Weekly Updates
Addressing Trigger Points Improves Low Back Treatment Outcomes
A myofascial trigger point is a hyperirritable spot within skeletal muscle, often associated with chronic pain conditions. In a recent study involving patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain, researchers found that combining spinal manipulative therapy with trigger point treatment resulted in greater improvements in functional disability compared to spinal manipulation alone. Chiropractors are not…
Read MoreTreating Non-Specific Low Back Pain
In a study of 60 patients with non-specific low back pain, those who received a combination of core stability training and myofascial release experienced greater improvements in pain, mobility, and inflammation compared to an exercise-only group. Doctors of chiropractic commonly utilize these and other therapies when managing patients with non-specific low back pain. Technology and…
Read MoreManual Therapies Effective for Several Neck Conditions
An umbrella review of 35 systematic reviews concluded that manual therapies are effective for managing non-specific neck pain, cervical radiculopathy, and cervicogenic headaches. Chiropractors are trained in delivering various manual therapies for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders affecting the neck. Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapeutics, November 2024 Risks Associated with PCOS During Pregnancy Polycystic…
Read MoreDynamic Seat Cushion Lowers Neck and Low Back Pain Risk in Office Workers
In a study of 133 office workers at high risk for neck or low back pain, researchers found that those who used a dynamic seat cushion—designed to encourage subtle movements that engage core muscles, reduce spinal pressure, and improve posture—for six months were significantly less likely to report neck pain (15% vs. 65%) or back…
Read MoreNeck Treatment Helps Musicians with Temporomandibular Disorders
A recent study found that wind instrument musicians with temporomandibular disorders experienced significant improvements in maximal mouth opening, jaw pain, and associated disability when posture training was combined with manual therapies applied to the neck region. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, October 2024 One-in-Four Moms Fall Asleep While Breastfeeding Researchers from the University of…
Read MoreTreatment to Improve Posture Can Benefit Temporomandibular Disorders Patients
A study that included 26 temporomandibular disorders (TMD) patients found that those who received treatment to improve their neck posture—in this case, manual therapy, postural exercises, deep neck flexor stabilization, and Kinesio tapping—experienced significant improvement in the TMD symptoms. The finding adds to a growing body of research linking disorders of the cervical spine and…
Read MoreMobilization Therapy Helps Low Back Pain Patients
Among a group of 39 patients with low back pain, researchers found that mobilization therapy is an effective treatment for reducing pain and improving motor function. Doctors of chiropractic are trained in the use of mobilization and other manual therapies in the management of several musculoskeletal disorders, including low back pain. Journal of Physical Therapy…
Read MoreChiropractic Adjustments Can Help Scoliosis Patients
Among a group of 31 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients, researchers observed that twelve sessions of spinal manipulative therapy and physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises led to greater improvements with respect to spinal curvature, spinal mobility, movement capability, and quality of life than scoliosis-specific exercises alone. Spinal manipulative therapy is the primary form of treatment provided by chiropractors.…
Read MoreThe Effect of Low Back Pain on the Hips and Lower Extremities
A systematic review that included 54 studies found that individuals with non-specific low back pain often exhibit significant reductions in hip range of motion, particularly in internal rotation; weakness in the hip abductor and extensor muscles; and greater involvement of the hamstrings and gluteus maximus during functional activities. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, May 2024 Short Sleep…
Read MoreBenefits of Manual Therapies in Managing Lumbar Disk Herniation
While studies on the effect of manual therapies for musculoskeletal conditions typically focus on outcomes related to pain, disability, or function, a recent study that included 32 lumbar disk herniation patients noted manual therapies may also provide benefits with respect to reduced catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, anxiety, and depression, and increased quality of life. International Journal of…
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