The objective of this population-based cohort study was to investigate the association between a lifetime history of neck injury from a motor vehicle collision and the development of troublesome neck pain. The current evidence suggests that individuals with a history of neck injury in a traffic collision are more likely to experience future neck pain. However, these results may suffer from residual confounding. Therefore, there is a need to test this association in a large population-based cohort with adequate control of known confounders.
A cohort of 919 randomly sampled Saskatchewan adults with no or mild neck pain in September 1995 were formed. At baseline, participants were asked if they ever injured their neck in a motor vehicle collision. Six and twelve months later, we asked about the presence of troublesome neck pain (grade II–IV) on the chronic pain grade questionnaire. Multivariable Cox regression was used to estimate the association between a lifetime history of neck injury in a motor vehicle collision and the onset of troublesome neck pain while controlling for known confounders. The follow-up rate was 73.5% (676/919) at 6 months and 63.1% (580/919) at 1 year.
A positive association between a history of neck injury in a motor vehicle collision and the onset of troublesome neck pain after controlling for bodily pain and body mass index was found. The analysis suggests that a history of neck injury in a motor vehicle collision is a risk factor for developing future troublesome neck pain. The consequences of a neck injury in a motor vehicle collision can have long lasting effects and predispose individuals to experience recurrent episodes of neck pain.
A study published in the British Journal of Orthopaedic Medicine (1999)22(1):22-25 reported that chiropractic is the only proven effective treatment in chronic cases of whiplash injury. The study was prompted by a previous article in the journal Injury which demonstrated that chiropractic treatment had benefited 26 out of 28 patients suffering from chronic whiplash syndrome.
Reference: Nolet P.S., Côté P., Cassidy J.D., Carroll L.J. The association between a lifetime history of a neck injury in a motor vehicle collision and future neck pain: a population-based cohort study. European spine journal 2010(MAR 7).
Dr. David P. Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD 20708
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Effectiveness of manual therapy for chronic tension-type headache
Chronic tension-type headache has a considerable impact on daily functioning and work participation, it is also a risk factor for overuse of analgesic medication. Only about 20% of the chronic tension-type headache patients seek medical care for their headache. This low consultation rate may be explained by insufficient information on the effectiveness of treatments or by previous negative health care experiences.
The pathogenesis of chronic tension-type headache remains unclear, however, in recent research a correlation between chronic tension-type headache and impairment of the cranio-cervical musculoskeletal function (forward head position, trigger points trapezius muscle, neck mobility) has been demonstrated. In combination with results obtained in previous studies the present data support the hypothesis that improvement of the cranio-cervical musculoskeletal function by a manual therapy intervention (postural correction, mobilization of cervical spine, and training of cervical muscles) may be an important factor to modify central or peripheral pain mechanism in chronic tension-type headache.
The purpose of this study in Cephalgia was to evaluate the effectiveness of manual therapy in participants with chronic tension-type headache, the authors of this study conducted a multicenter, pragmatic, randomised, clinical trial with partly blinded outcome assessment. Eighty-two participants with chronic tension-type headache were randomly assigned to manual therapy or to usual care by the general practitioner. Primary outcome measures were frequency of headache and use of medication. Secondary outcome measures were severity of headache, disability and cervical function.
After 8 weeks (n = 80) and 26 weeks (n = 75), a significantly larger reduction of headache frequency was found for the manual therapy group. Disability and cervical function showed significant differences in favour of the manual therapy group at 8 weeks but were not significantly different at 26 weeks. Manual therapy is more effective than usual general practitioner care in the short and longer term in reducing symptoms of chronic tension-type headache.
Reference: Castien RF, van der Windt DA, Grooten A, Dekker J. Effectiveness of manual therapy for chronic tension-type headache: A pragmatic, randomised, clinical trial. Cephalalgia. 2010 Jul 20.
Dr. David P. Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD 20708
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
The pathogenesis of chronic tension-type headache remains unclear, however, in recent research a correlation between chronic tension-type headache and impairment of the cranio-cervical musculoskeletal function (forward head position, trigger points trapezius muscle, neck mobility) has been demonstrated. In combination with results obtained in previous studies the present data support the hypothesis that improvement of the cranio-cervical musculoskeletal function by a manual therapy intervention (postural correction, mobilization of cervical spine, and training of cervical muscles) may be an important factor to modify central or peripheral pain mechanism in chronic tension-type headache.
The purpose of this study in Cephalgia was to evaluate the effectiveness of manual therapy in participants with chronic tension-type headache, the authors of this study conducted a multicenter, pragmatic, randomised, clinical trial with partly blinded outcome assessment. Eighty-two participants with chronic tension-type headache were randomly assigned to manual therapy or to usual care by the general practitioner. Primary outcome measures were frequency of headache and use of medication. Secondary outcome measures were severity of headache, disability and cervical function.
After 8 weeks (n = 80) and 26 weeks (n = 75), a significantly larger reduction of headache frequency was found for the manual therapy group. Disability and cervical function showed significant differences in favour of the manual therapy group at 8 weeks but were not significantly different at 26 weeks. Manual therapy is more effective than usual general practitioner care in the short and longer term in reducing symptoms of chronic tension-type headache.
Reference: Castien RF, van der Windt DA, Grooten A, Dekker J. Effectiveness of manual therapy for chronic tension-type headache: A pragmatic, randomised, clinical trial. Cephalalgia. 2010 Jul 20.
Dr. David P. Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD 20708
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Monday, July 19, 2010
Ginger may reduce pain associated with muscle injury after exercising
For centuries, ginger root has been used as a folk remedy for a variety of ailments such as colds and upset stomachs. But now, researchers at the University of Georgia have found that daily ginger consumption also reduces muscle pain caused by exercise. Muscle pain generally is one of the most common types of pain and eccentric exercise-induced muscle pain specifically is a common type of injury related to sports and/or recreational activities.
While ginger had been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects in rodents, its effect on experimentally-induced human muscle pain was largely unexplored. It was also believed that heating ginger, as occurs with cooking, might increase its pain-relieving effects. Two studies are directed to examine the effects of 11 days of raw and heat-treated ginger supplementation on muscle pain. The researchers recruited 74 volunteers, 34 and 40 respectively, randomly assigned them to consume capsules containing two grams of either raw or heat-treated ginger or a placebo for 11 consecutive days. On the eighth day they performed 18 extensions of the elbow flexors with a heavy weight to induce moderate muscle injury to the arm. Arm function, inflammation, pain and a biochemical involved in pain were assessed prior to and for three days after exercise.
Results showed that supplementation with both raw and heat-treated ginger attenuated muscle pain intensity 24 hours after eccentric exercise. Exercise-induced pain was reduced by 25 percent after daily supplements of raw ginger, and by 23 percent after supplementation with the heat-treated form. The study suggests that ginger may have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties similar to that of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s).
Reference: Black CD, Herring MP, Hurley DJ, O'Connor PJ. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Reduces Muscle Pain Caused by Eccentric Exercise. J Pain. 2010 Apr 23; DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2009.12.013
Dr. David P. Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
While ginger had been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects in rodents, its effect on experimentally-induced human muscle pain was largely unexplored. It was also believed that heating ginger, as occurs with cooking, might increase its pain-relieving effects. Two studies are directed to examine the effects of 11 days of raw and heat-treated ginger supplementation on muscle pain. The researchers recruited 74 volunteers, 34 and 40 respectively, randomly assigned them to consume capsules containing two grams of either raw or heat-treated ginger or a placebo for 11 consecutive days. On the eighth day they performed 18 extensions of the elbow flexors with a heavy weight to induce moderate muscle injury to the arm. Arm function, inflammation, pain and a biochemical involved in pain were assessed prior to and for three days after exercise.
Results showed that supplementation with both raw and heat-treated ginger attenuated muscle pain intensity 24 hours after eccentric exercise. Exercise-induced pain was reduced by 25 percent after daily supplements of raw ginger, and by 23 percent after supplementation with the heat-treated form. The study suggests that ginger may have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties similar to that of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s).
