Neck Pain, Posture, and Headaches

Bottom Line:

You know that feeling - the one where you start to feel a headache coming on. For many people, it is a daily occurrence and often begins in the neck and shoulders. That’s right - tight muscles around your neck can result in tension headaches. What’s more, if you sit at a computer all day, your posture may also be contributing to a decreased range of motion, premature degenerative changes in your spine, and headaches - but there’s good news! There are a few simple steps you can take to help you feel less pain, increase your energy, and fend off those degenerative changes. New evidence-based guidelines strongly recommend a combination of exercise, stretching, and Chiropractic adjustments to help reduce neck pain, headaches, and muscle tension.

Why it Matters:

Chronic neck pain can rob you of the things you love. Enjoying your hobbies, taking a few moments to relax, and time with your family can all be affected. However, neck pain and headaches don’t have to be a part of your daily life. By understanding the latest research, you can take massive action to improve your health. Check out the next steps below to find a few tips to help you take your life back from pain.

- Research recommends a combination of Chiropractic, exercise, and stretching to reduce neck pain.

- Chiropractic has an extremely high patient satisfaction score of over 90%.

- An amazing 85% of people receiving Chiropractic adjustments for acute neck pain experienced significant improvement.

Next Steps:

It’s exciting that research has continued to showcase that you’re in charge of your health. Your habits and lifestyle can make a massive impact. Start reducing neck pain today by taking breaks every 45-60 minutes and stretching out your neck and shoulders. Take a brisk walk during lunch or hit the gym a few times a week to increase your activity levels. Finally, don’t forget about getting adjusted. Research proves that Chiropractic adjustments are a smart decision!

Science Source:

Spinal Manipulation, Medication, or Home Exercise with Advice for Acute and Subacute Neck Pain- A Randomized Trial. Annals of Internal Medicine, Volume 156, 2012

Perceived Value of Spinal Manipulative Therapy and Exercise Among Seniors with Chronic Neck Pain: A Mixed Methods Study. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine. 2014

Evidence-Based Guidelines for the Chiropractic Treatment of Adults with Neck Pain. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. Volume 37. 2014

Outcomes from Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Confirmed Symptomatic Cervical Disk Herniation Patients Treated with High-Velocity, Low-Amplitude Spinal Manipulative Therapy. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2013

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How Safe is Chiropractic Care?

Bottom Line:

Safety first. Not only is “do no harm” part of the oath that doctors take, but it’s also a pretty good principle for all of us to live by. No matter how safe you are, there are times when you get hurt or injured, and finding a healthcare option that is safe, provides excellent results, and has high patient satisfaction can be tricky. Or is it? In 2007, SPINE (one of the worlds most respected research journals) looked at data from over 50,000 Chiropractic adjustments given to nearly 20,000 patients, and they found Chiropractic care to be incredibly safe and effective.

Why it Matters:

Awkward sleeping positions, poor posture, and long hours at a computer can all lead to neck pain. By staying active, taking periodic breaks to stretch throughout the day, and setting up your workstation to minimize the stress on your spine, you can dramatically reduce the likelihood you will encounter a bout of neck pain. It’s great to know that if you do end up experiencing neck pain, Chiropractic adjustments are one of the safest and most effective options to help get you back on track.

- Research has shown Chiropractic care to be extremely safe.

- SPINE examined nearly 20,000 patients and found zero complications.

- Up to 85% of people with acute neck pain found relief with Chiropractic adjustments.

Next Steps:

Believe it or not, many people are nervous to start Chiropractic care. The truth is that Chiropractic care is safer than many medications and has far less risk than surgery. Sharing research like this with your friends and family is a great idea. It will inspire them to make a smart decision using the Research That Matters!

Science Source:

Spinal Manipulation, Medication, or Home Exercise With Advice for Acute and Subacute Neck Pain- A Randomized Trial. Annals of Internal Medicine, Volume 156, 2012

Safety of Chiropractic Manipulation of the Cervical Spine. SPINE, Volume 32, 2007

Evidence-Based Guidelines for the Chiropractic Treatment of Adults with Neck Pain. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. Volume 37. 2014

Risk of Vertebrobasilar Stroke and Chiropractic Care. SPINE, Volume 33. 2008

Health is Your Most Valuable Possession

Bottom Line:

What is the most valuable thing in the world to you? As the great physician Hippocrates once said: “A wise man ought to realize that health is his most valuable possession.” We agree. All the cars, watches, and bitcoins in the world has never improved anyone's health. That’s why we are so passionate about helping you get well and stay well with Chiropractic care - and we aren’t alone. A recent study in the Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine showed that Chiropractic care had an extremely high perceived value for people suffering from neck pain. In other words, people loved getting adjusted!

