Trials comparing the efficacy and safety of NSAIDs with placebo for spinal pain concludes: "NSAIDs reduced pain and disability, but provided clinically unimportant effects over placebo." "All NSAIDs have been associated with cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks," state the authors, who found "NSAIDs were associated with higher number of patients reporting gastrointestinal adverse effects in the short-term follow-up (i.e., <14 days)."
The authors referenced additional studies showing acetaminophen/Tylenol is ineffective, and opioids appear only to offer small benefits for this condition. When this result is taken together with those from recent reviews on acetaminophen and opioids, it is now clear that the three most widely used, and guideline-recommended medicines for spinal pain do not provide clinically important effects over placebo.
Friday, July 21, 2017
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Treating Lower Back Pain
An updated clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians (ACP) recommends spinal manipulation and other non-invasive, non-drug therapies as the first options for acute, subacute, and chronic low back pain, rather than medications, as previously recommended in the original 2007 guideline.
Based on two background evidence reviews and a systematic review sponsored by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the guideline partially updates the 2007 joint ACP / American Pain Society guideline and features three recommendations for all clinicians treating adult patients presenting with low back pain.
Patients should select nonpharmacologic treatment such as massage or acupuncture with spinal manipulation. For patients with chronic low back pain, clinicians and patients should initially select nonpharmacologic treatment with exercise and multidisciplinary rehabilitation.
In patients with chronic low back pain who have had an inadequate response to nonpharmacologic therapy, clinicians and patients should consider pharmacologic treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as first-line therapy, or tramadol or duloxetine as second-line therapy.
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. Dr. Thatcher treats many patients with low back pain and the office accepts most major health insurance. For more information you can visit our website at thatcherchiropractic.com. If you have additional questions or if you wish to schedule an appointment, please contact us by phone. You can reach us at (719) 574-3700.
Based on two background evidence reviews and a systematic review sponsored by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the guideline partially updates the 2007 joint ACP / American Pain Society guideline and features three recommendations for all clinicians treating adult patients presenting with low back pain.
Patients should select nonpharmacologic treatment such as massage or acupuncture with spinal manipulation. For patients with chronic low back pain, clinicians and patients should initially select nonpharmacologic treatment with exercise and multidisciplinary rehabilitation.
In patients with chronic low back pain who have had an inadequate response to nonpharmacologic therapy, clinicians and patients should consider pharmacologic treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as first-line therapy, or tramadol or duloxetine as second-line therapy.
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. Dr. Thatcher treats many patients with low back pain and the office accepts most major health insurance. For more information you can visit our website at thatcherchiropractic.com. If you have additional questions or if you wish to schedule an appointment, please contact us by phone. You can reach us at (719) 574-3700.
Monday, March 27, 2017
Abstaining from Headache Medicine May Cure Drug Rebound Headache
An article published in the Western Journal of Medicine in 1998, discussed the etiology of some chronic daily headaches. This article recommends discontinuation of the daily headache medicine for some people who suffer from chronic daily headaches. The daily use of medication to treat headache symptoms often causes drug rebound headaches. Furthermore, failure to stop taking daily pain medication in some cases, the article warns, can lead to drug resistant headaches.
A review of the medical literature found that up to 78 percent of patients studied who suffered from chronic daily headaches experienced a marked lessening of symptoms just by cutting out daily use of headache symptom medicine. The study reports that many common prescription and non-prescription medicines, including narcotics, pain pills containing caffeine, or as little as three aspirin per day can cause a rebound headache.
Symptoms from drug-induced, rebound headaches are usually relieved after patients go through a wash-out period of 8 weeks without taking daily medication, although symptoms often improve much sooner. Once a person stops taking daily pain medication they may feel worse for about 2 weeks before the improvement trend begins.
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. For more information, you can visit our website, thatcherchiropractic.com. If you have questions or to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact us by phone at (719) 574-3700.