Reference: Black CD, Herring MP, Hurley DJ, O'Connor PJ. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Reduces Muscle Pain Caused by Eccentric Exercise. J Pain. 2010 Apr 23; DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2009.12.013
Dr. David P. Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Thursday, June 24, 2010
U.S. Health Care Ranks Low Among Developed Nations
Compared with six other industrialized nations, the United States ranks last when it comes to many measures of quality health care, a new report concludes.
Despite having the costliest health care system in the world, the United States is last or next-to-last in quality, efficiency, access to care, equity and the ability of its citizens to lead long, healthy, productive lives, according to a new report from the Commonwealth Fund, a Washington, D.C.-based private foundation focused on improving health care.
According to 2007 data included in the report, the U.S. spends the most on health care, at $7,290 per capita per year. That's almost twice the amount spent in Canada and nearly three times the rate of New Zealand, which spends the least. The Netherlands, which has the highest-ranked health care system on the Commonwealth Fund list, spends only $3,837 per capita. Overall, the Netherlands came in first on the list, followed by the United Kingdom and Australia. Canada and the United States ranked sixth and seventh.
Commonwealth Fund also pointed out that in 2008, 14 percent of U.S. patients with chronic conditions had been given the wrong medication or the wrong dose. That's twice the error rate observed in Germany and the Netherlands. As a result we rank last in safety and do poorly on several dimensions of quality. There are too many duplicate tests, too much paperwork, high administrative costs and too many patients using emergency rooms as doctor's offices. In addition, poverty appears to be a big factor in whether Americans have access to care, the report found. The United States also performed worst in terms of the number of people who die early, in levels of infant mortality, and for healthy life expectancy among older adults.
Source: http://consumer.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=640404
Dr. David P. Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Despite having the costliest health care system in the world, the United States is last or next-to-last in quality, efficiency, access to care, equity and the ability of its citizens to lead long, healthy, productive lives, according to a new report from the Commonwealth Fund, a Washington, D.C.-based private foundation focused on improving health care.
According to 2007 data included in the report, the U.S. spends the most on health care, at $7,290 per capita per year. That's almost twice the amount spent in Canada and nearly three times the rate of New Zealand, which spends the least. The Netherlands, which has the highest-ranked health care system on the Commonwealth Fund list, spends only $3,837 per capita. Overall, the Netherlands came in first on the list, followed by the United Kingdom and Australia. Canada and the United States ranked sixth and seventh.
Commonwealth Fund also pointed out that in 2008, 14 percent of U.S. patients with chronic conditions had been given the wrong medication or the wrong dose. That's twice the error rate observed in Germany and the Netherlands. As a result we rank last in safety and do poorly on several dimensions of quality. There are too many duplicate tests, too much paperwork, high administrative costs and too many patients using emergency rooms as doctor's offices. In addition, poverty appears to be a big factor in whether Americans have access to care, the report found. The United States also performed worst in terms of the number of people who die early, in levels of infant mortality, and for healthy life expectancy among older adults.
Source: http://consumer.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=640404
Dr. David P. Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Friday, June 11, 2010
Rosa Rehab Receives 2010 Best of Temple Hills Award
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rosa Rehab Receives 2010 Best of Temple Hills Award
U.S. Commerce Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement
NEW YORK, NY, June 4, 2010 -- Rosa Rehab has been selected for the 2010 Best of Temple Hills Award in the Chiropractors category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).
The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2010 USCA Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.
About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)
U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a New York City based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.
The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.
SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Evidence Supports the Use of Therapeutic Ultrasound for Joint Osteoarthritis
A Cochrane systematic review (January 2010) and another recent clinical trial (May 2010) both provided support for therapeutic ultrasound (US) in the management of patients with osteoarthritis (OA).
The objective of the Cochrane systematic review was to compare therapeutic US with sham or no specific intervention in terms of effects on pain and function safety outcomes in patients with knee or hip OA. The authors concluded that, "In contrast to the previous version of this review, our results suggest that therapeutic ultrasound may be beneficial for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee."
The clinical study examined the short- and long-term efficacy in patients with primary hip OA with regard to pain, functional status, and quality of life (QoL). Forty-five patients with primary hip OA were enrolled into the study. The authors concluded that, "addition of therapeutic ultrasound to the traditional physical therapy showed a longitudinal positive effect on pain, functional status, and physical QoL in patients with hip osteoarthritis. The use of therapeutic ultrasound in the treatment of hip osteoarthritis should be encouraged."
References: Köybaşi M, Borman P, Kocaoğlu S, Ceceli E. The effect of additional therapeutic ultrasound in patients with primary hip osteoarthritis: a randomized placebo-controlled study. Clin Rheumatol. 2010 May 26.
Rutjes AW, Nüesch E, Sterchi R, Jüni P. Therapeutic ultrasound for osteoarthritis of the knee or hip. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010 Jan 20;(1):CD003132.
Dr. David P. Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
The objective of the Cochrane systematic review was to compare therapeutic US with sham or no specific intervention in terms of effects on pain and function safety outcomes in patients with knee or hip OA. The authors concluded that, "In contrast to the previous version of this review, our results suggest that therapeutic ultrasound may be beneficial for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee."
The clinical study examined the short- and long-term efficacy in patients with primary hip OA with regard to pain, functional status, and quality of life (QoL). Forty-five patients with primary hip OA were enrolled into the study. The authors concluded that, "addition of therapeutic ultrasound to the traditional physical therapy showed a longitudinal positive effect on pain, functional status, and physical QoL in patients with hip osteoarthritis. The use of therapeutic ultrasound in the treatment of hip osteoarthritis should be encouraged."
References: Köybaşi M, Borman P, Kocaoğlu S, Ceceli E. The effect of additional therapeutic ultrasound in patients with primary hip osteoarthritis: a randomized placebo-controlled study. Clin Rheumatol. 2010 May 26.
Rutjes AW, Nüesch E, Sterchi R, Jüni P. Therapeutic ultrasound for osteoarthritis of the knee or hip. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010 Jan 20;(1):CD003132.
Dr. David P. Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Friday, June 4, 2010
Chiropractic had the highest perceived benefit for back pain
A study published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine reports on interviews with 31,044 individuals who used complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for low back pain (LBP). The results are as follows:
The top 6 CAM therapies for LBP, starting with the most-used approaches are: chiropractic, massage, herbal therapy, acupuncture, yoga/tai chi/qi gong, and relaxation techniques.
Chiropractic use (76% of respondents) was larger than all the other 5 therapies combined.
Of those who used CAM modalities for back pain, 27% used it because conventional medicine did not help, 53% used it in conjunction with medical care, and 24% used it because their medical provider recommended it.
Chiropractic users scored the highest on their satisfaction and clinical benefits out of all 6 approaches. This reconfirms earlier findings from the Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation 2005, which reported that spinal manupulative therapy (SMT) provided the greatest pain relief scoring higher than nerve blocks, opioid analgesics, muscle relaxants, acupuncture, or NSAIDs.
Reference: Kanodia AK, Legedza ATR, Davis RB, et al. Perceived benefit of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for back pain: a national survey. J Am Board Fam Med. 2010;23(3):354–362.
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
The top 6 CAM therapies for LBP, starting with the most-used approaches are: chiropractic, massage, herbal therapy, acupuncture, yoga/tai chi/qi gong, and relaxation techniques.
Chiropractic use (76% of respondents) was larger than all the other 5 therapies combined.
Of those who used CAM modalities for back pain, 27% used it because conventional medicine did not help, 53% used it in conjunction with medical care, and 24% used it because their medical provider recommended it.
Chiropractic users scored the highest on their satisfaction and clinical benefits out of all 6 approaches. This reconfirms earlier findings from the Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation 2005, which reported that spinal manupulative therapy (SMT) provided the greatest pain relief scoring higher than nerve blocks, opioid analgesics, muscle relaxants, acupuncture, or NSAIDs.
