Weekly Updates
Lower Limb Malalignment Linked to Low Back Pain
A systematic review and meta-analysis that included thirteen studies concluded that lower extremity misalignments such as foot pronation, hip internal rotation, and knee internal rotation are associated with an elevated risk for low back pain. Doctors of chiropractic often assess the alignment of the lower extremities when examining a patient with low back pain as…
Read MoreTry Chiropractic First!
An analysis of data concerning 372,471 sciatica patients revealed that those who initially received spinal manipulative therapy—the primary form of treatment provided by doctors of chiropractic—were three times less likely to be prescribed an opioid in the following year than individuals who first consulted with a medical physician. PLoS One, January 2025 Significant Decrease in…
Read MoreAddressing 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.…
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