Month: October 2022

A study published in the February 2007 issue of the scientific periodical, The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, (JMPT) shows some amazing results for patients with sudden painful lower back pain with chiropractic care. The study was conducted at the Department of Orthopedics, Central Hospital of Sogn and Fjordane, Førde, Norway. The study was initiated by the hospital and with full support of the staff.

In this study 44 consecutive patients who experienced sudden and painful low back pain caused by lumbar flexion and rotation were studied. None of the patients had a history of violent trauma related to their problem. Examinations by orthopedic surgeons were performed on the patients and revealed no underlying pathologies in any of the patients in the study. Additionally orthopedic x-rays, computerized tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging findings were all normal from a medical standpoint.

Then an examination was performed by a Doctor of Chiropractic which indicated that the patients had what the study termed “lumbopelvic fixation” (subluxation). Based upon the chiropractic examination 33 patients began chiropractic care in the chiropractor’s clinic, whereas 11 who could not be transported were initially cared for by the chiropractor in the hospital.

In this study mean follow-up for the patients was 2 years. The results showed that all but 2 of those in the study were able to return to work. Additionally, the period of sick leave among the patients was reduced by two thirds as compared with time lost with conventional medical treatment. According to the study, the normal loss of time from work for these types of patients under medical care only was 72 days. The patients in this study with the addition of chiropractic care were able to return to work in 21.1 days on average.

In their conclusion the authors noted the uniqueness of the study, and the benefits for healthcare systems in general. They stated, “To our knowledge, this is the first report on the work of a chiropractor participating within an orthopedic department of a Norwegian hospital as initiated by the hospital and with full support of the staff. The results support the initiative of the Norwegian government to increase reference to chiropractors in treating patients with neuromusculoskeletal dysfunctions. Based on our experience, we believe that the inclusion of chiropractors within hospital orthopedic departments is feasible and provides a patient care resource that may benefit not only the patients but also the department as a whole.”

The results of a recently published study in the November/December Cervical Spine 2001 issue of the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics showed that cervical range of motion was significantly improved with chiropractic adjustments. The study was a double-blind randomized controlled trial performed at the outpatient clinic at Phillip Chiropractic Research Centre, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.

The initial study involved 105 subjects who were randomly separated into two groups. One group received chiropractic adjustments while the other group received a “sham”, or fake adjustment. Range of motion testing was performed every few weeks over the course of the 12 week study. Active range of motion was measured with a strap-on head goniometer consisting of an inclinometer dial for measuring lateral flexion and a compass dial for measuring rotation. These motions were chosen because gravity would play less of a role and therefore the results were more accurate.

According to the researchers, in the group that got the real adjustments, “active range of motion in the cervical spine increased significantly.” Their conclusion was, “Spinal manipulation of the cervical spine increases active range of motion.”

As obvious as this may seem, the results are profound for a large portion of the population. Not only does restricted range of motion play a large part in many health problems, but one of the largest areas of concern for the aging population is mobility.

Studies Show Chiropractic Treatment Is More Effective Than Out-Patient Treatment

The British Medical Journal just published a study that proves what all chiropractic patients already know. Chiropractor care is more effective and produces higher satisfaction than outpatient medical treatment for these types of problems, especially low back pain which affects 29% more people in the United Kingdom every year!

In addition to that, the patients rated chiropractors more helpful than hospital management. This study concludes that those seen by them derive greater benefits and satisfaction over time, suggesting they are better able to help with your condition.

This is not the first study to show this. A 2016 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that chiropractic adjustments were associated with significant improvement in several conditions, including low back pain, neck pain, and migraine headaches.

A 2017 study published in PLOS One looked at more than 1.2 million patients in the United Kingdom and found that those who saw a chiropractor had a 22% lower risk of being admitted to the hospital for their condition.

So if you are looking for an effective and evidence-based way to treat your pain, consider seeing a chiropractor! We can help you get to the root of your problem and provide lasting relief.

If you or anyone you know is looking for a healthcare provider that will take the time to understand your individual needs and create a treatment plan just for you, look no further than Chiropractix.

