Exercise: Muscle Weakness Affects 1 in 5 Older Americans. Twenty percent of Americans 80 years of age and older have weak muscle strength, according to experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Prior studies have linked fading muscle strength to slower walking speed and an increased risk of death. The CDC recommends that seniors should strive to maintain optimal physical conditioning through good overall preventive care, nutrition, and exercise.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, January 2015
When exercising, it is important to make your routine enjoyable and fun to help ensure that you keep exercising. The American Heart Association suggests the following: wear shoes that are comfortable and fit properly, wear clothing that is appropriate for weather conditions, start slow, stick to a consistent workout time, make expectations reasonable for your health and abilities, include fun activities with family and friends, track you progress, and reward yourself for success. American Heart Association, February 2015
Cervical radiculopathy is the medical term for when a spinal disc in your neck is irritating or compressing a nerve root, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arm and hand. Specific neck movements, like twisting or bending, may increase the pain. This can happen because of injury or degenerative changes in the spine. The good news is that over 95% of people get well with natural healthcare like Chiropractic.
Why it Matters:
A pinched nerve in your neck can cause a lot of pain, and it can be tempting to reach for medications to find relief. However, research shows us you may want to contact your Chiropractor before reaching for any pills. The Annals of Internal Medicine found that Chiropractic adjustments provided more pain relief than medications for people suffering from neck pain and the relief was long-lasting. The patients in the study experienced statistically significant relief up to 1 year after the initial treatment!
Discs in your neck can compress or irritate your nerves causing pain, numbness, or weakness.
Research has shown that adjustments were more effective than medication in the short and long-term.
Chronic neck pain can be reduced by up to 75% or more after Chiropractic adjustments.
Next Steps:
Research has shown that Chiropractic is an extremely safe and effective healthcare option for treating neck pain or pinched nerves. Additionally, Chiropractors are trained to help you proactively combat neck pain and to prevent it from showing up in the first place. Ask us about some simple stretches and exercises you can perform to help improve your range of motion while keeping your discs and nerves healthy and happy.
Science Source:
Spinal Manipulation, Medication, or Home Exercise With Advice for Acute and Subacute Neck Pain- A Randomized Trial. Annals of Internal Medicine, Volume 156, 2012
Safety of Chiropractic Manipulation of the Cervical Spine. SPINE, Volume 32, 2007
Evidence-Based Guidelines for the Chiropractic Treatment of Adults with Neck Pain. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. Volume 37. 2014
Outcomes from Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Confirmed Symptomatic Cervical Disk Herniation Patients Treated with High-Velocity, Low-Amplitude Spinal Manipulative Therapy. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2013
What is the most valuable thing in the world to you? As the great physician Hippocrates once said: “A wise man ought to realize that health is his most valuable possession.” We agree. All the cars, watches, and bitcoins in the world has never improved anyone’s health. That’s why we are so passionate about helping you get well and stay well with Chiropractic care – and we aren’t alone. A recent study in the Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine showed that Chiropractic care had an extremely high perceived value for people suffering from neck pain. In other words, people loved getting adjusted!
Why it Matters:
Whether you’re recovering from an injury or just looking to improve your quality of life, maintaining optimal health is a process – so you should have fun doing it! It’s a lot easier to get well and stay well when you enjoy the care and treatment. People love Chiropractic care not only because of the pain relief they receive but also because Chiropractors can help them to live a healthier lifestyle.
An incredible 94% of people receiving adjustments reported high patient satisfaction.
Chiropractors are trained to help people live a healthy, active lifestyle, using natural treatment options.
Chiropractic is supported by top research journals like SPINE and the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Next Steps:
If you know someone who appreciates natural healthcare and wants to maintain an active lifestyle, then share this Research That Matters paper with them. Without any exposure to Chiropractic care, they may have to rely on dangerous medications or surgery to reduce the pain in their neck, but we believe there is a better way with Chiropractic.