Reference: Kanodia AK, Legedza ATR, Davis RB, et al. Perceived benefit of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for back pain: a national survey. J Am Board Fam Med. 2010;23(3):354–362.
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Exercise at work to prevent low back pain
More jobs now require prolonged sitting which has been associated with loss of the lumbar lordosis, intervertebral disc (IVD) compression, and height loss, possibly increasing the risk of lower back pain. There are numerous studies suggest that exercise can play an important role in preventing occupational and non-occupational low back pain. An innovative approach was published in the April issue of The Spine Journal that used an office chair exercise that is performed while seated. The exercise provides a brief decompression of the lumbar spine by moving forward on the chair seat, placing the hands on the seat of the chair, pressing downward with the arms to take pressure off the lumbar spine, and arching the back and shoulders backward at the same time. This decompression maneuver held for 5 seconds followed by 3 seconds of reloading (sitting normally) and was repeated 4 times. Sequential MRI demonstrated a marked increase in vertical height of the lumbar spine using this decompression strategy. The authors concluded that “Seated upright MRI and stadiometry, as performed in this study, appear to be feasible methods for detecting compressive and decompressive spinal changes associated with normal sitting and, alternately, seated unloading exercises. Larger studies are encouraged to determine normative values of our study measurements and to determine if morphological changes induced by seated unloading predict treatment response and/or reductions in the incidence of sitting-related LBP.”
There are numerous quality evidence that post-treatment exercise programs can prevent recurrences of back pain. There have been many studies published this past decade that support the value of exercise in primary, secondary as well as tertiary prevention of low back pain. These studies have been conducted with multiple age groups and multiple settings including sports venues and the workplace.
Source:
http://www.chiroaccess.com/Articles/Exercise-and-the-Prevention-of-Low-Back-Pain.aspx?id=0000162
Dr. David P. Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
There are numerous quality evidence that post-treatment exercise programs can prevent recurrences of back pain. There have been many studies published this past decade that support the value of exercise in primary, secondary as well as tertiary prevention of low back pain. These studies have been conducted with multiple age groups and multiple settings including sports venues and the workplace.
Source:
http://www.chiroaccess.com/Articles/Exercise-and-the-Prevention-of-Low-Back-Pain.aspx?id=0000162
Dr. David P. Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Friday, May 14, 2010
Chronic Whiplash Pain Caused by Spinal Facet Injury
In an article published in late 2007 in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons revealed that a significant number of people suffering acute neck pain following a motor vehicle collision develop chronic pain that last for years. The most common source of the chronic pain is damage to the spinal facet joints, followed by disc pain. The authors reviewed the medical literature and published data concerning chronic whiplash pain. The review reveals that 15% to 40% of patients with acute neck pain following a motor vehicle collision develop chronic pain, and that 5% to 7% become permanently partially or totally disabled. The most common source of chronic whiplash neck pain: the facet joint (49% to 54%).
In the treatment of chronic neck pain, exercise is recommended as helpful to strengthening the weak muscle groups but exercise alone is rarely curative. Many studies have shown that spinal manipulation is one of the most effective treatments for whiplash injury. Early manipulation to the cervical spine will restore motion, decrease pain, and increase the speed of recovery. The early manipulation will also decrease the buildup of scar tissue and future chronic pain syndromes.
As you may know, Tiger Woods announced on his blog on Wednesday that an MRI determined he has inflammation in the facet joint of his neck which causes pain in the area along with headaches and difficulty rotating the head. Even though he denied that his neck injury is related to the Nov. 27 car accident, but it is possible that Tiger may not have been aware of the damage immediately. As the damage sometimes doesn't manifest itself until a physical activity that puts strain on the neck - things like lifting boxes or hitting golf balls in Tiger’s case.
Reference: Schofferman J, Bogduk N, and Slosar P. Chronic whiplash and whiplash-associated disorders: An evidence-based approach. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2007 Oct;15(10):596-606.
Dr. David P. Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
In the treatment of chronic neck pain, exercise is recommended as helpful to strengthening the weak muscle groups but exercise alone is rarely curative. Many studies have shown that spinal manipulation is one of the most effective treatments for whiplash injury. Early manipulation to the cervical spine will restore motion, decrease pain, and increase the speed of recovery. The early manipulation will also decrease the buildup of scar tissue and future chronic pain syndromes.
As you may know, Tiger Woods announced on his blog on Wednesday that an MRI determined he has inflammation in the facet joint of his neck which causes pain in the area along with headaches and difficulty rotating the head. Even though he denied that his neck injury is related to the Nov. 27 car accident, but it is possible that Tiger may not have been aware of the damage immediately. As the damage sometimes doesn't manifest itself until a physical activity that puts strain on the neck - things like lifting boxes or hitting golf balls in Tiger’s case.
Reference: Schofferman J, Bogduk N, and Slosar P. Chronic whiplash and whiplash-associated disorders: An evidence-based approach. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2007 Oct;15(10):596-606.
Dr. David P. Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Friday, May 7, 2010
Study recommends conservative management of lumbar disc herniation before surgical discectomy
A recent article appeared in the Spine Journal examines the cost of previous conservative care for patients that ultimately elect to have spinal surgery. The study consisted of 30,709 patients. The average cost of conservative care in the 90 days period before surgery was $3,445 each. Magnetic resonance imaging and other diagnostic procedures represented a little over half of the total pre-surgery costs. Of the treatment costs, 16% were for injections, 5.7% physical therapy, and 1.2% chiropractic care. Despite the fact that these expenses were for failed back conservative care, the authors recognize the overall benefits of conservative care and recognize that many patients are able to avoid surgery. They conclude that “Although a large number of patients will ultimately require surgical intervention, given that many patients will improve with nonoperative therapy, a trial of conservative management is appropriate”.
Previous studies have examined conservative versus surgical treatment related to several common causes of low back pain. For spinal stenosis, “Among patients with lumbar spinal stenosis completing 8- to 10-year follow-up, low back pain relief, predominant symptom improvement, and satisfaction with the current state were similar in patients initially treated surgically or nonsurgically.” Another study of patients with disc herniation reported, “…with moderate or severe sciatica, surgical treatment was associated with greater improvement than nonsurgical treatment at 5 years. However, patients treated surgically were as likely to be receiving disability compensation, and the relative benefit of surgery decreased over time.”
Sources:
Daffner SD, Hymanson HJ, Wang JC. Cost and use of conservative management of lumbar disc herniation before surgical discectomy. Spine J. 2010 Mar 31.
http://www.chiroaccess.com/Articles/Studies-Recommend-Conservative-Care-for-Low-Back-Pain-before-Surgery.aspx?id=0000148
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Previous studies have examined conservative versus surgical treatment related to several common causes of low back pain. For spinal stenosis, “Among patients with lumbar spinal stenosis completing 8- to 10-year follow-up, low back pain relief, predominant symptom improvement, and satisfaction with the current state were similar in patients initially treated surgically or nonsurgically.” Another study of patients with disc herniation reported, “…with moderate or severe sciatica, surgical treatment was associated with greater improvement than nonsurgical treatment at 5 years. However, patients treated surgically were as likely to be receiving disability compensation, and the relative benefit of surgery decreased over time.”
