Examinations of 25 guitar players revealed that compared with standing, playing while sitting results in greater tilt of the torso, increased abduction of the right shoulder, higher flexion of the left shoulder, and a higher radial deviation of the left wrist, which may increase the risk for musculoskeletal pain in these areas. PLOS ONE, January…

A recent survey of university students found that over a third (35.6%) have moderate neck pain and disability, and the risk for bothersome neck pain in this group is increased by high levels of stress and excessive sedentary time. Healthcare, November 2021

Impaired blood flow to the smallest blood vessels in the circulatory system is commonly observed in patients with musculoskeletal disorders and is associated with pain intensity, pain duration, and disability. With the aid of laser-doppler flowmetry and videofluoroscopic imaging, investigators observed that myofascial treatment—a therapy performed by doctors of chiropractic—results in an immediate improvement in…

A recent study found that patients with spinal pain who see a doctor of chiropractic as their first treatment choice are less likely to fill an opioid prescription, receive a spinal injection, or see a specialist within the next six months than those who initially consult with a medical physician. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, January…

A review of data from six studies found that manual therapies—such as those utilized by doctors of chiropractic—applied to the craniomandibular region of patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) can result in improvements in both pain and maximum mouth opening. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, December 2021

Evaluation of 72 women, half with overactive bladder syndrome, revealed that those with an overactive bladder had reduced lumbopelvic stability and a greater risk for low back pain, poor sleep quality, fatigue, anxiety, and depression. The findings suggest that treatment options to improve lumbopelvic stability, such as chiropractic care, may benefit women with overactive bladder…

Examinations of 1,491 adults revealed that those with low back pain were more likely to have exaggerated sagittal (from the side) spinal curvature. The findings suggest that spinal malalignment may be a contributing factor for back pain. Doctors of chiropractic focus on improving spinal alignment to reduce spinal pain and disability. Scientific Reports, October 2021

Questionnaires completed by 3,724 adults revealed that many people still retain false beliefs about low back pain, which not only increases their risk for the condition but can also lower their chances for recovery. Some of these myths include the idea that imaging tests can always identify the cause of low back pain; bed rest…

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of 504 middle aged adults revealed an association between lower paraspinal muscle mass and a greater degree of disk degeneration in the lumbar spine. Rehabilitation exercises focused on improving spinal muscle strength are often part of the chiropractic approach for managing low back pain in patients with degenerative disk disease. Journal…

A study that included 1,127 older adults found that those with persistent low back pain were more likely to either experience a serious fall or be involved in a motor vehicle collision in the following 15 years. Journal of Applied Gerontology, November 2021