Chiropractic News and Research by ChiroNexus

Seatbelts and the Risk of Auto Injury

July 7, 2014

Orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons at the Medical College of Wisconsin see a lot of spine injuries in patients who have been in an auto accident. You may not be aware of it, but the leading cause of spine injuries in your midback (thoracic) and low back (lumbar) areas is auto accidents. In a study, doctors evaluated records of 4572 patients between 1996 and 2011 entered into the Crash Injury Research and Engineering Network database who were moderately to severely injured in an auto accident.

PTSD Tied to Chronic Pain After Auto Injury

April 16, 2014

A recent study shows yet again that PTSD after mild auto injuries is anything but "minor." The study, published in the Journal of Rheumatology, shows patients with post-traumatic stress disorder are twice as likely to have a poorer quality of life compared to those without the condition. While a host of studies have linked whiplash plus PTSD with chronic symptoms, few have analyzed whether these same linkages exist for patients with other mild auto injuries. Prior to adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, their results showed that 56% of whiplash patients reported non-recovery one year after the car accident, compared to 43% of patients with other mild injuries. Whiplash patients were also more likely to report that their symptoms negatively impacted their occupational status (31% versus 23%).

Advances in Auto Safety: 1959 vs 2009

June 23, 2013

Auto safety has come a long way in the last 60 years, and it's easy to take it for granted. A new video from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does an excellent job of demonstrating how far we've come in this dramatic video that shows a head-on, 40 mph offset crash between a 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air and a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. As you can see, the passenger compartment is severely damaged in the 1959 Chevy, while there is no intrusion at all in the 2009 model. As the IIHS says, "It was night and day, the difference in occupant protection," says Institute president Adrian Lund. "What this test shows is that automakers don't build cars like they used to.

Why do you have widespread pain after an auto injury?

October 9, 2012

Some patients develop chronic, widespread pain after an auto injury. Decades ago, people with these symptoms were thought to be exaggerating or faking their injuries.

Jaw Pain After Auto Injuries Video

October 23, 2012

Jaw or temporomandibular joint pain is common after an auto injury, even when there is no direct trauma to the jaw. The condition can be confusing to health-care providers, since oftentimes the jaw symptoms don't appear immediately after the injury, sometimes developing weeks or even months later. New research over the last 10 years suggests that jaw pain after an auto injury actually originates in the neck. When your neck is injured, the pain signals travel from the spine to your brainstem.

Most Car Crash Victims Don't Sue Despite Chronic Pain

January 22, 2014

Auto injury victims have long been accused of faking their symptoms to earn a payout, but a new study shows that in most cases, that accusation is patently false. Researchers from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine found that the vast majority of patients fail to pursue litigation after an auto collision, despite suffering from chronic pain. "In the U.S., if someone develops chronic neck pain or other pain after a car accident, and they go to their doctor or tell their friends, they are often not believed or are viewed with great suspicion, as if their symptoms are not real and they are just trying to sue someone," explained Samuel McLean, MD, MPH, lead author of the study and associate professor of anesthesiology and emergency medicine at the University of North Carolina.

Exercise After Whiplash: Don't Do It Alone

June 23, 2014

Countless studies have pointed to the benefits of exercise for recovering from spinal injuries like whiplash. But is staying physically active enough to combat minor auto injuries? A new study sought to answer that question by comparing general exercise to therapist-led interventions for whiplash. The study included 216 patients with chronic whiplash-associated disorders.

Chronic Neck Pain After Auto Injury

October 29, 2015

Rear-end collisions are very common in our suburbs and cities. Traffic is crowded and unpredictable, and crashes are frequent.

Fear of Movement After Car Crash Hinders Recovery

October 26, 2017

Imagine what happens when you injure your neck in an auto injury... Your muscles contract, there's a burst of pain, and a soreness that makes you want to avoid moving your neck too much or turning too far. You may worry about re-injuring yourself or you may think, "I could do more harm than good by moving my neck." Unfortunately, not moving your neck after an auto injury can actually be worse for your recovery, especially for people after a car accident.

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.

Video: Why You Shouldn't Wait to Get Auto Injury Treatment

December 18, 2012

Immediately after an auto collision, it's common for people to wait to get treatment. Most people think, "I'll just wait to see how I feel next week." This approach can be a mistake. A number of scientific studies show that when a patient gets early treatment soon after a crash, they have better outcomes than those patients who wait. During a crash, the tissues of your neck can be stretched or torn.

Physical Therapy vs. Self Care for Whiplash

April 11, 2014

Up to half of all whiplash patients are plagued with chronic symptoms, and ongoing research seeks to identify affordable, effective methods of preventing chronic pain. The standard treatment for whiplash often includes comprehensive, long-term physical therapy.

