Using electromyography (EMG), researchers measured trunk muscle activity during lifting among 25 patients with recurrent low back pain (but without current back pain) and 20 asymptomatic individuals. The data show differences in the activity of several trunk muscles (transversus abdominis/internal abdominal oblique and multifidus) during lifting between the two groups. This suggests that patients with…

In a new study, researchers examined the differences in synchronous movement between the trunk and lower limbs and found that when lifting, high-disability chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients demonstrated decreased lumbar-hip movement coordination and stiffer hip-knee movement than both low-disability CLBP patients and healthy controls. The findings may help clinicians develop improved treatment approaches…

Manual therapies such as mobilization and manipulation are widely used by doctors of chiropractic to treat patients with musculoskeletal conditions such as neck and back pain. A review of data from 51 clinical trials concluded that mobilization and manipulation techniques can safely reduce pain and improve function among patients with chronic low back pain. Spine…

While nearly all of us will experience an episode of neck or back pain during our lifetime, not everyone recovers and many go on to experience chronic pain. In this study, researchers reviewed data from seven clinical trials and found that the more time a patient waited before seeking treatment for a musculoskeletal condition, the…

A recent research review found that chronic low back pain can impair an individual’s standing balance. The authors of the review conclude, “Results from balance assessments should be used to indicate areas of improvement and help guide the course of treatment…” Disability and Rehabilitation, January 2018

An analysis of questionnaires completed by 508 employed pregnant women revealed that back pain is the most common reason expectant mothers take long-term sick leave. Chiropractic care has been demonstrated to be a safe and effective treatment for women experiencing low back pain associated with their pregnancy. Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, March 2018

Each year, about one in twelve soldiers will experience an episode of acute lower back pain (LBP). A recent study found that a previous injury to the lower extremities increases a soldier’s risk for developing LBP by about 70%. They authors of the study conclude, “These findings suggest that a potential second order effect of…

Using 3D digital technology to evaluate the pelvic posture of 32 adolescents, researchers found that the majority of teens exhibited abnormal pelvic and total body posture. This is concerning as postural changes, especially in the pelvis, can place added stress on the lower back, which can result in lower back pain. Turkish Journal of Medical…

Based on surveys completed by 213 men and women over the age of 50, researchers found that smokers are 2.59 times more likely to suffer from chronic low back pain (CLBP) than nonsmokers. Asian Spine Journal, December 2017

For patients with chronic low back pain, a daily walk may be just what the doctor ordered. A review of findings from nine published studies indicates that daily walks can help reduce both pain and disability in patients with chronic back pain. Since walking is easy to perform and highly accessible, the authors recommend that…