Chiropractic News and Research by ChiroNexus

Pleasure Brain Signals Disrupted in Fibromyalgia Patients

November 15, 2013

Patients with fibromyalgia have been shown to suffer from hyperalgesia, or increased pain sensitivity, that exacerbates their existing symptoms. Now new research suggested that hypersensitivity to pain may be related to how their brain processes rewards and punishment. In a new study from Arthritis & Rheumatism, the journal of the American College of Rheumatology, researchers found that patients with fibromyalgia have disrupted brain signals in areas of the brain responsible for reward and punishment. Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a musculoskeletal pain condition characterized by widespread muscular and joint pain.

Exercise Treats and Prevents Depression

November 13, 2013

We all know physical activity can do wonders for lifting the mood, but new research shows that regular exercise may actually prevent the onset of depression. Although earlier research has demonstrated the positive effects of exercise on mental and physical health, there have been no major literature reviews analyzing the effects of exercise on the risk of depression. Publishing in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, PhD candidate George Mammen conducted the first longitudinal review of the effects of physical activity on mental health. The meta-analysis included 26 years of research including 30 peer-reviewed studies. Even low levels of physical activity like walking or gardening for 30 minutes per day was enough to prevent depression, regardless of age.

Pelvic Pain Underreported and Untreated

November 11, 2013

A new study suggests that pelvic pain is grossly underreported among young women in their late teens and early 20s. Researchers from the University of Florida conducted the first-ever study on the prevalence of pelvic pain among college-educated women.

New Ligament in the Knee Discovered

November 9, 2013

Scientists have discovered a previously unknown ligament in the human knee. The ligament is believed to play a critical role in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. Many patients with ACL injuries continue to experience problems with pivot-shift motions and feeling as though their knees "give way" during certain movements.

Back Injuries in Young Athletes: A Growing Concern

November 6, 2013

Lower back injuries are the third most common sports injury sustained by athletes under the age of 18, according to new findings from Loyola University Medical Center. Not only can these injuries sideline athletes for weeks, they put them at risk of future back problems. The Loyola University study was presented by sports physician Neeru Jayanthi, MD, at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition in Orlando.

Tennis Elbow Lights Up PET Scans

November 4, 2013

New research shows for the first time how physiological mechanisms causing chronic soft tissue pain like tennis elbow can be studied with the help of PET scans that "light up" in response to pain receptors. Researchers from Uppsala University in Sweden documented how the activation of pain receptors is visibly apparent on PET scans in the arms of patients with tennis elbow. This soft tissue pain condition occurs when the tendons of the elbow become inflamed after overuse.

Blood Samples Reveal Risk of Chronic Whiplash

November 1, 2013

With up to 50% of whiplash patients developing chronic symptoms, researchers have continued to ask, "Why do certain people develop chronic whiplash pain while others do not?" A new study provides a potential clue into answering that question: cytokines. Cytokines are proteins secreted by cells of the immune system which aide in cell communication. Immediately after an injury, the immune system produces pro-inflammatory cytokines responsible for fighting off infection.

Almonds May Prevent Weight Gain

October 30, 2013

A few almonds a day could keep the weight away. A new study found that individuals who ate 1.5 ounces of almonds every day reported reduced hunger and ate less throughout the day. Snacking too much may contribute to overeating in many people.

Spinal Injections Not Helpful for Fibromyalgia

October 28, 2013

Minimally-invasive procedures such as epidural steroid injections may not be beneficial for patients with symptoms patterns of fibromyalgia, a new study suggests. The study also found that 42% of patients seeking care for back pain may fit a diagnosis for fibromyalgia, which may explain why they respond poorly to treatments of epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, and other similar procedures. Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) may damage the capability of the central nervous system to process pain. This process, known as central sensitization, causes patients to have a reduced pain tolerance and hypersensitivity to pain. Epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, and medial branch blocks are common treatments for a number of spinal conditions, despite that between 25-45% of patients fail to respond to these treatments.

Chiropractic Most Popular CAM Therapy in Australia

October 25, 2013

More and more people are catching onto to the benefits of chiropractic care. A new study found that chiropractors are the most commonly consulted complementary health physicians in Australia. Out of 7,519 respondents, 15% of patients reported they had visited a chiropractor in the previous 12 months.