8 Reasons Why Chiropractic is the Best Treatment for Auto Injuries

October 26, 2015

Millions of people are injured in car crashes each year in the US, and many of these "minor" collisions result in long-term symptoms and disability. In fact, research shows that a significant number of people have pain from a crash even 10-15 years later. Chiropractic is one of the best ways to treat and heal from these types of injuries.

Overweight Patients Have Slower Recovery After Auto Injury

June 2, 2014

Research conducted by the University of North Carolina, Department of Anesthesiology suggests that it will take you longer to recover from an injury sustained in an auto accident if you are carrying around too much extra weight. This means that losing some of your excess pounds is a necessary, proactive step to not only improve your health, but too reduce your risk of possible injuries that could occur in a future car crash. Their study included 1,000 adults who had checked into an emergency department within 24 hours after a car accident.

Most Common Kid Sports Injuries

July 31, 2013

While physical activity is beneficial for children's health, it can lead to sports injuries in the growing bodies of young people. Research about sports injuries has been conducted in an effort to prevent injury and keep athletics as safe as possible for kids. A recent study added to this body of research.

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.

Auto Injuries Increase Risk of Future Back Pain

February 15, 2018

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations reports that more than two million people are injured every year in auto-related accidents involving either a passenger vehicle, large truck, or motorcycle. Furthermore, that number appears to be climbing at an alarming rate, increasing more than five percent between 2014 and 2015 alone. Certainly, being involved in this type of incident can have long-lasting effects.

Understanding headaches after auto collisions

September 20, 2012

Headache is reported in 90% of auto injury patients, and there are many different possible causes. Cervicogenic headaches are probably the most common after a car crash. Cervicogenic means "originating in the neck" and these headaches are caused by irritation of the nerves that travel through the head and neck.

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.

Whiplash Shares Traits of Achilles Tendonosis

October 18, 2013

Researchers have discovered that patients with whiplash injuries may share certain characteristics of those with Achilles tendonosis, which may offer insight into potential new treatments for chronic whiplash pain. The study examined the tendons of patients with whiplash, and found signs of pathological neovascularization, or the development of blood vessels in abnormal tissues, similar to what has been found in patients with Achilles tendonosis. "These findings promise that similar treatments that are now successful with Achilles tendonosis, may be effective in the [whiplash]-painful muscle insertions of the neck," wrote researchers from in Sweden and Nova Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine in Florida. Whiplash injuries occur when the body is subjected to shear forces which stretch, strain, and sometimes tear the ligaments, tendons, and structures of the neck, also called the cervical spine.

Chiropractic Effective for Jaw Pain and TMD

February 26, 2013

Many patients suffer from host of symptoms after an auto collision: neck pain, whiplash, headache, and even jaw pain. Studies show that patients with whiplash frequently develop temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), or dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint, located in the jaw.

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.

Prevent Sports Injury with Chiropractic

September 2, 2014

Chiropractic is an integral part of the care that many professional athletes receive. But just because you aren't going to the Olympics doesn't mean that you too can't improve your health and performance with chiropractic care. When it comes to sports injuries, weakness or improper stretching can put you at risk of getting hurt.

Comparing Sports Injuries Between Kids and Teens

July 17, 2013

With pediatric health-care providers facing the epidemic of obesity, it is more important than ever to promote athletic activities among young people. Fortunately, participation in youth sports has grown steadily over the past four decades. Along with that increase comes a trend towards more competitiveness and intensity, resulting in more frequent sports injuries, from both overuse and trauma.

How Long Does it Take to Recover From Whiplash?

January 3, 2014

One of the most common questions asked by anyone suffering from whiplash or another auto injury is, "How long do I need to recover?" The answer to that question depends largely on the severity of your injury, as well as individual characteristics like age, mental health, and occupation. For instance one new study suggests that patients with grade I or II whiplash injury can expect to experience significant relief of their symptoms within a year of their injury.

Video: Preventing Whiplash With Head Rests

November 28, 2012

Whiplash injuries are an expensive and painful problem in the US. Experts estimate that we spend $29 billion per year in treating the pain and disability that can result from a rear-end collision. But there are steps you can take to protect yourself from whiplash injury.

Chiropractic Care Beneficial for Dizziness and Balance Issues

September 14, 2015

As we get older, many of us begin to develop problems with dizziness and balance. Some research shows that as many as 30% of older adults experience these symptoms.

Wealthier Kids More Likely to Have Overuse Injuries

April 14, 2014

Overuse injuries are often blamed on increasing specialization at young age, with children (or their parents) choosing to master one sport rather than a variety of activities. But a new study suggests that specialization, and its accompanying risk of sports injuries, may be a bigger concern among wealthier families, according to a press release from Loyola University. The study suggests that rates of overuse injuries are 68% higher among athletes whose families can afford private insurance, compared to athletes receiving public health insurance (Medicaid).

