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Healthy News November 2023

image of spinal manipulation to help relieve neurological symptoms and improve quality of life 

SPINAL MANIPULATION HELPS WITH NEUROLOGICAL SYMPTOMS:
Balance, Muscle Stiffness, Motor Function, etc.

A review of the research on the helpfulness of spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) for symptoms associated with neurological disorders - leading causes of disability globally – reported an important finding: SMT enhanced quality of life, balance, and cerebral palsy. Gormish Chiropractic & Rehabilitation incorporates spinal manipulation into our care of Carrolltown back pain and neck pain patients’ treatment plans! Other findings included how SMT may increase strength in asymptomatic spine pain and stroke patients as well as motor function, autonomic function, muscle stiffness, balance problems, and spasticity. (1) Though rare and an extreme form of spasticity, hereditary spastic paraplegia (a neurodegenerative disorder), was helped with SMT. Its extremity spasticity and pain were reduced, and strength and function were improved after 9 months of chiropractic care alongside NSAIDs and baclofen. (2) Research and experience revealed that multidisciplinary integrative care for low back pain has its benefits in reducing disability, decreasing pain, and lessening symptom frequency. One study showed that the difference was just 4% though: 43% for chiropractic care alone while it was 47% for multidisciplinary. (3) A chiropractic-based study of lumbar spinal stenosis patients with related balance issues treated with SMT in the form of flexion distraction (aka Cox® Technic) showed significant improvement in objective (tests like Timed Up and Go, Five Time Sit to Stand, balance force plate measurements of entropy) and subjective outcomes (patient-reported) at mid visit (average 9th visit) and end visit (average 13.7th visit). The average age of the participants was 83.5 years old! (4) Improving balance is so important for older folks! We know that making musculoskeletal pain care person-centered – taking into account age, symptoms that come along with back pain and related conditions, willingness to cooperate with the treatment plan - is so important. (5) What do you want? Ready to begin the path to symptom relief? Gormish Chiropractic & Rehabilitation is!!

Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Nate McKee on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson about the benefit of The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management for spinal stenosis sufferers and their balance.

picture of proper Carrolltown lifting  

TIP OF THE MONTH: Lift (and Lower) Properly

“Keep your back straight when you lift! Bend your knees!” Our Carrolltown back pain patient patients have heard such recommendations about proper lifting strategies. A new study tested other factors and found that externally rotating the feet while keeping the spine straight allowed further reach while lifting with a straight spine. (6) Another study explains how lumbar spine extensor muscle force control – weaker in back pain patients yet crucial in daily activities like lifting – is linked to increased multiplanar knee movement during lifting. (7) We need to think about the knees, too! In an interesting twist on proper lifting, a study found that postural control was more challenged during load-lowering than load-lifting! (8) Thinking before lifting and lowering is important! Let’s talk more on your next Carrolltown chiropractic visit.

Happy November! We give thanks for you! Set up your next appointment soon!

CONTACT Gormish Chiropractic & Rehabilitation

Schedule your next Carrolltown chiropractic visit with Gormish Chiropractic & Rehabilitation straightaway. We’ll see you soon!

"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the DISCLAIMER page. Content is reviewed by Dr. James M. Cox I."