Do you ever experience neck stiffness or pain with your headaches? Recent research suggests that neck and head pain are more related than you think. One study examined whether headaches and cervical spine impairment were linked in patients with head pain. Of the patients evaluated, 90% had cervicogenic headaches, or headaches linked to neck pain.
Read MoreA recent study suggests that chiropractic can help patients with arthritis suffering from neck pain. The case study included ten older adults with atlanto-axial arthritis. This condition occurs when a subluxation of the alanto-axial joints in the neck causes reduced range of motion and pain in the neck, back of the head, and over the eye.In the study, the patients were treated by a chiropractor with a combination of mobilization device therapy and chiropractic neck adjustments. By the end of treatment, radiologic imaging revealed that 60% of patients had restored alignment of the alanto-axial joints.
Read MoreMany patients seeking chiropractic care complain of neck pain. However, there has been little research to determine which patients respond more favorably to this treatment.
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Imagine what happens when you injure your neck in an auto injury... Your muscles contract, there's a burst of pain, and a soreness that makes you want to avoid moving your neck too much or turning too far. You may worry about re-injuring yourself or you may think, "I could do more harm than good by moving my neck." Unfortunately, not moving your neck after an auto injury can actually be worse for your recovery, especially for people after a car accident.
Read MoreNeck pain is very common, affecting an estimated 70% of people at some point during their lifetime. While there are many potential treatments available, there is little research regarding their comparative effectiveness.
Read MoreSuffering from a combination of neck pain and sciatica may prove more debilitating than back pain alone. Although previous research has examined the economic impact of back and neck pain on employees, most studies have evaluated each condition separately. To assess the combined impact of multi-site spinal pain, Finnish researchers surveyed 6, 934 municipal employees. 15% of women and 23% of men suffered from low-back pain, sciatica, or neck pain. While having at least one type of pain increased participants' risk of sick leave, suffering from multiple types of spinal pain exacerbated that risk.
Read MoreWhen it comes to dealing with chronic neck pain, there are many drug-free options available. But which offer the most effective neck pain relief? To answer that question, a team of researchers compared traditional Chinese massage to a specific technique known as Long's manipulation which incorporates spinal manipulation with traditional Chinese massage. Traditional Chinese massage (TCM) involves applying several different pressure-based techniques to relieve pain.
Read MoreChronic pain in the neck and low back can cause a host of lifestyle problems and health complications. A retrospective study has shown that chronic back and neck pain can lead to sleep impairment as well. Researchers in Germany evaluated 1,016 patient records from an orthopedic department at a university hospital. All the patients had consulted orthopedic doctors with chronic neck pain or chronic low back pain.
Read MorePreteens may experience headaches and neck pain far more often than their parents would expect. A Swedish study of 131 students ages 10-13 years old compared the spinal health of students with and without pain.
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A study from the prestigious medical journal The Annals of Internal Medicine reports that chiropractic is more effective for neck pain than medication. In the study, 272 patients with acute or subacute neck pain were given one of three treatments: medication, exercise with the advice of a health practitioner, or chiropractic care. After 12 weeks of treatment, patients in the chiropractic and exercise groups experienced the most pain reduction.
Read MoreA new study showed that combining chiropractic cervical and thoracic spinal adjustments led to significant improvements in 94% of patients with neck pain. Chiropractors have a range of techniques at their fingertips, and research continues to investigate whether certain techniques are more effective than others for relieving neck pain. Often patients with neck pain exhibit dysfunction not just within the cervical spine in the neck, but in the thoracic spine in the upper back. For this reason, some chiropractors apply thoracic spinal adjustments in addition to cervical spinal adjustments when treating patients with neck pain.
Read MoreCountless studies have pointed to the benefits of exercise for recovering from spinal injuries like whiplash. But is staying physically active enough to combat minor auto injuries? A new study sought to answer that question by comparing general exercise to therapist-led interventions for whiplash. The study included 216 patients with chronic whiplash-associated disorders.
Read MoreNew research shows that spinal adjustments can result in immediate improvements in cervical joint function. A new study from Korea Nazarene University shows that cervical manipulation, also called neck adjustments, can significantly improve joint position sense, which may improve neck mobility in patients with neck pain or whiplash. Joint position sense is a major component of proprioception, or the body's awareness and ability to control your limbs without looking at them.
Read MoreA considerable amount of research has focused on assessing risk factors for developing long-term disability as a result of neck pain. However, knowledge is still lacking regarding disability in neck-pain patients receiving specialist treatment.
Read MoreHeadache is reported in 90% of auto injury patients, and there are many different possible causes. Cervicogenic headaches are probably the most common after a car crash. Cervicogenic means "originating in the neck" and these headaches are caused by irritation of the nerves that travel through the head and neck.
Read MoreJaw or temporomandibular joint pain is common after an auto injury, even when there is no direct trauma to the jaw. The condition can be confusing to health-care providers, since oftentimes the jaw symptoms don't appear immediately after the injury, sometimes developing weeks or even months later. New research over the last 10 years suggests that jaw pain after an auto injury actually originates in the neck. When your neck is injured, the pain signals travel from the spine to your brainstem.
Read MoreWhile multiple studies show chiropractic is effective for neck pain, how long can patients expect to see improvements after starting chiropractic treatments can vary widely. Previous research has analyzed the prognosis of patients with neck under chiropractic care, but a literature review from 2008 sought to determine to what extent a single session of manual therapy achieves in reduce neck pain.
Read MoreRecurrent neck pain and headaches are among the most commonly occurring types of pain during childhood and preadolescence. Despite its prevalence, many parents underestimate the extent of their children's head and neck pain.
Read MoreMany people know chiropractic care is an effective treatment for adults, but did you know it can also be a powerful pediatric treatment? A recent study demonstrates just how much chiropractic care can benefit children and adolescents. One twelve year-old boy suffered from vertigo, neck pain, and migraines so much that he was forced to miss over half of his school days for the past several years. In this study, the boy began visiting a chiropractor 3-4 times a week and later, once a month. After the first week, the boy stopped experiencing migraines and neck pain completely.
Read MoreSpinal manipulation therapy is a widely-accepted method for treating back pain, neck pain, and headaches. Although previous studies have pointed to the safety of chiropractic neck adjustments, there has been some concern about the effect of the forces applied during spinal manipulation of the neck.
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Suffering from neck pain? Try striking some Pilates poses. A new pilot study suggests that Pilates could be beneficial for patients with chronic neck pain. In the study, researchers enrolled 13 patients with neck pain into a Pilates program with guided poses aimed at addressing neck symptoms.
