Weekly Updates
Treatment 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…
Read MoreOne-in-Five Children and Adolescents Have Chronic Pain
A meta-analysis of data concerning more than 1 million kids and teens from across 70 countries revealed that approximately 20% suffer from persistent or recurring pain lasting longer than three months, most often linked to musculoskeletal conditions, like back pain. Pain, October 2024 Asthma and Type 2 Diabetes May Be Linked According to a recent…
Read MoreMusculoskeletal Mimics of Lumbosacral Radiculopathy
If a patient experiences pain that radiates into the leg, there are a number of potential causes beyond a disk herniation at the L5 of S1 level. Mimics of lumbosacral radiculopathy include piriformis syndrome, exertional compartment syndrome, and plantar fasciitis. Healthcare providers, including doctors of chiropractic, are trained in differential diagnosis to distinguish a particular…
Read MoreBack Pain Has Less Impact on People Who Exercise
Among a group of 991 low back pain patients, researchers observed that those who engaged in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week—in line with current fitness guidelines—had less intense pain and a lower risk for activity limitations. European Spine Journal, May 2024 Obesity Raises Infection Risk New research suggests that for…
Read MoreImproving Scapular Function May Help Relieve Neck Pain
A recent systematic review and meta-analysis that included eight studies found that scapular dysfunction is often present in patients with chronic neck pain and incorporating therapies to restore normal movement of the shoulder blades may result in greater improvements with respect to the patient’s neck pain. The findings demonstrate the importance of assessing the whole…
Read MoreNeck Pain is Common in Military Personnel
A systematic review that included 16 studies found that neck pain is extremely common among members of the armed services with more than 80% experiencing an episode each year. Further analysis revealed the following risk factors for neck pain in military personnel: poor neck mobility, shoulder pain, low back pain, piloting or crewing aircraft, and…
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