A review of the medical literature found that up to 78 percent of patients studied who suffered from chronic daily headaches experienced a marked lessening of symptoms just by cutting out daily use of headache symptom medicine. The study reports that many common prescription and non-prescription medicines, including narcotics, pain pills containing caffeine, or as little as three aspirin per day can cause a rebound headache.
Symptoms from drug-induced, rebound headaches are usually relieved after patients go through a wash-out period of 8 weeks without taking daily medication, although symptoms often improve much sooner. Once a person stops taking daily pain medication they may feel worse for about 2 weeks before the improvement trend begins.
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. For more information, you can visit our website, thatcherchiropractic.com. If you have questions or to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact us by phone at (719) 574-3700.
Monday, March 13, 2017
Low Back Pain: Adjustments Superior to Muscle Relaxants
A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiologic Therapeutics revealed the superiority of adjustments when compared to prescription muscle relaxants in the treatment of low back pain.
One hundred ninety two patients with low back pain were assigned to one of two intervention groups (adjustments with placebo medicine or muscle relaxants with sham adjustments) or to a control group (sham adjustments with placebo medicine).
After just two weeks, chiropractic adjustments with placebo medicine proved to be more effective than sham adjustments and placebo medicine and muscle relaxants and placebo adjustments in reducing low back pain. Overall, further improvement was seen in patients' low back pain severity after four weeks as judged by each outcome measure. Therefore, if your lower back pain is not responding to muscle relaxants prescribed by your doctor, contact our office.
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917. For more information, you can visit our website: thatcherchiropractic.com. If you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact us by phone at (719) 574-3700.
One hundred ninety two patients with low back pain were assigned to one of two intervention groups (adjustments with placebo medicine or muscle relaxants with sham adjustments) or to a control group (sham adjustments with placebo medicine).
After just two weeks, chiropractic adjustments with placebo medicine proved to be more effective than sham adjustments and placebo medicine and muscle relaxants and placebo adjustments in reducing low back pain. Overall, further improvement was seen in patients' low back pain severity after four weeks as judged by each outcome measure. Therefore, if your lower back pain is not responding to muscle relaxants prescribed by your doctor, contact our office.
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917. For more information, you can visit our website: thatcherchiropractic.com. If you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact us by phone at (719) 574-3700.
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
Old whiplash injury? It's still not too late for treatment!
Whiplash injuries result from indirect injury to the cervical spine and produce a syndrome comprising headache, neck and upper back pain, arm nerve pain, or a combination of these. Often times people with whiplash receive no treatment or the wrong kind of treatment following injury. A study published in The Journal of Orthopedic Medicine entitled A Symptomatic Classification of Whiplash Injury and the Implications for Treatment further explored earlier evidence showing people with chronic (condition had gone on for more than 3 months) whiplash would benefit from chiropractic treatment.
Research!
In this study, the objective was to determine which patients with chronic whiplash would benefit from chiropractic treatment. The study design recognized three groups of patients. Group 1 consisted of patients with isolated neck pain associated with restricted neck movement. Group 2 consisted of patients with neurological symptoms or signs associated with a restricted neck movement. Group 3 comprised patients who described an unusual group of symptoms with a bizarre distribution.
Outcome...
The outcome of this study revealed that 72% of group 1 benefited from spinal manipulation and 94% of group 2 benefited from the same treatment. However, only 27% of the group 3 patients improved following treatment. The results of this study seem to confirm the efficacy of chiropractic, along with other previous research, in the treatment of chronic whiplash injury. The authors of this study have documented through their literature review that chiropractic has been proven effective in the treatment of chronic whiplash.
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. You can visit our website, thatcherchiropractic.com, for more information. If you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact us by phone at (719) 574-3700.
Research!
In this study, the objective was to determine which patients with chronic whiplash would benefit from chiropractic treatment. The study design recognized three groups of patients. Group 1 consisted of patients with isolated neck pain associated with restricted neck movement. Group 2 consisted of patients with neurological symptoms or signs associated with a restricted neck movement. Group 3 comprised patients who described an unusual group of symptoms with a bizarre distribution.