Science Source(s):
Spinal Manipulation, Medication, or Home Exercise With Advice for Acute and Subacute Neck Pain- A Randomized Trial. Annals of Internal Medicine, Volume 156, 2012
Safety of Chiropractic Manipulation of the Cervical Spine. SPINE, Volume 32, 2007
Perceived Value of Spinal Manipulative Therapy and Exercise Among Seniors with Chronic Neck Pain: A Mixed Methods Study. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine. 2014
Evidence-Based Guidelines for the Chiropractic Treatment of Adults with Neck Pain. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. Volume 37. 2014
Outcomes from Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Confirmed Symptomatic Cervical Disk Herniation Patients Treated with High-Velocity, Low-Amplitude Spinal Manipulative Therapy. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2013
You know that feeling – the one where you start to feel a headache coming on. For many people, it is a daily occurrence and often begins in the neck and shoulders. That’s right – tight muscles around your neck can result in tension headaches. What’s more, if you sit at a computer all day, your posture may also be contributing to a decreased range of motion, premature degenerative changes in your spine, and headaches – but there’s good news! There are a few simple steps you can take to help you feel less pain, increase your energy, and fend off those degenerative changes. New evidence-based guidelines strongly recommend a combination of exercise, stretching, and Chiropractic adjustments to help reduce neck pain, headaches, and muscle tension.
Why it Matters:
Chronic neck pain can rob you of the things you love. Enjoying your hobbies, taking a few moments to relax, and time with your family can all be affected. However, neck pain and headaches don’t have to be a part of your daily life. By understanding the latest research, you can take massive action to improve your health. Check out the next steps below to find a few tips to help you take your life back from pain.
Research recommends a combination of Chiropractic, exercise, and stretching to reduce neck pain.
Chiropractic has an extremely high patient satisfaction score of over 90%.
An amazing 85% of people receiving Chiropractic adjustments for acute neck pain experienced significant improvement.
Next Steps:
It’s exciting that research has continued to showcase that you’re in charge of your health. Your habits and lifestyle can make a massive impact. Start reducing neck pain today by taking breaks every 45-60 minutes and stretching out your neck and shoulders. Take a brisk walk during lunch or hit the gym a few times a week to increase your activity levels. Finally, don’t forget about getting adjusted. Research proves that Chiropractic adjustments are a smart decision!
Science Source(s):
Spinal Manipulation, Medication, or Home Exercise with Advice for Acute and Subacute Neck Pain- A Randomized Trial. Annals of Internal Medicine, Volume 156, 2012
Perceived Value of Spinal Manipulative Therapy and Exercise Among Seniors with Chronic Neck Pain: A Mixed Methods Study. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine. 2014
Evidence-Based Guidelines for the Chiropractic Treatment of Adults with Neck Pain. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. Volume 37. 2014
You don’t need to be a pro athlete to have a desire to perform your best, but the link between Chiropractic and performance was discovered by some of the most popular athletes in the world. The difference between winning and losing is often razor thin, and athletes are always on the lookout for anything that can help them perform their best. What used to be a “secret” of athletes like Babe Ruth over 60 years ago has now become the standard for nearly every professional sports team. Chiropractic care is a crucial part of the team, helping athletes stay in the game and perform their best.
Why it Matters:
Performing your best starts with feeling good. Simply put, you can’t perform your best in pain, and Chiropractic care is a safe and effective way to help reduce discomfort. Over the past ten years, researchers have seen some exciting benefits of Chiropractic care, including the potential for improved strength and balance. Recent studies have started to examine how Chiropractic adjustments can positively impact the central nervous system (your brain and spinal cord). Researchers refer to these as changes in cortical drive and biochemical markers – we call it awesome!
Nearly every major professional sports team has a Chiropractor on staff to help the athletes achieve their best performance.
Strength (or cortical drive) has been shown to increase for a short time following a Chiropractic adjustment.
The chemistry of the brain, or biochemical markers (such as oxytocin and neurotensin) can change as a result of an adjustment.
Next Steps:
Part of performing at your best is having an excellent healthcare team behind you. With Chiropractic as part of your life, you’ve taken a significant first step, but sometimes finding great medical doctors can be tough. As you put together your all-star team, don’t hesitate to ask us if you’re looking for a referral. We’re proud to work with the best healthcare providers in the area and would love to direct you to someone who can help keep you performing your best.
Science Source(s):
The effects of a single session of spinal manipulation on strength and cortical drive in athletes. European journal of Applied Physiology. 2018
Changes in biochemical markers following spinal manipulation-a systematic review and meta-analysis. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice. 2017
One of the conditions best suited to laser therapy
This syndrome corresponds to a compression or irritation of the ulnar nerve at the level of the Guyon’s canal, located on the anterior surface of the wrist towards the fifth finger.