Read MoreA recent study shows that not only are neck adjustments safe for the elderly, they're extremely effective for neck pain when combined with exercise. Although earlier studies have shown the benefits of chiropractic for neck pain, there have been no randomized clinical trials on the treatment specifically for the elderly. The study, published in The Spine Journal, included 241 patients over the age of 65 years who suffered from persistent neck pain.
Read MoreNew research showed that chiropractic led to significant improvements for 94% of neck-pain patients, but how do chiropractic techniques compare to other conservative treatments in the management of neck pain? To answer that question, it's helpful to look back at an important study from 2003 published in the British Medical Journal. The study compared various conservative treatments and concluded that manual therapy was the most cost-effective option for neck pain. Researchers from the Netherlands were interested in evaluating not only the costs associated with manual therapy but how efficiently manual therapy delivered relief compared to other treatments. They randomly assigned 183 patients with acute neck pain to receive care from manual therapists (MT), physiotherapists (PT), or general practitioners (GP).
Read MoreChronic neck pain is typically treated with specific methods that focus on the affected area, thereby decreasing the level of tenderness and increasing range of motion. However, News Medical recently reported that a new study published in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases suggests that treating the whole body via regular physical exercise may bring about better results. The Research Researchers set out to discover whether level of physical fitness or status of mental health (via depression and anxiety) has any effect on persons with chronic neck pain.
Read MoreMassage therapy can reduce chronic neck pain when done by a professional for the right length of time, a new study shows. The findings suggest that 60-minute sessions are better than 30-minute sessions, and that patients need to receive the treatment multiple times a week to experience the best results. Chronic neck pain is a widespread problem, and is most commonly caused by car accidents, computer work, awkward sleeping positions, and aging.
Read MoreWith the end of summer just around the corner, here's something to consider when you're shopping for school supplies: how heavy is your child's backpack? Weighty backpacks have received increasing attention in recent years as the persistent cause of back, neck, and shoulder problems in kids. Research suggests that children with back pain often develop chronic symptoms lasting into adulthood, making it all the more important to tackle back and neck pain early in life. Current guidelines recommend that backpacks shouldn't exceed 10-15% of a child's body weight.
Read MoreImmediately after an auto collision, it's common for people to wait to get treatment. Most people think, "I'll just wait to see how I feel next week." This approach can be a mistake. A number of scientific studies show that when a patient gets early treatment soon after a crash, they have better outcomes than those patients who wait. During a crash, the tissues of your neck can be stretched or torn.
Read MoreThoracic outlet syndrome is felt as numbness, tingling, pain or decreased circulation in the shoulders, arms or hands. The thoracic outlet is a bottleneck where an important bundle of nerves and blood vessels travel between the head and arm. The space is narrow and injury to the neck can cause inflammation of the muscles in the area, which can compress the nerves and result in symptoms. Because the neck is complex, it can be tricky pinpointing the exact source of your pain, and other conditions can mimic the symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome. If you have symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome after an injury, we might be able to help.
Read MoreThe generation of Facebook and smartphones is starting to suffer from the tolls of a sedentary life. New research suggests that almost third of people under the age of 35 experience persistent back and neck pain. A new study, conducted on behalf of the British Chiropractic Association, showed that 65% of people aged 16-34 years old have suffered from back or neck pain, and 28% experienced the pain for over a month. According to the BCA, many chiropractors have begun to notice an increasing number of young people suffering from neck and back pain, and they suspect a sedentary lifestyle is largely to blame. The growing prevalence of musculoskeletal problems doesn't just stem from more time on Twitter and iPads however.
Read MoreOn average, how many minutes a day do you think you spend on your smartphone texting, checking your email, playing games, or searching one of your many downloaded apps? Ten? Twenty? Sixty? More? A recent study from the Journal of Behavioral Addictions that has found that young woman typically spend 10 hours daily engaged with their cell phones. No, that isn't a typo.
Read MoreMost people who work at a desk are familiar with the aching sensation that arises in your neck, back, and shoulders after a few hours of computer work. As you expose your body to the stresses of work day after day, those initial symptoms can turn into persistent pain and diminished function. Office workers frequently develop myofascial trigger points, or hyperirritable nodules of pain and sensitivity located in a taut band of muscle fibers.
Read MoreA 2011 case study suggests that chiropractic adjustments may alleviate chronic dizziness associated with neck pain.1 A 29 year old man had been suffering from cervicogenic dizziness for 10 years. His dizziness developed in his 20s after a lifetime of neck and back pain as a result of an auto accident he'd been in as child.
Read MoreAccording to a recent study, patients treated with chiropractic adjustments experienced a 50% reduction in the number of cervicogenic headaches they experienced. Cervicogenic headaches are non-throbbing, steady headaches felt at the back of the head, with pain extending downwards through the neck and between the shoulder blades. Some patients also experience dizziness.
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Chiropractic care may minimize missed worked days for back and neck pain, according to recent research. In a new survey, chiropractic patients tended to miss fewer work days compared to patients who hadn't seen a chiropractor. The survey included 651 Minnesotan workers with neck and back pain. Many employees admitted their pain caused them to make mistakes or stay home from work. Employees who had not seen a chiropractor were twice as likely to miss work compared to those under chiropractic care. This adds to a previous study in which chiropractic patients had an average of 58% fewer disability days than medical patients. Chiropractic care can provide efficient, effective relief to get you back to working free of pain. Reference Cifuentes M, Willetts J, Wasiak R.
Read MoreWhen many people think of chiropractic, they imagine a doctor that takes care of the back. But chiropractors also successfully treat a variety other conditions, including headache. Often, the cause of headaches originates in the spine.
Read MoreSpinal mobilization is more effective than massage therapy for relieving cervicogenic headache pain, according to a new study. Cervicogenic headaches originate with a dysfunction in the cervical spine, or the neck region. Patients experience throbbing headaches at the base of the skull, with pain emanating down their neck and upper back, and sometimes above the eyes.
Read MoreA recent case study suggests that chiropractic adjustments may alleviate chronic dizziness associated with neck pain.1 A 29 year old man had been suffering from cervicogenic dizziness for 10 years. His dizziness developed in his 20s after a lifetime of neck and back pain as a result of an auto accident he'd been in as child.
Read MoreMassage therapy is beneficial for shoulder and neck pain, but is no more effective than other active, conservative treatments, according to a new study. Massage therapy has long been one of the most popular alternative treatments, with ancient references to massage dating back to 2700 BC in China. Despite its popularity, few studies have examined the efficacy of massage therapy alone for neck and shoulder pain.
Read MoreLearning the risk factors of sciatica can help you minimize your risk of developing it. A recent study sheds light onto what makes you more likely to develop sciatica. The study evaluated 5261 participants aged 40-60.
Read MoreMany patients with whiplash are told to wear a neck brace after an auto accident. But a growing body of research suggests that neck braces, called cervical collars, can actually do more harm than good. Patients with whiplash have a better chance of recovery without cervical collars, a new study shows.