Outcome...
The outcome of this study revealed that 72% of group 1 benefited from spinal manipulation and 94% of group 2 benefited from the same treatment. However, only 27% of the group 3 patients improved following treatment. The results of this study seem to confirm the efficacy of chiropractic, along with other previous research, in the treatment of chronic whiplash injury. The authors of this study have documented through their literature review that chiropractic has been proven effective in the treatment of chronic whiplash.
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. You can visit our website, thatcherchiropractic.com, for more information. If you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact us by phone at (719) 574-3700.
Friday, February 24, 2017
Low Back Pain? ... It's commonly a Sacroiliac Syndrome
What is it?
The sacroiliac joints are located on either side of the tailbone (sacrum) where it meets the pelvic bones. Most people refer to the sacroiliac joint as their "hip." A problem with the sacroiliac joint is referred to as a "sacroiliac syndrome." This syndrome often comes as a result of pelvic joint and ligament sprain as a result of sudden injury or movement. Sacroiliac Syndrome can also develop without a particular event. In other words, the pain starts out of nowhere. Results can be severe ligament and muscle injury and the inability to stand up straight without sharp pain in the lower back. At times the pain can radiate into the leg(s).
Sacroiliac Syndrome accounts for approximately 25% of all low back problems.
How can I fix the problem?
Actually, following a detailed examination to confirm the diagnosis, the treatment is very quick and very effective. The standard of care for this condition is exercise, stretching, and manipulation to the sacroiliac joints. On occasion, physical therapy modalities are necessary in the early stages of a new problem.
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. You can visit our website, thatcherchiropractic.com, for more information and if you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact us by phone at (719) 574-3700.
The sacroiliac joints are located on either side of the tailbone (sacrum) where it meets the pelvic bones. Most people refer to the sacroiliac joint as their "hip." A problem with the sacroiliac joint is referred to as a "sacroiliac syndrome." This syndrome often comes as a result of pelvic joint and ligament sprain as a result of sudden injury or movement. Sacroiliac Syndrome can also develop without a particular event. In other words, the pain starts out of nowhere. Results can be severe ligament and muscle injury and the inability to stand up straight without sharp pain in the lower back. At times the pain can radiate into the leg(s).
Sacroiliac Syndrome accounts for approximately 25% of all low back problems.
How can I fix the problem?
Actually, following a detailed examination to confirm the diagnosis, the treatment is very quick and very effective. The standard of care for this condition is exercise, stretching, and manipulation to the sacroiliac joints. On occasion, physical therapy modalities are necessary in the early stages of a new problem.
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. You can visit our website, thatcherchiropractic.com, for more information and if you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact us by phone at (719) 574-3700.
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Automobile Passengers Injured in Minor Collisions?
Health care providers of many fields have long known injuries are common in what seems to be minor collisions. The Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation published the article Clinical Response of Human Subjects to Rear-End Automobile Collisions confirming this observation with scientific methods.
What the Research Says...
In this study, unsuspecting human beings were lap/shoulder belted into a Honda Accord, a curtain was hung directly behind the Accord and the subjects were given ear plugs so that the collision would be a surprise, and then a Volvo station wagon smashed into the Accord from behind at 2 1/2 and 5 miles per hour. The study showed that many of the crash subjects hurt following the impact and, even for those who did not have pain or symptoms, they had measurable clinical deficits, comparing pre-accident with post-accident examinations.
What Should Accident Victims Do?
Everyone involved in an automobile accident is not injured. However, the research indicates that individuals involved in a motor vehicle accident, whether or not they are having pain or symptoms, should be examined by someone familiar with these types of injuries.
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917. You can visit our website, thatcherchiropractic.com, for more information. If you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment with us, please feel free to contact us by phone at (719) 574-3700.
What the Research Says...