This condition is usually the result of a direct trauma to the hand or following a prolonged compression of the hand, such as in cyclists or golfers. Also, Guyon’s canal syndrome can occur as a result of repeated grasping movements along hand movements. This problem can also occur following a sustained position with the wrist bent.
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Structures involved
In the wrist, the ulnar nerve passes directly between the pisohamate ligament, which connects two carpal bones together, and the fascia of the palmaris brevis muscle located in the palm of the hand. These two structures together form Guyon’s canal. In addition to the ulnar nerve, the canal also contains the deep branch of the ulnar artery. The syndrome usually occurs when, for one reason or another, the space in Guyon’s canal is reduced and the ulnar nerve is compressed.
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Signs & Symptoms that you may experience
Guyon’s canal syndrome can cause, but is not limited to, numbness, tingling and loss of sensation in the fifth finger and half of the fourth. Atrophy of the hand muscles may also occur. During the night, you may experience pain and numbness from prolonged bending of the wrist. Symptoms are also exacerbated during repetitive activities involving wrist movements or prolonged pressure on the hand.
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Recovery
Your rehabilitation plan, health profile, fitness level and nutritional status affect the recovery time. Most of the time, you should recover completely from Guyon’s canal syndrome. This condition may take a few months to fully recover.
Relative rest is a good way to protect your Guyon’s canal syndrome and prevent your injury from getting worse, but it is important to avoid over-protecting it. A few days of rest by reducing activities that cause pain may be necessary. A quick return to your daily activities, light cardiovascular exercise and specific mobility and strengthening exercises will allow for better recovery.
Rehabilitation
Follow your therapist’s advice. This will help you manage the various stages of the healing process and increase the odds of successful rehabilitation. Your therapist will accompany you during your rehabilitation program to restore your joint range of motion, muscle strength and endurance, flexibility and functional status.
▶ WHAT TO AVOID
Do not rely solely on a passive treatment approach. Each phase of the rehabilitation process is important. Patients who actively participate in their treatment plan tend to recover more quickly. As soon as you feel better and the pain is well under control, introduce, in collaboration with your therapist, mild strengthening exercises based on your tolerance.
Ischial bursitis is the irritation of the bursa at the bony prominence behind the pelvis, called ischial tuberosity. This bony prominence represents an insertion zone for several muscles, including the hamstrings, and provides support in the sitting position.
Activities and sports that require the hamstring muscles to be repeatedly contracted or stretched during running, jumping or kicking can cause irritation of the bursa and sometimes inflammation. Ischial bursitis usually results from injury to the hamstring tendons. Prolonged sitting on a hard surface or falling on the buttocks can also aggravate the irritation.
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Structures involved
The bursa is a small fluid-filled sac. The bursa located in the pelvis acts as a lubricant to reduce friction between the muscles and the ischial tuberosity.
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Signs & Symptoms that you may experience
Each person will react differently after an injury and recovery will depend on the severity of the injury. Ischial bursitis can produce, but is not limited to pain in the buttock area, localized swelling of the bursa and reduced mobility at the hip.
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Recovery
Your rehabilitation plan, health profile, fitness level and nutritional status affect the recovery time. In most cases, you can expect a full recovery from ischial bursitis. As a general rule, this condition may take a few months to fully recover.1
Facet syndrome represents an irritation of the articular facets at the level of the spine. This progressive condition is often associated with a sensation of pain and generally affects the quantity and quality of movement possible.
The spine is made up of several vertebrae, intervertebral discs, ligaments, nerves and many muscles. The facet joints are small joints, covered with cartilage, that connect the vertebrae together.
Facet syndrome most often affects the lumbar or cervical region and usually happens as a result of structural changes that occur in the spine with age. Facet syndrome can be caused by inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis, or following a spinal trauma, such as a car accident or a fall.
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Structures involved
The cartilage that covers the facet joint and allows the vertebrae to move easily against each other is often involved in this condition.
