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Showing episodes and shows of
William Holdsworth
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Pain Relief Chiropractic
Whiplash and Mid-Back Pain – How Can This Happen?
Research regarding whiplash or whiplash associated disorders (WAD) classically focuses on neck pain; however, the data show acute thoracic spine / mid-back pain (MBP) occurs in 66% of WAD injures with 23% still complaining of MBP at one-year post-injury. It’s easy to visualize how the cervical spine or neck can be injured in an automobile collision (or sport-related collision or a fall) as the head, which weighs an average or twelve pounds, whips back and forth in a “crack-the-whip” like manner, often well beyond the normal, physiological range of motion. This same stretching (eccentric loading) followed by compression (concentric loadin...
2020-09-10
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Treatment on the Wrist for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
When treating patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), doctors of chiropractic can employ a variety of options to reduce pressure on the median nerve. While this can include dietary recommendations (to reduce inflammation), adjustments to address dysfunction elsewhere along the course of the median nerve, or even working with other healthcare providers to manage conditions that contribute to CTS (like diabetes), treatment will often focus on the wrist itself. One such approach is referred to as neurodynamic techniques, or mobilization. In a study involving 103 patients with mild-to-moderate CTS, those who received treatment twice a week for ten...
2020-09-09
06 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Multi-Modal Care for Whiplash Patients
The term whiplash associated disorders (WAD) describes a constellation of symptoms that includes (partial list) pain, stiffness/limited motion, dizziness, headache, depression/anxiety, and brain-fog. The condition is associated with accelerations/deceleration events like car accidents, sports collisions, or slip and falls. Such injuries are classified into four categories: WAD I (no/minimal complaints/injury), WAD II (soft-tissue injury – muscle/tendon and/or ligament injury), WAD III (nerve injury), WAD IV (fracture). More than 85% of those involved in a motor vehicle collision (MVC) experience neck pain, with 29-40% recovering within a little more than three months and about 23% still no...
2020-09-08
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Factors That Can Hinder Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Recovery
As with most musculoskeletal conditions, treatment guidelines for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) recommend non-surgical or conservative management initially, with surgery only in emergency situations or after non-surgical options are exhausted. So, is there a way to know who will respond best to non-surgical approaches? To answer this, researchers conducted a two-stage study that included an initial evaluation followed by non-surgical treatment and a re-evaluation one year after non-surgical treatment concluded. The primary goal of the study was to assess factors contributing to the long-term effects of non-surgical treatment of CTS and to identify failure risk factors.
2020-09-03
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Neck-Specific Exercises for Headaches & Neck Pain
As screens (televisions, computers, and smartphones/tablets) become an increasingly important part of daily life, many people gradually take on a more slumped posture, which can place added strain on the neck and shoulders, raising the risk for neck pain and headaches. Luckily, it’s possible to improve forward head posture, rounded shoulder posture, and scapular instability with neck-specific exercises and chiropractic care. In a 2018 study, patients with forward head posture performed either scapular stabilization or neck stabilization exercises for 30 minutes three times a week for four weeks. Participants in both groups experienced improvements related to their cr...
2020-09-02
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Reducing the Risk of Car Accident Injury
While doctors of chiropractic enjoy helping their patients get better, the preference is to avoid injury in the first place, and if that’s not possible, to reduce the risk for serious injury. This is especially important when it comes to car accidents, as whiplash associated disorders (WAD) injuries can persist for months to years and greatly reduce one’s ability to carry out their normal activities. One of the most important steps you can take is to focus on the road while driving and eliminate distractions, which includes not texting while driving. In one study, researchers obse...
2020-09-01
04 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Two GREAT Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) has long been recognized as an occupational disease, and though the incidence of many other occupational diseases has decreased over time, CTS appears to be becoming more prevalent. A 2019 study looked at the impact/benefit of wrist-specific exercises and oral enzyme therapy on automotive assembly line workers with CTS (excluding those treated previously or who had a positive history of hormone replacement or current pregnancy, inflammatory joint disease, trauma to the affected hand, polyneuropathy, other relevant conditions). Participants in the exercise group performed the following exercises at home for nine weeks:
2020-08-31
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Whiplash and Tinnitus
While tinnitus is commonly associated with a ringing sound in the ears, it can also involve a buzzing, hissing, or whistling noise. The sound can be intermittent or constant and can change in volume. The noise often intensifies in a quiet room when background noise is absent, such as at night, which can interfere with sleep. Approximately 50 million adults in the United States are affected by tinnitus, and up to 90% of people with tinnitus have some degree of noise-induced hearing loss. Though tinnitus can be due to many different causes, trauma-induced tinnitus from motor vehicle collisions is common.
2020-08-27
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and is caused when the smooth cartilage surface of an articulating/moving joint wears away until there is bone-on-bone contact that results in both loss of movement and pain. Although OA most commonly affects the joints under the greatest load (the hips and the knees), it can occur in any moving joint, including those that make up the shoulder. Because cartilage lacks a direct blood supply, it relies on a process called diffusion in which nutrients are absorbed into cartilage when it’s compressed by movement. Anything that re...
2020-08-26
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Chiropractic Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
When someone is diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), there seems to be an automatic assumption that surgery is imminent or at least inevitable. However, treatment guidelines for CTS that are intended to be followed by ALL healthcare professionals ALWAYS recommend an initial course of non-surgical treatment, NOT jumping directly to surgery. Unfortunately, evidence-based treatment guidelines are not always followed, and many patients are not given an option for anything other than surgery. The following is an excerpt from a 2017 Washington State CTS treatment guideline: All of the following criteria must be met for surgery...
2020-08-25
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Exercise Can Help Knee Osteoarthritis
In the face of musculoskeletal pain, it’s common to restrict activity. Unfortunately, doing so can weaken the muscles and joints in the affected area, which can prolong pain and elevate the risk for future injury. Patients with osteoarthritis of the knee often fall into this trap. So, what type of exercises are best for improving knee strength in the presence of knee osteoarthritis? First, let’s define two types of muscle activity that can occur during exercise: eccentric and concentric. During a bench press, when you’re pushing the barbell upward, the muscles in the chest shorte...
2020-08-24
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
The Role of Neck-Specific Exercises for Whiplash Recovery
The cervical spine relies heavily on muscular support, particularly from the deep muscles in the front and back of the neck. Some experts estimate that up to 70% of the stability of the cervical spine arises from these deep neck muscles, particularly those in front of the spine. Studies have demonstrated that the rapid acceleration-deceleration forces that are placed on the neck during a motor vehicle collision can injure these deep neck muscles. Indeed, electromyographic (EMG) testing conducted on WAD patients has shown that those with higher pain intensity also had reduced deep muscle function in both the front and...
