Chiropractic Care Improves Urinary Incontinence In Some

toilet-558026_1280A recently published case-series report indicates chiropractic care may be beneficial for certain individuals suffering from urinary incontinence. The report reviews 21 patients aged 13 to 90 years with a history of urinary incontinence for the preceding 4 months to 49 years with associated muscle dysfunction and low back and/or pelvic pain. Incontinence was so bad in 18 of the 21 that they had been wearing incontinence pads during the previous days and nights upon presenting themselves for treatment. All patients were evaluated and treated chiropractically for muscle impairments in the lumbar spine, pelvis and pelvic floor and low back and/or hip pain. Treatments included chiropractic manipulative therapy, flexion distraction manipulation and/or the use of a percussion instrument for the treatment of myofascial trigger points. The urinary incontinence symptoms resolved in 10 patients, considerably improved in 7 cases, and slightly improved in 4 cases. Periodic follow-up examinations for the past 6 years, and no less than 2 years, indicate the improvements of urinary incontinence for each patient remained stable.

Author: ChiroPlanet.com
Source: Journal of Chiropractic Medicine; online. March 9, 2012.
Copyright: ProfessionalPlanets.com LLC 2012

Active Kids Are Smarter Kids

softball-1571660_1920In the face of growing pressure to reduce class time allocated to physical education several studies have published results that have given school administrators, teachers and politicians reason for pause. After a new review of previous studies, scientists have identified what many parents have long suspected – If you provide your child with physical activity they are generally more behaved and better able to concentrate on tasks. When that child is moved into a classroom setting that ability to concentrate becomes even more advantageous. The reviewed studies followed children for several months to a few years. The children that were exposed to regular exercise or physical activity not only gained less weight over the next three years but they also out performed their nonactive peers in math, spelling and reading. It should be noted that the studies did not show a significant correlation to children that participated on a sports team but it did show that children who stated that they exercised regularly also performed at higher levels academically. It also showed that the more they exercised the greater their academic performance was. It appears that science is providing proof that the key to a healthy mind is a healthy body.

Author: ChiroPlanet.com
Source: Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, online January 2, 2012.

Aging and Back Pain

back-pain-1911009_1920With increased age comes increased frequency of back pain. A study from the journal Spine 1 shows that one third of people over age 65 report moderate back pain during daily tasks. The pain was triggered by strenuous activities like carrying shopping bags, heavy household tasks, even bending over to trim toenails. Fortunately, this problem is often improved through exercise, chiropractic care and even simple movement. Pain is not a function of age. Pain IS often a function of ignoring the signs and symptoms which may lead to a myriad of problems from back pain to tooth decay. For three decades Hall Chiropractic Center has helped people young and old regain and maintain their health.

The Hall Chiropractic system of health begins with 30 years’ experience. It includes addressing the causes of a problem – not just the symptoms. Our comprehensive care plan includes clinical and home work to strengthen muscles, improve posture and increase mobility. Call Dr. Hall at 803.421.2240or visit us at 1171 Market Street, Suite 104 in Fort Mill’s Baxter Village for a no-obligation consultation. Our office is open from 7AM Monday through Friday and we accept most health insurances.

