Weekly Updates
Posture, Disability, and Chronic Low Back Pain
Among a group of 435 chronic low back pain patients, researchers observed an association between abnormal sagittal (from the side) posture and greater low back pain-related disability. Doctors of chiropractic often address postural faults in the management of chronic low back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders. Spine Journal, November 2023 Global Burden of Smoking on…
Read MoreCommuting Time and Low Back Pain
Using data from the Korean Working Conditions Survey, researchers found that workers whose typical commute exceeds 40 minutes are at elevated risk for low back pain. However, among those who regularly exercise or participate in sports, the risk for low back pain did not increase until the one-hour commute threshold. Industrial Health, November 2023 Shoveling…
Read MoreChronic Neck Pain and Forward Head Posture
A systematic review that included 16 studies found that corrective postural exercises and manual therapies are effective interventions for improving pain and disability in patients with chronic neck pain associated with forward head posture. Doctors of chiropractic often use a combination of manual therapies and specific exercises when managing patients with chronic neck pain. HealthCare…
Read MoreTreatment for Cervical Radiculopathy
A systematic review that included eight studies concluded that neural mobilization is an effective treatment option for mobility, pain, disability, and functional activity in patients with cervical radiculopathy. Doctors of chiropractic frequently use neural mobilization as part of a multimodal approach when managing cervical radiculopathy cases. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, September 2023 One-in-Ten…
Read MoreThe Importance of Proper Diagnosis and Treatment
This case study described a patient with anteromedial leg pain that had been diagnosed as shin splints for ten years. Following a review of the patient’s history and chiropractic examination focused on anatomy, biomechanics, and the peripheral nervous system, the patient received a diagnosis of dynamic stenosis of the left L4-5 intervertebral foramen leading to…
Read MoreNon-Invasive Interventions for Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic condition characterized by pain and tenderness in specific areas of muscles and the connective tissue surrounding muscles. A systematic review that included 40 studies found that manual therapy, laser therapy, shock wave therapy, and ultrasound therapy are effective, non-invasive treatment options for reducing pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, and…
Read MoreHamstring Tightness Linked to Neck and Low Back Pain
Examinations of 104 adults under 40 years of age revealed that nearly three-quarters of those with either chronic neck or low back pain reported tight hamstrings in one or both legs. The authors note that hamstring tightness can affect the biomechanics of the spine, increasing the risk for disorders such as low back pain and…
Read MorePoor Ergonomics Linked to More than 100 Million Low Back Pain Cases Annually
An analysis of global datasets suggests that poor work ergonomics may contribute to more than 126 million cases of low back pain each year, leading to $216.1 billion in productivity losses and $47 billion in healthcare costs. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, October 2023 Most Americans Unaware of Harmful PFAS Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl…
Read MoreNearly a Third of Adults Have Shoulder Pain
Among a group of 1,128 middle-aged adults, 31.4% reported experiencing shoulder pain within the previous month. Further analysis revealed that those whose work activities included physical or heavy manual labor were 66% more likely to have shoulder pain. Doctors of chiropractic frequently treat patients with shoulder pain using a multimodal approach that combines manual therapies…
Read MoreTreatment for Kneecap Pain
Among a group of 25 people with patellofemoral pain syndrome, those treated with soft tissue mobilization twice a week for four weeks experienced improvements in knee pain and function that persisted after the conclusion of care. Doctors of chiropractic are trained in a variety of manual therapy techniques, including soft tissue mobilization, in the management…
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