Wanna Prevent Sports Injuries? Pump Some Iron

June 20, 2014

We all know exercise is essential but a new study suggests that exercise is even more imperative for athletes who want to reduce their time sitting on the sidelines with an injury. Researchers discovered that athletes who regularly do strength training have a lower risk of acute and overuse sports injuries. Additionally, people who participated in all three exercise methods studied (stretching, strength training, and proprioception training) suffered from lower incidences of sports injuries as well.

Foot Orthotics Plus Chiropractic Eases Low Back Pain

June 7, 2013

Did you know your feet may be to blame for back pain? The shape and arch of your feet affect how your body bears weight as you move. Having a high arch, decreased ankle flexion, or smaller drop of the navicular bones in your feet, may make you more susceptible to lower back pain. Many chiropractors use foot orthotics to address low-back pain in workers who stand all day, or in people with posture, gait, or lower-extremity problems.

Chiropractic Could Prevent Sports Injuries

January 7, 2013

Chiropractic care has been proven to be effective at treating back pain, neck pain, and other musculoskeletal issues. But did you know that chiropractic treatments could potentially prevent these injuries from occurring? A 2010 study tested the effects of chiropractic preventive treatments on sixty semi-elite Australian football players.

Preventing ACL Injuries in Athletes

September 4, 2013

Female athletes are two to nine times more likely to suffer from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries than males. New research suggests that gender disparity is likely the result of body type and landing techniques. ACL injuries are an extremely common sports injury, resulting in an estimated 80-100,000 ACL repairs in the US every year.

Laser Therapy Soothes Whiplash

October 2, 2013

Laser therapy may help patients return to work sooner following whiplash injury, according to a recent study. Low-level laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment used by some chiropractors and other manual therapists to ease musculoskeletal pain. The therapy involves the delivery of the low levels of red and infrared light directly into the injured area.

Easing Emotional Distress Key to Neck Pain Treatment

February 18, 2013

A considerable amount of research has focused on assessing risk factors for developing long-term disability as a result of neck pain. However, knowledge is still lacking regarding disability in neck-pain patients receiving specialist treatment.

Traditional Care Tied to Increased Disability in Whiplash Patients

May 24, 2013

Many patients with whiplash are told to wear a neck brace after an auto accident. But a growing body of research suggests that neck braces, called cervical collars, can actually do more harm than good. Patients with whiplash have a better chance of recovery without cervical collars, a new study shows.

Chiropractic Eases TMJ Pain, Study Suggests

May 28, 2013

A new case series suggests that chiropractic can improve symptoms in patients with jaw symptoms due to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). The temporomandibular joint is the joint in the jaw that allows you to open and close your mouth with ease.

Chiropractic Improves Healing of Recurrent Ankle Sprains

December 17, 2014

Ankle injuries are among the most common injuries reported by sports athletes, ranking number one in 24 specific sports categories such as basketball, football, volleyball, and soccer. Additionally, over 40 percent of ankle inversion sprain injuries result in chronic ankle instability, which means that treating this condition effectively is imperative to helping protect athletes from suffering any further injury.

Risk Factors for Leg Pain in Runners

July 3, 2013

With the growing popularity of community-based races, more people are running for fun than ever before. While running is associated with a wealth of health and wellness benefits, some athletes experience overuse injuries while running and training for races.

Athletes Benefit from Chiropractic Care for Sports Hernias

October 30, 2012

Hernia and groin injuries have been widely reported among soccer players. Sports hernias, or chronic groin pain, account for significant loss of playing time and early retirement from sports.

Steroid Injections No Longer Recommended for Spinal Cord Injuries

June 5, 2013

New guidelines from the Congress of Neurological Surgeons and the American Association of Neurological Surgeons recommend against the use of steroid injections for acute spinal cord injuries. Previously the injections were recommended "with consideration to the risk/reward profile" as determined by a physician. But a growing body of research of the last decade led the association to reverse its earlier guidelines on the use of steroid injections for spinal cord injuries (SCIs). "Class I, II, and III evidence exists that high-dose steroids are associated with harmful side effects including death," the authors of the guidelines wrote. They stated that there is "no consistent or compelling medical evidence of any class to justify administration of MP[steroid injection] for acute SCI." In issuing the updated guidelines, researchers from the Congress of Neurological Surgeons conducted a meta-analysis of 28 studies on the effects of steroid injections on patients with acute spinal cord injuries.

How whiplash affects your nervous system

September 20, 2012

In many cases, patients with whiplash injuries report a wide range of symptoms, including headaches, neck pain, leg pain, and widespread pain. This array of symptoms has long confounded doctors, but new research has found a potential explanation for the symptoms. Over the past few years, several studies have found whiplash injuries to cause hyper-excitability of the central nervous system.