Read MoreDizziness is a common complaint after auto injury, affecting between 15-25% of patients with whiplash. Within the neck are tiny sensory receptors called muscle spindles working with a number of reflexes to stabilize the head and eyes.
Read MoreResearch suggests that chiropractic patients have fewer disability days for back pain compared to patients under conventional care. Despite the efficacy of chiropractic for musculoskeletal conditions, many workers don't see a chiropractor because they're unaware of their insurance coverage or the low costs of chiropractic treatments, according to a new survey from ChiroCare. Many of these same workers also admitted to missing work days or making mistakes on the job due to their chronic pain.
Read MoreBotulinum toxin, otherwise known as Botox, is being used by some medical professionals to do more than just smooth the appearance of wrinkles. The chemical inhibits the release of acetylcholine (ACh), an ion in the nervous system that increases skeletal muscle activity.
Read MoreNow more than ever, kids are spending an increasing amount of time sitting in front of computer screens as they surf the web, check Facebook, watch YouTube, or complete school work. All that tech-time is taking a toll on teens however, as recent research shows that kids who spend too much time sitting are at risk of developing neck and back pain.
Read MoreWhiplash injuries are an expensive and painful problem in the US. Experts estimate that we spend $29 billion per year in treating the pain and disability that can result from a rear-end collision. But there are steps you can take to protect yourself from whiplash injury.
Read MoreTrigger point therapy reduced cervicogenic headache pain by 71% for patients in a new study. The patients also experienced a 59% reduction in neck pain symptoms, as well as improved range of motion and muscle function. Trigger point therapy is a treatment commonly used by chiropractors to relieve trigger points (TrPs), or hyperirritable spots of pain located in taut bands of skeletal muscles.
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Although most people dream of being financially secure in their older years, sadly, this isn't turning out to be the case. In fact, the National Council on Aging reports that more than 25 million of our nation's 60+ year olds are considered "economically insecure" as they're living at or below the federal poverty level, which is just under $30k a year. Ultimately, this often means having to decide which bills get paid first, which ones don't get paid at all, and what things they can go without.
Read MoreMany headaches arise from cervical musculoskeletal disorders. Often, conservative therapies are recommended as the first treatment for cervicogenic headache, but it was previously unclear which treatments were the most effective.
Read MoreHeadaches are very common, there are many types and just as many causes. Because of this, a headache can be a mild irritant to one person but debilitating to another.
Read MoreIn this age of mobile devices and smartphones, more and more patients are being diagnosed with neck pain associated with looking down at a screen. Studies have shown that young people are at increased risk of back and neck pain due to overuse of devices.
Read MoreWhen you're not feeling the greatest due to back or neck pain, one of the last things you want to do is go to your medical doctor. Sure, you want to feel better, but the mere act of getting yourself showered and dressed, the travel time, and the long wait for the doctor to finally see you. That's not to mention all of the germs that you could be exposed to while there by other patients who've caught the latest bug.
Read MoreIndividuals diagnosed with Bell's palsy (which is characterized by paralysis of facial nerves, usually on one side of the face that results in a drooping effect) often have limited options when it comes to treatment. Some are medicine-based with the use of steroids and antivirals, others involve the use of electrical stimulation or low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and still others require manipulation of the body via osteopathic techniques, acupuncture, and chiropractic care to improve the function of the nerves. So, which methods offer the most help and hope for those who are diagnosed with this particular condition? One research study suggests that it is a mixture of chiropractic care and LLLT and they have a case study to prove it. The Case Study Lisa M.
Read MoreA new pilot study suggests that massage therapy could help to improve neck symptoms in patients with cervicogenic headache. Although massage therapy has previously been shown to help migraine, little research has examined the effects of massage on this specific headache type. Cervicogenic headache is caused by impairments in the cervical spine, or neck, which results in pain at the base of the skull, in the face, neck, and upper back.
Read MoreMany people with migraine headaches rely heavily on pharmaceuticals to manage the pain. But migraine medication comes with a long list of side effects, including vomiting, dizziness, nausea, and even more headaches if the medication is overused. Fortunately, there are natural treatments available to relieve migraines without the negative effects of medication.
Read MoreIt's well-known that chiropractic is effective for a variety of pain conditions, but over the last few years, more and more studies have found that chiropractic can also help us improve our overall health. Some of these recent studies have shown that chiropractic can alter immune function, affect heart rate, and even reduce blood pressure.
Read MoreCritical-care nurses are at greater risk of musculoskeletal injuries than many other occupations, and it isn't hard to see why. Handling and lifting patients of various sizes is bound to put strain on the muscles in the low-back, neck, shoulder, and arms.
Read MoreMany parents of children suffering from headaches and neck pain have considered chiropractic treatments. Previous research has confirmed that chiropractic care is safe for children.
Read MoreMainstream medical treatment of migraine headache relies heavily on using pharmaceuticals to manage and control migraine pain. But medications can come with a slew of side effects like nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and even more headaches from medication overuse. Fortunately natural remedies exist that can ease migraine without the adverse effects of drugs.
Read MoreHave you noticed new aches and pains as you grow older? If so, you may subscribe to the common belief that back pain becomes more prevalent with age. While elderly people do face an increasing risk of many ailments, a recent literature review showed that back pain may not be one of them. The systematic literature search involved 12 studies of back pain conducted between 2000 and 2011.
Read MoreAtlantoaxial osteoarthritis is a condition causing severe neck pain and reduced range of motion. Some cases are degenerative, while others occur following trauma.
Read MoreNearly half of all veterans suffer from back pain, and many are affected by other musculoskeletal conditions like neck pain and spinal injuries.1 In combat, the impact of a high-velocity artillery round or improvised explosive device can cause a spinal injury in an instant. For many soldiers though, musculoskeletal pain isn't caused by a specific combat injury, it develops with the daily demands of deployment; hours of lugging heavy equipment, walking long distances, and other grueling physical tasks take a toll on soldiers' bodies. Research from John Hopkins School of Medicine found that musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders are now the number one cause of medical evacuations from Iraq and Afghanistan, not combat injuries.2 After deployment, soldiers are often forced to reintegrate into civilian life even as they struggle with the lingering effects of musculoskeletal pain and posttraumatic stress. Fortunately, chiropractic care can offer an effective, conservative treatment for veterans with back and neck pain.
Read MoreThe cause of migraines is still somewhat a mystery. Scientists have found a number of neurological and even genetic factors at play in regard to these often life-altering headaches, but haven't yet identified a primary cause.
