Treatment for Chronic Low Back Pain
Among a group of 40 chronic low back pain patients, researchers observed that a single session of myofascial release technique—a manual therapy that involves applying sustained, gentle pressure to the myofascial connective tissue—resulted in immediate improvements in low back pain and flexibility. Doctors of chiropractic often use myofascial release and other manual therapies when managing patients with chronic low back pain. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, March 2025
Microplastics Detected in IV Bags
Experiments conducted by researchers from Fudan University revealed that a standard 8.4-ounce intravenous (IV) fluid bag could deliver about 7,500 microplastic particles—mainly polypropylene from the bags themselves—into a patient’s bloodstream. Microplastic exposure has been linked to several poor health outcomes, including heart disease, stroke, reproductive issues, and cognitive decline. While research is needed to better understand the potential risk for microplastics delivered via IV bags and possibly to develop alternative delivery mechanisms, the authors recommend keeping the bags away from heat and ultraviolet light and possibly implementing filtration systems to reduce the risk for contamination. Environment & Health, March 2025
Is Salt Linked to Stomach Cancer?
According to a recent study, high salt intake is associated with an elevated risk for gastric cancer, even among individuals who typically consume a healthy diet pattern featuring plenty of servings of vegetables. The findings suggest that individuals who may have an increased risk for stomach cancer should monitor their sodium intake. BMC Medicine, November 2024
Any Kind of Exercise Benefits Brain Health
A comprehensive review that pooled data from 133 systematic reviews that included more than 2,700 randomized clinical trials concluded that exercise of any intensity can lead to notable improvements in cognitive function and memory within a short time period, regardless of age. British Journal of Sports Medicine, March 2025
Age of Menopause Onset May Raise Risk for Depression
Following an analysis of data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, researchers report that early menopause (before age 45) is associated with both an elevated risk for depression and worse cognitive performance at age 65 when compared with participants who entered menopause at or after age 50. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, April 2025
Continuous Glucose Monitors Help Those with Diabetes Drive More Safely
Researchers at Nagoya University report that people with diabetes who use continuous glucose monitors to alert them of low blood glucose levels are less likely to experience hypoglycemic episodes while driving, helping to reduce their risk for an accident. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, February 2025
"The greatest virtue of man is perhaps curiosity.”~ Anatole France
This information should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all health care concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a health care professional who is familiar with your updated medical history.