Chinese Herbal Medicine Heals Spinal Cord Injury

September 9, 2013

New research suggests that a Chinese herbal medicine called Ji-Sui-Kang (JSK) could significantly improve outcomes after spinal cord injury. The study showed that JSK decreased tissue damage, improved physical function, and protected the structure of neural cells after spinal cord injury in rats. Anecdotal evidence from Chinese medicine practitioners has pointed to success with JSK for a variety of conditions, but there have been few experimental, controlled trials on the treatment. Researchers from McMaster University in Ontario, Canada tested the effects of JSK on rats with spinal cord injury.

Dizziness subsides with chiropractic

September 22, 2014

A 2011 case study suggests that chiropractic adjustments may alleviate chronic dizziness associated with neck pain.1 A 29 year old man had been suffering from cervicogenic dizziness for 10 years. His dizziness developed in his 20s after a lifetime of neck and back pain as a result of an auto accident he'd been in as child.

Chiropractic Treatment of Dizziness

August 28, 2014

A recent case study suggests that chiropractic adjustments may alleviate chronic dizziness associated with neck pain.1 A 29 year old man had been suffering from cervicogenic dizziness for 10 years. His dizziness developed in his 20s after a lifetime of neck and back pain as a result of an auto accident he'd been in as child.

Why You Shouldn't Stretch Before Exercise

April 11, 2013

Many trainers will tell you to stretch before hitting a hard round of weight lifting or running. But recent research suggests that static stretching before a work out can actually hinder athletic performance. Two new studies add to the growing body of research on stretching and performance.

PTSD Tied to Chronic Whiplash Symptoms

July 2, 2013

About half of patients who have a whiplash injury end up with persistent long-lasting pain, which often can't be explained by medical reasoning. Ongoing research has focused on why some people develop chronic symptoms while others do not.

Keeping Pain Diary Makes Whiplash Worse

March 3, 2014

Many patients are told to keep a pain diary to monitor their symptoms, but a new study suggests that may do more harm than good. The findings show that keeping a pain journal may actually hinder patients' recovery from whiplash-associated disorder. The study from the University of Alberta included 60 patients with acute whiplash injuries.

Malpractice Analysis Uncovers Surgical Safety Concerns

March 12, 2013

It is something that no doctor wants to be involved in, but the risk is a big reality for doctors, especially surgeons: Claims of malpractice against patients. An analysis of orthopedic malpractice claims was conducted at the University of Washington and published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery last month. The researchers sought areas where things can go wrong during orthopedic surgery. The authors studied 464 closed malpractice cases.

How chiropractic can improve athletic performance

July 16, 2012

Many athletes utilize chiropractic treatments following an injury or a strenuous workout. New research suggests that athletes could also boost their athletic performance through chiropractic adjustments. The study involved 18 professional Brazilian judo athletes.

Athletes Jumped Higher with Chiropractic

January 6, 2014

Athletes with ankle problems had improved jumping performance after receiving chiropractic care in a new pilot study. Compared to patients in a sham group, those who received chiropractic adjustments were able to jump higher after just three weeks.

Video: Chiropractic is Whole Body Wellness

February 27, 2013

Most people think of chiropractic as effective way to treat back pain. While this is true, dozens of medical studies show that chiropractic can alleviate a number of other health conditions, while promoting general health and wellness. Studies show that chiropractic care can: Ease the pain of aging in adults with scoliosis, spinal degeneration, and osteoarthritis in the knee, hip, and hands Heal damaged nerves causing the radiating pain associated with disc herniation, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, and more Decrease pregnancy-related pelvic and back pain Reduce patient reliance on pain medication to manage migraines and cervicogenic headaches Improve recovery from auto injuries like whiplash, neck pain, TMJ disorders, and tinnitus Treat and prevent sports injuries like muscle strains and injuries to the shoulders, back, and lower limbs Soothe symptoms of fibromyalgia But chiropractic can do more than provide pain relief, it can improve your overall health and well being.

Golfer benefits from chiropractic for hip pain

October 2, 2012

Although golfing is a low-impact sport, athletes can still suffer from injuries like pain in the lower back, hips, wrists and elbows as a result of overuse. Previous research has shown that a golf swing can place compressive loads on the lumbar spine, resulting in pain the lower back.1 A new case study demonstrates how chiropractic can provide effective rehabilitation for golfers suffering from such injuries.2 It also points to how chiropractic therapies can help patients experiencing osteoarthritic pain. The case study documented the treatment a 49-year-old woman golfer suffering from hip pain related to osteoarthritis.

