Chiropractic News and Research by ChiroNexus

New Migraine Gene Discovered

May 15, 2013

Mutations of a single gene could be to blame for both migraines and an unusual sleep disorder, according a new study published in Science Translational Medicine. The study could explain why people with migraines are often plagued with sleep problems, and could make it easier for identifying new treatments, the researchers say. For one co-author of the study, the findings are a personal victory given her own history with migraines as a child. Emily Bates, chemistry professor at Brigham Young University, recalled how migraines would cause her to lose her vision, vomit uncontrollably, and "wipe out an entire day".

New Fibromyalgia Guidelines Recommend Natural Treatments

May 15, 2013

New guidelines for diagnosing fibromyalgia have dramatically changed the standard recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The guidelines, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, codify a number of revelations made in FMS research in recent years that question long-held beliefs about the syndrome. "From being a condition of suspect validity 2 decades ago, fibromyalgia is now much more widely accepted as a true syndrome," wrote Marry-Ann Fitzharles MB ChB, of the Division of Rheumatology at McGill University in Montreal, and colleagues. Fitzharles and colleagues combed through scientific literature to develop the new recommendations which reflect changes made to the 2010 American College of Rheumatology criteria. The new guidelines for diagnosing fibromyalgia include: Tender point counts should no longer be used for diagnosing fibromyalgia.

Still Too Much Sodium in Restaurant Foods

May 14, 2013

Sodium intake remains a problem for people in industrialized countries. Although there has been a shifted focus and new regulations on nutrition and health, there is still far too much salt in much of the food we consume. A new study showed that while the sodium content in processed foods declined between 2005 and 2011, the change was not enough, only an average of 3.5% It was also revealed that in that time period, restaurant foods did not decline in sodium content at all; in fact, the sodium levels actually increased by 2.6%. The study analyzed the sodium levels in 402 processed foods such as pizza, potato chips, and canned soup, as well as menu items from 78 large chain restaurants, such as Arby's, Burger King, Domino's Pizza, McDonald's, and Subway. In looking at the 402 processed foods, researchers found that sodium levels were reduced in 168 products, 115 did not change, and 119 actually increased sodium content in the six year time period. For the 78 restaurant foods examined.

Immediate Benefits of Chiropractic Adjustments Visible on MRI

May 14, 2013

It's well known that chiropractic is effective for low-back pain, but scientists are still discovering exactly what makes chiropractic work. Recent research has revealed some of the key biological processes involved in chiropractic adjustments, from boosting your body's response to inflammation to reducing over-sensitization of the central nervous system. A new study helps to further uncover the underlying mechanisms behind the beneficial effects of chiropractic adjustments. Gregory Cramer, DC, PhD, of the National University of Health Sciences, started his most recent study by outlining a fundamental hypothesis explaining the beneficial effects of chiropractic adjustments.

Video: Chiropractic Relieves Dizziness After Auto Injury

May 13, 2013

Chiropractic care cured vertigo and dizziness for patients in a new case study. Vertigo and dizziness are common after an auto accident, and can result from head injuries or a sudden, violent motion of the head that disturbs the vestibular system.

Can Antibiotics Ease Low Back Pain?

May 13, 2013

Up to 40% of chronic low-back pain cases could caused by bacterial infections, and antibiotics could play a role treatment, new research suggests. A new study found that antibiotic use led to significant improvements in 80% of patients with herniated disc and spinal swelling. However researchers cautioned that antibiotics should not be used "without due consideration." Since low back pain is so common, prescribing antibiotics indiscriminately could be hazardous, they observed. The researchers first found clues that infection could be linked to this specific type of low-back pain when they conducted a study of 61 patients with lumbar disc herniation undergoing spinal surgery.

Relieve Back Pain After Auto Collision

May 10, 2013

A motor vehicle crash can be the source of limitless pain, suffering, and inconvenience. Some effects are short-term, but unfortunately for accident victims, other problems can last months or years after the collision. For people who develop chronic pain from an auto injury, the wish to turn back the clock may be especially desirable.

Acupuncture vs. Drugs for Low Back Pain

May 10, 2013

Acupuncture was more effective than medication for easing severe low-back pain in a new study. Patients treated with acupuncture had a 33% greater improvement in disability compared to patients receiving injections of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, diclofenac. Although several studies have pointed to the benefits of acupuncture for acute back pain, researchers were interested in examining its comparative efficacy to drugs in patients with more severe symptoms. A total of 58 low-back pain patients with severe disability were randomly assigned to receive either one acupuncture treatment or an injection of diclofenac.

Kids With Back Pain: A Growing Trend

May 9, 2013

The problem of children and adolescents with low-back pain (LBP) is important among pediatric and chiropractic professionals. The prevalence of young people with LBP has been growing, and the reason for this is not clear.

Pilates Could Offer Natural Neck Pain Relief

May 9, 2013

Suffering from neck pain? Try striking some Pilates poses. A new pilot study suggests that Pilates could be beneficial for patients with chronic neck pain. In the study, researchers enrolled 13 patients with neck pain into a Pilates program with guided poses aimed at addressing neck symptoms.