Chiropractic News and Research by ChiroNexus

Want to Avoid an Asthma Attack? Turn to the Sun

May 23, 2013

Vitamin D could be the answer for reducing symptoms related to asthma. A new study shows that the "sunshine" vitamin can soothe the overactive part of the immune system in patients with severe asthma. Although using vitamin D has not yet been tested for treating asthma, the study results may provide some hope for patients with asthma strains that are resistant to steroids, or those who want to avoid the harmful side effects of steroids, which are drugs commonly used to treat asthma. For the study, researchers examined the effect vitamin D had on a chemical in the body called interleukin-17 (IL-17A), which is used to fight off infections in the immune system.

Massage Therapy for Neck and Shoulder Pain

May 22, 2013

Massage therapy is beneficial for shoulder and neck pain, but is no more effective than other active, conservative treatments, according to a new study. Massage therapy has long been one of the most popular alternative treatments, with ancient references to massage dating back to 2700 BC in China. Despite its popularity, few studies have examined the efficacy of massage therapy alone for neck and shoulder pain.

Eat Like the Italians and Avoid Dementia

May 22, 2013

The Mediterranean diet, consisting of foods that are staples for people in southern Europe, has been shown to have significant health benefits, including lowering the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer. The main characteristics of eating like those in Italy and Spain is the use of healthy fats, with virgin olive oil serving as the main fat source. Mediterraneans also eat a high intake of fruits, nuts, vegetables and a moderate to high intake of fish and seafood.

Why Chiropractic Mobilization Works for Back Pain

May 21, 2013

Chiropractic mobilization can create immediate, measurable improvements in spinal function for patients with lower back pain, a new study suggests. Spinal mobilization is a technique commonly used by chiropractors to relieve musculoskeletal pain. It involves low-velocity manipulation, movement, and stretching of the muscles and joints with the intent of increasing range of motion in the injured area.

Video: Manual Therapies Best Option for Teens with Back Pain

May 20, 2013

Back pain is a common complaint in teenagers, and 94% of teens with low-back pain say their symptoms limit their daily activities. Having back pain in adolescence also increases your risk of suffering from chronic symptoms as an adult, making it all the more important to seek early treatment. However many parents worry about the potential risks associated with medication and surgery for treating their teen, and wonder whether conservative treatments can help.

ADHD Tied to Obesity

May 20, 2013

Kids with ADHD already have a lot to struggle with in their day-to-day lives at school and home, but new research adds to their lists of concerns: obesity. A new study shows that children with ADHD are more likely to become obese as adults. The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, tracked 207 men who were diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder as children.

Over Half of Older Adults Bothered by Pain

May 17, 2013

An analysis of data from a 2011 study has reported a high prevalence of pain in the population of American senior citizens. Over 52% of adults in the U.S. aged 65 to 69 reported having bothersome pain in the previous month.

Smokers Have Worse Recovery After Work Injury

May 17, 2013

Lighting up a cigarette may make smokers feel more relaxed when they're coping with work injuries, but new research suggests that could actually make matters worse. The findings suggest that smoking , combined with worker compensation and litigation, significantly inhibits recovery from spinal disorders. Earlier studies have demonstrated that smoking can increase your risk of back pain, arthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions.

Marijuana Pill More Effective for Pain

May 16, 2013

Patients with chronic pain wary of smoking pot could still benefit from the pain-alleviating effects of marijuana by taking oral tablets. In fact, marijuana pills may provide better pain relief than smoking, according to a new study published in the journal Neuropyschopharmacology. The pill contains the active ingredient found in regular marijuana, THC, and has already been approved to help chemotherapy and AIDS patients with nausea and vomiting. Although recent research has confirmed the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids, no studies have compared the effectiveness of smoking marijuana or taking the pill, known as dronabinol. Researchers at Columbia University in New York recruited 30 pot smokers to track their response to pain.

Helping Nurses Avoid Work Injury and Back Pain

May 16, 2013

Critical-care nurses are at greater risk of musculoskeletal injuries than many other occupations, and it isn't hard to see why. Handling and lifting patients of various sizes is bound to put strain on the muscles in the low-back, neck, shoulder, and arms.