The Global Burden of Disease Group reports that the prevalence of obesity has doubled in over 70 countries since 1980 and has continually increased in most others. It’s currently estimated that nearly 30% of the world population—more than two billion people—meet the criteria for obesity. It’s unclear if any government top-down interventions have slowed the […]
Hip Pain and Co-Occurring Low Back Pain
Among the roles the hip joints play in the human body, perhaps none is as important as the ability to perform everyday activities like standing, walking, and running. Of course, these actions involve multiple other body parts, so it’s no surprise that when a patient presents with hip pain, they often have additional issues. In […]
Tricky Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral neuropathy, affecting upward of 6% of adults in their lifetime. In some occupational groups, the prevalence jumps to nearly 20%! While carpal tunnel syndrome can be simply described as the symptoms that result from compression or restriction of the median nerve as it passes through the […]
Cycling-Related Low Back Pain
Despite being considered a low-impact physical activity, many recreational and professional cyclists suffer from low back pain. Past studies have found the annual prevalence of low back pain among cyclists of all levels to be roughly 50%. The United Kingdom Health & Safety Executive report noted cycling-related low back pain accounts for roughly 233,000 missed […]
The Cost Effectiveness of Chiropractic Care for Musculoskeletal Complaints
The primary reason (93%) patients go to chiropractors is for the management of spinal pain (1). Specifically, 63% go to chiropractors for low back pain, and 30% due so for neck pain. The effectiveness of chiropractic care for spinal pain is well-documented. Chiropractic care (spinal manipulation) is routinely included in spine pain clinical practice guidelines […]
Aquatic Exercise for Low Back Pain
Deconditioned and tight muscles are often observed in patients with chronic low back pain and must be addressed for the patient to achieve a satisfactory outcome. Research on physical activity to manage chronic low back pain typically involves land-based exercises—like brisk walks or cycling, for example—but what about aquatic exercises? Do water-based exercises have a […]
Making the Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that occurs when the median nerve is compressed or restricted as it passes through the carpal tunnel located at the wrist, resulting in symptoms including pain, numbness, tingling, and/or weakness in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and thumb-side of the ring finger. During their initial appointment, […]
Shoulder and Elbow Injuries in Baseball Players
Overuse injuries in baseball—particularly in the shoulder and elbow—are a significant problem at both amateur and professional levels. Studies have shown that shoulder pain is one of the most common complaints among amateur baseball players, with a prevalence ranging from 13.4% to 20.6% of players. Elbow injuries are also very common and affect from about […]
The Jaw Pain and Neck Pain Connection
Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a common condition characterized by pain and discomfort while chewing. Traditionally, when patients complain of jaw pain, the focus has been on structures like the temporomandibular joint or the masseter muscles. However, there’s a growing body of research suggesting the intimate relationship between the jaw and the neck may be a […]
Returning to Work After Whiplash
Whiplash injuries involving the head and neck constitute the most common non-fatal injuries associated with motor vehicle collisions. Unfortunately, these injuries often result in persistent, chronic pain and poor work outcomes including sick leave, delayed return to work, and impaired work ability. Among working-age adult chiropractic patients, resuming usual work activities is a treatment goal […]