Does Spinal Manipulation Affect Brain Function?
Individuals with chronic low back pain are known to exhibit abnormal brain function in areas of the brain associated with regulating emotions and pain, as well as processing cognitive tasks involving memory formation. In a recent experiment, researchers observed that patients with chronic low back pain experienced improved function in these areas of the brain following the application of spinal manipulative therapy, the primary form of treatment provided by doctors of chiropractic. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, February 2022
Health Alert: Beware of Trucks and SUVs When Going for a Walk. An analysis of single-vehicle pedestrian crashes found that the risk of a pedestrian being killed by a right-turning vehicle was 89% higher for pickups and 63% higher for SUVs than standard cars. These findings suggest the need to examine the visibility designs of larger vehicles to reduce blind spots when making turns. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, March 2022
Diet: Proven Benefits pf Intermittent Fasting. For Care Education and Research notes the following benefits of intermittent fasting (restricting eating to a limited window each day or not eating one or two days a week, for example): weight loss, less inflammation in the body, slows cellular aging, increases fat burning, improves insulin sensitivity, improves mental concentration, increases brain function and health, increases energy, improves heart health, reduces the risk for some cancers, and improves gut health and immune function. Consult with your doctor before starting any diet. For Care Education and Research, March 2022
Exercise: Benefits of Exercise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists the following benefits of exercise: aids in weight loss and weight management; reduces high blood pressure; reduces the risk for type 2 diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and several forms of cancer; reduces arthritis pain and associated disability; reduces the risk for osteoporosis and falls; and reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, March 2022
Mental Attitude: Suicides on the Rise in Preadolescent Children. The National Poison Data System reports that in the last 20 years, suicidal ingestions by children aged 10 to 12 years increased by 450%. When asked about this finding, study co-author Dr. David Sheridan notes, “This study was not designed to look at what is causing this rise or what the factors are… I think the goal is to highlight this is happening, to fuel more research to hopefully get to the bottom of what you're asking, which I think is a really important thing.” JAMA Pediatrics, March 2022
Wellness/Prevention: Preventing Stress Fractures. Stress fractures are small breaks in bones that typically result from overuse from repetitive activities, such as running. To reduce your risk for a stress fracture, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends the following: increase the intensity and duration of workouts slowly, diversify your workout by engaging in cross-training, consume a nutritious diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, wear proper shoes and athletic gear, take a break from exercise if you experience swelling or pain, and see your healthcare provider if symptoms continue. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, March 2022