2020-08-20
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 101
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy, or pinched nerve, in the extremities. The condition is estimated to affect 3-6% of the population, often in both hands. Let’s discuss what causes CTS, its symptoms, how it’s diagnosed, and how it’s treated… Causation: Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when pressure is placed on the median nerve as it travels through the wrist. This can be due to inflammation caused by obesity, repetitive movements, pregnancy, arthritis, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, trauma, mass lesions, amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, multiple myeloma, leukemia, and more. Women are at a greater risk for...
2020-08-19
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Whiplash Injury, Severity, and Recovery
Experts estimate that whiplash associated disorders (WAD) from motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) affect about 300 for every 100,000 people in the Western each year. Suffice it to say, that’s a lot of people! Crash tests have demonstrated that the risk for whiplash is much greater when the backrest is leaned backward and/or when a headrest is lacking (in older cars) or is too low in relation to the head. The key is to prevent the head from extending backward over the top of the seat, which can lead to more severe soft tissue injuries in the neck. Wh...
2020-08-18
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
The Reason Blood Pressure May Rise in the Winter
A 2009 study that monitored over 8,800 elderly French adults found that an individual’s blood pressure can fluctuate with the seasons. In particular, the researchers observed that as temperatures fell, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure could rise to unhealthy levels, but they were unable to determine why. However, a study published just five years later may have solved the mystery. The solution has to do with the molecule nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a vasodilator, meaning that it causes the walls of blood vessels to relax and expand, with a resulting reduction in blood pressure. Re...
2020-08-17
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Whiplash Associated Headaches
One of the symptoms commonly associated with whiplash associated disorder (WAD) is headaches. The current research suggests that up to 50% of patients who experience whiplash-associated headaches may continue to suffer from them for up to a year or more, and many of those will continue to have headaches as late as five years following their whiplash injury event. There are many potential causes for WAD-related headaches, which can include cervical injury, jaw dysfunction (TMJ), psychological distress (depression and anxiety), brain structure abnormalities (concussion), and/or overuse of headache medications. To address these potential causes of whiplash associated...
2020-08-13
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Common Shoulder Sports Injuries
With many sports requiring overhead movements that can place the shoulder at the extreme end of its range of motion, it’s not surprising that shoulder injuries are so common among athletes. For instance, up to 50% of NCAA college football players have some history of shoulder injury, which comprises about 10-20% of total injuries in the sport. When looking at collegiate quarterbacks, one study found that shoulder injuries accounted for more than half of injuries among players in the position. When it comes to sport-related shoulder injuries, these are the three most common (and to complicate matters, they often co...
2020-08-12
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
When to Seek Surgical Care for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the wrist. One treatment option available to patients is carpal tunnel release surgery, which severs the carpal tunnel ligament to reduce pressure on the affected nerve to resolve the numbness, pain, tingling, and weakness symptoms associated with CTS. When is surgical treatment for CTS necessary and when should a non-surgical option be pursued? The short answer is that surgery should only be considered as a first option in an emergency situation, such as a serious wrist fracture that...
2020-08-11
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Forward Head Posture and Neck Pain
Neck pain is one of the most common complaints that drive patients to seek chiropractic care. Sometimes the cause of injury is a known traumatic event, but in many cases, neck pain is the result of wear and tear from poor posture—forward head posture in particular. The head, which weighs 10-11 lbs. (4.5-5 kg), typically rests above the shoulders. When an individual’s head leans forward to look at a computer screen or to look downwards at their smartphone/tablet, the muscles in the rear of the neck and upper back/shoulders need to work harder to k...
2020-08-10
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Spinal Stability and Low Back Pain
When it comes to managing a low back condition, the goal of chiropractic treatment is for the patient return to their normal daily activities as soon as possible. This not only means addressing low back pain but also low back disability, including impaired postural control and reduced spinal stability, which can manifest in reduce position sense, increased postural sway, and impaired balance. Movement control and spinal stability are controlled the deep muscles, the superficial muscles, and the nervous system that sends information to and from the brain. Dysfunction in ANY of these can result in lumbar spine...
2020-08-05
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
The Link Between Whiplash and Jaw Pain
While neck pain is most commonly associated with whiplash associated disorder (WAD), patients often report jaw or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain following a car accident, sport injury, or slip and fall. Common symptoms associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) include pain in the jaw joint area (in front of the ear), neck and shoulder pain, ear area pain with chewing or yawning, a “stuck” or locked feeling, and clicking, popping, or grating sounds with jaw movements. Patients with TMD may also feel like their teeth don’t fit well together, or report toothaches, headaches, dizziness, and tinnitus (ringing in the...
2020-07-23
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Pregnancy
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that we typically associate with overuse activities, especially occupations that require fast, repetitive hand work such as typing, sewing, and packaging. However, the hormonal changes that occur in pregnancy can also lead to swelling or inflammation in the wrist, and subsequently, the symptoms associated with CTS. A 2019 study involving 382 women in the third trimester of pregnancy revealed that 111 (23.03%) experienced the signs and symptom consistent with mild-to-severe CTS. Further analysis showed that the women who were older, left-handed, and had gestational diabetes mellitus were more likely to have severe CTS symptoms.
2020-07-22
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
The Link Between Whiplash and Fibromyalgia
It’s estimated that up to 50% of whiplash associated disorder (WAD) patients will develop chronic symptoms such as neck and upper back pain, headache, dizziness, emotional and cognitive disturbance, referred pain, and physical dysfunctions. Fibromyalgia (FM) is a condition that is also characterized by long-term, persistent symptoms such as chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain, sleep disturbance, cognitive disturbance, fatigue, and physical dysfunctions. Both WAD and FM patients share similar chronic, debilitating signs and symptoms. Why is this so? In one study, researchers evaluated cognitive loss, central sensitization, and health-related quality of life (QoL) in chronic WAD patients, FM pa...
2020-07-21
04 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
A Link Between Cold Sores and Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the #1 cause of dementia, representing an imminent threat to our senior population. It is one of mankind’s cruelest afflictions that causes patients lose their memory, personality, and eventually self-care skills. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 6 million people currently have AD with projections of this doubling in the next two decades. The 2015 Framingham Heart study reported that 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men will develop AD. Though researchers have observed an association between beta-amyloid plaque build-up in the brain and AD, well-funded studies have failed to determine that...