Read MoreUp to 50% of whiplash patients report an incomplete recovery, and around 30% of patients continue to be moderately or severely disabled two to three years after the initial injury. With a significant number of patients developing chronic problems, ongoing research has sought to identify what factors put patients at risk for persistent symptoms. Some research has suggested that those with a prior history of neck pain are more likely to develop chronic symptoms after whiplash, and researchers from Sweden sought to see whether this trend was reflected in rates of healthcare utilization.
Read MoreThoracic Outlet Syndrome, or TOS, is a rare condition involving the thoracic outlet, which is the area between the collar bone and rib cage. Blood vessels and nerves passing through this area can become compressed, causing symptoms including neck and shoulder pain, numbness in the fingers, and a weak grip.
Read MoreMany people find back-pain relief with chiropractic but predicting the course of recovery for each individual patient can be difficult. One patient may respond favorably within a few appointments while another may require longer periods of rehabilitation.
Read MoreLow-back pain is frequently the source of missed playing time and disability in athletes. While a wide-range of treatment options exist, it can be difficult to discern which therapies will enable you to return to play as safely and as quickly as possible. A recent study sought to determine which treatment option was the best for athletes with back pain.
Read MoreAn estimated 11-28% of adults suffer from chronic dizziness --a never-ending feeling of spinning, unsteadiness, and disorientation. These symptoms are common in patients with headache, neck pain, and whiplash-associated disorders. Fortunately, a growing body of research suggests that manual therapies like chiropractic can reduce cervicogenic dizziness. This specific type of dizziness is believed to originate in the cervical spine or neck.
Read MoreNew research shows the chiropractic can produce clinically significant reductions in pain for patients with cervical disc herniation. Often patients with neck pain experience tingling, numbness, and pain emanating from their neck down the arm. These symptoms are characteristic of cervical radiculopathy or radicular pain.
Read MoreMany patients suffer from host of symptoms after an auto collision: neck pain, whiplash, headache, and even jaw pain. Studies show that patients with whiplash frequently develop temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), or dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint, located in the jaw.
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The late Baseball Hall of Famer Casey Stengel once said, "The trick is growing up without growing old." If you're over the age of 65 (which roughly 13 percent of the United States population is), you've likely pondered this same notion at least once in your life as newly released information published by PLOS One reveals that this particular age group has many complaints when it comes to the aging process. In this study, 7,285 individuals 75 years of age and older indicated that they experienced issues with walking, standing, seeing clearly, cognitive function, pain, weakness, and more. Additionally, the more complaints a person had, the lower their functional outcomes and quality of life. Since the number of seniors is expected to rise from roughly 13 percent of the population to over 20 percent by the year 2050, that makes these types of issues a major concern for individuals in this age range.
Read MoreCervical dystonia, also called spasmodic torticollis, is a debilitating neuromuscular disorder that causes the neck muscles to contract involuntarily. These muscle contractions result in abnormal movements, twisting, and positioning of the head and neck, along with significant neck pain and shoulder stiffness.
Read MoreTwo thirds of employees in industrialized nations spend their days sitting in front of a computer at a desk job. All that time hunched over a screen means more people are developing chronic conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or repetitive motion injuries. A new case study highlights how chiropractic care can ease symptoms in people with work-related pain.
Read MoreResearchers have discovered that patients with whiplash injuries may share certain characteristics of those with Achilles tendonosis, which may offer insight into potential new treatments for chronic whiplash pain. The study examined the tendons of patients with whiplash, and found signs of pathological neovascularization, or the development of blood vessels in abnormal tissues, similar to what has been found in patients with Achilles tendonosis. "These findings promise that similar treatments that are now successful with Achilles tendonosis, may be effective in the [whiplash]-painful muscle insertions of the neck," wrote researchers from in Sweden and Nova Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine in Florida. Whiplash injuries occur when the body is subjected to shear forces which stretch, strain, and sometimes tear the ligaments, tendons, and structures of the neck, also called the cervical spine.
Read MoreFor many years, it has been known that chiropractic adjustments can treat a variety of conditions. Now, evidence is mounting that chiropractic care can also improve overall health.
Read MoreIf you spend your days in an office, you're probably familiar with the aches and pain that come with long hours of computer work. A new study showed that up to 89% of office workers suffer from some sort of musculoskeletal pain; whether that be in the neck, back, shoulders, wrists, or knees. Although this pain can start as a dull ache at work, if left unaddressed, it may develop into a repetitive motion injury or other serious disorder.
Read MoreUp to half of all whiplash patients are plagued with chronic symptoms, and ongoing research seeks to identify affordable, effective methods of preventing chronic pain. The standard treatment for whiplash often includes comprehensive, long-term physical therapy.
Read MoreInstead of depending on pain medications to get you through the day, try one of these drug-free headache treatments for relief. Chiropractic Adjustments: Research shows neck adjustments can decrease disability and pain in many patients with cervicogenic headache, and reduce the frequency of migraine headaches. Ginger: In one study, ginger supplements were found to be as effective as sumatriptan for decreasing the severity of a migraine attack. As an added bonus, the patients taking ginger didn't experience any unwanted side effects. Butterbur: A review from the American Academy of Neurology concluded that supplements of a flower called butterbur are effective for preventing migraine, whereas non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were only categorized as "probably effective." Exercise: Women who exercised for 40 minutes three times per week had the same reductions in migraine pain as women taking an anti-seizure medication called topiramate in a 2011 study. Massage Therapy: Massage therapy can help to relieve neck symptoms in patients with cervicogenic headache, according to one new study.
Read MoreHere are the top 10 chiropractic research studies of 2013. 1. Immediate Benefits of Chiropractic Visible on MRI: For the first time, researchers used MRI to document changes in spinal gapping immediately after a chiropractic adjustment. 2.
Read MoreA 20-minute daily yoga session could boost your brain power. In a new study from the University of Illinois, researchers found that people had improved working memory and inhibitory control after a single 20-minute yoga session. Earlier research has shown that aerobic exercise can improve people's performance on cognitive tests, and lead author, Neha Gothe and her colleagues sought to understand whether yoga produced the same brain benefits. They asked 30 undergraduate female students to perform either aerobic exercise or yoga for 20 minutes.
Read MoreChiropractic care was significantly better than a sham treatment in alleviating spinal pain for patients in a new study. Although chiropractic is widely used to treat spinal pain, ongoing research seeks to identify and quantify its effectiveness. In a recent study published in the journal Spine, researchers compared chiropractic care to a sham intervention for spinal pain. The study included 183 participants with spinal pain who were randomly assigned to receive either chiropractic or a sham intervention for two weeks.
Read MoreStudies show that chiropractic can reduce musculoskeletal symptoms, and new research is beginning to explain why. Musculoskeletal conditions like back pain and whiplash can affect your body's ability to sense itself and its surroundings. Sensorimotor integration describes how our brain organizes and processes information, allowing it to detect changes in the environment and in ourselves.