1 Spine. 31(10):1149-1155, May1, 2006.

Neck Pain Study Reinforces Use of Chiropractic, Other Conservative Options

adults-1853851_1920Arlington, Va.— A new study published this month in the Annals of Internal Medicine finds spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) and exercise more effective at relieving neck pain than pain medication. The research reinforces the use of conservative care options as a first line of defense against pain, according to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA). The study divided participants into three groups that received either SMT from a doctor of chiropractic (DC), pain medication (over-the-counter pain relievers, narcotics and muscle relaxants) or exercise recommendations. After 12 weeks, about 57 percent of those who met with DCs and 48 percent who exercised reported at least a 75 percent reduction in pain, compared to 33 percent of the people in the medication group. After one year, approximately 53 percent of the drug-free groups still reported at least a 75 percent reduction in pain; compared to just 38 percent pain reduction among those who took medication. The study also found that despite experiencing limited pain relief, people in the drug group continued using a higher amount of medication more frequently throughout the follow-up period. This finding underscores concerns raised in an April 2011 government report that indicated prescription drug abuse in the U.S. has reached crisis level. “Doctors of chiropractic have long cautioned against the overuse of medication to treat musculoskeletal pain,” said ACA President Keith Overland, DC. “We continue to promote drug-free, conservative interventions for neck pain patients before referral for medical management that may result in side effects. Patients deserve to know that there are natural, drug-free options when it comes to pain relief.” The American Chiropractic Association (ACA), based in Arlington, Va., is the largest professional association in the United States representing doctors of chiropractic. ACA promotes the highest standards of patient care and ethics, and supports research that contributes to the health and well-being of millions of chiropractic patients. Visit http://www.acatoday.org.

Author: American Chiropractic Association
Source: Acatoday.com, January 6, 2012.

Yoga Provides Some Relief For Chronic Back Pain

yoga-1146277_1920Most who suffer from chronic back pain are ideal candidates for safe, natural chiropractic care. Chiropractors are highly trained and experienced with ailments of the spine, extremities and soft tissues. And while not a replacement for chiropractic care, there are activities that have shown some limited benefits for those suffering from chronic back pain. According to a recent UK-based study, yoga is one such activity. Study results indicated in those adults suffering from chronic lower back pain, 12 weeks of yoga led to a small but clinically significant improvement in their ability to perform activities related to daily living. Again, while not a replacement for seeking and obtaining chiropractic care, if you’re a chronic back pain sufferer interested in further improving your overall function speak with your doctor of chiropractic about whether yoga may be beneficial for you.

Author: ChiroPlanet.com
Source: Annals of Internal Medicine, online October 31, 2011.

Chiropractic Management Of Neck Pain In Veterans

memorial-day-1798725_1920A recent study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics indicates chiropractic management of neck pain in veterans resulted in successful outcomes for the majority. Researchers evaluated 54 cases where veterans with a chief complaint of neck pain presented themselves for care at a Veterans Health Administration medical center. Two-thirds of patients experienced statistically significant and clinically meaningful results after, on average, less than 9 chiropractic treatments. If you are suffering from neck pain, call your local doctor of chiropractic today for a no obligation consultation.

Author: ChiroPlanet.com
Source: JMPT. Volume 34, Issue 8, Pages 533-538, October 2011.
Copyright: ProfessionalPlanets.com LLC 2011

Painkillers Are True Killers

pills-824994_1920According to a new report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 15,000 Americans died as a result of a painkiller overdose in 2008. Not only are painkillers dangerous, addictive and potentially lethal for those who take them for legitimate purposes, recent statistics indicate some 12 million Americans are actually using prescription painkillers simply in order to obtain a high. Some other alarming facts related to painkillers include:

  • The amount of painkillers available on the market by physicians, hospitals and pharmacies has quadrupled from 1999 to 2010.
  • Painkiller abuse rates are as high as 8 percent for those over the age of 12 in certain US states.
  • Enough painkillers are prescribed annually to medicate each American adult for 4 hours each month.

The abuse of prescription drugs has become so prevalent that the Obama administration has initiated a campaign to better deal with this worsening problem. This is just another reason to consider safe, effective chiropractic care if you are experiencing pain and/or disability related to your back, neck, spine, extremities or other soft tissues.

Author: ChiroPlanet.com
Source: http://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns
Copyright: ProfessionalPlanets.com LLC 2011

Diabetes Increases Colon Cancer Risk

diabetes-528678_1920Diabetes itself has a host of serious and life threatening complications including issues with wound healing, nerve damage, kidney damage, blindness and even foot and/or leg amputation. If that wasn’t enough, a new study indicates those with diabetes also have a significantly higher risk of developing colon cancer – the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. In a review of 14 international studies, researchers found diabetics to have a 38 percent greater risk of developing colon cancer and a 20 percent greater risk of developing rectal cancer. Additional studies have also found this link between diabetes and colon cancer. And although there is no cure for diabetes, there is something that can be done to better manage diabetes while reducing the odds of acquiring not only colon cancer, but other cancers – participate in regular physical activity, follow a healthy diet and if applicable, eliminate smoking.