2020-07-20
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Scapular Stabilization for Shoulder Pain
The shoulder is one of the largest and most complex joints in the body. It’s actually three joints—the AC or acromioclavicular joint (the collar bone/acromion of the shoulder blade joint), the glenohumeral joint (the ball-and-socket joint), and the scapulothoracic joint (the shoulder blade/rib cage “joint”)—all of which involve the scapula to some degree. The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles, three of which sit on the back side of the scapula and rotate the arm outward (external rotation) and one in front that rotates it inward (internal rotation). The trapezius muscle is...
2020-07-16
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Cervical Traction for Neck Pain
In addition to spinal manipulation, doctors of chiropractic often use other conservative therapies to reduce pain and improve function in patients with neck pain. When it comes to neck conditions involving herniated disks, radiating arm pain (“radiculopathy”), strains, facet syndromes or sprains, and myofascial pain, cervical traction is one such option. As part of the initial new patient examination, a chiropractor may use their hands to gently pull on the patient’s neck while in sitting and/or supine (lying on the back) positions. If this feels good, then cervical traction may be warranted either in the office...
2020-07-15
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Lowering the Risk for Chronic Disease
It’s common for the elderly to have multiple chronic conditions, all of which can impact their ability to live a vibrant, independent lifestyle. While it may not be possible to avoid adverse health conditions in our later years, it appears there are steps we can take now to give ourselves the best possible chance to maintain good health for as long as possible. In an April 2020 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, 32 researchers from around the world collaborated to investigate the association of a healthy lifestyle with years lived free of major ch...
2020-07-14
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Reducing the Risk for Chronic Whiplash-Related Pain
A study published in 2019 found that nearly half of whiplash associated disorders (WAD) sufferers are still symptomatic one year after their injury. Why is that, and what can one do to reduce their risk for chronic WAD symptoms? The most common source of pain from WAD injuries arises from joint capsules and ligaments, which are tough, tight bands of tissue that hold joints together and help stabilize the cervical spine. When these soft tissues are damaged, the body will take measures to restrict movement so that the injury doesn’t become more severe. This is one reason wh...
2020-07-13
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Footwear Changes for the Knee Osteoarthritis Patient
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the leading cause of knee pain and disability in the elderly population. While treatment to address knee OA will often focus on the knee itself, a patient may also need to change their footwear. Why is that? During normal walking, joint loading is NOT evenly distributed, and the distribution most often greatest on the medial (inner) side of the knee. This greater load can cause wear and tear over time and lead to thinning of the smooth, slippery cartilage surfaces on the medial side of the joint, which eventually leads to bone-on-bone contact, the e...
2020-07-09
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Repetitive Movement and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Of all the potential contributing factors for carpal tunnel syndrome—diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, inflammatory arthritis, pregnancy, birth control usage, and obesity—perhaps the most well-known is participating in jobs and activities that require fast, repetitive hand movements that can place increased pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the wrist. What can someone do if they begin experiencing tingling and numbness or pain and weakness associated with carpal tunnel syndrome without giving up their livelihood or their hobby? First, understand that when the wrist is bent, the pressure on the contents of the carpal tunnel can...
2020-07-08
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Neck Pain Among Office Workers
Neck pain is the second most common reason patients seek chiropractic care, and it’s particularly a problem with office workers. One study estimated that neck pain affects 42-69% of those who work in office environments. Many such individuals will experience recurring episodes of neck pain, and at least one in six may develop chronic, ongoing neck pain. While chiropractic offers a safe and effective way to manage neck pain, are there any steps an office worker can take to reduce the risk for neck pain in the first place? According to one study, taking a daily wa...
2020-07-08
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
A Link Between Back Pain and Urinary Incontinence
While under chiropractic treatment, it’s not uncommon for a patient to report improvement for an issue that seems unrelated to their chief complaint. For example, a patient with a temporomandibular disorder may experience an improvement in their jaw symptoms following treatment to the neck or upper back. Or treatment to improve hip function may also benefit the ankle or knee. In this article, we’re going to look at how treatment for low back pain may help a patient who also has urinary incontinence (UI) issues. There are many potential causes for UI, but one contributing fact...
2020-07-02
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
A Less Obvious Cause of Back Pain?
Multiple studies have shown that hyper-pronation (HP), or too much rolling-inwards of the ankle, can have effects on the body far beyond the foot. For example, abnormal motion of the ankle can lead to slight changes in how the knees and pelvis move as you carry out your normal daily activities, placing added strain on these structures and increasing the risk of injury in both the short and long term. These faulty movement patterns can also lead to improper motion and a higher risk for injury above the hips, including in the lower back. In one study...
2020-07-01
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Chronic Low Back Pain: Which Treatment Is More Effective?
For patients with chronic low back pain (cLBP), treatment guidelines recommend a non-surgical approach as the FIRST-LINE treatment. Ideally, the goal would be to avoid an initial surgery unless it’s absolutely indicated. That means, unless there is loss of bowel or bladder control or retention (which represents a medical emergency) or if there is progressive neurological motor and sensory loss, one can safely avoid surgery and conservatively manage the condition. Interestingly enough, a systematic review of the results from three randomized controlled studies carried out in Norway and the United Kingdom found the outcomes or results be...
2020-06-30
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Can Bad Backs Heal Themselves?
Low back pain (LBP) from a herniated disk often leads to surgical intervention. However, there are patients with this painful malady who can successfully “ride it out” and repeat MRI imaging six to twelve months later often fails to show little, if any, evidence of the original herniated disk that was initially very obvious. How is this possible? The proposed theory is that there must be some unique interplay between molecular signals that might explain why some herniated disks heal themselves while others do not. Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center are investigating this and published a repo...
2020-06-29
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Can Damaged Nerves Regenerate?
Previously, we discussed how herniated disks can resorb all by themselves, especially large herniated disks. But what about a damaged nerve—can it self-repair too? First, it’s important to realize that damage can occur when enough pressure is applied to any living tissue. The anatomy of our nerves includes many micro-structures such as the blood vessels that bring needed oxygen to the several layers of the nerve. If the nerve is deprived of oxygen long enough, there can be damage to its infrastructure, similar to a heart attack damaging the heart muscle. A pinched nerv...
2020-06-25
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Circadian Clocks and Low Back Pain
According to the National Institutes of Health, circadian rhythms include physical, mental, and behavioral changes that roughly follow a 24-hour cycle, responding largely to environmental light and darkness. Most living things possess this trait including animals, plants, and many microbes. So how does this relate to low back pain? Recent studies reveal that the intervertebral disk (IVD)—the “shock-absorbers” located between our vertebrae in our spine—contain intrinsic circadian clocks that are regulated by age and cytokines and are linked to degeneration. This means we have a 24-hour rhythm producing various changes in an organized way throughout the day...
