The deep neck muscles, which help maintain cervical posture, are often weak or deconditioned in patients with neck pain. In this study, researchers observed that neck pain patients who engaged in deep cervical flexor training experienced improved neuromuscular coordination and head/neck posture—changes not seen in a control group that did not perform such exercises. Doctors…

According to a new paper published in the European Journal of Rheumatology, patients with diabetes mellitus have an elevated risk for a number of musculoskeletal conditions, including: limited joint mobility syndrome, frozen shoulder/adhesive capsulitis, Dupuytren’s contracture, carpal tunnel syndrome, stiff hand syndrome, flexor tenosynovitis, Charcot osteoarthropathy, gouty arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic amyotrophy, diabetic muscle…

Adhesive capsulitis (AC), also known as frozen shoulder, is described as a painful restriction of the shoulder’s range of motion and about 3% of adults will develop the condition in their lifetime. In this study, researchers examined 148 adults, half of whom had AC, and identified a strong association between pain, anxiety, and sleep disturbance…

Over the course of an 18-year study, researchers observed that participants who developed problems with initiating sleep, maintaining sleep, early awakening, and non-restorative sleep had about double the risk for developing chronic widespread pain. Past research has uncovered a two-way relationship between poor sleep and musculoskeletal pain, underscoring the importance of seeking care to manage…

Back pain and neck pain are common causes of disability among older adults. In this study, researchers observed that among a group of 182 seniors with back pain or neck pain, those who participated in a twelve-week treatment program that involved a combination of spinal manipulative therapy and rehabilitative exercise experienced significant improvements in disability.…

Neck pain is a common musculoskeletal complaint that can be both costly and disabling. In this study, 40 neck pain patients received either cervical mobilization or a motionless manual contact. Those in the mobilization group experienced immediate improvements related to movement-associated pain, as well as increased range of motion and velocity when turning the head.…

Americans make over seven million doctor visits each year for shoulder and upper arm pain. A review of past research has found quality evidence that a treatment plan that combines thrust manipulation with specific exercises can reduce pain and improve function in patients with rotator cuff dysfunction. Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, September 2018

In a study involving 1,008 Danish school children, parents reported each week whether their child had spinal pain, lower extremity pain, or upper extremity pain. The results revealed that children were more likely to experience an episode of spinal pain after experiencing lower extremity pain. Additionally, the likelihood of spinal pain increased in children who…

Assessments completed by 2,024 neck pain and back pain patients at 125 chiropractic clinics throughout the United States revealed that overall, chiropractic treatment results in significant quality of life improvements with respect to physical functioning, pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and social health. Spine, October 2018

Brazilian researchers interviewed 629 medical school students and found that 77% of female students and 51% of male students experienced periods of recurrent back pain. One in five said their back pain interfered with social activities, while about 30% noted back pain interfered with either physical activities or school activities. The research team also noted…