Foundation for Chiropractic Progress SurveyShows Most Chronic Pain in Gen Z Begins BeforeAge 16

 Results of new survey study of 18-24 year olds show that a majority of them began to experience chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain before the age of 16. Also shows that 44% embrace a combination of drug-free, natural pain management methods, such as chiropractic care, massage and stretching.

Foundation for Chiropractic Progress SurveyShows Most Chronic Pain in Gen Z Begins BeforeAge 16

Users of chiropractic care were 64% less likely to receive a prescription for opioids

 This review study from Pain Medicine reviewed six studies and found that the studies showed that users of chiropractic care were 64% less likely to receive a prescription for opioids than non users of chiropractic care.

Association Between Chiropractic Use and Opioid Receipt Among Patients with Spinal Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Illinois among other states has designated October as Chiropractic Health Care Month

Illinois among other states has designated October as Chiropractic Health Care Month

NSAIDS increased risk of stress fracture and delayed healing time in active military personnel

Previous studies have shown that anti-inflammatory drugs can increase risk of stress fracture and delay healing. This study on military personnel found that previous use of anti-inflammatory drugs increased risk of stress fracture in active military service members by 70% and increased the chance of delayed healing by 1.4 times. This is very significant as stress fractures are a major contributor to lost duty time in the military.

Increased Risk for Stress Fractures and Delayed Healing with NSAID Receipt, U.S. Armed Forces, 2014–2018 

Current Research on Chiropractic Care

 This recent US News and World Report article discusses the current research showing that spinal manipulation AKA spinal adjusting, has been shown to be beneficial for both acute and chronic back pain. Also reports that the guidelines from the American College of Physicians, which represents the internal medicine physicians, recommends spinal manipulation as a first line treatment for both acute and chronic low back pain.

Manual Therapy vs. Chiropractic Care

Rotator Cuff Injuries

The third most common condition treated by chiropractors is shoulder disorders, and the most common cause is rotator cuff injuries. 90% of rotator cuff injuries are due to repetitive irritation of the tendons with only 10% due to a specific trauma. The majority are not surgical cases and research has shown that manual therapies such as those performed by chiropractors are as effective as surgery.

Rotator Cuff Injuries 

Five Simple Exercises to Prevent Age-Related Muscle Loss

The bad news is that we begin to lose muscle fibers at around 50 years old at about 2% per year. The good news is that we can minimize that loss by strength training. I own two books by the author of this linked article and in it he reviews five simple exercises to maintain muscle mass in nearly every muscle of the body.
Five Simple Exercises to Prevent Age-Related Muscle Loss

No benefit in adding acetaminophen to ibuprofen

There have been several recent studies showing no benefit of acetaminophen (Tylenol) for low back pain. This new study from December again found no benefit with adding acetaminophen to ibuprofen for emergency department patients with acute low back pain.
Does this surprise anyone?
No benefit in adding acetaminophen to ibuprofen

Better Interpreting of Medical Studies

Many of the medical studies we see in the media are of lower quality and/or the findings are not relevant to us. This article gives tips on several factors to look at when reading about medical studies. Please take the time to read this as it may help you make better medical decisions in the future.
Worried About That New Medical Study? Read This First.

Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy Is Safe

I have treated many pregnant patients over the last 30 years. It is usually for low back disorders. Also pelvic pain, neck or mid back pain, carpel tunnel syndrome, and other disorders. A portion of these cases have been referrals from Ob/Gyn's.
There's no research to suggest chiropractic care presents health risks to a pregnant woman or her fetus. It also minimizes the use of opioids, and anti-inflammatory drugs that can cause premature closure of the fetus' heart valve.
Does this surprise anyone?Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy: Is It Safe?

Veterans benefit from pain treatment without drugs

A new study financed by the VA, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and the National Institute of Health finds a lower short term risk of adverse post-treatment outcomes among returning military service personnel with chronic pain who received nondrug therapy. There was a significantly lower risk of alcohol or drug use disorders, accidental poisoning with pain drugs, thoughts of suicide self-inflicted injuries, including suicide attempts.
The lead researcher hypothesized "If nondrug treatments make chronic pain more bearable, people may be more likely to have positive experiences in life. That makes them less likely to have thoughts of suicide or to turn to drugs. 
Veterans benefit from pain treatment without drugs