Non-Pharmacological Treatment for Chronic Pain in US Veterans Treated Within with Veterans Health Administration
The VHA (Veterans Health Administration) is the most extensive integrated healthcare system in the US, providing care to over 5.5 million veterans annually. Because of the size, scope, and integrated model, the VHA has been at the leading edge of research regarding nonpharmacological treatment for chronic pain through its network of chiropractors. With nearly half […]
Impact of Chiropractic Care on Use of Prescription Opioids in Patients with Spinal Pain
The American College of Physicians recently began recommending nonpharmacological treatment, including chiropractic, as a first-line approach to treating back pain. Movement-based care appears to provide the best short and long-term benefits without the dangers and side effects of opioids. Unfortunately, many gains in the opioid epidemic have been wiped out over the last few years […]
The Compensatory Mechanisms for Global Sagittal Balance in Degenerative Spine Kyphosis Patients
During the aging process, degenerative deformity can lead to sagittal imbalances of the spine. This is especially true for people with degenerative spinal kyphosis. The stabilizing muscles of the spine have a critical role in maintaining a balanced posture. Dysfunction of the paraspinal muscles can result in instability or sagittal imbalances. While the erector spinae […]
Clinical and Radiographic Features of Spinal Osteoarthritis Predict Long-Term Persistence and Severity of Back Pain in Older Adults
A recent study examined the clinical and radiographic factors predicting persistent back pain in older adults. The findings have significant implications for identifying patients at risk of chronic pain and guiding collaborative care approaches. Researchers identified three key factors linked to persistent back pain after one year: spinal morning stiffness lasting over 30 minutes, pain […]
The Relationship Between Forward Head Posture, Postural Control, and Gait: A Systematic Review
Posture, postural control, and gait are intimately associated. Musculoskeletal pain can influence each of these functions and lead to a cascade of increasing pain, fall risks, and fear-avoidance behavior. While the evidence remains mixed regarding the exact relationship between forward head posture and stability, we know that FHP can impact vestibular function and proprioception. The […]
The Neurophysiological Response to Manual Therapy and Its Analgesic Implications
The neurophysiological response to manual therapy is highly complex; however, we have begun to understand how different applications may provide varied effects. Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) has been proven to be an effective modality for pain relief and improved functional ability while being recognized as a preferred first-line non-pharmacological option for a variety of neuromusculoskeletal […]
Effect of Manual Manipulation on Mechanical Gait Parameters
A recent systematic review analyzed the effects of manual manipulation, including chiropractic adjustments, on gait mechanics in patients with musculoskeletal issues. Key findings showed that manual manipulation can positively affect gait patterns, especially in chronic low back pain, knee osteoarthritis, and post-surgical recovery. Improved gait mechanics, such as increased stride length and improved balance, can […]
The Nordic Maintenance Care Program: Patient Experience of Maintenance Care- a Qualitative Study
Low back pain is incredibly burdensome, and it’s been estimated that up to 90% of people will have recurrent back pain at some point in their life. The need for non-pharmacological long-term management is critical in our fight against the opioid epidemic. Conservative, movement-based care has shown promise as a potential solution, especially for those […]
Association Between Chiropractic Spinal Manipulative Therapy and Benzodiazepine Prescription in Patients with Radicular Low Back Pain
Between 2008 to 2015, 11.5% of opioid-naive adults were prescribed a BZD after receiving a diagnosis of low back pain, even though there is no conclusive evidence of an analgesic effect. These central nervous system depressants have fallen out of favor due to limited benefits, but many providers have difficulty determining the best alternative. However, […]
Neurophysiological Effects of High Velocity and Low Amplitude Spinal Manipulation in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Humans
High-velocity low amplitude spinal manipulation (HVLA-SMT) has been recommended as a preferred care option for an array of neuromusculoskeletal issues. This study analyzed the current literature regarding neurophysiological responses to HVLA-SMT without combining it with spinal mobilization. It currently appears as though the neurophysiological response may vary between symptomatic and asymptotic people. There is also […]