2020-06-24
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Chiropractic Treatment for Wry Neck
Wry neck, also known as torticollis, is a painful condition in which the top of the head usually tilts to one side while the chin rotates to the opposite side. Torticollis can have several causes from infection (cold, flu, or otitis media, for example) to sleeping in a draft; however, the cause is usually unknown (idiopathic). In a typical case, torticollis may resolve itself within four to six weeks, but with chiropractic care, cervical function can return to a more normal state much faster, often within a week. Chiropractic treatment for torticollis often includes stretching, in which...
2020-06-23
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Migraine Headaches and Nutrition Approaches
People with migraines know all too well about that throbbing, pulsating, and nauseated feeling that accompanies their headaches and the associated disability that often results. The underlying cause of migraine headaches is still not well understood, but genetics (family history), chemical imbalances in the brain (serotonin, in particular), environmental factors (weather, allergens), and hormonal changes appear to play a part. Because medications to manage headaches can come with potentially serious side effects, especially with prolonged use, many patients opt for non-pharmaceutical treatment approaches to reduce the frequency and intensity of their migraines… A 2018 survey of 4,356 American adults wi...
2020-06-22
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
How Do Adjustments Help Patients with Neck Pain?
Mechanical neck pain—neck pain without neurological compromise, often without a specific cause—is associated with a loss of mobility, poor activity tolerance, increased pressure pain sensitivity (or hypersensitivity to a normal stimulus), and increased joint position sense error (JPSE—difficulty reproducing the same movement when repeated multiple times). Patients with mechanical neck pain often seek treatment from doctors of chiropractic. Let’s look at how high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) manipulation—the primary form of treatment used by chiropractors, commonly referred to as an adjustment—helps these patients… In a 2018 study involving 54 patients with mechanical neck pain, participants received eithe...
2020-06-18
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Low Back Pain and Sleep (Part 3)
For the last two months (Part 1 and Part 2), we’ve discussed the importance of sleep and its effect on low back pain (LBP). Last month, we offered 9 ways to improve sleep quality, and this month we will conclude this topic with 11 more. Sleep deprivation has been called, “…an epidemic” by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To achieve and maintain good health, we must ensure restorative sleep! Here are additional ways to do that (continued from last month): Avoid snacks at bedtime …especially grains and sugars as these will raise your blood sugar and delay sleep. Later, when blood...
2020-06-17
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Low Back Pain and Sleep (Part 2)
On the last podcast, we discussed the relationship between sleep deprivation and low back pain (LBP) and found that LBP can cause sleep loss AND sleep loss can cause LBP. It’s a two-way street! This episode, we will look at ways to improve your sleep quality, which in return, will reduce your LBP. There are many ways we can improve our sleep quality. Here are some of them: Turn off the lights: Complete darkness (or as close to it as possible) is best. Even the tiniest bit of light in the room can disrupt your internal clock an...
2020-06-16
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Low Back Pain and Sleep (Part 1)
Low back pain (LBP) can arise from a lot of causes, most commonly from bending, lifting, pulling, pushing, and twisting. However, there are other possible causes, including sleep. This not only includes sleeping in a crooked or faulty position, such as falling asleep on a couch, in a chair, or while riding in a car, but also from the lack of sleep. So the question is, how much sleep is needed to feel restored and how much sleep is needed to avoid low back pain? It’s been shown that lack of sleep, or chronic sleep loss, ca...
2020-06-16
04 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
When Back Pain Can Be Extremely Dangerous…
Have you ever had leg pain and immediately blamed your lower back? Many patients (and unfortunately, many doctors) conclude such pain to be “sciatica” or a “pinched nerve.” When this diagnosis is wrong, it can lead to an inappropriate type of treatment which can delay more appropriate care, or worse, may result in death due to a missed diagnosis of a blood clot. Here’s a news flash from September 15, 2008: WASHINGTON - Far too many Americans are dying of dangerous blood clots that can masquerade as simple leg pain, says a major new government effort to get both p...
2020-06-11
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
When Spinal Fusion Is Needed…
You’ve probably heard of a friend or loved one whose back pain resulted in a spinal fusion surgery, but you may not understand what prompted surgery over non-surgical approaches, including chiropractic care. Simply put, spinal fusion is a surgical technique that aims to eliminate excessive motion (instability) in the spine by fusing two or more vertebrae together. Fractures related to trauma are a common reason for spinal instability, but excessive motion can also be caused by conditions such as spondylolisthesis (when one vertebra slides forward on another) and age-related disk degeneration. When is a fu...
2020-06-10
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Walk for Longevity
In recent decades, several studies have identified risk factors for early death such as reduced cardio-respiratory fitness (CRF), obesity, smoking, diabetes, heart disease, pulmonary disease, etc. Of all the causes listed, poor CRF appears to be the leading risk factor for early death. If CRF is so important, can walking help? If so, how many steps do we really need to live longer and better? For years, experts have suggested walking 10,000 steps per day to live a long and healthy life, but there isn’t much research to support this claim. A 2019 study looked at how many st...
2020-06-09
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Car Accident Risk-Reducing Technologies
Whiplash associated disorders (WAD) is a collection of symptoms commonly associated with motor vehicle collisions. Because WAD can have such a negative effect on one’s quality of life, it makes sense to take steps to reduce the risk for a car accident. Let’s look at some of the modern technologies that our automobiles may include to lower the chances that a crash occurs: Hands-Free / Voice Controls: Cell-phone distractions are the underlying cause of many vehicle collisions, especially texting while driving. In fact, studies suggest that texting while driving may be as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. If y...
2020-06-08
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Groin Pain Syndrome
Groin pain syndrome is a term used to describe groin pain without clinical evidence of hernia or hip pathology. Though the condition is thought to affect between 2% and 20% of athletes, there is not a lot of conclusive research on its cause or the best way to treat it. Most of the published research on those with groin pain without hernia or hip joint pathology are case studies (primarily of professional male athletes), making it difficult to establish agreed upon treatment guidelines, as these types of studies are considered to be of low quality and do not apply to the...
2020-06-04
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Traction for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral neuropathy that affects roughly 4-5% of the general population and about 10% of working adults. The chiropractic treatment approach for the CTS patient typically involves many of the same therapies as those used for conditions like neck and back pain, such as joint manipulation, mobilization, specific exercises, and nutritional recommendations to reduce inflammation. In some cases, patients with neck and back pain can benefit from traction. Could the CTS patient also benefit from traction applied to the wrist? Back in 2004, the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association reported on...
