Posts by brady anderson
Neck Pain Affects Walking Ability
Examinations of 14 older adults with chronic neck pain and 36 seniors without neck pain revealed that when walking with head movement, chronic neck pain is associated with a slower, more laborious, and asymmetrical gait. The authors of the study speculate this alteration in walking ability may be the result of structural instability and proprioception…
Read MoreExcess Weight Increases Low Back Pain Risk in Youth Population
A meta-analysis that included 34 studies concluded that obesity is a risk factor for low back pain in children and adolescents. In particular, the research team found that obese kids and teens have a 27% elevated risk for low back pain. International Journal of Obesity (London), January 2024 Short Sleepers at Risk for Type 2…
Read MoreSee a Chiropractor First for Spine Pain
A systematic review that included 44 studies concluded that patients who initially consult with a doctor of chiropractic for spinal conditions are less likely to subsequently receive an opioid prescription or injection, undergo surgery, be hospitalized, visit the emergency room, or be referred to a specialist—all of which results in reduced healthcare expenditures overall. Chiropractic…
Read MoreMonthly Pain Update – April 2024
Daily Living with a Herniated Lumbar Disk While disk herniations in the lumbar spine are fairly common and may resolve on their own or persist without symptoms, if a herniation places pressure on the spinal cord or nerves exiting the spine, the patient may experience radiating pain into one or both legs. While chiropractic care…
Read MoreNeural Mobilization for Neck and Back Pain
A systematic review and metanalysis of data from 39 clinical trials found that neural mobilization is an effective treatment for improving pain and disability in patients with either neck pain or back pain. Doctors of chiropractic frequently use mobilization as part of a multimodal approach for managing musculoskeletal disorders, including neck and back pain. Clinical…
Read MoreSmoking 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…
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