Read MoreFor years, older adults have relied on chiropractors to ease their aches and pains, but little is known about the everyday use of chiropractic by seniors, and whether chiropractic can be of benefit in routine care for the elderly. New research shows that chiropractic isn't just helpful for back pain in older adults, it may even protect them from increased limitations in their daily activities. A study from the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics analyzed data from a US national survey conducted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, called the survey on Assets and Health Dynamics among the Oldest Old (AHEAD). Within the AHEAD survey, 1,057 Medicare recipients with back pain were identified for inclusion in the study.
Read MoreMost people with chronic headache depend on medication to get by, but a recent study reminds us of the power of drug-free treatments. Cervicogenic headache is estimated to affect between 20-25% of the adult population, but because the symptoms often mimic migraine and tension-type headache, the diagnosis can be easily overlooked. This headache type is caused by musculoskeletal impairments in the cervical spine, or neck, that cause pain at the base of the skull or above the eyes. Patients also often report dizziness and lightheadedness.
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Rear-end collisions are very common in our suburbs and cities. Traffic is crowded and unpredictable, and crashes are frequent.
Read MoreAuto injury victims have long been accused of faking their symptoms to earn a payout, but a new study shows that in most cases, that accusation is patently false. Researchers from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine found that the vast majority of patients fail to pursue litigation after an auto collision, despite suffering from chronic pain. "In the U.S., if someone develops chronic neck pain or other pain after a car accident, and they go to their doctor or tell their friends, they are often not believed or are viewed with great suspicion, as if their symptoms are not real and they are just trying to sue someone," explained Samuel McLean, MD, MPH, lead author of the study and associate professor of anesthesiology and emergency medicine at the University of North Carolina.
Read MoreOftentimes, getting quality medical care takes money. Money that you either don't have or you had earmarked to go to something else, like food, utilities, or other necessary living expenses.
Read MoreA new case series suggests that chiropractic care could ease musculoskeletal pain in people with multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease that damages the central nervous system. Symptoms vary based on the individual but often included muscle weakness, stiffness, cognitive difficulties, urinary problems, blurred vision, numbness, and tingling.
Read MoreHunching over a computer for hours on end can take a toll on your neck and back. In a recent survey, 60% of office workers reported having pain in at least one area in the shoulder, neck, and back.
Read MoreNearly 1 in 10 adults say joint pain limits their daily activities. The number of adults with arthritis is growing by nearly 1 million every year, according to a new report released from the CDC.
Read MoreNearly half of pregnant women are turning to complementary and alternative medicine, suggests the results of a new study from Australia. Although many women seek natural treatments during pregnancy, few studies had examined the frequency and nature of CAM utilization by pregnant women. In a study of 1,835 women in Australia, 48.1% said they used some form of alternative medicine during their pregnancy, and 52% used CAM products.1 The most common reasons for women to seek alternative treatments were back pain, neck pain, and labor preparation.Fewer women sought CAM for relieving headaches and migraines. Massage therapy was the most used complementary treatment (used by 34.1% of women), followed by chiropractic (16.3%), meditation/yoga (13.6%), and acupuncture (9.5%). "Women are consulting with CAM practitioners most commonly for management of pain-related conditions. This may be due to women's perceptions of CAM treatments as safer ( while being equally effective than conventional pain management," the researchers wrote in a related study.2 The research also showed that the majority of pregnant women who visit a chiropractor are seeking relief of back and neck pain.
Read MoreA recent case study describes the role of chiropractic and conservative treatments in managing a vascular disorder called Paget-Schroetter Syndrome. Paget-Schroetter Syndrome, also called effort thrombosis, is a rare condition that occurs when a blood clot forms inside one of the veins of the upper body, in a process called deep vein thrombosis. The blood clot can be caused by compression of the venous system due to anatomical abnormalities, repetitive trauma, or thoracic outlet syndrome. Despite its rare incidence, Paget-Schroetter Syndrome is considered the most common vascular disorder in athletes.
Read MoreEach year, more parents report that their children suffer from recurrent headaches. Diagnosis and treatment can both pose complications for health-care providers. Some suspect that a portion of these pediatric headaches may be cervicogenic headache, which result from damage in the upper spine and the muscles in the neck, shoulders, and upper back.
Read MoreMany older adults with back pain hesitate to depend on pain medications for managing their symptoms. Although drugs can provide temporary relief, they can carry a number of unwanted side effects and may even complicate treatment plans for aging seniors with multiple health problems.
Read MorePost traumatic stress disorder can raise your risk of suffering from severe symptoms after whiplash, according to new research. A new study found that 25.7% of whiplash patients suffered from posttraumatic stress disorder which negatively influenced their physical symptoms. Earlier research has suggested that PTSD and hypersensitivity to pain may increase the likelihood that a patient develops chronic symptoms after whiplash. However it is still unclear how psychological symptoms impact patients' experiences with pain and disability.
Read MoreAn estimated 70% of adults experience pain in the neck, shoulders, and arms at some in point in life. After back pain, musculoskeletal conditions in the upper quadrant region are the second most common cause of work-related illness. Although research shows that manual chiropractic therapies can be beneficial for many of these conditions, understanding which patients will respond best to specific treatments is more difficult to discern.
Read MoreMillions of people are injured in car crashes each year in the US, and many of these "minor" collisions result in long-term symptoms and disability. In fact, research shows that a significant number of people have pain from a crash even 10-15 years later. Chiropractic is one of the best ways to treat and heal from these types of injuries.
Read MoreScientists have discovered a potential new cause of rheumatoid arthritis: your gut. The microbiota in your gut helps to crowd out infectious germs and digest food.
Read MoreUlnar nerve entrapment is a common cause of arm and wrist pain. The ulnar nerve is one of the three main nerves in the arm, and runs from the neck down the forearm to the hand.
Read MoreThink your 30 minute daily workouts are enough to ward off chronic disease? Think again. Recent research shows that people who sit for most of the day, even if they exercise, have an increased risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and earlier death. While any amount of exercise can reduce your risk of chronic disease, the researchers suggested that it may not be enough to ward off the ill-effects of sitting. "People convince themselves they are living a healthy lifestyle, doing their 30 minutes of exercise a day," explained diabetes researcher Dr.
Read MoreIn the U.S., there are a minimum of 300,000 sport-related concussions per year. If your child is in contact sports, there's a risk of the contact ending up in a concussion.
Read MoreOffering chiropractic care at on-site health facilities could decrease employee medical costs associated with musculoskeletal injuries and headache, suggests the results of a recent study. Musculoskeletal injuries are the most common cause of worker disability in the US, resulting in significant clinical and economic burden. Every year, Americans spend between $84-624.8 billion on treating back pain alone.