Epidural Injections Increase Fracture Risk

June 13, 2013

Epidural steroid injections may increase your risk of spinal fractures, according to new research. A study found that every time a patient received an epidural injection, they elevated their risk of vertebral fractures by 21%. Epidural steroid injections are frequently prescribed for relieving lower back pain and sciatica associated with lumbar disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and failed back surgery syndrome.

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.

6 Tips for Staying in Shape this Winter

January 20, 2014

With the excitement of the New Year fading, you may be finding it harder to stick to those resolutions to lose weight or get to the gym more. But keeping a regular exercise routine throughout the winter can minimize your risk of catching the cold and flu, as well as prevent weight gain, chronic pain flare-ups, and seasonal depression. Don't let busy schedules and dropping temperatures get in the way of your workout.

Migraine Tied to Brain Injury in Older Adults

May 21, 2014

New research shows that older adults with migraine have a greater risk of a certain type of brain injury known as subclinical brain infarction. Subclinical brain infarction is a blockage of blood to the brain area that can affect a person both neurologically (impeding their movement) and cognitively (altering their brain function),causing the affected tissues to die. These brain injuries are more common in older adults and can result in a stroke, which can produce some rather serious and life-impeding negative side effects such as difficulty speaking, paralysis, and even death. In a study from the University of Miami, researchers discovered that older adults suffering from migraine headaches had a 50% greater risk of eventually suffering from this type of brain injury.

Chiropractic Helps Senior Citizens Stay Active

December 24, 2014

Aging isn't always easy as your risk of certain medical conditions increases and, often, your mobility decreases--both of which can lower your quality of life. Unfortunately, when you have a spinal condition, the effects can often be worse.

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.

Cholesterol Meds Up Risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders

June 7, 2013

Taking cholesterol-lowering statins could increase your risk of musculoskeletal disorders and joint diseases, new research suggests. Statins are medications used to reduce blood cholesterol levels in people at risk of heart attacks, strokes, and angina (chest pain). The drugs are frequently prescribed as a preventive measure for older adults, diabetics, and patients with a family history of cardiovascular illnesses.

7 Ways to Prevent Back Pain in Golfers

May 6, 2014

It's no wonder that golfers have low back pain. It's a baby boomer sport and growing every year in the number of new golf enthusiasts.

Which Manual Therapies Are the Best for Upper Body Pain?

November 20, 2012

An estimated 70% of adults experience pain in the neck, shoulders, and arms at some in point in life. After back pain, musculoskeletal conditions in the upper quadrant region are the second most common cause of work-related illness. Although research shows that manual chiropractic therapies can be beneficial for many of these conditions, understanding which patients will respond best to specific treatments is more difficult to discern.

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.

Plane Crash Survivor's Back Pain Healed by Chiropractor

July 23, 2013

A recent case study highlighted the efficacy of chiropractic care and flexion-distraction therapy for chronic back pain after severe personal injuries. Cox Flexion Distraction is a low-velocity spinal adjustment procedure that is applied using a specialized table or instrument, in addition to manual contact. Trained chiropractors use flexion distraction to decrease pressure between spinal discs, increase disc height, improve range of motion, and more.

89% of Office Workers Have Musculoskeletal Pain

June 13, 2013

If you spend your days in an office, you're probably familiar with the aches and pain that come with long hours of computer work. A new study showed that up to 89% of office workers suffer from some sort of musculoskeletal pain; whether that be in the neck, back, shoulders, wrists, or knees. Although this pain can start as a dull ache at work, if left unaddressed, it may develop into a repetitive motion injury or other serious disorder.

Effectiveness of Back Pain Steroids Questioned

October 16, 2013

Steroids may not be the key ingredient behind back pain relief from epidural steroid injections. A new literature review from John Hopkins found that steroids were no more effective than injections of any number of fluids, including anesthetics and saline, for low-back pain. Epidural steroids injections have long been used in the medical treatment of low-back pain, despite extensive research showing mixed results.

Dizziness and Whiplash: Can Vestibular Rehab Help?

August 29, 2013

Dizziness is a common complaint after auto injury, affecting between 15-25% of patients with whiplash. Within the neck are tiny sensory receptors called muscle spindles working with a number of reflexes to stabilize the head and eyes.

Chiropractic Protects Your Spine As You Age, Study Suggests

March 31, 2014

For years, older adults have relied on chiropractors to ease their aches and pains, but little is known about the everyday use of chiropractic by seniors, and whether chiropractic can be of benefit in routine care for the elderly. New research shows that chiropractic isn't just helpful for back pain in older adults, it may even protect them from increased limitations in their daily activities. A study from the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics analyzed data from a US national survey conducted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, called the survey on Assets and Health Dynamics among the Oldest Old (AHEAD). Within the AHEAD survey, 1,057 Medicare recipients with back pain were identified for inclusion in the study.