Sources:
Daffner SD, Hymanson HJ, Wang JC. Cost and use of conservative management of lumbar disc herniation before surgical discectomy. Spine J. 2010 Mar 31.
http://www.chiroaccess.com/Articles/Studies-Recommend-Conservative-Care-for-Low-Back-Pain-before-Surgery.aspx?id=0000148
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Friday, April 23, 2010
Chiropractic in the Treatment and Prevention of Sports Injuries
The study aims to investigate whether chiropractic manual therapy intervention protocol provided in addition to the current best practice management could prevent the occurrence of and weeks missed due to hamstring and other lower-limb injuries at the semi-elite level of Australian football. The authors used two groups of male semi elite Australian Rules football athletes, matched them in several ways and randomly placed them in one of two arms of the study. All received the usual and customary management and medical care. Half also received chiropractic care which consisted of both soft tissue and high velocity spinal manipulation. The treatment plan was: 1 treatment per week for 6 weeks, 1 treatment per 2 weeks for 3 months, 1 treatment per month for the remainder of the season (3 months). The research evaluated several outcomes. When chiropractic care was added to conventional management, there was a significant reduction in lower limb strain injuries, time missed as a result of knee injuries, lower back pain, and there was improvement in health status. “In addition, although not statistically significant, there was a trend towards prevention of hamstring and primary non-contact knee injuries and there were no reported adverse outcomes from the intervention.”
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Spinal manipulation is more effective for chronic low back pian
A randomized trial by researchers at an outpatient rehabilitation department in Italy involving 210 patients with chronic, nonspecific low back pain compared the effects of spinal manipulation, physiotherapy and back school. The participants were 210 patients (140 women and 70 men) with chronic, non-specific low back pain, average age 59. Back school and individual physiotherapy were scheduled as 15 1-hour-sessions for 3 weeks. Back school included group exercise and education/ergonomics. Individual physiotherapy included exercise, passive mobilization and soft-tissue treatment. Spinal manipulation included 4-6 20-minute sessions once-a-week.
Outcome measures were the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (scoring 0-24) and Pain Rating Scale (scoring 0-6), assessed at baseline, discharge, and at 3, 6, and 12months. 205 patients completed the study. At discharge, the results showed that spinal manipulation was associated with higher functional improvement and long-term pain relief than back school or individual physiotherapy, but received more further treatment at follow-ups; pain recurrences and drug intake were also reduced compared to back school or individual physiotherapy.
Reference: Cecchi F, Molino-Lova R, Chiti M, Pasquini G, Paperini A, Conti AA, Macchi C. Spinal manipulation compared with back school and with individually delivered physiotherapy for the treatment of chronic low back pain: a randomized trial with one-year follow-up. Clin Rehabil 2010; 24: 26-36.
Dr. David P. Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
www.laurelregionalchiropractic.com
Outcome measures were the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (scoring 0-24) and Pain Rating Scale (scoring 0-6), assessed at baseline, discharge, and at 3, 6, and 12months. 205 patients completed the study. At discharge, the results showed that spinal manipulation was associated with higher functional improvement and long-term pain relief than back school or individual physiotherapy, but received more further treatment at follow-ups; pain recurrences and drug intake were also reduced compared to back school or individual physiotherapy.
Reference: Cecchi F, Molino-Lova R, Chiti M, Pasquini G, Paperini A, Conti AA, Macchi C. Spinal manipulation compared with back school and with individually delivered physiotherapy for the treatment of chronic low back pain: a randomized trial with one-year follow-up. Clin Rehabil 2010; 24: 26-36.
Dr. David P. Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
www.laurelregionalchiropractic.com
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Study shows little evidence of benefit for spinal fusion surgery
More Medicare patients are having complex back surgery even when there’s often an easier, less risky and less costly fix, according to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The rate of complex fusion surgery for spinal stenosis, which causes lower back pain, increased 15-fold from 2002 to 2007, according to the study.
The study and an accompanying editorial suggest that aggressive marketing by implant makers, and greater physician compensation for high-tech procedures, may be influencing treatment. Meanwhile, taxpayers bear the expense, and patients face increased risks.
There are non-surgical approaches and treatments for spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease. The symptoms can be treated with exercise, weight loss, chiropractic, and physical therapy. A study in the BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders concluded that distraction manipulation (DM) and neural mobilization (NM) are viable alternative to surgery for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), and compares favorably with other non-surgical approaches that have been studied. The study further suggest that “As the efficacy of surgery does not appear to decrease if it is delayed in favor of a non-surgical trial, most patients with LSS should be treated non-surgically for a period of time before considering operation. DM and NM may be one non-surgical option that can be offered to patients.”
References:
Murphy, DR, Hurwitz, EL. Gregory, AA, Clary, R. A non-surgical approach to the management of lumbar spinal stenosis: A prospective observational cohort study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2006; 7: 16.
Deyo, RA, Mirza, SK, Martin, BI, Kreuter, W, Goodman, DC, Jarvik, JG. Trends, Major Medical Complications, and Charges Associated With Surgery for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis in Older Adults. JAMA. 2010;303(13):1259-1265.
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
The study and an accompanying editorial suggest that aggressive marketing by implant makers, and greater physician compensation for high-tech procedures, may be influencing treatment. Meanwhile, taxpayers bear the expense, and patients face increased risks.
There are non-surgical approaches and treatments for spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease. The symptoms can be treated with exercise, weight loss, chiropractic, and physical therapy. A study in the BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders concluded that distraction manipulation (DM) and neural mobilization (NM) are viable alternative to surgery for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), and compares favorably with other non-surgical approaches that have been studied. The study further suggest that “As the efficacy of surgery does not appear to decrease if it is delayed in favor of a non-surgical trial, most patients with LSS should be treated non-surgically for a period of time before considering operation. DM and NM may be one non-surgical option that can be offered to patients.”
References:
Murphy, DR, Hurwitz, EL. Gregory, AA, Clary, R. A non-surgical approach to the management of lumbar spinal stenosis: A prospective observational cohort study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2006; 7: 16.
Deyo, RA, Mirza, SK, Martin, BI, Kreuter, W, Goodman, DC, Jarvik, JG. Trends, Major Medical Complications, and Charges Associated With Surgery for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis in Older Adults. JAMA. 2010;303(13):1259-1265.
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Modify your golf swing to reduce injury
Of the 25 million golfers in America, up to 62% may suffer an injury related to the game. Low back pain (LBP) is the most common injury in professional and amateur golfers; repetitive swing motion and poor swing mechanics are thought to be the primary reasons for injury.
A common belief in golfers is that the more their shoulders rotate back during the backswing portion of a golf swing, the better their swing will be; this position places the spine under a great degree of stress, however. The authors of this study hypothesized that a restricted backswing that incorporates more shoulder activity may reduce the odds for injury without harming performance levels by eliminating excessive spinal rotation.
Seven subjects who normally demonstrated a full recoil backswing (involving a shoulder turn of at least 90 degrees with a restricted hip rotation) were fitted with an electromyographic (EMG) recording device to measure muscle activity. EMG electrodes were placed on the lumbar; external oblique; latissimus dorsi; and right pectoralis major muscles. Subjects hit 10 balls consecutively for maximal distance using their typical swing, while a swing indicator measured club head speed and accuracy. Next, subjects were shown how to modify their swing to incorporate a shorter backswing; they were allowed to practice this swing for 20-30 minutes, at which time data were recorded as they hit 10 more golf balls.
Results: A backswing shortened by an average of 47 degrees did not significantly affect club speed or stroke accuracy. The target spot on the clubhead also remained the same. However, EMG activity was reduced 19% in the right oblique before impact; 12% in the left lumbar during acceleration; 21% in the right latissimus during activation; and 14% in the left lumbar during follow-through. EMG activity in the shoulder muscles increased as golfers compensated their swing.
These results are important because many golfers may not want to change their swing mechanics to reduce their odds for LBP if it might cause decreased game performance. The authors point out that although a reduced backswing may help prevent back injury, it could possibly lead to a less-debilitating shoulder injury.
Sources: Bulbulian R, Ball KA, Seaman DR. The short golf backswing: Effects on performance and spinal health implications. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 2001:24(9), pp. 569-575.
http://www.naturopathydigest.com/important_research/sports_fitness/sports_injuries/11.php
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
A common belief in golfers is that the more their shoulders rotate back during the backswing portion of a golf swing, the better their swing will be; this position places the spine under a great degree of stress, however. The authors of this study hypothesized that a restricted backswing that incorporates more shoulder activity may reduce the odds for injury without harming performance levels by eliminating excessive spinal rotation.
