This new case series, managed by the Department of Orthopedics, in the General Military Hospital of Beijing, China, involved 10 patients with idiopathic degenerative and posttraumatic atlantoaxial osteoarthritis. They were treated with upper cervical chiropractic adjusting, in combination with mobilization device therapy.
Outcome measures included self-reported pain using a numeric pain scale (NPS) (1-10, with 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst possible pain), physical examination findings, and radiologic changes.
The reported results were quite impressive:
Pre to post pain findings included a reduction of pain from 8.6 to 2.6.
Rotation of C1 upon C2 increased from 28° to 52°, effectively doubling upper cervical range of motion.
Restoration of joint space was observed in 6 patients.
Clinical improvement was rated as “good” to “excellent” by 80% of these patients.
Source: http://www.chiro.org/cases/ABSTRACTS/Upper_Cervical_Manipulation.shtml
David P. Chen, D.C.
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD 20708
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Showing posts with label neck pain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label neck pain. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Early Treatment for Whiplash Injuries
For many people, the term “whiplash” conjures up a fairly uncomfortable image: being rear-ended by another car and having your head suddenly snapped back and forth by the impact.
Despite innovations in automotive design, whiplash injuries have become increasingly frequent in the past 30 years. Symptoms of whiplash can include serious and lingering neck pain, back pain, headaches and dizziness; no single effective treatment has been identified to deal with this chronic, frustrating condition.
But help may be on the way. A recent study in the journal of Spine suggests that early, active treatment is most effective for managing whiplash symptoms. In the study, “active” treatment consisted of repetitive motion exercises performed at home (10 times every hour, beginning within 96 hours of injury); “standard” treatment involved home exercises performed only a few times each day, starting two weeks after injury.
Results showed that 38% of patients receiving immediate, active treatment reported “no pain” at six-month followup, compared to only 5% of patients receiving delayed standard treatment. The authors note that this type of active home treatment is an “ideal form of rehabilitation” because it expends only small resources within the health care system.
It’s time to whip whiplash! If you or someone you know is suffering from whiplash, schedule an appointment today with us at Laurel Regional Chiropractic.
Reference: Rosenfeld M, Gunnarsson R, Borenstein P. Early intervention in whiplash-associated disorders. A comparison of two treatment protocols. Spine 2000: Vol. 25, No. 14, pp1782-87.
Dr. David P. Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD 20708
Despite innovations in automotive design, whiplash injuries have become increasingly frequent in the past 30 years. Symptoms of whiplash can include serious and lingering neck pain, back pain, headaches and dizziness; no single effective treatment has been identified to deal with this chronic, frustrating condition.
But help may be on the way. A recent study in the journal of Spine suggests that early, active treatment is most effective for managing whiplash symptoms. In the study, “active” treatment consisted of repetitive motion exercises performed at home (10 times every hour, beginning within 96 hours of injury); “standard” treatment involved home exercises performed only a few times each day, starting two weeks after injury.
Results showed that 38% of patients receiving immediate, active treatment reported “no pain” at six-month followup, compared to only 5% of patients receiving delayed standard treatment. The authors note that this type of active home treatment is an “ideal form of rehabilitation” because it expends only small resources within the health care system.
It’s time to whip whiplash! If you or someone you know is suffering from whiplash, schedule an appointment today with us at Laurel Regional Chiropractic.
Reference: Rosenfeld M, Gunnarsson R, Borenstein P. Early intervention in whiplash-associated disorders. A comparison of two treatment protocols. Spine 2000: Vol. 25, No. 14, pp1782-87.
Dr. David P. Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD 20708
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
One more reason to take breaks from sitting: a smaller waistline
Always wanted a smaller waist? Scientists have discovered that the answer could be something as simple as taking frequent small breaks from sitting.
A U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey published in the European Society of Cardiology’s European Heart Journal revealed that participants who took more small breaks from sitting had smaller waistlines than those who did not. This was true even for those who were spent up to 21.2 hours a day sedentary. For the 25% of participants who took the most breaks from sitting, the survey found that waistlines were on average 1.61 inches or 4.1 centimeters smaller than the 25% of participants who took the fewest breaks. The survey, led by University of Queensland researcher followed 4,757 people, all aged 20 and older. The survey lasted for seven days, during which participants wore an accelerometer on their right hips when they were awake. These accelerometers measured the intensity of the participants’ physical activity. Low levels of intensity were equated with sedentary periods.
Having a small waistline indicates less abdominal fat, which in turn is an indicator for better heart health. Larger waists, on the other hand, are linked to cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure as well as higher risk for type 2 diabetes. Another study published in the journal, Obesity, links increases in waistlines to increased chance of premature death.
Participants who took more frequent breaks from sitting also had lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). CRPs are produced by the liver. Production is correlated with the level of inflammation in the body. The study also found that taking breaks had a significant effect on lowering HDL-cholesterol, particularly in non-Hispanic whites. Conversely, those who were had higher sedentary times tended to have larger waists, higher HDL-cholesterol, CRPs, triglycerides and insulin.
The benefits of frequent breaks from sitting is linked to muscle activity in the legs and back. When sitting or reclining, these large muscles are largely inactive. However when standing, these muscles are forced to continually contract in order to maintain posture. This increased activity helps to clear plasma triglycerides, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Still not convinced? By taking frequent breaks and doing some stretches while sitting at work will also save you from frequent neck and back pain.
Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41028986/ns/health-diet_and_nutrition/
Dr. David P. Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD 20708
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
A U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey published in the European Society of Cardiology’s European Heart Journal revealed that participants who took more small breaks from sitting had smaller waistlines than those who did not. This was true even for those who were spent up to 21.2 hours a day sedentary. For the 25% of participants who took the most breaks from sitting, the survey found that waistlines were on average 1.61 inches or 4.1 centimeters smaller than the 25% of participants who took the fewest breaks. The survey, led by University of Queensland researcher followed 4,757 people, all aged 20 and older. The survey lasted for seven days, during which participants wore an accelerometer on their right hips when they were awake. These accelerometers measured the intensity of the participants’ physical activity. Low levels of intensity were equated with sedentary periods.
Having a small waistline indicates less abdominal fat, which in turn is an indicator for better heart health. Larger waists, on the other hand, are linked to cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure as well as higher risk for type 2 diabetes. Another study published in the journal, Obesity, links increases in waistlines to increased chance of premature death.
Participants who took more frequent breaks from sitting also had lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). CRPs are produced by the liver. Production is correlated with the level of inflammation in the body. The study also found that taking breaks had a significant effect on lowering HDL-cholesterol, particularly in non-Hispanic whites. Conversely, those who were had higher sedentary times tended to have larger waists, higher HDL-cholesterol, CRPs, triglycerides and insulin.
The benefits of frequent breaks from sitting is linked to muscle activity in the legs and back. When sitting or reclining, these large muscles are largely inactive. However when standing, these muscles are forced to continually contract in order to maintain posture. This increased activity helps to clear plasma triglycerides, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Still not convinced? By taking frequent breaks and doing some stretches while sitting at work will also save you from frequent neck and back pain.
Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41028986/ns/health-diet_and_nutrition/
Dr. David P. Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD 20708
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Neck Injury in a Motor Vehicle Collision and Future Neck Pain
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
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
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, March 5, 2010
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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