In this study, unsuspecting human beings were lap/shoulder belted into a Honda Accord, a curtain was hung directly behind the Accord and the subjects were given ear plugs so that the collision would be a surprise, and then a Volvo station wagon smashed into the Accord from behind at 2 1/2 and 5 miles per hour. The study showed that many of the crash subjects hurt following the impact and, even for those who did not have pain or symptoms, they had measurable clinical deficits, comparing pre-accident with post-accident examinations.
What Should Accident Victims Do?
Everyone involved in an automobile accident is not injured. However, the research indicates that individuals involved in a motor vehicle accident, whether or not they are having pain or symptoms, should be examined by someone familiar with these types of injuries.
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917. You can visit our website, thatcherchiropractic.com, for more information. If you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment with us, please feel free to contact us by phone at (719) 574-3700.
Friday, February 3, 2017
Lower Back Problems: Why is Chiropractic Manipulation so Effective?
If you have been bothered by your lower back, you are not alone. Eight out of ten adults will experience a low back problem at some time in their lives. And most will have more than one episode of acute low back problems.
Most times, the symptoms are blamed on poor muscle tone in the back, muscle tension or spasm, back sprains, ligament or muscle tears or joint problems. Sometimes nerves can be irritated by "slipped" discs causing buttock or leg pain.
In the past, individuals with acute low back problems often subjected themselves to physical therapy, prolonged bed rest, uncomfortable traction, heavy sedation to cover the pain, injections, hospitalization, and even surgery. These approaches were expensive and sometimes failed to produce favorable results.
To learn more, the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, conducted a study. After a multidisciplinary panel studied the problem for two years, they learned that spinal manipulation was indeed one of the preferred treatments for acute low back pain. The Panel also endorsed the short term use of anti-inflammatory drugs and exercise. Other studies since AHCPR have shown the effectiveness of manipulation for chronic low back problems.
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. For more information, you can visit our website, thatcherchiropractic.com. If you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment with our office, please feel free to contact us by phone at (719) 574-3700.
Most times, the symptoms are blamed on poor muscle tone in the back, muscle tension or spasm, back sprains, ligament or muscle tears or joint problems. Sometimes nerves can be irritated by "slipped" discs causing buttock or leg pain.
In the past, individuals with acute low back problems often subjected themselves to physical therapy, prolonged bed rest, uncomfortable traction, heavy sedation to cover the pain, injections, hospitalization, and even surgery. These approaches were expensive and sometimes failed to produce favorable results.
To learn more, the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, conducted a study. After a multidisciplinary panel studied the problem for two years, they learned that spinal manipulation was indeed one of the preferred treatments for acute low back pain. The Panel also endorsed the short term use of anti-inflammatory drugs and exercise. Other studies since AHCPR have shown the effectiveness of manipulation for chronic low back problems.
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. For more information, you can visit our website, thatcherchiropractic.com. If you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment with our office, please feel free to contact us by phone at (719) 574-3700.
Monday, January 30, 2017
Foot Pain? Maybe it is Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a very common kind of tendonitis, but instead of a tendon it is the plantar fascia of the foot that is inflamed. The plantar fascia is a sheet of connective tissue that stretches from the heel to the toes, spanning the arch (or bottom) of the foot.
Muscle knots, technically known as myofascial trigger points, are a factor in almost all cases. A trigger point is a section of super-contracted and irritated muscle tissue that can cause mild stiffness to extreme pain. Trigger points not only cause pain and problems directly, but they also develop in response to other biomechanical problems. Often times, the other biomechanical problems involve the joints and muscles of the legs, thighs, and lower back / pelvic region.
The typical approaches used in the treatment of plantar fasciitis include shoe inserts, night splints, footwear assessment, stretching / massaging of the plantar fascia, injections, and surgery. In this office, I add another dimension which is an assessment for muscle involvement and joint fixation of the lower back, legs, and feet. If present, treatment of the joint fixation or muscle involvement coupled with the aforementioned approaches usually results in better, lasting relief.