Chiropractic Provides Quick Recovery in Spinal Degeneration Patients

February 9, 2015

Spinal degeneration occurs when your discs start to lose some of their fluids, sometimes causing it to leak out through any cracks that are in their outer layer, possibly creating a bulge or rupture in the disc itself. While this can occur normally with wear and tear as you age, other factors can affect its progression as well; namely, doing hard physical labor and smoking.

Alarming Number of Whiplash Patients Still Disabled

February 12, 2014

If you've been injured in a car accident, you may wonder "How soon can I expect to return to work and my normal life?" While the answer to that question is highly individualized, a new study suggests that patients with whiplash-associated disorder may have slower return-to-work rates compared to people with other musculoskeletal injuries. A study published in the journal BMC Public Health found that only 44% of whiplash patients had returned to work after two years, compared to 57% of patients with other musculoskeletal disorders. An estimated 19-60% of patients with whiplash still experience symptoms six months after the injury, and up to half of WAD patients fail to return to work within a year. Researchers from Denmark sought to see whether these high rates of chronicity affected return-to-work rates in whiplash patients.

Back Pain Affects Entire Nervous System

January 29, 2014

More and more research is suggesting that back pain can have significant ramifications for the health of the central nervous system. A new study confirmed that patients with lower back pain show signs of reduced pain tolerance along the entire spinal cord, which may indicate a hypersensitized central nervous system. Researchers publishing in the journal Spine tested pressure pain thresholds in 20 patients with chronic lower back pain and 20 healthy individuals.

9 Risk Factors for Developing Sciatica

November 20, 2018

Sciatica is a common pain problem that affects about 5% of adults. Sciatica is a symptom rather than a specific diagnosis: sciatic pain can have a number of different causes, and getting a proper diagnosis is key in getting relief from this condition. While pinpointing the root cause of sciatica can be challenging, the medical research has established the factors that increase the risk of a person developing sciatic nerve pain. Here are the nine most common risk factors for developing sciatica: 1.

Can Chiropractic Improve Running Speed?

November 13, 2012

Many athletes use chiropractic to manage and treat sports injuries, but recent research suggests that it can also play a role in boosting athletic performance. A preliminary study found that chiropractic treatments may improve performance in runners with restricted joints. Researchers from Sweden analyzed hip extension ability and running time in 17 young, male athletes.

Veterans with Back Pain Benefit from Chiropractic Care, Studies Show

November 12, 2012

Nearly half of all veterans suffer from back pain, and many are affected by other musculoskeletal conditions like neck pain and spinal injuries.1 In combat, the impact of a high-velocity artillery round or improvised explosive device can cause a spinal injury in an instant. For many soldiers though, musculoskeletal pain isn't caused by a specific combat injury, it develops with the daily demands of deployment; hours of lugging heavy equipment, walking long distances, and other grueling physical tasks take a toll on soldiers' bodies. Research from John Hopkins School of Medicine found that musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders are now the number one cause of medical evacuations from Iraq and Afghanistan, not combat injuries.2 After deployment, soldiers are often forced to reintegrate into civilian life even as they struggle with the lingering effects of musculoskeletal pain and posttraumatic stress. Fortunately, chiropractic care can offer an effective, conservative treatment for veterans with back and neck pain.

Chiropractic Better for Jaw Pain Than Patient Education, Study Finds

June 11, 2013

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) causes pain when patients open their mouths or chew their food. According to the American Chiropractic Association, the leading cause of TMD is severe injury to the jaw, like an auto injury or a hit to the face during sporting activities. Patients with TMD have a variety of treatment options.

How Chiropractors Can Help Sports Concussions

May 19, 2014

In the U.S., there are a minimum of 300,000 sport-related concussions per year. If your child is in contact sports, there's a risk of the contact ending up in a concussion.

On-site Chiropractic Lowers Employee Medical Costs

June 25, 2013

Offering chiropractic care at on-site health facilities could decrease employee medical costs associated with musculoskeletal injuries and headache, suggests the results of a recent study. Musculoskeletal injuries are the most common cause of worker disability in the US, resulting in significant clinical and economic burden. Every year, Americans spend between $84-624.8 billion on treating back pain alone.

Hip Pain: Common Causes and How Chiropractic Can Help

October 17, 2012

Our hips serve a number of important functions for our body; they keep us upright, allow us to bear weight, walk smoothly, run, jump, kick, play. Since the hips are engaged in nearly every way we move, pain in this area can have debilitating consequences for patients.

Pilates for Back Pain

December 26, 2013

The growth in yoga and Pilates in the past decade has sparked a series of research studies on the effects of the mind-body practices on the spine and joints. Although yoga has proven to be effective for back pain, the results on Pilates have been more mixed.

