Weak Core and Lumbar Lordosis Linked to Low Back Pain Risk

Posture Exercises

Among a group of 27 collegiate dancers, researchers found that those with greater spinal curvature in the lower back (lumbar lordosis) and lower core muscle endurance were more likely to develop low back pain during a four-month time frame. Doctors of chiropractic commonly address abnormal posture and core muscle weakness when managing patients with low…

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Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Can Hinder Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment

knee xray

In this study, researchers observed that patients under treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee with co-occurring lumbar spinal stenosis experienced slower improvement with respect to knee pain than participants without a lumbar spine condition. The findings highlight the importance of examining the whole patient to identify issues outside the area of chief complaint that may…

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Treatment for Myofascial Trigger Points

A myofascial trigger point is a hyperirritable spot found in skeletal muscle that is associated with chronic pain conditions. A systematic review that included 37 studies concluded that manual therapies—such as those provided by doctors of chiropractic—are an effective intervention for reducing pain and pain sensitivity in patients with myofascial trigger points. Clinical Journal of…

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Monthly Pain Update – February 2023

jaw pain

Management Strategies for Jaw Pain Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a common condition characterized by pain and discomfort while chewing, which is estimated to affect about 10% of adults to some degree. As with many musculoskeletal conditions that come on gradually and don’t require emergency care, treatment guidelines recommend conservative care as an initial treatment approach,…

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Managing Non-Specific Chronic Neck Pain

migraine neck

A systematic review and meta-analysis of data from 119 studies concluded that a combination of active and/or passive non-pharmacological interventions—such as those provided by a doctor of chiropractic—is an effective approach for the management of non-specific chronic neck pain. Journal of Physical Therapy, October 2022 Why Children May Learn Quicker Than Grownups Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)…

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Neck Pain Common After Sports Collisions

sports collision

A recent study found that a third of high school athletes who experience a sport-related collision report acute neck pain, and these individuals tend to experience more concussion-related symptoms. The authors conclude that concussed athletes with neck pain should be screened for injury to the neck. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to assess patients with…

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Managing Low Back Pain

Lower Back Pain

According to a study the included 32 patients with low back pain, a treatment plan that includes stabilization exercises, patient education, and manual therapies—an approach commonly used by doctors of chiropractic—is effective for improving range of motion in lumbar spine and reducing low back-related pain, pain sensitivity, and disability. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation,…

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Managing Cervicogenic Dizziness

Dizziness

A systematic review and meta-analysis that included 13 studies concluded that the combination of exercise therapy and manual therapy—an approach commonly used by doctors of chiropractic—is effective for managing dizziness that originates from dysfunction in the cervical spine. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, October 2022 Common Pain Relievers May Make Arthritic Knees Worse An…

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Ankle Joint Mobilization Improves Motion and Balance

ankle mobilization

A systematic review and metaanalysis that included nine studies concluded that ankle joint mobilization—a treatment provided by doctors of chiropractic—is an effective intervention for improving dorsiflexion range of motion and dynamic balance in patients with chronic ankle instability. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, September 2022 Bacteria Cause 1 in 8 Deaths Worldwide In 2019,…

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Monthly Pain Update – January 2023

car crash

Whiplash-Related Dysphagia The rapid acceleration/deceleration of the head and neck that occurs during a whiplash event can injure the various soft tissues of the head and neck, leading to a cluster of symptoms referred to as whiplash associated disorders (WAD). While features of WAD like neck pain and headache are well known, there are other…

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