Excess Weight Increases Low Back Pain Risk in Youth Population

obesity in youth

A meta-analysis that included 34 studies concluded that obesity is a risk factor for low back pain in children and adolescents. In particular, the research team found that obese kids and teens have a 27% elevated risk for low back pain. International Journal of Obesity (London), January 2024 Short Sleepers at Risk for Type 2…

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Posture, Disability, and Chronic Low Back Pain

senior citizen

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…

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Commuting 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…

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Hamstring Tightness Linked to Neck and Low Back Pain

hamstring

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…

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Is Poor Knee Balance Linked to Low Back Pain?

Assessments of 49 women, 25 with chronic non-specific low back pain, revealed an association between abnormal knee joint proprioception and chronic non-specific low back pain. The findings demonstrate how abnormal biomechanics in one area of the body may contribute to musculoskeletal disorders in adjacent areas. Journal of Bodyworks and Movement Therapies, July 2023 Steroids Linked…

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Chronic Low Back Pain Can Affect Balance

balance

A systematic review that included 16 studies found that patients with chronic low back pain experience greater postural sway while standing, suggesting that chronic low back pain affects balance. Doctors of chiropractic commonly assess balance in patients with chronic low back pain and can recommend specific exercises to address these deficits. Scientific Reports, May 2023…

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Mid-Back Mobilization Helps with Low Back Pain

chiropractor

Among a group of 24 low back pain patients, researchers observed that the application of mobilization therapy—a form of treatment utilized by doctors of chiropractic—to the thoracic spine led to improvements in both lower back pain and range of motion. Progress in Rehabilitation Medicine, July 2023 Finances Decline in Years Before Dementia Diagnosis A recent…

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Stressful Events and Low Back Pain

lower back pain

An analysis of data concerning 2,930 older men in the Osteoporotic Fracture in Men Study revealed that 57% had experienced a stressful life event—such as the loss of a pet or partner or financial problems—within the previous year. These individuals were 42% more likely to have present low back pain and 56% more likely to…

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Monthly Pain Update – October 2023

The Thoracolumbar Fascia and Chronic Low Back Pain The thoracolumbar fascia is a structure in the lower back that is comprised of layers of densely packed collagen and elastic fibers separated by loose connective tissue that allow the deep stabilizing muscles in the lower back to move independently of the superficial muscles used for twisting…

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