Herbal ginseng supplements may be as effective as a common drug for treating fibromyalgia syndrome, according to new research. People with fibromyalgia (FMS) frequently suffer from fatigue, anxiety, and depression in addition to their physical symptoms of pain. Often the first medication prescribed to FMS patients is an antidepressant aimed at improving sleep and easing depression, which could help patients better cope with chronic pain.
Read MoreAfter hearing her parents argue about the value of organic foods, middle-school student Ria Chhabra decided to create a science fair project to settle the issue. Now her study on the effects of organic foods on fruit flies has earned her publication in scientific journal and top honors in a national science competition, according to The New York Times. Recent research has raised questions about whether or not organic food is healthier than conventional options. Last year, two studies showed that organic produce didn't have more nutrients than conventional produce, although they did contain less pesticides.
Read MoreBrand new medical research is being conducted using stem cells to treat low-back pain. Researchers are testing the safety and efficacy of harvesting and re-injecting a patient's own bone marrow, which is rich in stem cells, into damaged spinal discs. In a small study of 24 low-back pain patients, the procedure appeared to be safe, and none of the patients reported worsening pain after the injection. However, the researchers involved in the study and outside experts agree that more research is needed.
Read MoreA combination of chiropractic and standard medical care for back pain is better than medical care alone, according to new research from the journal Spine. Chiropractic has been shown to reduce back pain, but few studies have examined the effects of integrating chiropractic into standard care for back pain, particularly in military personnel. To fill this gap in knowledge, researchers from the Palmer College of Chiropractic compared treatment approaches in 91 military personnel with back pain between the ages 18-35 years. All the participants received standard medical care (SMC) for back pain, but half also received additional treatments of chiropractic manipulative therapy (CMT). While both groups improved, the patients receiving standard care combined with chiropractic had significantly better outcomes than those receiving standard care alone. The researchers founds that: Among standard care plus chiropractic patients, 73% reported that their pain was completely gone, much better, or moderately better after treatment compared to just 17% of the SMC group. Average pain scores were significantly lower in chiropractic patients.
Read MoreInfants suffering from colic cry incessantly, and the cause is relatively unknown. With the sound of distress coming from a colicky baby, most believe that it is a result of some sort of pain, but of course, babies can't tell us what hurts.
Read MoreMost health-care providers recommend that their patients with low-back pain remain active, and there is often encouragement to return to work and exercise as soon as possible. But does physical activity really prevent low back pain from becoming disabling? A new study has sought whether or not a patient's level of physical activity affects recovery of acute low-back pain. The research included over 100 participants and followed them for three months.
Read MoreCombining chiropractic and acupuncture led to complete headache relief for a patient in a recent case study. Earlier research has shown that chiropractic can effectively ease migraine and cervicogenic headache, and evidence suggests that acupuncture is an effective first-line alternative treatment for migraines.
Read MoreIn the initial stage of gestational diabetes, diagnosed women are usually treated with medical nutrition therapy, which typically means limiting the amount and distribution of carbohydrates to maintain glycemic control. The method has been thought to help women avoid insulin injections, although there has been little evidence to support this. A recent study has found that reducing carbohydrates did not reduce the need for insulin in a small, randomized, controlled experiment. Researchers followed 152 women who were pregnant with one child and had gestational diabetes.
Read MoreMany patients with shoulder pain are told have surgery, get steroid shots, or take anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve the pain. Unfortunately, these treatments do not always work to reliably reduce symptoms, particularly in patients with frozen shoulder syndrome. Frozen shoulder syndrome is characterized by night pain and painful restriction of shoulder movement during rotation and abduction.
Read MoreOne in ten parents skip or delay vaccinations for their young kids, often fearing the potential risks of "too many shots too soon." And approximately a third of parents have safety concerns over a perceived link between autism and vaccinations. New research raises questions about the validity of such concerns however. A study from The Journal Pediatrics found that children who received the full schedule of vaccinations do not have an elevated risk of autism. The research is the latest in a string of 20 similar studies showing that there is no link between autism and vaccinations.
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