2020-06-03
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Electronic Tablet-Related Neck Pain
When individuals use their smartphone, they often adopt an awkward posture in which their head rests forward of their shoulders. This forward head posture, or “text neck,” places added strain on the muscles in the back of the neck, shoulders, and upper back, which can lead to musculoskeletal pain. Researchers are now looking into how electronic tablet use affects posture and can elevate the risk for pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. In a 2018 study, University of Nevada, Las Vegas researchers reviewed survey data from 412 university students, staff, faculty, and alumni regarding their electronic tablet use...
2020-06-02
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Chiropractic Management of Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition that affects about 3% of teenagers, though the cause is typically unknown. In most instances, the degree of spinal curvature is mild (10-15º curve), but in some cases, the curve may continue to increase as the child grows. Visible signs of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis include the following: uneven shoulders, one shoulder blade “sticking out” (more prominent) than the other; an uneven waist or a hip higher than the other; and/or a prominent rib cage, usually on the convex side of the curve. When the curve is small, there are often few if an...
2020-06-01
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Can Chiropractic Help Dysmenorrhea?
Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is a very common gynecological disorder affecting 84.1% of women during childbearing age. The most common symptoms of PD include lower abdominal pain that can radiate to both thighs and/or to the low back. Other symptoms include tiredness, headache, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea. The condition precedes menstruation (in the absence of any organic pathology) and lasts approximately 48-72 hours. Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common reason for absenteeism from work or school, thus interfering with quality of daily life, which is associated with many direct and indirect costs. There have been MANY proposed interventions...
2020-05-28
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
How Does Chiropractic Stack Up for Low Back Pain?
Doctors of chiropractic offer a non-surgical, treatment protocol for both acute and chronic low back pain (LBP), as do several other healthcare delivery systems. However, due to patient preference and a rising concern for potentially harmful side-effects, many LBP patients seek management strategies that offer a natural, non-pharmaceutical approach, of which chiropractic is the most commonly sought after practitioner-type. So what evidence is there regarding the benefits of chiropractic vs. other forms of care in managing LBP and its associated pain-related functional loss? A 2018 study published in the online Journal of the American Medical Association focused directly...
2020-05-27
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Where Is This Shoulder Pain Coming From?
When people say, “My shoulder hurts,” they often point to different areas in the vicinity of the shoulder such as the base of neck, the collar bone, the scapula (shoulder blade), the chest, and/or their arm. The challenge with the shoulder is that it’s anatomically comprised of three joints: the glenohumeral joint, or GHJ (ball-and-socket); the acromioclavicular joint, or ACJ (collar bone and scapula); and the scapulothoracic joint, or STJ (shoulder blade and rib cage). Some researchers even argue that the sternoclavicular joint, or SCJ (collar bone and sternum), should also be considered part of the shoulder. ...
2020-05-26
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Chiropractic Methods for Treating Neck Pain
When it comes to neck pain, many patients seek out chiropractic care. In fact, there are several studies demonstrating that manual therapies performed by doctors of chiropractic can offer significant benefits for non-specific or mechanical neck pain as well as neck pain arising from injuries related to sports, car accidents, and falls. What are some of these manual therapies? Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) involves moving the head and neck to a firm end-range of movement followed by a fast, thrust aimed at specific joints that are fixed, subluxated (partially out of position), and tender. The thrust is...
2020-05-21
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Can the Outcome of Back Pain Be Predicted?
When patients present with low back pain (LBP), they are frequently nervous and worried about whether they’re going to respond to the treatment—especially when it comes to getting out of pain and returning to their normal activities. A variety of studies have shown chiropractic care to be an effective option for the LBP patient, and though there is no “crystal ball”, there are some tests that doctors of chiropractic can perform during an examination that can help predict outcomes! In fact, a meta-analysis of data from 43 studies published since 2012 suggests that centralization and directional preference, which ma...
2020-05-20
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
The 25-Second Balance Challenge
Since falls are a major cause of serious injury, especially for older adults, here’s a simple way to objectively measure and improve your sense of balance… First, stand in a place where you can catch yourself from falling (like behind a chair or in a corner). Place your feet side by side for ten seconds. Then, place the heel of one foot next to your big toe for ten seconds. Finally, rest the forefoot fully in front of the other (like standing on a tight rope) and wait ten seconds. If this process presents no issues, you...
2020-05-19
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Knee Pain and Foot Problems
Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is commonly associated with running, jumping, squatting, and walking up/down stairs. It’s thought that PFP is caused by excessive rubbing between the back of the patella and groove, or track, that it rides in. Besides overuse, additional causes for PFP pain include muscle imbalance or weakness or direct trauma. The condition is most common in adolescents and young adults, usually due to overuse and/or misalignment, the latter of which is often referred to as poor “patellofemoral tracking.” This can eventually lead to arthritis, which is more commonly seen in older adults with PF pain.
2020-05-18
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Walking Backward Boosts Memory
We previously discussed how walking backward can strengthen the low back extensor muscles, which can aid in both the treatment and prevention of back pain. According to a study published in the January 2019 issue of the journal Cognition, walking backward (or even watching a video simulating backward motion) may also improve one’s memory. The study involved 114 people who participated in experiments focused on recalling images, word lists, and even details from a crime scene. Before the recall stage of each experiment, participants were instructed to walk forward, backward, sit still, watch a video that simulated forward or...
2020-05-14
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Hip Problem, Back Problem, or Both?
Musculoskeletal conditions drive millions of patients to doctor’s offices each year, with back and hip pain being among the most common. Because the hip and low back neighbor one another in the body, these conditions often overlap, with only one of the two being diagnosed. This can lead to inadequate treatment, unnecessary costs, and unsatisfying outcomes for the patient with prolonged pain, disability, and mental health distress. In some cases, a problem elsewhere in the body can refer pain to another region. For example, dysfunction in the upper neck could result in symptoms in the wrist an...
2020-05-13
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Exercise and Posture Training for Neck Pain
A quick look around any airport, mall, or auditorium/theater will reveal that poor posture is common. There’s forward head posture, rolled forward shoulders, and uneven/misaligned heads/shoulders/pelvis-hips. Some people even limp or shuffle while walking. Research shows that when a person adopts an abnormal posture, it can place added strain on various areas of the body, which can elevate the risk for musculoskeletal pain, including neck pain. The good news is that when combined with chiropractic care, at-home exercises are great for improving a patient’s posture, which can also reduce their risk for future epis...
2020-05-12
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Great Exercises for Wrist Pain
There are many conditions that affect the hand and wrist: tendonitis (strains), ligament injuries (sprains), as well as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). A contributing factor for these conditions is inflammation caused by overuse and repetitive motions. That’s why your doctor of chiropractic recommend taking mini-breaks (30 seconds to one minute) throughout a busy workday to give the wrist a chance to rest. The following exercises are also helpful for self-managing wrist pain (in addition to chiropractic care): SHAKE: As if to dry off your wet hands, shake your arms and hands vigorously. FIST/BEAR-CLAW/FAN: This three-step exercise in...