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. For more information, you can visit our website, thatcherchiropractic.com. If you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment with Dr. Thatcher, please feel free to contact us by phone: (719) 574-3700.
Muscle knots, technically known as myofascial trigger points, are a factor in almost all cases. A trigger point is a section of super-contracted and irritated muscle tissue that can cause mild stiffness to extreme pain. Trigger points not only cause pain and problems directly, but they also develop in response to other biomechanical problems. Often times, the other biomechanical problems involve the joints and muscles of the legs, thighs, and lower back / pelvic region.
The typical approaches used in the treatment of plantar fasciitis include shoe inserts, night splints, footwear assessment, stretching / massaging of the plantar fascia, injections, and surgery. In this office, I add another dimension which is an assessment for muscle involvement and joint fixation of the lower back, legs, and feet. If present, treatment of the joint fixation or muscle involvement coupled with the aforementioned approaches usually results in better, lasting relief.
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. For more information, you can visit our website, thatcherchiropractic.com. If you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment with Dr. Thatcher, please feel free to contact us by phone: (719) 574-3700.
Monday, January 16, 2017
Study Finds Manipulation Effective and Preventive in Chronic Low Back Pain
A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics examined the efficacy of periodic manipulative treatment in patients with chronic low back pain, following an initial phase of intensive chiropractic manipulative treatments.
The study assessed the pain and disability levels of 2 groups of participants. The first group received 12 treatments in an intensive 1-month period, but no treatment in a subsequent 9-month period. The second group received 12 treatments in an intensive 1-month period and also received spinal manipulation every 3 weeks for a 9-month period.
The results of the study showed both groups maintained their pain scores at levels similar to the post-intensive treatments throughout the follow-up period. For the disability scores, however, only the group that was given spinal manipulations during the follow-up period maintained their post-intensive treatment scores. The disability scores of the other group went back to their pre-treatment levels.
This study concluded that spinal manipulation is effective for the treatment of chronic low back pain. Additionally, the study suggested the follow-up manipulations, in chronic low back pain, may be beneficial to patients to maintain subjective, post-intensive treatment disability levels.
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. For more information you can visit our website, thatcherchiropractic.com and if you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact us by phone at (719) 574-3700.
The study assessed the pain and disability levels of 2 groups of participants. The first group received 12 treatments in an intensive 1-month period, but no treatment in a subsequent 9-month period. The second group received 12 treatments in an intensive 1-month period and also received spinal manipulation every 3 weeks for a 9-month period.
The results of the study showed both groups maintained their pain scores at levels similar to the post-intensive treatments throughout the follow-up period. For the disability scores, however, only the group that was given spinal manipulations during the follow-up period maintained their post-intensive treatment scores. The disability scores of the other group went back to their pre-treatment levels.
This study concluded that spinal manipulation is effective for the treatment of chronic low back pain. Additionally, the study suggested the follow-up manipulations, in chronic low back pain, may be beneficial to patients to maintain subjective, post-intensive treatment disability levels.
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. For more information you can visit our website, thatcherchiropractic.com and if you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact us by phone at (719) 574-3700.
Friday, January 6, 2017
Whiplash Injuriues: What to Expect When the Unexpected Happens
Whiplash as a result of an automobile accident becomes increasingly prevalent as we enter the winter season in Colorado Springs. Contrary to the name "whiplash," injuries are not caused by the neck being "whipped." Injury occurs when the neck is forced through a rapid series of movements at a rate faster than the bones, muscles, and ligaments can react.
Types of injuries that may occur include torn muscles and ligaments, fracture, nerve inflammation, or vertebral joint misalignment. What this means to the victim is a combination of a few or many of the following symptoms: swelling or tenderness of the neck, headaches, dizziness, vision changes, pain in the upper extremities, or a reduced ability to turn and bend at the neck. It is not uncommon that a victim experiences fatigue and irritability in conjunction with the symptoms previously mentioned. The trauma of the event itself, added to pain and disability, however slight, often creates stress that may linger into the stages of treatment and recovery.