Author: ChiroPlanet.com
Source: American Journal of Gastroenterology, online September 13, 2011

Survey: Chiropractic Care Outperforms All Other Back Pain Treatments, Including Medication

massage-486702_1920ACA Suggests Conservative Care Before Prescription Drug Use

In a new survey, chiropractic care outperformed all other back-pain treatments including prescription and over-the-counter medications, deep-tissue massage, yoga and Pilates. According to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), this news reinforces the use of conservative care options as a first line of defense against pain.

The survey, released by a leading consumer product rating and survey publisher in late July, found that 65 percent of those surveyed using chiropractic care for back pain said it helped a lot. Only 53 percent of respondents using prescription medications found them as helpful.

Additionally, about half of those surveyed who are using deep-tissue massage, yoga or Pilates said those treatments helped a lot, and only 28 percent of respondents using over-the-counter medications reported that they helped a lot.

Current evidence-based guidelines support the use of conservative care such as chiropractic for conditions such as chronic lower back pain. In 2007, the Annals of Internal Medicine published low back pain guidelines developed by the American Pain Society and the American College of Physicians. Those guidelines recommended that, for patients who do not improve with self-care, doctors should consider non-pharmacologic therapies such as chiropractic care, massage therapy and acupuncture.

The issue of pain relief has gained visibility recently with the release of a government report which found that while the use of some illegal drugs has diminished, the abuse of prescription medications has sharply increased–particularly prescription opioid pain relievers such as Oxycontin and Vicodin. The report points out that unintentional opioid overdoses (once almost exclusively the fate of heroin abusers) are today increasingly caused by prescription painkiller abuse.

“As this latest survey helps to demonstrate, chiropractic care is an evidence-based and effective treatment that can prevent patients from resorting to powerful drugs with potentially harmful consequences,” said ACA President Dr. Rick McMichael. “I urge health care providers, whenever possible, to recommend drug-free, conservative care interventions for their patients before prescribing medications that may be associated with negative side effects. Patients deserve to know their options.”

Doctors of chiropractic provide drug-free, non-invasive treatment for many types of painful conditions, including acute and chronic back pain, neck pain, joint pain and headaches. For more information about chiropractic care, or to find a doctor of chiropractic near you, visit the American Chiropractic Association’s website.

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA), based in Arlington, Va., is the largest professional association in the United States representing doctors of chiropractic. ACA promotes the highest standards of patient care and ethics, and supports research that contributes to the health and well-being of millions of chiropractic patients. Visit http://www.acatoday.org.

Author: American Chiropractic Association
Source: Acatoday.com. August 8, 2011

Get More Sleep and Lose Weight!

man-909049_1920New research indicates those who lack adequate sleep tend to consume more food and do so without burning any additional calories. A different but also recent Swedish study found similar results where those who did not have proper sleep burned up to 20 percent less calories per day. In either case, weight gain is the end product. With the work more sleep less hectic lifestyles we have today coupled with the increased consumption of fast foods and sugary drinks, it’s no secret why the obesity rates are skyrocketing. It’s speculated that one of the reasons for weight gain is the hormones that regulate how hungry we are, when we’re hungry and what kinds of foods we crave are negatively affected when we are sleep deprived. Another potential cause are the poor health decisions made when one lacks proper sleep. Lack of sleep has also been shown to be associated with other health related issues. So eat right, be healthy and ensure you remember to get proper sleep.

Author: ChiroPlanet.com
Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, online June 29, 2011.
Copyright: ProfessionalPlanets.com LLC 2011