Posts by brady anderson
Smoking and Back Pain
Using data from the UK Biobank study, researchers report that smoking is a risk factor for low back pain. On the other hand, quitting smoking can reduce one’s risk for low back pain over time. Journal of Global Health, November 2023 Detergent Pod Poisoning Still a Threat for Kids Despite the adoption of voluntary industry…
Read MorePosture, Disability, and Chronic Low Back Pain
Among a group of 435 chronic low back pain patients, researchers observed an association between abnormal sagittal (from the side) posture and greater low back pain-related disability. Doctors of chiropractic often address postural faults in the management of chronic low back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders. Spine Journal, November 2023 Global Burden of Smoking on…
Read MoreCommuting Time and Low Back Pain
Using data from the Korean Working Conditions Survey, researchers found that workers whose typical commute exceeds 40 minutes are at elevated risk for low back pain. However, among those who regularly exercise or participate in sports, the risk for low back pain did not increase until the one-hour commute threshold. Industrial Health, November 2023 Shoveling…
Read MoreMonthly Pain Update – March 2024
Herniated Disk Resorption The intervertebral disk is made up of a tough outer annulus fibrosis while the central portion (called the nucleus pulposus) is soft, more liquid-like, giving it a shock-absorbing function. If the integrity of the annulus is compromised, the nucleus pulposus can leak through the torn fibers, which is known as disk herniation.…
Read MoreChronic Neck Pain and Forward Head Posture
A systematic review that included 16 studies found that corrective postural exercises and manual therapies are effective interventions for improving pain and disability in patients with chronic neck pain associated with forward head posture. Doctors of chiropractic often use a combination of manual therapies and specific exercises when managing patients with chronic neck pain. HealthCare…
Read MoreTreatment for Cervical Radiculopathy
A systematic review that included eight studies concluded that neural mobilization is an effective treatment option for mobility, pain, disability, and functional activity in patients with cervical radiculopathy. Doctors of chiropractic frequently use neural mobilization as part of a multimodal approach when managing cervical radiculopathy cases. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, September 2023 One-in-Ten…
Read MoreThe Importance of Proper Diagnosis and Treatment
This case study described a patient with anteromedial leg pain that had been diagnosed as shin splints for ten years. Following a review of the patient’s history and chiropractic examination focused on anatomy, biomechanics, and the peripheral nervous system, the patient received a diagnosis of dynamic stenosis of the left L4-5 intervertebral foramen leading to…
Read MoreNon-Invasive Interventions for Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic condition characterized by pain and tenderness in specific areas of muscles and the connective tissue surrounding muscles. A systematic review that included 40 studies found that manual therapy, laser therapy, shock wave therapy, and ultrasound therapy are effective, non-invasive treatment options for reducing pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, and…
Read MoreMonthly Pain Update – February 2024
Vitamin D Status and Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Vitamin D is an essential nutrient associated with numerous bodily functions, but perhaps vitamin D’s most widely known benefits are those it provides to the musculoskeletal system, namely its roles in bone mineralization and muscle function, both of which are important for reducing the risk for serious fall-related…
Read MoreHamstring Tightness Linked to Neck and Low Back Pain
Examinations of 104 adults under 40 years of age revealed that nearly three-quarters of those with either chronic neck or low back pain reported tight hamstrings in one or both legs. The authors note that hamstring tightness can affect the biomechanics of the spine, increasing the risk for disorders such as low back pain and…
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