2020-05-11
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Do Cell Phones Cause Horns?
It’s not hard to argue that nearly everyone spends too much time on their electronic devices, especially smartphones. You may be familiar with the terms “text neck” or “forward head posture”, but have you heard that excessive cellphone use may cause your body to grow horns? If you reach around to the back of your head, just above the top of the neck, you should feel a bump in the midline. This is NORMAL, and it’s called the external occipital protuberance (EOP). The EOP serves as an attachment point for the nuchal ligament and the trapezius mu...
2020-05-07
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Detoxing from Social Media and Electronic Devices
The ability to take out a small device and check email, take photos, interact with friends, play games, and answer almost any question seemed like a great idea when smartphones and social media debuted over a decade ago; but in recent years, several studies have looked at the downsides associated with heavy social media and device use. For example, a 2018 study found that people who use social media platforms for extended periods of time are more prone to make risky decisions. Another study revealed an association between heavy social media use and an elevated risk for physical...
2020-05-06
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
8 Tips to Help Maintain a Healthy Weight
Losing excess weight and keeping it off can be a challenge. Hopefully, these eight tips can help make it easier to win the battle of the bulge… FOOD JOURNAL: A study published in the journal Obesity reported that in a 142-obese person group, those who consistently logged their meals and held online group sessions about weight-loss strategies lost an average of 10% of their body weight within six months. This process reportedly took participants just 15 minutes per day. WHEN TO EAT: It’s not just WHAT we eat but also WHEN we eat that can make a BIG difference. One...
2020-05-05
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Seat Belt Truths & Myths
Some of us have been around long enough to remember when wearing a seat belt was optional, and some of us are even old enough to remember when car manufacturers weren’t even required to install them in the first place! Nowadays, not only is it the law in most jurisdictions for all passengers to fasten their seat belt but our cars will obnoxiously beep if we forget. This is for good reason because according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seat belts can reduce the risk for injury and save lives in the event of a...
2020-05-04
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Subacromial Impingement Syndrome
Shoulder pain is a VERY common problem, especially among individuals over 40 years old. Experts estimate that between 16-30% of the population has experienced shoulder pain in the last month, with subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS) being one of most likely diagnoses made by clinicians. Why is SIS so common? The short answer is because the ball and socket part of the shoulder joint is shallow to allows for a wide range of motion but at a cost of reduced stability. Factors that can increase one’s risk for SIS include increasing age, overhead work, repetitive microtrauma, hypoxia (lack of...
2020-04-30
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Masquerading as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Most people have heard about carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) as it’s the most common of the peripheral neuropathies or pinched nerves in the extremities, but few have heard of pronator teres syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is pinched or compressed while passing through the wrist. However, the median nerve originates in the neck and must pass through several anatomical regions before reaching the wrist and ultimately the hand. One of these areas is the elbow where the median nerve passes between the two heads of the pronator teres muscle. The good news is...
2020-04-29
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
The Neck and its Relationship to Headaches
Experts estimate that headaches affect half the population, with up to 25% of headaches originating from the cervical spine or neck, which is referred to as a cervicogenic headache (CGH). There are many studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of chiropractic management for CGH, often involving a multi-modal treatment approach to address biomechanical dysfunction in the cervical spine that may contribute to or cause a patient’s headache. These treatment options include… SPINAL MANIPULATION THERAPY (SMT): There are multiple methods or techniques of spinal manipulation to improve joint movement that can be sub-divided into two types: high velocity, low amplitude (thru...
2020-04-28
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
The Effect of Back Pain on Walking
For the patient with low back pain, guidelines recommend seeking treatment in the acute state of the condition instead of waiting for it to become chronic. While it’s generally easier and faster to achieve a satisfactory outcome in the earliest stages of a back pain condition, there’s another reason: to reduce the risk for additional injury. To see how this is the case, let’s look at the effect low back pain has on walking. In a February 2020 study, researchers examined the lower limb kinematics (function) in 40 subjects, half of whom had chronic back pain, using...
2020-04-28
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Neck Pain and Chiropractic Treatment
A 42-year-old female patient presented with neck pain that had been present for two months. The pain came on gradually and without a specific cause. Her vocation is answering the phone for a busy mail order shoe store. She works 40 hours a week, 5 days per week. Her neck pain worsens with work, especially by the end of he eight-hour shift. Other pain producers include driving more than 30 minutes, reading more than 30 minutes, and washing her hair with the head back. Her pain improves when she rests her head on a chair or pillow, moves her head in circles, takes 600...
2020-04-23
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Is It My Neck or Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?
Neck pain can arise from many different sources with a similar clinical presentation, which can make it a challenge to diagnose. One of those related, and sometimes co-existing conditions, is called thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). Let’s first discuss the anatomy of the neck and the thoracic outlet so we all have a good “picture” in mind of what we’re talking about. TOS can arise from either blood vessel compression, nerve compression, or both, making the ease of diagnosis difficult. Adding to the challenge, the “pinch” of the structure can occur at more than one place! The nerves a...
2020-04-22
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Grocery Shopping Tips & Precautions During COVID-19
Iphone ShopRite App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/shoprite/id1170573424 Android ShopRite App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wakefern.shoprite&hl=en_US ShopRite on computer: https://secure.shoprite.com/User/SignIn/3601
2020-04-21
04 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Eat Whatever You Want & Still Lose Weight
Dr. Wil Holdsworth of Pain Relief Chiropractic located in Newton Andover New Jersey discusses a weight-loss plan where you can eat whatever you want and still lose weight.
2020-04-20
07 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Exercises to Reduce Neck Pain Risk
As desktop computers, laptops, tablets, e-readers, and smartphones take greater importance in our lives, more and more people are consulting with healthcare providers for musculoskeletal conditions like neck pain. Why is this the case, and are there things that can be done to reduce one’s risk for neck pain in today’s modern world? When using electronic devices, it’s common for individuals to lean forward and/or look downward. When the head rests in front of the neck and shoulders, the muscles in the back of the neck must work harder to keep the head uprigh...
2020-04-16
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy for Back and Pelvic Pain
Low back pain (LBP) and posterior pelvic pain (PPP) are very common complaints during pregnancy. In fact, current estimates show that two-thirds of expectant mothers will experience back pain during pregnancy and one in five will report pelvic pain. These afflictions can have a significant impact on a woman’s quality of life and her ability to carry out everyday tasks. So, where does chiropractic care fit into this picture? While some pain conditions associated with pregnancy may be related to changes in certain hormones, there is evidence that the growing fetus shifts the center of gravity forward in a wo...