Why it Matters:

Whether you’re recovering from an injury or just looking to improve your quality of life, maintaining optimal health is a process - so you should have fun doing it! It’s a lot easier to get well and stay well when you enjoy the care and treatment. People love Chiropractic care not only because of the pain relief they receive but also because Chiropractors can help them to live a healthier lifestyle.

- An incredible 94% of people receiving adjustments reported high patient satisfaction.

- Chiropractors are trained to help people live a healthy, active lifestyle, using natural treatment options.

- Chiropractic is supported by top research journals like SPINE and the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Next Steps:

If you know someone who appreciates natural healthcare and wants to maintain an active lifestyle, then share this Research That Matters paper with them. Without any exposure to Chiropractic care, they may have to rely on dangerous medications or surgery to reduce the pain in their neck, but we believe there is a better way with Chiropractic.

Science Source:

Spinal Manipulation, Medication, or Home Exercise With Advice for Acute and Subacute Neck Pain- A Randomized Trial. Annals of Internal Medicine, Volume 156, 2012

Safety of Chiropractic Manipulation of the Cervical Spine. SPINE, Volume 32, 2007

Perceived Value of Spinal Manipulative Therapy and Exercise Among Seniors with Chronic Neck Pain: A Mixed Methods Study. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine. 2014

Evidence-Based Guidelines for the Chiropractic Treatment of Adults with Neck Pain. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. Volume 37. 2014

Outcomes from Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Confirmed Symptomatic Cervical Disk Herniation Patients Treated with High-Velocity, Low-Amplitude Spinal Manipulative Therapy. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2013

The Low Back and Leg Connection

Bottom Line:

Most orthopedic practices have a specialist for your foot, a specialist for your back, a specialist for your hip, and a specialist for your knee. Based on the number of specialists for your back, hip, and leg you would think these joints aren’t designed to work together. But research has shown that not only are your low back and lower extremities linked by your nervous systems, but also by bio-mechanics. When you take a step, it’s the coordination of your toes, ankles, knee, hip, pelvis and low back that help you move forward. That is why when you have an issue with any part of that biomechanical chain, it’s important to evaluate every joint independently and how it’s working with the neighboring joints.

Why it Matters:

The proper motion of these joints is crucial to their longevity. Researchers have discovered that adjustments to the hip, knee, and ankle can decrease the pain associated with osteoarthritis and degenerative changes by over 60%! We know there is a strong connection between low back and hip pain. So, if you have hip, knee, or leg pain, it's essential to also address your low back. 

- Pain in your hip, leg, or knee can stem from a problem in your low back.

- Adjustments to your low back can improve the function of your hip and leg.

- People with hip pain have shown improvement in pain by over 60%.

Next Steps:

Over 85% of the population with be afflicted with back pain at some point in their life. Many will also have associated leg pain or radiculopathy. If this sounds familiar, know you are in the right place. Our practice is focused on helping people find relief naturally. We use the latest evidence-informed care to ensure you can get back on your feet as soon as possible and find lasting relief! 

Science Source(s):

Comparison of Chronic Low-Back Pain Patients Hip Range of Motion with Lumbar Instability. J Phys Ther Sci. 2015

A Single-Group Design Using Full Kinetic Chain Manipulative Therapy with Rehabilitation in the Treatment of 18 Patients with Hip Osteoarthritis. JMPT 2010

Comparison of Manual Therapy and Exercise Therapy in Osteoarthritis of the Hip: a Randomized Clinical Trial. Arthritis Rheum. 2004

That Bad Old Hip (and What to Do About It)

Bottom Line:

There aren’t too many daily activities that don’t require the use of your hips. The hip is a ball and socket joint that connects your legs to your pelvis. If you have been suffering from hip pain, even walking around the house can be difficult. However, is that bad old hip a result of age or joint imbalance?

Why it Matters:

Chronic hip pain has historically been treated with injections or even hip replacements. These invasive treatments have been performed tens of thousands of times per year, with mixed results. Thankfully, new research has begun to show that proper maintenance of your hips may be able to save you from the scalpel.  When your low back, hips, and pelvis are balanced and have a full range of motion, your hips will have equal wear and tear, and they’re designed to last a lifetime! Researchers have found that adjustments to the low back and hips can improve hip pain by over 60% and provide a statistically significant improvement in range of motion.