Got Back Pain? Try Getting Some Sun

March 25, 2013

Not getting enough sunshine? That could increase your chances of severe back pain. In a new study from Korea, people with a lack of regular sun exposure were more likely to be deficient in vitamin D, and low vitamin D levels were tied to increased back and leg pain. City-dwellers and those suffering from another medical condition were also more likely to be deficient in vitamin D. Earlier studies have shown that vitamin D deficiencies play a role musculoskeletal conditions.

Fibromyalgia pain reflected in patients' brain activity

August 22, 2012

Monitoring brain activity could offer a new way to manage and diagnose pain in patients with fibromyalgia. A recent study used to MRI scans to link changes in the brain with changes in clincial pain score in patients with fibromyalgia.

Combining Chiropractic and Medical Care Improves Back Pain Treatment

April 22, 2013

A 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.

93% of Whiplash Patients Improve With Chiropractic

September 12, 2012

This article's introduction sums up the state of whiplash treatment very well: "The 'whiplash' syndrome is a collection of symptoms produced as a result of soft-tissue injury of the cervical spine. The accumulated literature suggests that 43 percent of patients will suffer long-term symptoms following 'whiplash' injury.

Clinicians Contribute to Negative Back Pain Beliefs

November 25, 2013

Despite research showing otherwise, many patients continue to believe that bed rest and avoiding certain activities is an adequate model for recovery after a back injury. A new study sought to examine how patients develop these negative back pain beliefs, and pointed to one unifying factor: their doctors. Research shows that this old model of thinking about back pain-- staying in bed to wait for it to get better-- actually worsens your prospects of recovery.

Chiropractic Helps Patients Avoid Back Surgery, Study Shows

February 7, 2013

Chiropractic patients are more likely to avoid the need for surgery compared to patients under traditional care for back pain, according to a new study from the journal Spine. The results suggest that patients can benefit from pursuing conservative treatments for lumbar spine conditions prior to resorting to surgery. In the study, researchers sought to understand why certain back-pain patients are more likely to receive a lumbar-spine operation.

Chiropractic Improves Jaw Muscle Strength

May 17, 2018

Chiropractic adjustments work by improving the function of your central nervous system. Because of traumas, injuries, or daily stresses and strains, it's common to experience limitations in function or pain that can originate in the spine.

Chiropractic Best Treatment for Athletes with Back Pain

December 20, 2012

Low-back pain is frequently the source of missed playing time and disability in athletes. While a wide-range of treatment options exist, it can be difficult to discern which therapies will enable you to return to play as safely and as quickly as possible. A recent study sought to determine which treatment option was the best for athletes with back pain.

Why Aging Aggravates Spinal Injuries

July 7, 2014

Aging inhibits healing from countless conditions, including spinal chord injury. A new study from Ohio State University helps to explain why.

Chiropractic an Effective Choice for Sciatica Patients

September 1, 2014

Work-related sciatica can be one of the most challenging and expensive problem in our health care systems. By definition, sciatica refers to pain and tenderness at some point of the sciatic nerve.

What's the Right

December 16, 2013

Patients new to chiropractic often wonder, "How long will it take to recover from an episode of back or neck pain?" While the answer is highly individual, a team of researchers sought to see whether there were any general trends in how quickly patients recover from back pain when under chiropractic care. A new study published in the Spine Journal examined patients' dose responses to chiropractic adjustments for chronic lower back pain. Dose response helps doctors understand how much of a specific treatment is needed for relief.

Are High Heels Really That Bad for Back Pain?

May 2, 2013

Many women have been chided for wearing high heels, since doctors argue that it can alter the curvature of spine and cause back pain. But recent research shows that this is a common misconception. A study from the Journal of Chiropractic measured lumbar lordosis, or the inward curvature of the spine, in people wearing 3- and 4-inch high heels.

Neck Adjustments Immediately Improve Joint Position Sense

December 2, 2013

New research shows that spinal adjustments can result in immediate improvements in cervical joint function. A new study from Korea Nazarene University shows that cervical manipulation, also called neck adjustments, can significantly improve joint position sense, which may improve neck mobility in patients with neck pain or whiplash. Joint position sense is a major component of proprioception, or the body's awareness and ability to control your limbs without looking at them.

Teens Are Being Prescribed Narcotics At An Alarming Rate

April 30, 2014

A recent study revealed that a significant number of children are receiving narcotic prescriptions for their headaches, causing great concern about the negative repercussions if this trend does not stop. After all, these types of medications come with some serious side effects and consequences but are routinely being prescribed to adolescents who aren't always able to make educated, rational decisions regarding their usage. What One Study Reveals One particular study looked at over 8,000 adolescents between the ages of 13 and 17 who sought medical treatment for their headaches (trauma-related headaches were excluded).

