cw11.empowereddoctor.com - chiropractic

New Way to Treat Scoliosis

2008-12-22

A new neuronavigational technique similar to the one NASA uses to navigate a robotic arm in space is making it possible to operate on severe cases of scoliosis, or curvature of the spine, in a minimally invasive, low-impact manner. The new procedure, which is performed only on those relatively few patients with a spine curvature greater than 45 degrees, avoids the extensive muscle damage, long scars and significant blood loss of traditional scoliosis surgery.

How to Wear Backpacks Well

2008-11-19

Watching students carrying their backpacks on a college campus can be a chiropractor's nightmare, for much damage is in process to young backs that will show up years later in multiple back problems. "A lot of people are wearing their backpacks too heavy, which is harming their backs and their health," said Allison Gross, a chiropractor at the EnCana Wellness Center at Mount Royal College in Calgary, Alberta.

WHO Investigates Neck Pain Big-Time

2008-11-05

Persistent neck pain makes life miserable for millions of people worldwide, and all too often the advice of conventional physicians is to seek help through surgery. But a huge, years-long international study shows the best way to treat most instances of neck pain is through far less drastic approaches, such as chiropractic.

Chiropractic Helped U.S. Olympic Medal Count

2008-10-10

A chiropractor who also was coach of the U.S. Olympic men's water polo team helped the group to win the silver medal in Beijing, in a match against Hungary, by providing members with daily chiropractic adjustments. "I can honestly say that without chiropractic, many Olympic athletes would not be able to perform to their potential," said Merrill Moses, the team's goalkeeper. "We take such a pounding on our bodies, especially in water polo, because it's a contact sport. I like to get a chiropractic adjustment every day just to keep my body healthy."

Chiropractic Technique Reduces Blood Pressure

2008-09-29

A particular chiropractic adjustment has been shown to significantly improve high blood pressure, according to recent research. "This procedure has the effect of not one, but two blood-pressure medications given in combination," said study leader George Bakris, a medical doctor who is director of the University of Chicago hypertension center. "And it seems to be adverse-event free. We saw no side effects and no problems."

Waiting May Reduce Need for Back Surgery

2008-07-22

New studies demonstrate that waiting may be the best alternative to back surgery. Approximately 1.5 million back surgeries are performed worldwide. These surgeries are performed to address painful problems associated with slipped or misaligned disks. Intransient sciatica and other lower back conditions are extremely painful and can impact the quality of life of those afflicted. New research though suggests that 75% of such cases will improve on their own if left untreated.

Specific Strength Training Relieves Chronic Neck Pain

2008-04-01

Neck pain has become increasingly prevalent over the past two decades and is now second only to back pain, the most common musculoskeletal disorder and most common cause of disability in working Americans. Women are more likely to suffer from neck pain than are men, especially those who engage in repetitive tasks such as working at a computer keyboard. Previous studies have not proven whether or not exercise alone can treat neck pain. . However, a recent study in Arthritis Care and Research found that specific strength training exercises led to significant prolonged relief of neck muscle pain while general fitness training resulted in only minor pain reduction.

Worried Sick? There Might Be Some Truth There

2007-11-19

A recent report by health provider BUPA has found that people's worries are damaging their health by causing sleepless nights, loss of sex drive, and erratic eating habits. The 2007 Worry Report demonstrates that almost one in five people constantly worry about numerous things, and more than half feel they worry more now than five years ago. Half of the people surveyed this year, which is 6% more than in 2006, claimed they were more worried about their health and their family's health than about other concerning issues such as climate change or terrorist attacks. The survey finds that almost three quarters of people worry, but around 19% admit to worrying all the time or about a number of things.

Reducing Stress Lowers Risk of Cardiovascular Problems

2007-09-21

A Review in The Lancet reveals the importance of healthy lifestyle choices to reduce stressors related to cardiovascular risk factors. Researchers from John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore examined records between 1990 to 2006. They observed how stress affects the sympathetic nervous system, impacts physiology, and the effect it has on the cardiovascular system. Lead author, Daniel Brotman, claims "Acute physical stressors such as sugery, trauma, and intense physical exertion are well known triggers of cardiovascular events. Emotional stressors are increasingly recognized as precipitants of such events."

Rapid Rise in "Complementary" Medical Services

2007-07-03

Have you been to a practitioner besides your family physician? Whether chiropractic care, acupuncture, yoga or homeopathy, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) has become increasingly common in the United States, and 72% of adults use some form of CAM therapies according to the US National Centers for Disease Control and US National Center for Health Statistics. A recent cover story in The New York Times Magazine highlighted how chronic pain tends to be under treated because doctors worry about over prescribing medications, and being liable for malpractice or even criminal penalties. Many doctors fear entering the field of pain management at all. Many patients are also concerned about becoming dependant on medication or about the invasiveness and dangers of surgery and anesthesia. CAM therapies, which are able to treat pain and help manage diseases without medication or surgery, are rapidly growing services as people search out better, safer approaches. So how effective are Complementary and Alternative Medicine therapies?