2020-04-15
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Traction for Low Back Pain?
In the past, we’ve written about the use of mechanical traction for patients with neck pain. But what about the low back pain (LBP) patient? Can traction help reduce pain and improve function for this group? Let’s see what the scientific literature has to say about traction for the lower back and whether it has merit. In a 2018 systematic review, researchers analyzed data from previous studies regarding the use of traction on the lumbar spine. They identified 37 randomized clinical trials that reported on five different types of traction: mechanical, auto-traction, manual, gravitational, and aquatic. Not only...
2020-04-14
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
The Many Benefits of Fasting
The term “intermittent fasting” (IF) describes a variety of eating patterns in which an individual restricts calories for a given timeframe, which typically ranges from twelve hours to several days on a recurring basis. The current research suggests that IF optimizes physiological function, enhances performance, and can slow the aging and disease processes. But how does it do that? Autophagy: This is the body’s natural process that removes old, broken down dysfunctional cell parts and proteins, including cells that may become cancerous. Researchers believe that reducing the energy needed to process food allows the body to utilize those...
2020-04-14
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Physical Activity and Low Back Pain
It’s common for individuals with low back pain to avoid any movement they feel may worsen their condition. Over time, this behavior can lead to deconditioned back muscles, setting the stage for either prolonged back pain or later recurrence. That’s one reason why treatment guidelines recommend patients continue to be active during the recovery process. But what about physical activity before back pain occurs? Does exercise reduce one’s risk for back pain in the first place? In a 2019 study, researchers reviewed data concerning 4,246 Finnish men and women (average age 34 years) and found that those who ro...
2020-04-09
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
The Cholesterol Controversy!
With all the hype about cholesterol, where does the truth lie? On one hand, some doctors recommend EVERYONE be placed on a statin (cholesterol lowering medication) regardless if their cholesterol levels are high or not. On the other hand, some experts report that statins are unnecessary and cholesterol is both essential and good for us. So, where does the current research fit into this picture? Let’s look at a July 2015 Harvard School of Public Health publication that reported “….it would be cost effective to treat 48-67% of all adults aged 40-75 in the [United States] with choles...
2020-04-08
04 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Is Exercise a “Cure-All?”
Some of you may have heard about how a modified form of boxing is helping patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). If you haven’t, it’s been observed that people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) who engage in this boxing-like exercise routine can enhance their quality of life and even build impressive gains in posture, strength, flexibility, and speed. Proponents of the program report that regardless the degree of severity of PD, participants have a happier, healthier, and higher quality of life. But must it be boxing? Maybe not. A report presented at the International Congress of Parki...
2020-04-07
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Chocolate – Is It Actually “Good” for Me?
Often referred to as a “sinful indulgence,” chocolate is usually not thought of as a healthy food choice. However, in the last 20-30 years, there has been growing evidence that there are indeed health benefits associated with chocolate consumption! Let’s take a closer look! Chocolate is made from tropical Theobroma cacao tree seeds. The earliest use of chocolate dates back to the Olmec civilization in Mesoamerica (1200 - 400 B.C.E.), the precursor to the Mayan and Aztec cultures (currently the states of Veracruz and Tabasco). Following the 15th/16th centuries, chocolate became extremely popular in Europe. Today...
2020-04-06
04 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Is It Good to Do Push-Ups?
In general, exercise is good for everyone. In fact, exercise seems to benefit EVERY system of the body, AND it’s one of the BEST ways to relieve stress. So back to the question, should you include push-ups in your exercise program? The short answer is yes…and no! To best answer this question, we must FIRST assess what shape you’re in BEFORE jumping into any exercise, and push-ups are no exception. Push-ups are likely one of the oldest forms of a strengthening exercise on record. The beauty of push-ups is that they can be don...
2020-04-02
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
High-Intensity Interval Training – What Is That?
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is characterized by 30-60 second bouts of high-intensity output followed by a very low-intensity exercise (like walking or slow pedaling) which allows one’s heart rate and breathing to recover before the next high-intensity segment. Studies have shown HIIT can produce similar results as low-intensity aerobic exercise, but with significant differences in intensity, duration, and energy output. HIIT participants can experience improved maximal rate of oxygen uptake (VO2max), improved skeletal muscle capillarization, increased enzymes of fat metabolism, and improved insulin sensitivity—all of which result in better overall health-status and physical performance.
2020-04-01
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Tips to Improve Sleep Quality
Here are a few ways to improve your sleep quality in spite of a busy lifestyle: 1) SET A SCHEDULE: Set a time for BOTH going to bed AND getting up in the morning, preferably at the same times each day—even on weekends. 2) EXERCISE: Try to get 20-30 minutes of exercise every day (but NOT just prior to bedtime). FIRST thing in the morning is often the best time—before we can “talk” ourselves out of it! 3) AVOID CAFFEINE, NICOTINE, & ALCOHOL: These stimulate the brain and keep us awake. Caffeine sources include coffee, chocolat...
2020-03-31
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Is There a “CURE” for Diabetes and Aging?
This certainly is a provoking question! Interestingly, there appears to be some fairly convincing evidence that intermittent fasting can have a dramatic effect on both diabetes management (and possibly play a role in preventing the condition) in addition to increasing longevity. In 2013, researchers looked at this approach in a British Journal of Diabetes & Vascular Disease article entitled, “Intermittent fasting: a dietary intervention for prevention of diabetes and cardiovascular disease?” The study’s authors reported that intermittent fasting helps reduce the risk of heart disease as well as type 2 diabetes AND obesity, as it provides a method to help p...
2020-03-30
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
The Health Benefits of Cold Showers
Since ancient times, as far back as the days of Hippocrates (the father of medicine), people have taken cold baths in the belief it could both treat serious illness and maintain one’s good health. In a 2016 study conducted by a team of Dutch researchers, a group of roughly 2,800 participants were split into four groups: three of which were asked to take a 30, 60, or 90 second shower every day for a month while the last group avoided cold showers to serve as a control group. Nearly 80% of participants completed the study, of which two-thirds continued to ta...
2020-03-26
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
The Link Between Breathing and Posture…
If someone said that suboptimal breathing patterns and problems associated with posture and trunk stability are related, what would you say? Sounds pretty far-fetched, doesn’t it? There are many factors that can result in both faulty respiration and poor posture including poor exercise tolerance (being “out of shape”), dyspnea (shortness of breath), poor chest expansion, poor neuromuscular control of core and pelvic floor muscles, diaphragm issues (hernia, muscle shortness, poor pressure output), increased lumbar lordosis, and low back pain. This is because several of the muscles that help control posture and stabilize the core—such as the thor...