Seven subjects who normally demonstrated a full recoil backswing (involving a shoulder turn of at least 90 degrees with a restricted hip rotation) were fitted with an electromyographic (EMG) recording device to measure muscle activity. EMG electrodes were placed on the lumbar; external oblique; latissimus dorsi; and right pectoralis major muscles. Subjects hit 10 balls consecutively for maximal distance using their typical swing, while a swing indicator measured club head speed and accuracy. Next, subjects were shown how to modify their swing to incorporate a shorter backswing; they were allowed to practice this swing for 20-30 minutes, at which time data were recorded as they hit 10 more golf balls.
Results: A backswing shortened by an average of 47 degrees did not significantly affect club speed or stroke accuracy. The target spot on the clubhead also remained the same. However, EMG activity was reduced 19% in the right oblique before impact; 12% in the left lumbar during acceleration; 21% in the right latissimus during activation; and 14% in the left lumbar during follow-through. EMG activity in the shoulder muscles increased as golfers compensated their swing.
These results are important because many golfers may not want to change their swing mechanics to reduce their odds for LBP if it might cause decreased game performance. The authors point out that although a reduced backswing may help prevent back injury, it could possibly lead to a less-debilitating shoulder injury.
Sources: Bulbulian R, Ball KA, Seaman DR. The short golf backswing: Effects on performance and spinal health implications. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 2001:24(9), pp. 569-575.
http://www.naturopathydigest.com/important_research/sports_fitness/sports_injuries/11.php
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Neuromuscular Training for Sports Injury Prevention: A Systematic Review
A March 2010 systematic review conducted in Germany underscores the value of neuromuscular training in preventing sports injuries. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of proprioceptive/neuromuscular training in preventing sports injuries by using the best available evidence.
7 methodologically well-conducted studies were considered for this review. Pooled analysis revealed that multi-intervention training was effective in reducing the risk of lower limb injuries, acute knee injuries, and ankle sprain injuries. Balance training alone resulted in a significant risk reduction of ankle sprain injuries and a nonsignificant risk reduction for injuries overall. Exercise interventions were more effective in athletes with a history of sports injury than in those without.
They concluded that “On the basis of the results of seven high-quality studies, this review showed evidence for the effectiveness of proprioceptive/ neuromuscular training in reducing the incidence of certain types of sports injuries among adolescent and young adult athletes during pivoting sports.”
Source: Hubscher M, Zech A, Pfeifer K, Hansel F, Vogt L, Banzer W. Neuromuscular training for sports injury prevention: a systematic review. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 2010 (Mar);42(3):413–421.
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
www.laurelregionalchiropractic.com
7 methodologically well-conducted studies were considered for this review. Pooled analysis revealed that multi-intervention training was effective in reducing the risk of lower limb injuries, acute knee injuries, and ankle sprain injuries. Balance training alone resulted in a significant risk reduction of ankle sprain injuries and a nonsignificant risk reduction for injuries overall. Exercise interventions were more effective in athletes with a history of sports injury than in those without.
They concluded that “On the basis of the results of seven high-quality studies, this review showed evidence for the effectiveness of proprioceptive/ neuromuscular training in reducing the incidence of certain types of sports injuries among adolescent and young adult athletes during pivoting sports.”
Source: Hubscher M, Zech A, Pfeifer K, Hansel F, Vogt L, Banzer W. Neuromuscular training for sports injury prevention: a systematic review. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 2010 (Mar);42(3):413–421.
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
www.laurelregionalchiropractic.com
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Golf Injury Prevention
There are three phases to the golf swing, each of which can cause injury if executed incorrectly. Additionally, there are specific exercises you can perform to help reduce your risk of hurting yourself during that particular swing phase.
Phase 1: Take-Away. The take-away consists of the set-up movement to the top of the back swing. During this phase, the most common potential injuries involve the thumb and wrist, particularly on the lead hand. Here is an effective workout for the muscles of the wrist, hand and forearm. To begin, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart holding a 5-pound dumbbell in your right hand. Keeping your arm to your side and using only your wrist, raise the dumbbell as high as you can and lower it as far as you can. Do two sets of 12 reps. Next, do another two sets of 12 reps, but while moving your wrist from side to side as far as you can. Repeat this entire workout with the dumbbell in your left hand.
An advanced workout for your wrists would be to take a barbell/dumbbells with a weight you can handle, anywhere from 10-45 pounds, and do three exercises back to back to back without rest. Start with your feet shoulder width apart and grab the weight with your hands facing down, shoulder-width apart, held which each thumb. Reverse-curl the weight up toward your body, flexing the forearm as you finish the movement at the top. Do 10 reps.
Phase 2: Impact. The next phase of the swing is the impact, which consists of the downswing and impact with the ball. The most common injuries during this phase are attributable to stress on the back knee and compression forces acting on both wrists. Additionally, the lead elbow and hand/wrist are often hurt during impact.
In terms of exercises that can help prevent these injuries, leg extensions/leg curls and abduction/adduction exercises (almost all fitness clubs have equipment for these types of exercises), along with regular stretching and massage, are extremely effective for the legs. Triceps pushdowns using a reverse grip with the hands facing up is an excellent exercise for the triceps and will help to prevent injury to the elbows. High-intensity training (one set to muscle exhaustion for each exercise, using slow, deliberate movements) works well and is a safe method of training for all the exercises above. For the legs, do 12-15 reps; for the triceps/elbows, do 8-12reps.
Phase 3: Follow-Through. Finally, there is the follow-through after impact. During this phase there is abdominal torque and risk of spinal injury. I recommend training the oblique muscles (essentially the sides of the abdomen) using a trunk rotation machine, twisting slowly in a circular fashion for 12-15 reps, and a lower back extension machine for 12-15 reps. Do not use heavy weights for these exercises and make sure to do them slowly and eliminate momentum. These exercises will help strengthen the core muscles and help prevent back injuries.
Source: To Your Health, February 16, 2010 [Volume 4, Issue 5]
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Phase 1: Take-Away. The take-away consists of the set-up movement to the top of the back swing. During this phase, the most common potential injuries involve the thumb and wrist, particularly on the lead hand. Here is an effective workout for the muscles of the wrist, hand and forearm. To begin, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart holding a 5-pound dumbbell in your right hand. Keeping your arm to your side and using only your wrist, raise the dumbbell as high as you can and lower it as far as you can. Do two sets of 12 reps. Next, do another two sets of 12 reps, but while moving your wrist from side to side as far as you can. Repeat this entire workout with the dumbbell in your left hand.
An advanced workout for your wrists would be to take a barbell/dumbbells with a weight you can handle, anywhere from 10-45 pounds, and do three exercises back to back to back without rest. Start with your feet shoulder width apart and grab the weight with your hands facing down, shoulder-width apart, held which each thumb. Reverse-curl the weight up toward your body, flexing the forearm as you finish the movement at the top. Do 10 reps.
Phase 2: Impact. The next phase of the swing is the impact, which consists of the downswing and impact with the ball. The most common injuries during this phase are attributable to stress on the back knee and compression forces acting on both wrists. Additionally, the lead elbow and hand/wrist are often hurt during impact.
In terms of exercises that can help prevent these injuries, leg extensions/leg curls and abduction/adduction exercises (almost all fitness clubs have equipment for these types of exercises), along with regular stretching and massage, are extremely effective for the legs. Triceps pushdowns using a reverse grip with the hands facing up is an excellent exercise for the triceps and will help to prevent injury to the elbows. High-intensity training (one set to muscle exhaustion for each exercise, using slow, deliberate movements) works well and is a safe method of training for all the exercises above. For the legs, do 12-15 reps; for the triceps/elbows, do 8-12reps.