As the body attempts to adapt to injury, especially in the case of lesser injuries, symptoms may not appear for a number of days or even weeks. Following an accident, it is recommended in the scientific literature that people receive an examination with or without symptoms. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms, the need for evaluation by a doctor of chiropractic is immediate. If there is an injury, the sooner the proper treatment is received, the person is generally better off in the long term and needs less rehabilitative treatment.
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. For more information you can visit our website, thatcherchiropractic.com and if you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact us at (719) 574-3700.
Types of injuries that may occur include torn muscles and ligaments, fracture, nerve inflammation, or vertebral joint misalignment. What this means to the victim is a combination of a few or many of the following symptoms: swelling or tenderness of the neck, headaches, dizziness, vision changes, pain in the upper extremities, or a reduced ability to turn and bend at the neck. It is not uncommon that a victim experiences fatigue and irritability in conjunction with the symptoms previously mentioned. The trauma of the event itself, added to pain and disability, however slight, often creates stress that may linger into the stages of treatment and recovery.
As the body attempts to adapt to injury, especially in the case of lesser injuries, symptoms may not appear for a number of days or even weeks. Following an accident, it is recommended in the scientific literature that people receive an examination with or without symptoms. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms, the need for evaluation by a doctor of chiropractic is immediate. If there is an injury, the sooner the proper treatment is received, the person is generally better off in the long term and needs less rehabilitative treatment.
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. For more information you can visit our website, thatcherchiropractic.com and if you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact us at (719) 574-3700.
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
Slipped Disc? (What is it, the research, and how can I fix it?)
What is it?
Slipped disc? Herniated disc? Ruptured disc? These are just a few of the confusing terms associated with the injured spinal discs. The disc is a small gelatinous mass situated between the spinal bones. The disc serves as a connector, spacer, and shock absorber for the spine. When healthy, discs allow normal turning and bending. With an injured disc, patients can find themselves unable to move freely and suffering moderate to severe low back and/or leg pain.
What the current research says...
Chiropractors have enjoyed a long history of successfully treating disc injuries. A study was published in the prestigious Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics regarding the manipulative treatment of disc herniations. This study examined 27 patients who had a documented disc herniation on Magnetic Resonance Image (MRI) that corresponded with clinical findings. The patients were treated using manipulation, physical therapy modalities, and exercise. Treatment time ranged from 8 weeks to 6 months. Following symptomatic and clinical resolution, a repeat MRI was performed.
The study found that 22 of 27 (81.5%) had good clinical outcomes; 17 of 22 (77%) had not only good clinical outcome but also evidence of reduced or resolved disc herniation upon repeat MRI scanning. Five patients (18.5%) had a marginal or poor outcome, but none had worse clinical signs or pain ratings at the end of the study. At the beginning of the study, all 27 patients had left work because of the severity of pain; at follow-up 21 were back to work at their former occupations.
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. For more information you can visit our website at thatcherchiropractic.com and if you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment with us, please feel free to contact us by phone at (719) 574-3700.
Slipped disc? Herniated disc? Ruptured disc? These are just a few of the confusing terms associated with the injured spinal discs. The disc is a small gelatinous mass situated between the spinal bones. The disc serves as a connector, spacer, and shock absorber for the spine. When healthy, discs allow normal turning and bending. With an injured disc, patients can find themselves unable to move freely and suffering moderate to severe low back and/or leg pain.
What the current research says...
Chiropractors have enjoyed a long history of successfully treating disc injuries. A study was published in the prestigious Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics regarding the manipulative treatment of disc herniations. This study examined 27 patients who had a documented disc herniation on Magnetic Resonance Image (MRI) that corresponded with clinical findings. The patients were treated using manipulation, physical therapy modalities, and exercise. Treatment time ranged from 8 weeks to 6 months. Following symptomatic and clinical resolution, a repeat MRI was performed.