As part of Chiropractix commitment to helping you lead an extraordinary life we offer lots of lifestyle advice and tips in addition to your chiropractic adjustments. A big part of leading a balanced life in today’s busy world is making sure you get enough shut-eye to rest and recharge your body. Dr Shivani’s recent blog touched on the importance of sleep with a focus on making sure you have the right pillow support for you. Today’s blog will delve further into what the negative effects on our health may be if we’re not sleeping properly and how limiting your screen time is vital to making a positive change.

Sleep benefits:

According to certain reports, about three quarters of people experience some difficulties getting to sleep more than twice a week and many people sleep less than six hours a night.  Inadequate sleep has been linked to an increased risk of work-related injuries and road accidents. Concentration, learning and memory are all negatively impacted by poor sleep, which in turn affects mood and productivity. Chronic sleep deprivation has also been linked to weight gain as your body alters the way it processes and stores carbohydrates.

Sleep problems:

According to certain reports, about three quarters of people experience some difficulties getting to sleep more than twice a week and many people sleep less than six hours a night.  Inadequate sleep has been linked to an increased risk of work-related injuries and road accidents. Concentration, learning and memory are all negatively impacted by poor sleep, which in turn affects mood and productivity. Chronic sleep deprivation has also been linked to weight gain as your body alters the way it processes and stores carbohydrates.

How screen time affects your health and sleep:

Psychology and neuroanatomical studies have shown the actual structure of the brain changes with too much screen time and no-one is more vulnerable to this than adolescents and young adults. The reason being that much of the damage occurs in the frontal lobe, which undergoes massive changes from puberty to mid-twenties. The appropriate development of the frontal lobe determines success in every area of life from relationship skills to academic or career success as well as impulse and craving control and an overall sense of well-being.

Other studies have focused on even younger populations and a New Zealand report issued earlier this year showed young Kiwis to be in the ‘extreme’ category of screen use thus leading to a negative relationship with students’ life satisfaction and engagement at school.

No matter what age you are the research is clear on how screen time hampers your sleep in three main ways:

• Timing – less time is available for sleep as electronic media can lead to a delay in your bedtime. You may stay up past your necessary bedtime to watch the end of your favourite TV episode, reply to your emails, or scroll through your Facebook feed.
• Content – if engaging in exciting or provocative information (either through TV shows or video games or from reading a negative email) then emotional or hormonal responses (like increased adrenaline or cortisol) can be triggered. This then reduces the ability to fall and or stay asleep.
• Light emissions – the blue light emitted from electronic devices disrupts the body’s naturally occurring circadian rhythm that is governed by your pineal gland. The pineal gland located deep in the brain responds to the light around you making you either more alert or coordinating the release of melatonin, an important hormone needed for regulating the sleep cycle.

What to do about it:

According to the National Sleep Foundation and the Ministry of Health, the following sleep durations are recommended over a 24-hour period:

Pre-schoolers between three and four years old = 10 – 13 hours

School-aged children between five and thirteen years old = 9 – 11 hours

Teenagers between fourteen and seventeen years old = 8 – 10 hours

Young people between eighteen and twenty-five years old = 7 – 9 hours

Dr Sarah Loughran, a sleep researcher from the University of Wollongong in Australia suggests the following tips for the whole family:

• Set a ‘bed time’ for your media devices – one to two hours before you intend to go to sleep. Adults should lead by example so that the kids can also get into good habits.
• Tweak your bedtime routine – replace screen time with calming activities to help you wind down properly. I love taking a bath with a few drops of lavender oil added or reading a book (a real book, not an e-reader!).
• No media devices in the bedroom – a tough rule but helpful in removing any temptations to check your emails or social networks just before sleep.
• During the day replace screen time with exercise – outdoor exercise in real light is helpful for regulating your circadian rhythm and can mean the little ones (and adults too) are more tired and ready for bed when evening comes.
• Limit food and drinks during screen time, especially at night – mindless over-eating and drinking (especially caffeine) may be encouraged when watching or using electronic devices thus over-stimulating the body and leading to hormonal imbalances.

How chiropractic can help:

Chiropractic adjustments lead to a more balanced structure and optimum communication between your brain and your body. This often results in reduction or resolution of your pain but also limits your stress response as your body begins to function more efficiently. A more comfortable body and a good sleep posture results in less tension enabling you to relax more and fall asleep easier.