Phase 3: Follow-Through. Finally, there is the follow-through after impact. During this phase there is abdominal torque and risk of spinal injury. I recommend training the oblique muscles (essentially the sides of the abdomen) using a trunk rotation machine, twisting slowly in a circular fashion for 12-15 reps, and a lower back extension machine for 12-15 reps. Do not use heavy weights for these exercises and make sure to do them slowly and eliminate momentum. These exercises will help strengthen the core muscles and help prevent back injuries.
Source: To Your Health, February 16, 2010 [Volume 4, Issue 5]
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Friday, March 19, 2010
Tips for Runners
As spring is approaching and running season is here, runners from all walks of life have started training for events over the next 6 months. Whether you are training for a 5k run/walk or the big marathon, there are a few simple things you can do to help prevent injury this running season. You can protect you knees, ankles and feet by keeping the muscles around the joints in shape and flexible. Here are some tips to help:
1. Warm-up: Always warm up prior to running, especially before explosive training like hills or speed work. Cold muscles are more prone to strains. A proper warm up will increase blood flow to the major muscle groups and improve muscle recruitment and performance. Start your work out with a light jog for 5 minutes before increasing your running intensity.
2. Get your muscles in balance: Many people have muscle imbalances that predispose them, especially runners, to lower extremity injuries. Traditional exercise programs do not address these imbalances and can in fact contribute to chronic injury patterns. The goal is to find an exercise program that addresses the instability and weakness of the hip and core stabilizers. Not only will you prevent injury with these types of exercises, but you will also improve your performance by running more efficiently. A qualified physical or exercise therapist can give you an effective exercise program.
3. Stretch: Make sure you stretch after every run. There is a lot of conflicting information out there about stretching, but the truth is that flexible muscles are stronger and more efficient. Remember to always stretch after muscles are warm (so after your warm up and after you are finished with your run). Hold each stretch 30 seconds and don’t bounce. You can actually increase your flexibility by being consistent with your stretching routine and stretching every day.
4. Hydrate: Your body is composed of about 60% water. When those levels are compromised your muscles do not perform or recover properly and are prone to injury. Athletes should consume ½ of their body weight in ounces every day. When you run, hydrate extra both before and after your run.
5. Get in alignment: Along with balancing your muscles, spinal alignment is very important in preventing sports injuries. Each and every muscle is controlled by nerves that pass through the spine. If one of those nerves is constricted one bit, the muscle it controls will not work correctly. Also, if your spinal posture is off, your running will do more harm than good and ultimately lead to a breakdown and problem with the spine, hip, knee or ankles. Being in alignment with good chiropractic care not only gets athletes out of pain but it prevents the body from breaking down. That is why Tiger Woods, Lance Armstrong and more than 80% of the distance runners in the last Olympics see chiropractors.
So, to stay on course and stay off the sidelines by following these 5 guidelines. If you are interested in getting your muscle balance tested and seeing if you are in alignment please feel free to contact us at Laurel Regional Chiropractic.
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
1. Warm-up: Always warm up prior to running, especially before explosive training like hills or speed work. Cold muscles are more prone to strains. A proper warm up will increase blood flow to the major muscle groups and improve muscle recruitment and performance. Start your work out with a light jog for 5 minutes before increasing your running intensity.
2. Get your muscles in balance: Many people have muscle imbalances that predispose them, especially runners, to lower extremity injuries. Traditional exercise programs do not address these imbalances and can in fact contribute to chronic injury patterns. The goal is to find an exercise program that addresses the instability and weakness of the hip and core stabilizers. Not only will you prevent injury with these types of exercises, but you will also improve your performance by running more efficiently. A qualified physical or exercise therapist can give you an effective exercise program.
3. Stretch: Make sure you stretch after every run. There is a lot of conflicting information out there about stretching, but the truth is that flexible muscles are stronger and more efficient. Remember to always stretch after muscles are warm (so after your warm up and after you are finished with your run). Hold each stretch 30 seconds and don’t bounce. You can actually increase your flexibility by being consistent with your stretching routine and stretching every day.
4. Hydrate: Your body is composed of about 60% water. When those levels are compromised your muscles do not perform or recover properly and are prone to injury. Athletes should consume ½ of their body weight in ounces every day. When you run, hydrate extra both before and after your run.
5. Get in alignment: Along with balancing your muscles, spinal alignment is very important in preventing sports injuries. Each and every muscle is controlled by nerves that pass through the spine. If one of those nerves is constricted one bit, the muscle it controls will not work correctly. Also, if your spinal posture is off, your running will do more harm than good and ultimately lead to a breakdown and problem with the spine, hip, knee or ankles. Being in alignment with good chiropractic care not only gets athletes out of pain but it prevents the body from breaking down. That is why Tiger Woods, Lance Armstrong and more than 80% of the distance runners in the last Olympics see chiropractors.
So, to stay on course and stay off the sidelines by following these 5 guidelines. If you are interested in getting your muscle balance tested and seeing if you are in alignment please feel free to contact us at Laurel Regional Chiropractic.
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Poor posture can lead to poor health
Prevention and awareness is the best care for health-related problems. One of the easiest and most logical ways to prevent bad posture habits is to think about the consequences.
1. Tension Headaches: Sitting hunched over at your job, most commonly caused by your hands reaching for the keyboard when typing on your computer leads to your shoulders and head slumping forward. This posture tightens the muscles in your neck, upper back and shoulders. After awhile, the tightness causes nerve irritations and muscle spasms which restrict proper flow of blood to the back of your head. This leads to tension headaches.
2. Diminished Breathing: Poor posture can lead to severe kyphosis (hunched back) causing the torso collapse leading to breathing difficulties. Rounded shoulders and overly bent or imbalanced spine restrict the expansion of the rib cage, which restricts the rise and fall of the breathing diaphragm. Reduced rib and spinal mobility will affect the normal breathing movement. If the diaphragm can't rise, it won't be able to draw in as much oxygen during inhalation.
3. Fatigue: Fatigue is one of the most common causes of bad posture. Tired and tight muscles cannot support the skeleton as they are designed to do. Your muscles have to work extra hard just to hold you up if you have poor posture, leaving you without energy. Lack of adequate muscle flexibility and strength, abnormal joint motion in the spine and other body regions will lead to overall muscle fatigue.
4. Make you look older: Never underestimate the beauty and health benefits of good posture. Often poor posture is just a bad habit that is easily corrected. Poor posture not only makes you look older, but could be the first step toward dowager’s hump, double chin, potbelly, and swayback as well as some internal problems too. When a person is hunched over or not standing straight that person may be perceived as older than they actually are. Good posture is not only beneficial to your body; it also makes you look taller and slimmer. What's more, good posture can convey self-confidence, which may just be the best accessory you can have.
5. Back pain: Most common consequence of poor posture, due to muscle strain, especially lower back pain. The back muscles, ligaments, and discs are under extra stress when the spine is not in proper alignment. Strong muscles help keep the spine in proper alignment and prevent back pain. Strong muscles also prevent the spine from extending beyond its normal range of motion, which is essential to protecting the ligaments and disks from injury.
Source: T. Moses Public Relations and Consulting, http://tmosespublicrelations.com
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
1. Tension Headaches: Sitting hunched over at your job, most commonly caused by your hands reaching for the keyboard when typing on your computer leads to your shoulders and head slumping forward. This posture tightens the muscles in your neck, upper back and shoulders. After awhile, the tightness causes nerve irritations and muscle spasms which restrict proper flow of blood to the back of your head. This leads to tension headaches.
2. Diminished Breathing: Poor posture can lead to severe kyphosis (hunched back) causing the torso collapse leading to breathing difficulties. Rounded shoulders and overly bent or imbalanced spine restrict the expansion of the rib cage, which restricts the rise and fall of the breathing diaphragm. Reduced rib and spinal mobility will affect the normal breathing movement. If the diaphragm can't rise, it won't be able to draw in as much oxygen during inhalation.