2020-03-25
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Can Omega-3 Fatty Acids Benefit Patients with Anxiety?
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (omega-3-PUFA) consumption has been linked to reduced inflammation, a lower risk for heart attack and stroke, and even improved outcomes for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Here’s a benefit that may come as a surprise: ANXIETY relief! Anxiety is the most commonly experienced psychiatric symptom, and it’s reported that it will affect one in three individuals in their lifetime. Anxiety is characterized as an inappropriate or exaggerated fear leading to distress and impairment and is often accompanied with other psychological disorders, including depression, and is associated with a lower health-related qual...
2020-03-24
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Can Curcumin Keep the Mind Sharp?
Curcumin, a chemical found in turmeric that gives mustard and curry their yellow color, has long been known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant capabilities. Because of its prevalence in Indian cuisine, some researchers suspect that reduced inflammation in the brain from frequent curcumin use may explain why senior citizens in India have a lower prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and better cognitive performance than older adults from other backgrounds. In a 2018 study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, UCLA researchers examined what effects an easily absorbed curcumin supplement had on memory in individuals with AND wi...
2020-03-23
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Deep, Slow Breathing for Pain Management?
Deep slow breathing (DSB) has been widely used for managing various diseases of the heart and lungs as well as for psychiatric disorders including anxiety, depression, and stress-related conditions. There appears to be some research to support DSB as being helpful for pain management, but the results have been inconsistent. However, a 2012 study suggests that how you “think” while practicing DSB may be the key for reducing pain… In the study, researchers monitored sixteen healthy adults as they performed DSB while in both a relaxed and distracted state. In the relaxed state, participants were instructed to focus only o...
2020-03-19
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
White Rice or Brown Rice or No Rice at All
In today’s world, consumers are inundated with contradicting news about foods that are good for them and foods that can be detrimental to their health. Rice is one such food. Is it good for you? Is it bad? Let’s find out… In a 2019 study, researchers in India randomly assigned 169 overweight adults (aged 25-65 years) to consume meals that included white or brown rice twice a day, six days a week for three months. The research team used blood testing to measure glucose, insulin, HbA1c, insulin resistance, lipids, and inflammation. The results showed that those who co...
2020-03-18
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Beliefs About Back Pain
Since the late 1980s, researchers have embraced the biopsychosocial model (BPS) to understand both the causative and prognostic factors associated with neuromusculoskeletal disorders, which includes back pain. In order to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients with back pain, it’s important to understand the role that factors outside of the biomechanical injury model play in both the injury and recovery processes. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation out there that can be detrimental to the patient. In one study that included 130 low back pain (LBP) patients with persistent or recurring back pain, participants answered ques...
2020-03-17
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Staying Active Helps the Lower Back
In the past, patients may have been prescribed bed rest by their family doctor for low back pain. These days, treatment guidelines recommend staying active during the recovery process. Why the change? There are two types of muscles in the back: the superficial muscles and the deep muscles. The superficial muscles are used to perform motions like bending and twisting. These muscles are strengthened by exercise that places stress on the muscles, like lifting weights. The deep muscles help stabilize the spine and maintain posture, and physical activity helps keep them in shape. When a...
2020-03-16
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Chiropractic Manipulation and Headaches
Headaches are a common complaint in patients presenting for professional care, including chiropractic management. Patients with headaches seek chiropractic care because they find manipulation or adjustments applied to the cervical spine and upper back region are highly effective in reducing the intensity, frequency, and duration of their headache pain. This is because the cervical spine / neck is often the origin of the headache as the three nerves in the upper neck (C1, 2 and 3) pass through the thick, overly taught neck muscles in route to the scalp / head. When the muscles of the neck are in spasm, the nerves get “pin...
2020-03-12
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Does Chiropractic Work? - What Do Insurance Companies Say?
If chiropractic care helps patients get better faster and costs the patient and/or insurance company less, shouldn’t EVERY low back pain (LBP) patient FIRST see a chiropractor before any other type of doctor? That is in fact, what should be done, based on a 2009 report! On October 20, 2009, a report was delivered on the impact on population, health, and total healthcare spending. The authors found the addition of chiropractic care for the treatment of neck and low back pain “…will likely increase value-for-dollar in US employer-sponsored health benefit plans.” Authored by an MD and an MD/PhD and co...
2020-03-11
04 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
Infantile Colic and Chiropractic
Infantile colic (IC) is a distressing common childhood condition that affects 5-20% of infants. The condition is characterized by excessive crying, fussing, and irritability during the first five months, often with no obvious cause. Over the last fifty years, researchers have sought to understand the cause of infantile colic. Some hypotheses include formula intolerance, an immature gastrointestinal tract, food allergies, intestinal cramping, and excessive gas, as well as psychosocial causes, such as maternal anxiety and/or maternal-infant bonding issues. Because the cause of IC has proven elusive, there are few treatment options available to parents. ...
2020-03-10
02 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
A Cause of Post-Whiplash Headaches
Headaches are a common complaint among patients with whiplash associated disorder (WAD) following a motor vehicle collision, slip and fall, or sports injury. While in some cases, the cause of WAD-associated headache can be a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI), in many instances the underlying cause of WAD-related headaches can be injury to the neck. How is this possible? Past research has demonstrated that irritation of the nerves that pass through the top of the cervical spine (C1, C2, and C3) can lead to tension-type or cervicogenic headaches, especially when the C2 nerve is involved. These...
2020-03-09
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
The Various Causes of Hip Pain
Hip pain is a VERY common problem among older adults that can affect their ability to remain independent. While it’s common to assume that hip osteoarthritis (HOA) is responsible for the prevalence of hip pain in the aging population, the Framingham Osteoarthritis Study (FOS) found this isn’t always the case. The authors of the FOS reported that the presence or absence of HOA on x-ray correlated poorly with hip pain. Of the participants with frequent hip pain, only 15.6% had x-rays showing HOA. On the other hand, only 20.7% of the men and women with x-rays that show...
2020-03-05
03 min
Pain Relief Chiropractic
The Cost of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral neuropathy—or pinching of a nerve outside of the spine—affecting between 3-6% of the population. While we usually focus on how carpal tunnel syndrome is managed, in this article we’re going to focus on why CTS is one of the costliest musculoskeletal disorders. The symptoms associated with CTS (pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness) tend to come on gradually and worsen over time. Because of this, many CTS patients delay seeking care, often only consulting a doctor when their condition severely limits their activities. Generally, the longer a musc...
2020-03-04
03 min