Read MoreIf a drop in temperature makes your pain levels soar, you're not alone: many people with chronic pain conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia find that their symptoms worsen during the winter. We don't know exactly why cold weather exacerbates pain but one leading theory blames changes in barometric pressure. As the cold sets in, reduced air pressure causes the tissues within the joints to expand, causing an already inflamed joint to become even more swollen and painful. Although the link between cold weather and chronic pain is still not fully understood, doctors have developed ways to cope with increased pain in the winter. Here are five easy tips for fighting cold weather pain: 1.
Read MoreIt's estimated that between 15-61% of patients continue to suffer from back pain after spinal surgery, and nearly two-thirds of all chronic pain patients suffer from failed back surgery syndrome. While many of these patients are encouraged to have revision surgery, a growing body of research suggests that chiropractic care can improve symptoms without the risks and costs of another operation.
Read MoreEating kale, broccoli, and other cruciferous vegetables could help to prevent the progression of osteoarthritis, a new study from the UK suggests. Researchers from the University of East Anglia found that cruciferous vegetables contain a chemical compound called sulforaphane, which blocks enzymes causing the destruction of cartilage by intercepting a key molecule tied to inflammation. Lead researcher Professor Ian Clark and colleagues also studied the effects of the chemical compound on lab mice with osteoarthritis.
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As we age, the discs in our spine start to naturally break down due to normal, everyday living . This is commonly referred to as disc degeneration and can result in pain in the neck and/or back area--pain that is felt by almost half of the population 40 years of age or older .
Read MoreMany patients with chronic carpal tunnel syndrome are told they need surgery to relieve the pain. While surgical interventions aim to relieve pressure on the irritated median nerve, the treatment may be too narrow in scope for some patients.
Read MoreSeveral recent studies have added to our knowledge of the biological benefits of chiropractic treatments. In 2010, researchers determined that chiropractic treatments can improve the body's response to pain and inflammation. The study involved 10 healthy participants and 10 who had lower back pain lasting at least 3 months.
Read MoreAging can cause a number of aches, pains, and other health issues. For many older adults, the care delivered by chiropractors can be a critical strategy for preventing or managing pain.
Read MoreIn many cases, patients with whiplash injuries report a wide range of symptoms, including headaches, neck pain, leg pain, and widespread pain. This array of symptoms has long confounded doctors, but new research has found a potential explanation for the symptoms. Over the past few years, several studies have found whiplash injuries to cause hyper-excitability of the central nervous system.
Read MoreIf you suffer from chronic headaches, you may be tired of constantly reaching for medications every time the pain begins. Chiropractic care is a safe, powerful alternative with a proven ability to reduce head pain.Headaches are associated with a broad range of causes.
Read MoreMost people think of chiropractic as effective way to treat back pain. While this is true, dozens of medical studies show that chiropractic can alleviate a number of other health conditions, while promoting general health and wellness. Studies show that chiropractic care can: Ease the pain of aging in adults with scoliosis, spinal degeneration, and osteoarthritis in the knee, hip, and hands Heal damaged nerves causing the radiating pain associated with disc herniation, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, and more Decrease pregnancy-related pelvic and back pain Reduce patient reliance on pain medication to manage migraines and cervicogenic headaches Improve recovery from auto injuries like whiplash, neck pain, TMJ disorders, and tinnitus Treat and prevent sports injuries like muscle strains and injuries to the shoulders, back, and lower limbs Soothe symptoms of fibromyalgia But chiropractic can do more than provide pain relief, it can improve your overall health and well being.
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As we get older, many of us begin to develop problems with dizziness and balance. Some research shows that as many as 30% of older adults experience these symptoms.
Read MoreRadicular pain, or radiating pain, is caused by interference or pinching of the spinal nerves. This results in pain, tingling, or numbness in parts of your body far from the actual source of the problem. If your spine is injured, there are a number of things that can affect the nerves and cause pain. Injured ligaments and muscles can cause inflammation of the nerve root, which can disrupt the function of the nerve.
Read MoreResearch conducted by the University of North Carolina, Department of Anesthesiology suggests that it will take you longer to recover from an injury sustained in an auto accident if you are carrying around too much extra weight. This means that losing some of your excess pounds is a necessary, proactive step to not only improve your health, but too reduce your risk of possible injuries that could occur in a future car crash. Their study included 1,000 adults who had checked into an emergency department within 24 hours after a car accident.
Read MoreAcupuncture could be better than a common drug for treating sciatica pain, a recent small study suggests. After three treatments, 57% of acupuncture patients were cured compared to just 27% of patients taking a common pain killer and 20% receiving alkaloid injections. Researchers from China divided 90 sciatica patients into three groups receiving one of three treatments: warming acupuncture, tablets of a common drug called Nimesulide, or injections of a plant-based alkaloid used as a natural anti-shock treatment.
Read MoreLet's face it: cost is an important factor when we're considering our health-care options. We want quality care that works without racking up unnecessary medical bills.
Read MoreAging frequently comes with new aches and pains. Statistics show that while older adults experience back pain more frequently than younger adults, they are less likely to seek medical care for the pain. However, they need not resign themselves to a life of pain.
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Countless studies have demonstrated that chiropractic care is a safe and effective way to treat musculoskeletal complaints like back pain, neck pain, or sciatica. Now a new study from Switzerland has looked at the relative benefits of chiropractic compared to medical care for the most common types of pain issues. In this study, the authors examined data from people who reported spinal, hip, or shoulder pain.
Read MoreMany athletes utilize chiropractic treatments following an injury or a strenuous workout. New research suggests that athletes could also boost their athletic performance through chiropractic adjustments. The study involved 18 professional Brazilian judo athletes.
Read MoreIt seems as if you can't check the news without finding at least one story of a life being lost to drugs. What is perhaps most concerning is that, all too often, the person who succumbed tragically for drug-related reasons is fairly young.
Read MoreAs more of our time is filled with smart phones, tablets, and computer work, a growing number of people are complaining of wrist pain and even carpal tunnel syndrome. Unfortunately, for people whose jobs require them to sit in front of screen all day, it's not a simple matter of decreasing your use to avoid the pain.
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Many studies have found that chiropractic care is a safe and effective treatment method when dealing with a number of spine-related issues. The American Chiropractic Association even lists a number of research studies on their website that show that it is a valuable treatment method for easing (and sometimes completely resolving) back pain, neck pain, headaches, and more. While all of this is good news for professionals that practice in the chiropractic field, some researchers wondered if chiropractic was just as safe for elderly patients as it is for younger patients experiencing these types of problems.