Christmas May Make You Sick, Researchers Warn

December 11, 2013

The season to be jolly can easily turn into the season to be stressed and sick, health researchers at University of Birmingham are warning. Getting less sleep, more alcohol and poor dietary choices, a breakdown in usual routines, and pressure to be the perfect host "can all combine to create a very real risk" of illness around the holidays. Earlier research has shown that smaller stressful events can lead to the same negative health consequences caused by major events like grief, job loss or serious illness.

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.

Shoe Orthotics Can Help Ease Chronic Low Back Pain From Wearing Painful Shoes

October 27, 2017

Chiropractic + Shoe Orthotics Can Help Chronic Low Back Pain When one area of the body hurts, it's only natural to seek treatment methods which address that particular area. If your bicep is sore, you wouldn't apply ice or heat to your thigh muscle.

Headache in Veterans: How Chiropractic Can Help

May 2, 2013

Headache is growing concern in the military, with recent research suggesting that more soldiers are suffering from chronic head pain as result of their service. In one study of 3,621 military personnel who were evaluated within three months of returning from Iraq, soldiers were four times more likely to have migraine than the general population. This increased prevalence of headache in the military is one major consequence of rising concussion rates in soldiers.

Lumbar Support Pillow for Back Pain Relief?

July 10, 2013

Sitting at a desk all day, like the majority of working adults do in industrialized nations, has been shown to be a risk factor for low-back pain, among other work injuries and pain. If you spend most of your work-day sitting, you may be among the 89% of workers who claim musculoskeletal pain, as we reported in a recent article.

Preventing Work-related Pain With Chiropractic Care

April 5, 2013

Two thirds of employees in industrialized nations spend their days sitting in front of a computer at a desk job. All that time hunched over a screen means more people are developing chronic conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or repetitive motion injuries. A new case study highlights how chiropractic care can ease symptoms in people with work-related pain.

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.

More Young People with Hip Pain

January 31, 2014

Hip pain is becoming a growing concern among younger and middle-aged patients, especially in teen athletes and weekend warriors. Pain specialists at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center say they are seeing an increasing number of patients, from adolescents to baby boomers, who are suffering from a condition known as femoral acetabular impingement, or FAI. "FAI has become much more common in the last 10 years, and in younger people these injuries tend to be sports-related," explained Dr. Thomas Ellis, vice chair of the department of Orthopedics and chief of Hip Preservation at Ohio State's Wexner Medical Center.

Which Techniques Ease Pain from Computer Work Injury?

June 20, 2013

People who do computer work are at risk for a host of problems with pain and disability in their musculoskeletal system. Research about preventing and treating these types of work injuries is ongoing, with the hope of eliminating some of the costs associated with missed work. Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic condition and one of the main causes of medical consultation and work disability.

Prescription Painkillers Deadlier Than Heroin

July 2, 2014

As rates of prescription painkillers soar, new research from the American Journal of Public Health reveals just how deadly opioids can be. Media reports on these deaths focus on doctor errors and websites selling the drugs, but researchers from McGill University in Canada are finding something else. What they found was that in 2010, prescription painkillers resulted in more than 16,000 deaths in the US, reports Medical News Today.

Chiropractic for Most Common Vascular Disorder in Athletes

July 24, 2013

A recent case study describes the role of chiropractic and conservative treatments in managing a vascular disorder called Paget-Schroetter Syndrome. Paget-Schroetter Syndrome, also called effort thrombosis, is a rare condition that occurs when a blood clot forms inside one of the veins of the upper body, in a process called deep vein thrombosis. The blood clot can be caused by compression of the venous system due to anatomical abnormalities, repetitive trauma, or thoracic outlet syndrome. Despite its rare incidence, Paget-Schroetter Syndrome is considered the most common vascular disorder in athletes.

Chiropractic Offers Holistic Approach to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

November 14, 2012

Many patients with chronic carpal tunnel syndrome are told they need surgery to relieve the pain. While surgical interventions aim to relieve pressure on the irritated median nerve, the treatment may be too narrow in scope for some patients.

5 Ways to Reduce Holiday Stress

December 6, 2014

The holiday season can be a stressful time of year. Extra stress can be particularly challenging for people with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia and migraine, since stress can exacerbate pain.

VA Study Finds Chiropractic Linked to Lower Opiate Usage

March 20, 2020

We're all aware of the serious problem in the US with opiate addiction. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 115 Americans die from opiate overdoses each day (about 43,000 a year), and we spend about $78 billion on the total costs of opiate abuse.

Tips to Avoid

June 14, 2013

In this age of mobile devices and smartphones, more and more patients are being diagnosed with neck pain associated with looking down at a screen. Studies have shown that young people are at increased risk of back and neck pain due to overuse of devices.

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