Chiropractors Reduce Risk of Being Prescribed Opioids for Back Pain

As opposed to going to the primary care doctor first, initial visits to chiropractors or physical therapists is associated with substantially decreased early and long-term use of opioids. ~Dr. Broussard Observational retrospective study of the association of initial healthcare provider for new-onset low back pain with early and long-term opioid use BMJ Open 2019;9:e028633. doi:…

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Evidence of Acupuncture Treatment in the Management of Low Back Pain

This article reviewed the studies on acupuncture and low back pain, and they found that there is moderate evidence of efficacy for acupuncture in reducing back pain. ~ Dr. Broussard Evidence of efficacy of acupuncture in the management of low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo- or sham-controlled trials Acupunct Med.…

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Burden of Sciatica on US Medicare Recipients

This article published in the This article published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons calculated that 25% of the Medicare patients they surveyed reported the diagnosis of sciatica. calculated that 25% of the Medicare patients they surveyed reported the diagnosis of sciatica. Burden of Sciatica on US Medicare Recipients Journal of…

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Lumbar Traction for Back Pain and Herniated Discs

Traction for back pain and herniated discs seem to help in the short term.  For home traction, I recommend considering the Saunders Home Lumbar Traction Device. ~ Dr. Broussard The effect of mechanical traction on low back pain in patients with herniated intervertebral disks: a systemic review and meta-analysis Clinical Rehabilitation First Published August 28,…

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Tylenol Shown Ineffective For Acute Low Back Pain

Paracetamol, which is the same thing as Tylenol, is ineffective for acute lower back pain in this study published in the journal, PAIN.  The  authors recommend that pain doctors provide advice and reassurance without adding this drug. ~ Dr. Broussard Paracetamol is ineffective for acute low back pain even for patients who comply with treatment…

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Physical Activity and Chronic Back Conditions

In an article published in the Journal of Sport and Health Science, the authors found that physical activity helps chronic back conditions.  They recommend either 300 minutes per week of moderate exercise, or 30 minutes per week or vigorous activity.  I always suggest that people try to find what exercise they like, that way they…

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Physical Activity Associated With Less Back Pain

This article found that physical activity and sports participation such as walking, domestic activities, cycling, football/rugby, running/jogging, manual work and housework is associated with less back pain. ~ Dr. Broussard Physical activity and chronic back conditions: A population-based pooled study of 60,134 adults J Sport Health Sci. 2019 Jul;8(4):386-393. doi: 10.1016/j.jshs.2019.01.003. Epub 2019 Jan 11.…

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In this article, the authors reviewed the medical literature for chiropractic services used in the military across the world.  They found that recent studies suggest a benefit of including chiropractic care to the usual medical care in managing back in in active duty military. ~ Dr. Broussard Chiropractic services in the active duty military setting:…

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High Intensity Exercise for Chronic Back Pain

Exercise is highly recommended for chronic back pain, and in this article, the authors demonstrated that high intensity exercise seems to be somewhat better than moderate intensity exercise for chronic back pain. ~ Dr. Broussard Exercise Intensity Matters in Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain Rehabilitation Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2019 Jul 1. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000002078. [Epub…

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66% Recurrence Rate of Back Pain Within 12 Months of Recovery

About 66% of people have another episode of back pain within 12 months after recovering from their last back pain episode.  Things that put these people at risk are awkward postures, longer time sitting and having more than two previous episodes. ~ Dr. Broussard Recurrence of low back pain is common: a prospective inception cohort…

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