Opioids Not More Effective for Back Pain

According to a study in the journal Internist, “Opioids are no more effective than non- opioid medications in the treatment of acute and chronic low back pain.” Download this whitepaper to learn how chiropractic care is helping combat the opioid crisis.

Wertli, M.M. & Steurer, J. Pain medications for acute and chronic low back pain. Internist (2018). 2018 Aug 16. doi: 10.1007/s00108-018-0475-5. [Epub ahead of print]

 

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Menacing Migraines –

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The Headache journal recently reported that migraines affect one in six Americans. Headache is consistently the fourth or fifth most common reason for visits to the emergency department, accounting for roughly 3% of all emergency department visits annually. Chiropractic care has been shown to help decrease the frequency and intensity of migraines.

If you or someone you know suffers from headaches, call our office to learn more.

Burch R. et al. The Prevalence and Impact of Migraine and Severe Headache in the United States: Figures and Trends From Government Health Studies. Headache 2018 Apr;58(4):496-505. doi: 10.1111/head.13281. Epub 2018 Mar 12.

Chiropractic Patients use Fewer Drugs –

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A study of more than 6000 chiropractic patients revealed that few (5.4%) of the chiropractic patients used narcotics for their chronic pain, which is substantially lower than the 45% to 60% use typically found in chronic LBP populations.

Herman, Patricia M. et al.Characteristics of Chiropractic Patients Being Treated for Chronic Low Back and Neck Pain. JMPT 2018 Aug 15. [Epub ahead of print]

Hope for Rotator Cuff Tears

 

A new study found that rotator cuff tears could be predicted by the position of the shoulder (subacromial space). If you or someone you know suffers with shoulder pain check out this video explaining how chiropractic care restores proper shoulder alignment and function.

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Jeong H et al. Factors Predictive of Healing in Large Rotator Cuff Tears: Is It Possible to Predict Retear Preoperatively? Am J Sports Med 2018 Jun;46(7):1693-1700. doi: 10.1177/0363546518762386. Epub 2018 Mar 29.

Pregnant with Back Pain?

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You’re not alone. According the the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 76% of

pregnant women will experience back pain. The risk increases as your fetus grows and if

you had a prior history of back pain.

Our office provides safe and effective non-drug options for pregnant back pain sufferers including customized exercise plans. Curious about exercises during pregnancy? View this sample (but call us before beginning any specific exercises).

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Weis, Carol Ann et al. Prevalence of Low Back Pain, Pelvic Girdle Pain, and Combination Pain in a Pregnant Ontario Population Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada , Volume 40 , Issue 8 , 1038 – 1043

90% Chiropractic Patient Satisfaction

 

A very large study of chiropractic patients revealed that over 90% reported “high satisfaction” with their chiropractic care for chronic neck and/or low back pain. Click here to learn more about our recipe for resolving low back pain.

Check out our video on low back pain!

Herman, Patricia M. et al.Characteristics of Chiropractic Patients Being Treated for Chronic Low Back and Neck Pain. JMPT 2018 Aug 15. [Epub ahead of print]

Be Treated Like the Pros –

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Want to know why nearly every professional team has a chiropractor on staff?
A new comprehensive review of the research regarding the connection between spinal manipulation and sports performance revealed manipulation led to improvement in a sports performance test in nearly every instance. We believe that all of our patients deserve the same level of care as our professional athletes. Regardless of your activity level, call our office today to stay “on top of your game”.

Botelho, Marcelo B. et al. Spinal Manipulative Therapy and Sports Performance Enhancement: A Systematic Review. Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics , Volume 40 , Issue 7 , 535 – 543

MD’s Receive New Guidelines for Back Pain

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A new article in the Journal of Family Practice endorsed a select group of therapies that show “good-quality patient-oriented evidence” for managing chronic low back pain:

  • Recommend a trial of either acupuncture, mindfulness training, or spinal manipulation for patients with chronic low back pain
  • Recommend tai chi as an exercise modality for patients with osteoarthritis

 

Lemmon R et al. Nonpharmacologic treatment of chronic pain: What works? J Fam

Pract. 2018 Aug;67(8):474;477;480;483.

Sitting is the New Smoking

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A 2018 study of computer workstation users found:

  • 44.7% suffered from various musculoskeletal problems
  • 46% suffered from headache
  • 41.3% suffered from neck pain
  • 16% suffered from wrist pain

    Download this new infographic to learn how to set up a more user-friendly workstation.

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    Borhany T, Shahid E, Siddique WA, Ali H. Musculoskeletal problems in frequent computer and internet users. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care. 2018;7(2):337-339. doi:10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_326_17.

5 Tips for Safe Leaf Raking this Fall

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It’s that time of year again. Those colorful leaves falling from the trees will soon leave you with a big mess on the lawn and a new chore to add to your to-do list. Before grabbing the rake, take these tips into consideration to avoid the soreness and injury that commonly accompany leaf raking.

1. Stretch

It may not seem like a workout, but leaf raking can be a very strenuous activity, especially if you’re not regularly active already. Be sure to do a quick warm-up to get your muscles ready and stretch to limit soreness in your neck, shoulders, and back. 

2. Use the Right Equipment

Make sure you’re using a rake that’s the correct size for your height. A rake that’s too small will cause you to bend over more often and put more stress on your back. Wear gloves to protect your palms.

3. Use Correct Posture

Keep your back straight and upright. You’ll want to bend at the knees – not the waist – when picking up your piles and always avoid twisting your torso.

4. Switch Arms Often

Avoid an overuse injury with your dominant arm by switching sides frequently. 

5. Take Breaks

Remember to give yourself a little recovery time now and then and stay hydrated. Taking frequent breaks will help you avoid exhaustion and strain.

As with any form of physical activity, listen to your body. Any sudden, sharp, or persistent pain is not normal. Stay safe by following these tips and be sure to give our office a call if you experience any neck, shoulder, or back pain this fall.