Weekly Updates
Low Back Pain Reduces Productivity
Among 411 academic and administrative employees at a
university, researchers found that although only 2.3% missed work because of low back pain, nearly 1 in 5 continued
working while in pain, which can hinder productivity. The authors suggest that workplace wellness initiatives could
help reduce the burden of low back pain among staff and, in turn, decrease presenteeism. Work, August 2025
How Common Is Back Pain Among Adolescents?
Using data from the Global Burden of Disease
study, researchers estimate that 38 million teenagers—about 1 in 33 teens worldwide—experience a new case of low
back pain each year and at any given point in the year, 19 million have the condition.
Journal of Pain Research, June 2025
Hip Problems May Play a Role in Disabling Low Back Pain
In a study of 79 patients receiving
treatment for severe hip disorders, researchers found that many who also had disabling low back pain experienced
significant improvements in back pain and function after treatment. The findings highlight how dysfunction in one
part of the body can contribute to musculoskeletal problems in neighboring regions. Hip International, June 2025
Headaches Are a Common Reason Patients Seek Chiropractic Care
An analysis of 20 days of visit data from 695 Danish chiropractors found that 12% of all new patient consultations involved headaches, with half of those cases presenting headache as the primary reason for seeking care. Previous studies suggest that chiropractic treatment can reduce the intensity, frequency, and duration of several headache types, including cervicogenic, tension-type, and migraine headaches. Cephalalgia, August 2025
Read MoreUpper Cervical Spine Dysfunction Can Affect Neck and Shoulder Movement
New research suggests that mobility restrictions in the joint connecting the base of the skull to the first cervical vertebra (the atlas) may cause persistent motor control deficits affecting both the neck and upper limbs. Restoring normal motion at this atlanto-occipital joint—through interventions such as chiropractic care—could help improve neck and shoulder mobility. Journal of Integrative Neuroscience, July 2025
Read MoreNeck-Focused Treatment Eases TMD Pain
A meta-analysis of fourteen randomized
controlled trials found that combining manipulative therapies with therapeutic exercises—an approach
commonly used by chiropractors—to address cervical dysfunction in patients with temporomandibular
disorders (TMD) can significantly reduce jaw pain and improve maximum mouth opening.
Journal of Stomatology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, August 2025
Why Some Older Adults Respond More Slowly to Chiropractic Care
While chiropractic care can effectively manage many musculoskeletal disorders—including low back pain—some older patients recover more slowly than others. A recent study found that age itself is not a determining factor; rather, older adults are more likely to present with characteristics linked to delayed recovery, such as higher baseline disability, musculoskeletal comorbidities, poorer self-rated health, and depression.
Read MoreManaging Rotator Cuff-Related Shoulder Pain
For patients with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain, a recent systematic review concluded that a multi-modal approach that includes manual therapies and shoulder-specific exercises is the most effective non-invasive treatment approach for improving pain and function. Journal of Clinical Medicine, July 2025
Read MoreHip Mobility May Contribute to Back-Related Disability
In a study of 1,239 chronic low
back pain patients, researchers found that those with limited hip mobility reported greater back-related disability—even when lower back mobility was unaffected. The findings underscore the importance of a holistic approach to managing musculoskeletal disorders, as factors beyond the area of chief complaint may contribute to the condition and must be addressed for optimal outcomes. European Spine Journal, June 2025
Trends in Modifiable Risk Factors for Low Back Pain
Over the last 30 years, the burden of low back pain attributed to smoking has declined and has nearly been eclipsed by poor metabolic health. However, occupational exposures continue to be a leading cause of low back pain-related disability.
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