A review of data from eighteen published studies found evidence to suggest that high-velocity, low-amplitude spinal manipulation (a treatment commonly provided by doctors of chiropractic) can improve autonomic nervous system function in both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. Spine, August 2019

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot and heel pain. In a recent study involving 63 plantar fasciitis patients, researchers observed that participants treated with the combination of custom foot orthotics and manual therapy experienced greater improvements in pain and function than the patients who only received one of the treatment…

Surveys completed by 1,021 teenagers revealed that 46.1% had pain in one or more body sites. The data show that teens with musculoskeletal pain in at least one body site had lower quality of life scores and lower sleep quality than their pain-free peers. Additionally, participants with pain in multiple sites reported lower quality of…

Computer vision syndrome (CVS), also known as digital eye strain, is a common condition associated with prolonged viewing of screens at a short distance. In a recent study, researchers observed that persistent neck pain patients were more likely to report CVS while using a computer than individuals without neck pain, though the nature of the…

Heart rate variability is the measure of specific changes in time between successive heart beats. Current research suggests that low heart rate variability is associated with aging, decline, illness, and mortality. In a study involving 15 chronic neck pain patients and 15 healthy controls, researchers found that neck pain patients are more likely to exhibit…

An analysis of data concerning nearly 2,000 blue collar workers from different regions of the United States revealed that 25% experienced low back pain lasting longer than seven days during the previous year and 10% missed work due to the condition. However, only 14% sought care for their back pain. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, May 2019

Among a group of 142 patients with a history of migraines, those with concurrent neck pain reported 80% more migraine-related disability than participants without neck pain. The findings add to a growing body of research that suggests the neck plays a role in the migraine headache process, as previous studies have noted an association between…

Examinations of 910 pre-adolescents revealed that kids who are overweight for their age are more likely to exhibit excessive curvature of the lumbar spine, which may raise their risk for future back pain. The findings are especially concerning to researchers as obesity has become more prevalent among children in recent decades. Childhood Obesity, April 2019

Cervical radiculopathy is a relatively common disorder that compels patients to seek chiropractic care. In this study, researchers compared the effects of two forms of mobilization therapy (oscillatory vs. sustained stretch) on 46 cervical radiculopathy patients and found that both were effective at improving pain, range of motion, and disability. However, the patients in the…

Among a group of 66 chronic low back pain patients, those who received connective tissue manipulation in addition to physiotherapy modalities reported greater improvements with respect to pain, mobility, and overall wellbeing when compared to participants treated with sham manipulation or just physiotherapy alone. Doctors of chiropractic often use a combination of manipulative therapy and…