Progress Monitoring – We adjust your plan as you heal.

Most patients report:

  • Pain reduction after the first 1–2 sessions
  • Improved mobility within weeks
  • Long-term relief with continued care and home exercise

Why Choose Vector Spine and Sport in Murray, Utah?

  • Evidence-based care backed by research
  • Non-invasive, drug-free solutions
  • Focus on root causes, not just symptoms
  • Personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient

Call to Action

Don’t let heel pain slow you down. Schedule your Shockwave Therapy consultation today at Vector Spine and Sport in Murray, Utah, and take the first step toward lasting relief.

Book Online