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Signs & Symptoms that you may experience
Facet syndrome is multifactorial and symptoms can vary greatly from one person to another. The symptoms of facet syndrome vary depending on the region of the spine affected. At the cervical level, symptoms are generally felt at the base of the skull, neck, upper back and shoulders. At the lumbar level, symptoms are usually located in the lower back, hips, groin and behind the legs. Pain and stiffness are often present after periods of rest and are often exacerbated in the morning. Burning and tingling sensations may be felt in the area of the buttocks and legs.
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Developments
Your rehabilitation plan, health profile, fitness level and nutritional status affect the recovery time. I n most cases, you can expect a full recovery from facet syndrome. This condition can sometimes be associated with
osteoarthritis, which is a chronic condition that cannot be cured. An active lifestyle and a rehabilitation plan may however slow the progression of this condition and make it easier to manage the symptoms. As a general rule, it can take a few months before you can return to a functional level. In cases of long-standing facet syndrome, the pain may sometimes resurface with no real cause or identifiable false movement and then subside with a return to an active lifestyle.
Relative rest is a good way to protect your facet syndrome and prevent your condition from getting worse, but it is important to avoid over-protecting it. A few days of rest by reducing activities that cause pain may be necessary. A quick return to your daily activities, light cardiovascular exercises that do not cause pain and exercises to strengthen your lumbar and abdominal stabilizer muscles will allow for a better recovery.
Rehabilitation
Follow your therapist’s advice. This will help you manage the various stages of the healing process and increase the odds of successful rehabilitation. Your therapist will accompany you during your personalized rehabilitation program to regain your joint range of motion, your strength and muscular endurance of the spinal region involved and your functional state.
▶ WHAT TO AVOID
Do not rely solely on a passive treatment approach. Each phase of the rehabilitation process is important. Patients who actively participate in their treatment plan tend to recover more quickly. Remember that pain is not always a good indicator of tissue damage. As soon as you feel better and the pain is well under control, introduce, in collaboration with your therapist, cardiovascular and strength-building exercises based on your tolerance.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a compression or irritation of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel on the anterior side of the wrist.This condition is usually the result of repetitive wrist movement, such as regular and prolonged use of a computer mouse or repetitive movements at work. Carpal tunnel syndrome can also occur as a result of trauma or tendinitis of the flexor muscles of the wrist, or during pregnancy due to nerve compression as a result of swelling in the hands.It is estimated that about 8% of the adult population is affected, making it a relatively common condition. It is the most common compression neuropathy of the upper limb. Women are twice as affected as men.
Structures involvedThe nerves of the hand as well as the tendons of the flexor muscles pass to the anterior aspect of the wrist under the transverse carpal ligament that holds them in place. It is the passage formed by the transverse ligament and the bones of the wrist, called carpal bones, that forms the carpal tunnel. The syndrome usually occurs when, for some reason, the space in the carpal tunnel is reduced and the median nerve is compressed.In some cases, a dysfunction of the cervical spine can cause symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome without repetitive wrist extension motion.1
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Signs & Symptoms that you may experience
Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause, but is not limited to, numbness and tingling in the first three fingers and half of the fourth, as well as atrophy of the hand muscles. During the night, you may experience pain and numbness from prolonged bending of the wrist. Symptoms are also exacerbated during repetitive activities involving wrist movements.
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Recovery
Your rehabilitation plan, health profile, fitness level and nutritional status affect the recovery time. Most of the time, you should recover completely from carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition may take a few months to fully recover.
Relative rest is a good way to protect your carpal tunnel syndrome and prevent your injury from getting worse, but it is important to avoid over-protecting it. A few days of rest by reducing activities that cause pain may be necessary. A quick return to your daily activities, light cardiovascular exercise and specific mobility and strengthening exercises will allow for better recovery.
Follow your therapist’s advice. This will help you manage the various stages of the healing process and increase the odds of successful rehabilitation. Your therapist will accompany you during your rehabilitation program to restore your joint range of motion, muscle strength and endurance, flexibility and functional status.
According to the principles of carpal tunnel rehabilitation, reducing aggravating factors and recovering neural mobility, through neurodynamic exercises, would be an important part of functional recovery.
▶ WHAT TO AVOID
Do not rely solely on a passive treatment approach. Each phase of the rehabilitation process is important. Patients who actively participate in their treatment plan tend to recover more quickly. As soon as you feel better and the pain is well under control, introduce, in collaboration with your therapist, mild strengthening exercises based on your tolerance.
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Aberdeen Chiropractic 