3. Fatigue: Fatigue is one of the most common causes of bad posture. Tired and tight muscles cannot support the skeleton as they are designed to do. Your muscles have to work extra hard just to hold you up if you have poor posture, leaving you without energy. Lack of adequate muscle flexibility and strength, abnormal joint motion in the spine and other body regions will lead to overall muscle fatigue.
4. Make you look older: Never underestimate the beauty and health benefits of good posture. Often poor posture is just a bad habit that is easily corrected. Poor posture not only makes you look older, but could be the first step toward dowager’s hump, double chin, potbelly, and swayback as well as some internal problems too. When a person is hunched over or not standing straight that person may be perceived as older than they actually are. Good posture is not only beneficial to your body; it also makes you look taller and slimmer. What's more, good posture can convey self-confidence, which may just be the best accessory you can have.
5. Back pain: Most common consequence of poor posture, due to muscle strain, especially lower back pain. The back muscles, ligaments, and discs are under extra stress when the spine is not in proper alignment. Strong muscles help keep the spine in proper alignment and prevent back pain. Strong muscles also prevent the spine from extending beyond its normal range of motion, which is essential to protecting the ligaments and disks from injury.
Source: T. Moses Public Relations and Consulting, http://tmosespublicrelations.com
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Too much exercise can lead to overuse injuries
People tend to do the same exercise routine over and over again, without varying it, without taking adequate rest, and they end up with an overuse injury.
Most overuse injuries can be blamed on four factors: 1. Inadequate recovery (when your body doesn’t fully recover from one run to the next). 2. Biomechanical irregularities (such as overpronation and leg-length discrepancy). 3. Muscular imbalances caused by running itself (tight hamstrings and weak quadriceps, for example). 4. Improper or worn-out footwear. Cross-training can’t help you with your footwear choices, but it can address the other three factors. If you’re a beginning runner who hasn’t yet developed strength and flexibility imbalances, you can get big benefits from endurance cross-training. Your ankles, knees, and lower back aren’t used to the repetitive impact of running, so you can use walking, elliptical machines, and other low-impact conditioning tools to improve endurance without beating up your most vulnerable joints, muscles, and connective tissues. You can gradually mix in some running once you’ve established a base of fitness.
So the bottom line is that, if you’re feeling pain while doing an exercise, the form might be wrong or you might be injured. Some runners just run, without doing any cross-training, and they may do the same thing every week. Strength training or weight lifting routine will help those runners to focus on their weaknesses. Also, by varying routines and taking time to recover can help with injury prevention.
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Most overuse injuries can be blamed on four factors: 1. Inadequate recovery (when your body doesn’t fully recover from one run to the next). 2. Biomechanical irregularities (such as overpronation and leg-length discrepancy). 3. Muscular imbalances caused by running itself (tight hamstrings and weak quadriceps, for example). 4. Improper or worn-out footwear. Cross-training can’t help you with your footwear choices, but it can address the other three factors. If you’re a beginning runner who hasn’t yet developed strength and flexibility imbalances, you can get big benefits from endurance cross-training. Your ankles, knees, and lower back aren’t used to the repetitive impact of running, so you can use walking, elliptical machines, and other low-impact conditioning tools to improve endurance without beating up your most vulnerable joints, muscles, and connective tissues. You can gradually mix in some running once you’ve established a base of fitness.
So the bottom line is that, if you’re feeling pain while doing an exercise, the form might be wrong or you might be injured. Some runners just run, without doing any cross-training, and they may do the same thing every week. Strength training or weight lifting routine will help those runners to focus on their weaknesses. Also, by varying routines and taking time to recover can help with injury prevention.
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Monday, March 8, 2010
The Importance of a Well Aligned Body to Your Golf Game
Golf and chiropractic are a perfect combination. A chiropractor, along with a good golf instructor, can help you evaluate, treat, condition and train golfers. A chiropractor will look at the body in balance from head to toe, which is the essence of the golf swing. Anything interfering with the stance or the grip restrictions in the swing will have a profound effect on your golf swing. There are three fundamental causes of golf injuries: poor posture, lack of flexibility, and lack of balanced functioning of muscles. And, of course, poor swing mechanics is the fourth cause.
The golf swing is all about efficient energy transfer from the lower body into the hips, through each of the joints of the spine, into the shoulder girdle, down the arm, through the golf club, and finally into the golf ball. Posture at the address of the ball is important to position yourself to effectively transfer energy and hit that long straight shot you are visualizing. If back pain and dysfunction are impairing your posture, your swing will suffer. That means compensating during your swing that can lead to more biomechanical problems and pain in other areas of the body. Without good posture, pain can be a self-perpetuating cycle that inhibits your game.
Look at yourself in a mirror. Stand nice and tall with your hands to your side. Is one shoulder higher than the other? Now place you hands on your hips. Is one hip higher than the other? If you are serious about golf you should really be serious about your body. Most golfers will spend lots of money, time, and care on their golf equipment but spend little time with their most valuable equipment – that’s themselves. Take a few minutes every day to stretch before playing as it will make a tremendous difference.
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
The golf swing is all about efficient energy transfer from the lower body into the hips, through each of the joints of the spine, into the shoulder girdle, down the arm, through the golf club, and finally into the golf ball. Posture at the address of the ball is important to position yourself to effectively transfer energy and hit that long straight shot you are visualizing. If back pain and dysfunction are impairing your posture, your swing will suffer. That means compensating during your swing that can lead to more biomechanical problems and pain in other areas of the body. Without good posture, pain can be a self-perpetuating cycle that inhibits your game.
Look at yourself in a mirror. Stand nice and tall with your hands to your side. Is one shoulder higher than the other? Now place you hands on your hips. Is one hip higher than the other? If you are serious about golf you should really be serious about your body. Most golfers will spend lots of money, time, and care on their golf equipment but spend little time with their most valuable equipment – that’s themselves. Take a few minutes every day to stretch before playing as it will make a tremendous difference.
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Effect of spinal manipulative therapy with stretching compared with stretching alone on full-swing performance of golf players: a randomized trial
There has been a steady growth of chiropractic treatment using spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) that aims to increase the performance of athletes in various sports. This study evaluates the effect of SMT by chiropractors on the performance of golf players.
Golfers of 2 golf clubs in São Paulo, Brazil, participated in this study. They were randomized to 1 of 2 groups: Group I received a stretch program, and group II received a stretch program in addition to SMT. Participants in both groups performed the same standardized stretching program. Spinal manipulative therapy to dysfunctional spinal segments was performed on group II only. All golfers performed 3full-swing maneuvers. Ball range was considered as the average distance for the 3 shots. Treatment was performed after the initial measurement, and the same maneuvers were performed afterward. Each participant repeated these procedures for a 4-week period.
Forty-three golfers completed the protocol. Twenty participants were allocated to group I and 23 to group II. Average age, handicap, and initial swing were comparable. No improvement of full-swing performance was observed during the 4 sessions on group I (stretch only). An improvement was observed at the fourth session of group II (P = .005); when comparing the posttreatment, group II had statistical significance at all phases (P = .003).
Chiropractic SMT in association with muscle stretching may be associated with an improvement of full-swing performance when compared with muscle stretching alone.
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Golfers of 2 golf clubs in São Paulo, Brazil, participated in this study. They were randomized to 1 of 2 groups: Group I received a stretch program, and group II received a stretch program in addition to SMT. Participants in both groups performed the same standardized stretching program. Spinal manipulative therapy to dysfunctional spinal segments was performed on group II only. All golfers performed 3full-swing maneuvers. Ball range was considered as the average distance for the 3 shots. Treatment was performed after the initial measurement, and the same maneuvers were performed afterward. Each participant repeated these procedures for a 4-week period.
Forty-three golfers completed the protocol. Twenty participants were allocated to group I and 23 to group II. Average age, handicap, and initial swing were comparable. No improvement of full-swing performance was observed during the 4 sessions on group I (stretch only). An improvement was observed at the fourth session of group II (P = .005); when comparing the posttreatment, group II had statistical significance at all phases (P = .003).
