Weekly Updates
Manual Therapies Helps Patients with Non-Specific Low Back Pain
A systematic review that included 30 randomized-controlled trials concluded that manual therapies—such as spinal manipulation, the primary form of treatment used by doctors of chiropractic—are an effective treatment option for patients with non-specific low back pain, or low back pain with no underlying disease or pathology, like an infection or osteoporotic fracture. Cureus, August 2022…
Read MoreMobilization Helps Knee Osteoarthritis Patients
In this study, researchers observed that Maitland mobilization—a manual therapy provided by doctors of chiropractic—is an effective intervention for improving pain and function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, October 2022 Common Atrial Fibrillation Treatment Appears Riskier for Women Ablation is a surgical procedure that creates scarring…
Read MoreManual Therapies for Post-Operative Elbow Stiffness
For patients with post-operative elbow stiffness, a recent study found that both instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization and muscle energy technique are effective interventions for improving pain intensity, range of motion, and function. Doctors of chiropractic utilize these and other manual therapies when managing musculoskeletal disorders of the elbow and other areas of the body. Journal…
Read MoreManual Therapies Benefit Patients with a Lateral Ankle Sprain
A systematic review of data from three randomized-controlled studies concluded that a combination of manual therapies and specific exercises is more effective for improving range of motion, pain, and function in patients with an acute lateral ankle sprain than specific exercises alone. Doctors of chiropractic often use such an approach when managing an acute lateral…
Read MoreManual Therapy Combo Benefits Migraine Patients
Among a group of 75 migraine headache patients, those treated with a combination of soft tissue and articular manual therapies experienced greater improvements in migraine pain and duration than those who received either soft tissue or articular manual therapy alone. Doctors of chiropractic often use these and other manual therapies when managing patients with a…
Read MoreKeep the Wrist Neutral When Using Power Tools
According to a recent study, using power tools with a non-neutral wrist position can increase pressure on the median nerve, elevating one’s risk for carpal tunnel syndrome. The findings highlight the importance of avoiding prolonged flexed and extended wrist postures when carrying out work and leisure activities. International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, September…
Read MoreBack Pain Risk Factors in Kids
Interviews with 401 fifth grade students revealed that 182 experienced back pain within the previous three months. Further analysis show that the following are risk factors among students in this age group for developing back pain: watching television more than six hours a day; lifting heavy objects with poor posture; using a non-standard, two strap…
Read MorePosterior Shoulder Instability Management
Posterior shoulder instability is a shoulder injury that’s more common among young men who engaged in high-contact sports. A comprehensive review concluded that in most cases, patients with posterior shoulder instability should utilize non-surgical care options for at least six months before considering a surgical procedure. The review notes that care should concentrate on proprioceptive…
Read MoreNeck and Low Back Pain Are Common in Future Dentists
Among a group of 73 dental students whom researchers monitored during their time in dental school, 61.6% developed neck pain and 49.3% experienced low back pain. Interestingly, the risk for low back pain leveled off by their second year, while the risk for neck pain increased throughout their time in dental school. Past research has…
Read MoreAnkle Proprioception and Chronic Low Back Pain in the Elderly
Proprioception is the body’s ability to sense where its various parts are in relation to one another for purposes of movement and balance. Examinations of older adults with and without chronic low back pain revealed that those with chronic low back pain were more likely to have impaired ankle proprioception. The findings suggest a possible…
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