Chiropractic News and Research by ChiroNexus

Chiropractic strengthens benefits of exercise for fibromyalgia patients

July 16, 2012

Many people with chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia find it difficult to follow all of their treatment instructions, which can include medications, creams, physical therapy, journals, and other techniques intended to reduce pain. It's easy to forget or get too busy to comply fully with the treatment, but sooner or later, you'll feel the pain creeping up. New research suggests that regular chiropractic adjustments can help fibromyalgia patients follow long-term physical therapy schedules, ensuring that patients are able to reap the maximum benefits of treatment. In 2009, researchers conducted a study involving 55 women with fibromyalgia.

Physical therapy eases sciatica

July 16, 2012

According to analysis of a recent study, physical therapy sessions provide both immediate and long-term relief for patients with sciatica. The research involved 165 patients with moderate or severe sciatic pain. They participated in physical therapy sessions for three months.

Gait Changes May Indicate Alzheimer's

July 16, 2012

Detecting Alzheimer's early is very important, as it will help us understand the disease better and aid us in developing treatments that might slow the onset of symptoms. Two new studies presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in Vancouver, BC have reported that changes in gait can be detected early on in the disease process. One study found that "variability in gait and a diminished ability to walk steadily while performing a second task were each associated with greater cognitive impairment on standard neurocognitive tests." The second study found that slow walking speed in their homes had brain differences from non-Alzheimer's patients and that walking speed differences were found when compared to home and the clinic. This means that clinicians might be overestimating the patients walking ability. .

Worrying Damages DNA and Speeds Aging

July 13, 2012

There's the old lyrics, "Don't Worry, Be Happy." Well, new research shows that worry actually speeds aging by degrading and modifying DNA. Harvard researchers looked at 5,243 women and found that those with high phobic anxiety were more likely to have shorter telomeres. The women with high anxiety had DNA damage similar to being six years older than their actual age! "Many people wonder about whether--and how--stress can make us age faster," said Olivia Okereke, MD, MS, BWH Department of Psychiatry, study author. "So, this study is notable for showing a connection between a common form of psychological stress--phobic anxiety--and a plausible mechanism for premature aging.

Kids' lives improve with physical activity

July 12, 2012

Active kids have a higher quality of life compared to kids who spend hours in front a computer or TV, a recent study found. Researchers from Australia surveyed 2,353 students ages 12-17 years old. Using a pediatric-centered quality of life index, they examined the students' physical, pyschosocial, and emotional well-being in addition to their school performance.

Chiropractic safe for older adults

July 12, 2012

A new case study confirms the safety of chiropractic adjustments for older adults. Adjusting elderly patients necessitates a more gentle, low-force approach.

Jump rope helps prevent osteoarthritis

July 11, 2012

Jumping rope may be more than a fun recess activity for kids; it could stave off osteoarthritis later in life. Children with diabetes who regularly did jump rope or other weight-bearing activities had improved bone mineral density in a new study.

Mothers at risk for back pain

July 11, 2012

Mothers may have an increased risk of back pain from carrying children. In a new small study, 64% of mothers reported pain in the lower back. Researchers from New Zealand asked 25 mothers aged 28-40 years to rate their pain levels as they performed routine tasks.

Vitamin D reduces risk of fractures

July 11, 2012

Vitamin D supplements could prevent brittle bones but many older adults lack sufficient levels of the vitamin. In a recent survey of older adults who sustained fractures, 64% had deficient vitamin D levels and 90% had insufficient calcium levels. High doses of vitamin D could be an important preventative measures for older adults, a new study suggests.

How to lift properly to avoid back pain

July 11, 2012

Improper lifting is frequently the source of acute low-back pain. Health-care workers are at particular risk for developing back pain if their daily routine includes lifting or moving patients.