Read MoreMassage therapy may be more effective than exercise therapy alone for multiple sclerosis, according to a new study published in the journal Clinical Rehabilitation. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that involves an immune system attack on the central nervous system (including the spine, brain, and optic nerves). This process disrupts communication within the central nervous system, resulting in an array of physical and mental symptoms.
Read MoreA baby's cries can take more than milk or a diaper change to soothe. Persistent crying could be sign of infant headache.
Read MoreA combination of chiropractic and standard medical care for back pain is better than medical care alone, according to new research from the journal Spine. Chiropractic has been shown to reduce back pain, but few studies have examined the effects of integrating chiropractic into standard care for back pain, particularly in military personnel. To fill this gap in knowledge, researchers from the Palmer College of Chiropractic compared treatment approaches in 91 military personnel with back pain between the ages 18-35 years. All the participants received standard medical care (SMC) for back pain, but half also received additional treatments of chiropractic manipulative therapy (CMT). While both groups improved, the patients receiving standard care combined with chiropractic had significantly better outcomes than those receiving standard care alone. The researchers founds that: Among standard care plus chiropractic patients, 73% reported that their pain was completely gone, much better, or moderately better after treatment compared to just 17% of the SMC group. Average pain scores were significantly lower in chiropractic patients.
Read MoreWith headaches being one of the most common nervous system disorders worldwide, affecting almost 50 percent of the population at least once annually, finding a way to relieve them is important to when it comes to improving quality of life for a large number of people. Certainly there are several different types of headaches--migraines, cluster headaches, and medication-overuse headaches, for instance--and each one requires a unique approach for treatment. According to the Cleveland Clinic, tension headaches, also commonly referred to as stress headaches, are headaches which affect anywhere from 30 to 80 percent of sufferers and are signified by their mild-to-moderate in pain that spreads across the entire head in a sort of band.
Read MoreChiropractic patients are more likely to avoid the need for surgery compared to patients under traditional care for back pain, according to a new study from the journal Spine. The results suggest that patients can benefit from pursuing conservative treatments for lumbar spine conditions prior to resorting to surgery. In the study, researchers sought to understand why certain back-pain patients are more likely to receive a lumbar-spine operation.
Read MoreWe all know physical activity can do wonders for lifting the mood, but new research shows that regular exercise may actually prevent the onset of depression. Although earlier research has demonstrated the positive effects of exercise on mental and physical health, there have been no major literature reviews analyzing the effects of exercise on the risk of depression. Publishing in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, PhD candidate George Mammen conducted the first longitudinal review of the effects of physical activity on mental health. The meta-analysis included 26 years of research including 30 peer-reviewed studies. Even low levels of physical activity like walking or gardening for 30 minutes per day was enough to prevent depression, regardless of age.
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Chiropractic adjustments work by improving the function of your central nervous system. Because of traumas, injuries, or daily stresses and strains, it's common to experience limitations in function or pain that can originate in the spine.
Read MoreEpidural steroid injections must now carry new warning labels about the possible risks of serious adverse events, according to a new FDA announcement issued last week, as reported by Medpage Today. "Injecting corticosteroids into the epidural space of the spine has been a widespread practice for many decades; however, the effectiveness and safety of the drugs for this use have not been established, and FDA has not approved corticosteroids for such use," the agency wrote in a recent safety announcement. After an analysis of the medical literature and its own database, the agency decided that although serious risks of epidural steroids are rare, they are severe enough to require a warning label. Rare serious adverse events include stroke, paralysis, loss of vision, and death. The agency said its new warning is unrelated to an outbreak of fungal meningitis tied to contaminated epidural steroid injections from the New England Compounding Center in 2012-13.The outbreak led to 64 deaths and affected 751 patients who had received the injections for various spinal injections, according to the CDC. Earlier research has questioned the efficacy and safety of epidural steroid injections for the routine treatment of back pain, neck pain, and sciatica.
Read MoreLaser therapy may help patients return to work sooner following whiplash injury, according to a recent study. Low-level laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment used by some chiropractors and other manual therapists to ease musculoskeletal pain. The therapy involves the delivery of the low levels of red and infrared light directly into the injured area.
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A new study from Egypt reports that chiropractic care can be an effective treatment strategy for fibromyalgia treatment with chiropractic care. The study involved 120 people between the ages of 40 and 65 who had suffered with severe fibromyalgia for four years or more. Each person rated their pain as a 4 or higher on a pain scale and also had limited movement in their cervical (neck area) spine, specifically in their C1-C2 area. All of the individuals participating in this study engaged in 12 weeks of therapy which included: An education program (one two-hour session per week) designed to provide the participant with more information about fibromyalgia and available treatment options; Cognitive behavioral therapy (one two-hour session per week) which involved discussion regarding pain management via relaxation exercises, challenging treatment-prohibitive beliefs about fibromyalgia, and positive reinforcement about what types of actions can be taken to ease fibromyalgia symptoms; and An exercise program (three one-hour sessions per week plus 20-minute session twice daily at home) which included relaxation techniques, as well as active and passive stretches. One-half of the individuals were also randomly assigned to a treatment group, which meant that they also engaged in upper cervical chiropractic adjustments.
Read MoreAn estimated 14% of patients treated by chiropractors are 65 and older. This number is expected to rise in the coming years; it is estimated that in the U.S., nearly 20% of the population will be 65 or older by the year 2030. Among older adults, chiropractic care is one of the most frequently utilized forms of alternative or complementary treatments.
Read MoreIt's well-known that exercise can be protective against osteoporosis, and recent research helps to explain why. Women who engaged in regular physical activity showed signs of improved bone health, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. To determine the effects of exercise on bone health, researchers measured levels of two different proteins involved in bone formation.
Read MorePatients new to chiropractic often wonder, "How long will it take to recover from an episode of back or neck pain?" While the answer is highly individual, a team of researchers sought to see whether there were any general trends in how quickly patients recover from back pain when under chiropractic care. A new study published in the Spine Journal examined patients' dose responses to chiropractic adjustments for chronic lower back pain. Dose response helps doctors understand how much of a specific treatment is needed for relief.
Read MoreA new case series suggests that chiropractic can improve symptoms in patients with jaw symptoms due to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). The temporomandibular joint is the joint in the jaw that allows you to open and close your mouth with ease.
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We spend a tremendous amount of money in the United States on back pain. The World Health Organization estimates that we spend as much as $200 billion a year on all of the costs of back pain, including treatment and lost work.
Read MoreCombining chiropractic and acupuncture led to complete headache relief for a patient in a recent case study. Earlier research has shown that chiropractic can effectively ease migraine and cervicogenic headache, and evidence suggests that acupuncture is an effective first-line alternative treatment for migraines.
Read MoreDegenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common complaint among aging adults, and is a frequent source of lower back and neck pain. As we age, the spinal discs separating the vertebrae begin to break down and degenerate, which often causes degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis, and disc herniation. A recent case study highlighted the effectiveness of chiropractic care for an older man with degenerative disc disease.