Chiropractic SMT in association with muscle stretching may be associated with an improvement of full-swing performance when compared with muscle stretching alone.
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Friday, March 5, 2010
The Benefits of Stretching
The muscles tighten as a person ages which can lead to a decrease in range of joint movements. That is why as the person grows older, bending or flexing becomes more limited. This is why stretching regularly, as part of a routine is very important. Simple stretches can be done everyday and can be easily incorporated in your daily activities. It does not require much of your time. So how can stretching help with your overall health?
Regular stretching exercises can lengthen the muscles and the tendons which can help in increasing the range of your movement. Stretching can prevent injury to joints, tendons, and muscles. When the muscles and tendons are well-flexed, they are considered in good working order. The muscles of the body will be able to take more exhausting and rigorous movements with less probability of being injured. If the muscles are given their regular exercises and stretching, it is less likely that they will contract. This will definitely relieve you of any muscle pain or problems.
A research article appeared in the October 2009 issue of the American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology suggests that flexibility, as defined by how far you can reach while sitting down, may be linked to the stiffness of your arteries. It’s known that arterial stiffness often precedes life-threatening cardiovascular disease. Researchers don’t know why flexibility might be linked to arteries. One theory is that people who are more flexible do stretching exercises that help slow down stiffening of the arteries. So give your tight muscles a good stretch as it could help your heart!
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
http://www.laurelregionalchiropractic.com/
Regular stretching exercises can lengthen the muscles and the tendons which can help in increasing the range of your movement. Stretching can prevent injury to joints, tendons, and muscles. When the muscles and tendons are well-flexed, they are considered in good working order. The muscles of the body will be able to take more exhausting and rigorous movements with less probability of being injured. If the muscles are given their regular exercises and stretching, it is less likely that they will contract. This will definitely relieve you of any muscle pain or problems.
A research article appeared in the October 2009 issue of the American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology suggests that flexibility, as defined by how far you can reach while sitting down, may be linked to the stiffness of your arteries. It’s known that arterial stiffness often precedes life-threatening cardiovascular disease. Researchers don’t know why flexibility might be linked to arteries. One theory is that people who are more flexible do stretching exercises that help slow down stiffening of the arteries. So give your tight muscles a good stretch as it could help your heart!
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
http://www.laurelregionalchiropractic.com/
Effects of resistance training and chiropractic treatment in women with fibromyalgia
A recent study has found that resistance training is more helpful for women with fibromyalgia if it is combined with chiropractic treatment.
The randomized controlled study aimed to evaluate resistance training and resistance training combined with chiropractic treatment on the impact and functionality of fibromyalgia in women. 21 women with fibromyalgia, who had an average age of 48 years, took part in the study. They were randomly assigned to either resistance training or resistance training combined with chiropractic treatment, with 10 women in the first group and 11 in the second. Both groups completed 16 weeks of resistance training consisting of 10 exercises performed two times per week. The group assigned to receive both resistance training and chiropractic treatment also received chiropractic treatment two times per week.
The results showed that both groups increased upper and lower body strength and there were similar improvements in fibromyalgia impact in both groups as well as the strength domains of the functionality assessment. However, only the group receiving resistance training combined with chiropractic treatment significantly improved in the pre- to post-functional domains of flexibility, balance and coordination, and endurance.
One factor in the beneficial effects of the chiropractic treatment may have been that many chiropractors perform some myofascial release as part of their treatments. Myofascial pain is a common problem with fibromyalgia and it can cause exercise to be more painful and less effective.
Original article by: Panton LB, Figueroa A, Kingsley JD, Hornbuckle L, Wilson J, John NS, Abood D, Mathis R, Vantassel J, McMillan V. Effects of Resistance Training and Chiropractic Treatment in Women with Fibromyalgia. J Altern Complement Med. 2009 Mar;15(3):321-8.
Dr. David P. Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
http://www.laurelregionalchiropractic.com/
The randomized controlled study aimed to evaluate resistance training and resistance training combined with chiropractic treatment on the impact and functionality of fibromyalgia in women. 21 women with fibromyalgia, who had an average age of 48 years, took part in the study. They were randomly assigned to either resistance training or resistance training combined with chiropractic treatment, with 10 women in the first group and 11 in the second. Both groups completed 16 weeks of resistance training consisting of 10 exercises performed two times per week. The group assigned to receive both resistance training and chiropractic treatment also received chiropractic treatment two times per week.
The results showed that both groups increased upper and lower body strength and there were similar improvements in fibromyalgia impact in both groups as well as the strength domains of the functionality assessment. However, only the group receiving resistance training combined with chiropractic treatment significantly improved in the pre- to post-functional domains of flexibility, balance and coordination, and endurance.
One factor in the beneficial effects of the chiropractic treatment may have been that many chiropractors perform some myofascial release as part of their treatments. Myofascial pain is a common problem with fibromyalgia and it can cause exercise to be more painful and less effective.
Original article by: Panton LB, Figueroa A, Kingsley JD, Hornbuckle L, Wilson J, John NS, Abood D, Mathis R, Vantassel J, McMillan V. Effects of Resistance Training and Chiropractic Treatment in Women with Fibromyalgia. J Altern Complement Med. 2009 Mar;15(3):321-8.
Dr. David P. Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
http://www.laurelregionalchiropractic.com/
Study shows that Cold Laser Therapy helps Chronic Neck Pain Sufferers
A new Australian study appeared in the journal Lancet shows that using cold laser therapy to treat chronic neck pain can be very effective.
Low-level laser therapy, also known as LLLT involves using a laser's light to stimulate tissue repair and ease pain. Lead researcher Roberta Chow of the Brain and Mind Research Institute at Australia's University of Sydney carried out an overview of 16 randomized trials that put this increasingly popular procedure to the test. 820patients were enrolled in the trials and divided into two groups: one that received either the therapy or other one that received a dummy treatment.
In five trials, the researchers found that patients given LLLT were around four times more likely to have reduced pain compared with a placebo. In the 11 other trials, for which there was a detailed analysis of pain symptoms, LLLT patients reported reductions of chronic pain by around 20 points on a scale of 100 points. The pain reduction continued for up to 22 weeks.
LLLT compares favorably with other drugs and remedies for effectiveness and its side-effects are mild, says the study. The researchers further suggested that low level laser therapy be used in combination with an exercise program for neck pain as well.
Original article: Chow RT, Johnson MI, Lopes-Martins RA, Bjordal JM. “Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in the management of neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo or active-treatment controlled trials.” Lancet. 2009 Dec 5;374(9705):1897-908.
Dr. David P. Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
http://www.laurelregionalchiropractic.com/
Low-level laser therapy, also known as LLLT involves using a laser's light to stimulate tissue repair and ease pain. Lead researcher Roberta Chow of the Brain and Mind Research Institute at Australia's University of Sydney carried out an overview of 16 randomized trials that put this increasingly popular procedure to the test. 820patients were enrolled in the trials and divided into two groups: one that received either the therapy or other one that received a dummy treatment.
In five trials, the researchers found that patients given LLLT were around four times more likely to have reduced pain compared with a placebo. In the 11 other trials, for which there was a detailed analysis of pain symptoms, LLLT patients reported reductions of chronic pain by around 20 points on a scale of 100 points. The pain reduction continued for up to 22 weeks.
LLLT compares favorably with other drugs and remedies for effectiveness and its side-effects are mild, says the study. The researchers further suggested that low level laser therapy be used in combination with an exercise program for neck pain as well.
Original article: Chow RT, Johnson MI, Lopes-Martins RA, Bjordal JM. “Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in the management of neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo or active-treatment controlled trials.” Lancet. 2009 Dec 5;374(9705):1897-908.
Dr. David P. Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
http://www.laurelregionalchiropractic.com/
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