- Low impact exercise and adjustments can improve range of motion and reduce your pain.

- Research has shown improvement in hip pain by over 60% after chiropractic adjustments.

- Adjustments have been shown to be over 30% more effective than exercise for easing the pain of hip osteoarthritis.

Next Steps:

If you know someone who has a “hitch in their giddy-up,” invite them to our upcoming workshop where we will provide actionable health tips on how they can improve their quality of life without dangerous medications and risky surgery.

Science Source(s):

Relationship Between the Hip and Low Back Pain in Athletes Who Participate in Rotation-Related Sports. J Sport Rehab 2009

A Single-Group Design Using Full Kinetic Chain Manipulative Therapy with Rehabilitation in the Treatment of 18 Patients with Hip Osteoarthritis. JMPT 2010

Comparison of Manual Therapy and Exercise Therapy in Osteoarthritis of the Hip: a Randomized Clinical Trial. Arthritis Rheum. 2004

Reduce Knee Pain Without Drugs or Surgery

Bottom Line:

Knee pain can be debilitating. Getting up and down stairs, long walks, and even getting around the house can be difficult when your knees hurt. The cause of knee pain is often osteoarthritis or the degenerative changes of the joint. The pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee is the number one cause of knee replacements worldwide. However, Chiropractic care may be able to help you regain mobility and get you back to performing the activities of daily living with less pain and without the need for drugs or surgery. 

Why it Matters:

Inside each of your knees, you have two primary surfaces (or condyles); one on the outside (or lateral) portion of the knee and one on the inside (the medial aspect). These are meant to glide and move freely with equally balanced forces much like the tires on your car. If they are not balanced, then one side is more likely to develop degenerative changes that can lead to osteoarthritis. Chiropractic adjustments can help restore the ideal alignment and balance. This reduces the wear and tear on your knees, can help reduce pain and inflammation, and improve their overall function.

- Osteoarthritis often causes knee pain.

- Improper alignment can contribute to degenerative changes.

- Adjustments have been found to improve the functional ability of the knee.

Next Steps:

Join us for our next workshop where we will discuss how our practice has helped people just like you reduce their knee pain and get their life back!

Science Source(s):

Increasing Prevalence of Knee Pain and Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis. Ann Intern Med 2012

Lumbar Manipulation and Exercise in the Management of Anterior Knee Pain and Diminished Quadriceps Activation Following ACL Reconstructions: A Case Report. Int Journal Sports Phys Ther 2014

The Initial Effects of Knee Joint Mobilization on Osteoarthritic Hyperalgesia. Man Ther. 2007

Every Step You Take

Bottom Line:

The average person walks over 100,000 miles in a lifetime! Every step places stress and strain on your foot and ankle. Most ankle injuries occur in the soft tissue, meaning your ligaments were stretched beyond their reasonable limits. It’s easy to suddenly twist your ankle when hiking, running, or even stepping off a curb in an awkward position. Research has estimated the re-injury rate after an ankle sprain could be as high as 80%. Thankfully, new research has also shown that adjustments can reduce your injury rate while also reducing pain and improving function.

Why it Matters:

Your foot contains 26 bones, dozens of ligaments, and more than a hundred muscles all working together through 33 joints. Also included in this complex structure are the arches of your feet. Your arches are designed to support the weight of your body when standing and disperse the forces of each step to reduce the overall wear and tear on the joints. As you can imagine, proper movement of the 33 joints in your foot is crucial to its performance.

- Your foot is made up of 33 individual joints or articulations.

- The re-injury rate of a sprained ankle has been estimated to be up to 80%.

- Emerging research indicates adjustments may be able to decrease the re-injury rate while also improving function and decreasing pain.

Next Steps:

Take a look at the soles of your shoes. Is the wear pattern even? Or is one area wearing out before the rest? If the wear pattern is not even, let us know! This is a sign that your gait is not balanced and you may be placing undue stress on your foot and ankle that could cause pain in the future or predispose you to twist an ankle. We would be happy to analyze your movement and provide you with a plan to find relief.

Science Source:

Predicting Short-Term Response to Thrust and Nonthrust Manipulation and Exercise in Patients Post Inversion Ankle Sprain. Journal of Orthopaedic & sports physical therapy  2009