Read MoreHealth professionals often tout the benefits of exercise for preventing back pain, but should they recommend one form of exercise over another? Will core-stabilizing exercise enhance recovery more than running? Or is any type of physical activity good enough? In a new study from the University of Western Sydney, researchers compared the effects of Pilates and stationary cycling on back-pain treatment. Sixty four people with chronic low-back pain were randomly assigned to participate in a Pilates program or stationary cycling regime.
Read MoreAn estimated 17-58% of schoolchildren suffer from back pain, and a quarter of those kids could go on to develop persistent pain.1-2 Helping children develop healthy habits for preventing back pain could allow them to avoid that fate. A new study of schoolchildren tested the efficacy of an education intervention in improving students' knowledge and behavior of back-pain prevention.3 A week after receiving a lesson on preventing pain, children's scores on a back-pain knowledge test improved by 30%, and their behavior test scores increased by 22%.
Read MoreMany patients rely on pain medications to manage migraines but did you know those medications may actually be causing you more headaches? A recent study found that medication overuse causes daily headaches in 1 in 50 people. Fortunately, there are natural treatment options that don't put you at risk for worsening head pain. Cases studies have suggested that chiropractic is beneficial for migraine treatment in pregnant women and children but a 2000 study was one of the the first randomized, controlled trials assessing the efficacy of chiropractic for migraine. The study involved 127 participants between the ages of 10 and 70.
Read MorePregnancy can be a wonderful time in a woman's life but it can also be the source of significant pain. Conditions like back pain and migraine can make it difficult to sleep and can affect your quality of life.
Read MoreChiropractic care has been proven to be effective at treating back pain, neck pain, and other musculoskeletal issues. But did you know that chiropractic treatments could potentially prevent these injuries from occurring? A 2010 study tested the effects of chiropractic preventive treatments on sixty semi-elite Australian football players.
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According to the World Health Organization (WHO), headache pain is "extremely common," with headache disorders--which are characterized as head pain that is repeated in nature--afflicting as many as one in 20 individuals on a daily or almost-daily basis. An additional one in seven people deal with the king of all headaches: migraines. Another type of headache which can create an amazing amount of throbbing discomfort is a cervicogenic headache.
Read MoreHeadaches are the third most common reason for seeking chiropractic care in the United States. Chiropractors commonly use a variety of treatment modalities to care for patients with headaches, including spinal manipulation, joint mobilization, massage, stretching exercises, and soft-tissue therapies.
Read MoreBack pain and headache are common health complaints among workers in almost every industry, and are responsible for substantial suffering and disability, along with lost productivity. Two recent studies attempted to determine which risk factors are more likely to lead to musculoskeletal pain and headaches among workers. The first study examined office workers with a high degree of computer usage.
Read MoreA new study questions long-held beliefs about one of the most common causes of back pain, lumbar disc herniation. The findings could have major treatment implications by modifying the conventional understanding of how lumbar disc herniation occurs. In the study, researchers found that most cases of lumbar disc herniation are not caused by ruptured discs as previously thought, but by avulsion (separation) of the connective tissue between the spinal bone and disc in a process known as end plate junction (EPJ) failure. "Our study shows that the incidence of EPJ failure has been grossly underrated, probably because of the difficulty of documentation," the researchers wrote. A herniated disc, frequently called a "slipped" disc, occurs when the soft inside of a spinal disc protrudes outside of the tougher exterior due to aging, injury, or degenerative disc disease. In cases of injury, scientists believed the primary mechanism of disc herniation took place when the disc itself ruptured, allowing the soft center to leak out. To test that theory, researchers publishing in the journal Spine studied 181 patients receiving surgery for herniated discs.
Read MoreNumerous studies have found that antioxidants are important to achieving and maintaining maximum health. Put simply, they take their extra electron and use it to stop the chain reaction of free radicals (which create damage by stealing electrons from healthy cells), thereby neutralizing them and providing your immune system the strength it needs to fight off a variety of illnesses, ranging from a simple cold to cancer.
Read MoreA recent literature review concluded that acupuncture is a cost-effective treatment for many chronic pain conditions. Researchers from the UK synthesized findings of 8 studies examining the cost-effectiveness of acupuncture for treating several chronic pain conditions.
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Chiropractic + Shoe Orthotics Can Help Chronic Low Back Pain When one area of the body hurts, it's only natural to seek treatment methods which address that particular area. If your bicep is sore, you wouldn't apply ice or heat to your thigh muscle.
Read MoreHeadache is growing concern in the military, with recent research suggesting that more soldiers are suffering from chronic head pain as result of their service. In one study of 3,621 military personnel who were evaluated within three months of returning from Iraq, soldiers were four times more likely to have migraine than the general population. This increased prevalence of headache in the military is one major consequence of rising concussion rates in soldiers.
Read MoreMedical doctors are increasingly ignoring the recommended guidelines for treating back pain, a new study from the Journal of American Medical Association finds. Researchers from the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston examined records for 23,918 doctor visits related to back pain between 1999 and 2000. They discovered that medical doctors are actually getting worse at employing evidence-based treatments. Current guidelines from the American Medical Association recommend that acute back pain be treated first with conservative, active treatments like chiropractic care and exercise rehabilitation.
Read MoreMinimally-invasive procedures such as epidural steroid injections may not be beneficial for patients with symptoms patterns of fibromyalgia, a new study suggests. The study also found that 42% of patients seeking care for back pain may fit a diagnosis for fibromyalgia, which may explain why they respond poorly to treatments of epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, and other similar procedures. Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) may damage the capability of the central nervous system to process pain. This process, known as central sensitization, causes patients to have a reduced pain tolerance and hypersensitivity to pain. Epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, and medial branch blocks are common treatments for a number of spinal conditions, despite that between 25-45% of patients fail to respond to these treatments.
Read MoreAs rates of prescription painkillers soar, new research from the American Journal of Public Health reveals just how deadly opioids can be. Media reports on these deaths focus on doctor errors and websites selling the drugs, but researchers from McGill University in Canada are finding something else. What they found was that in 2010, prescription painkillers resulted in more than 16,000 deaths in the US, reports Medical News Today.
Read MoreOver 1/3 of adult Americans experience lower back pain at some point in their lives, and nearly 1 in 5 experience it each year, making it important to determine which treatments are most effective. This double-blind study looked at the effectiveness of treating subacute lower back pain (LBP) with chiropractic adjustments when compared to treatment with muscle relaxants or a placebo (sugar pill). The 146 subjects who completed the study were between 21 and 59 years old, with uncomplicated LBP lasting from 2 to 6 weeks at the start of the study.
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