Author: Andre Broussard, D.C.
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Neck Pain – The MOST Important Exercises (Part 2)
As stated last month, exercises that focus on improving posture, flexibility, strength, and coordination are important for creating a well-rounded cervical rehabilitation program. Our discussion continues this month with stretching and strengthening exercises. STRETCHING: Since our neck muscles have to hold up our 12 pound (~5.5 kg) head, it’s no wonder why our neck muscles…
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Low Back Pain – When is it DANGEROUS to Wait?
Low back pain (LBP) typically results from relatively “benign” causes, meaning it’s usually safe to wait and try conservative / non-emergency care first. However, there are a handful of times when prompt medical emergency management is appropriate, and it’s important that everyone is aware of these uncommon but dangerous and sometimes deadly causes of LBP,…
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Posture and Headaches
Headaches (HA) play a significant role in a person’s quality of life and are one of the most common complaints that chiropractors see. This comes as no surprise, as one survey reported 16.6% of adults (18 years and older) suffered from migraines or other severe headaches during the last three months of 2011. Another study…
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Acupuncture Causes Brain Changes in Patients With Hand Pain
Laird Harrison May 28, 2015 PALM SPRINGS, California — Acupuncture appears to thicken the cortex of patients with idiopathic hand pain while alleviating their pain, a new study suggests. The finding provides new evidence for a condition resembling carpal tunnel syndrome but with a different cause, said first author, Norman Kettner, DC, chair of radiology…
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Fibromyalgia and HOW TO IMPROVE SLEEP!
Last month, we reported some exciting news about the link between fibromyalgia (FM) and the importance of sleep, particularly getting to the deep sleep stage. However, we did not discuss the various strategies that YOU can use to improve your quality of sleep. Let’s take a look! Establishing a consistent and better sleep pattern is…
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How to Prevent Whiplash! (Part 3)
Previously, we discussed the topic of whiplash prevention which included the importance of a properly positioned head restraint, airbags, seat belts, and anti-lock braking systems. This month, we will conclude this important topic! Electronic Stability Control (ESC): The importance of the ESC safety feature becomes VERY APPARENT when you start to lose control on snow…
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) develops from a nerve problem in the wrist (the median nerve) and is NOT a “muscle problem” like some people believe. That is not to say the median nerve cannot be trapped and pinched by muscles. When this occurs, the condition is labeled with a different name, depending on which muscle(s)…
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Spinal Manipulation AFTER Surgery HELPS!
Unfortunately, low back pain (LBP) is something MOST of us cannot avoid. There is solid evidence that chiropractic care is one of the most effective methods of treating LBP, but there are times when a referral for surgery is needed. What about manipulative therapy (MT) AFTER surgery? Is this a good idea? Does it help?…
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Workout May Ease Pain in Women With Fibromyalgia
Muscle strength, flexibility, aerobic fitness impact physical pain and negative attitudes by Diana Swift, Contributing Writer May 17, 2015 A strong association exists between higher physical fitness and lower levels of pain, less psychological over-reaction (catastrophizing) to pain, and higher chronic-pain self-efficacy in women with fibromyalgia (FM), according to a recent Spanish study. In addition, muscle strength and…
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Epidural Corticosteroids for Sciatica: More Trouble Than They’re Worth
Dynamic Chiropractic – May 15, 2014, Vol. 32, Issue 10 By Deborah Pate, DC, DACBR Use of epidural steroid injections has increased dramatically in recent years, despite the fact that studies have failed to demonstrate evidence this procedure is clinically helpful (while other studies suggest it may actually be dangerous). Considering that lack of evidence –…