The study found that 22 of 27 (81.5%) had good clinical outcomes; 17 of 22 (77%) had not only good clinical outcome but also evidence of reduced or resolved disc herniation upon repeat MRI scanning. Five patients (18.5%) had a marginal or poor outcome, but none had worse clinical signs or pain ratings at the end of the study. At the beginning of the study, all 27 patients had left work because of the severity of pain; at follow-up 21 were back to work at their former occupations.
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. For more information you can visit our website at thatcherchiropractic.com and if you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment with us, please feel free to contact us by phone at (719) 574-3700.
Monday, December 19, 2016
Manipulation in Whiplash Injury
The clinical presentation of whiplash is dominated by head (cervicogenic headache), neck and upper thoracic pain. While the exact mechanisms of how the tissues become injured and how the pathology develops are not clear, the pain is usually attributed to soft tissues and joint dysfunction.
Whiplash is a common injury and the estimated incidence is about 4 cases per 1000 persons. Neck pain and stiffness are the most frequently reported symptoms associated with whiplash. This highlights the need for practitioners of manual therapies to be knowledgeable in the area of cervical acceleration-deceleration injuries.
Whiplash patients may also complain of headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, dysphagia, paraesthesia, shoulder girdle pain, temporomandibular joint dysfunction and cognitive difficulties following a whiplash type injury.
The vast majority of research performed on the effectiveness of spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) has been for low-back pain. This is despite the fact that the most frequent site of injury in the spinal column is the cervical region. Two studies (2-3) have strongly suggested that manipulation has provided a successful long-term decrease in the symptoms of chronic whiplash.
Manipulated patients had more reduction in all the outcome measures than the control group, but only neck pain and thoracic pain measures were statistically significant. Clearly these two related studies provide information that people with whiplash injures have thoracic spine dysfunction and that manipulation the dysfunctional segments results in better outcomes than conventional physiotherapy alone.
Timely detection and care of cervical spine injuries and abnormal kinematics may prevent or reduce the severity of damage. Thoracic may play a role in the recovery of whiplash patients.
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. For more information you can visit our website at thatcherchiropractic.com and if you have additional questions or if you wish to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact us by phone at (719) 574-3700.
Whiplash is a common injury and the estimated incidence is about 4 cases per 1000 persons. Neck pain and stiffness are the most frequently reported symptoms associated with whiplash. This highlights the need for practitioners of manual therapies to be knowledgeable in the area of cervical acceleration-deceleration injuries.
Whiplash patients may also complain of headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, dysphagia, paraesthesia, shoulder girdle pain, temporomandibular joint dysfunction and cognitive difficulties following a whiplash type injury.
The vast majority of research performed on the effectiveness of spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) has been for low-back pain. This is despite the fact that the most frequent site of injury in the spinal column is the cervical region. Two studies (2-3) have strongly suggested that manipulation has provided a successful long-term decrease in the symptoms of chronic whiplash.
Manipulated patients had more reduction in all the outcome measures than the control group, but only neck pain and thoracic pain measures were statistically significant. Clearly these two related studies provide information that people with whiplash injures have thoracic spine dysfunction and that manipulation the dysfunctional segments results in better outcomes than conventional physiotherapy alone.
Timely detection and care of cervical spine injuries and abnormal kinematics may prevent or reduce the severity of damage. Thoracic may play a role in the recovery of whiplash patients.
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. For more information you can visit our website at thatcherchiropractic.com and if you have additional questions or if you wish to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact us by phone at (719) 574-3700.
Friday, December 9, 2016
Chiropractic for Chronic Low Back Pain
A study published in an issue of the European Spine Journal compares the effectiveness of the flexion-distraction manipulation technique to a strengthening and conditioning program in patients with chronic low back pain.
This study utilized two groups of patients. One group received flexion-distraction manipulation of the spine and the other group received an exercise program designed to strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine and increase flexibility. The study revealed that flexion-distraction provides significantly greater pain relief and overall patient satisfaction (79.6%) compared to the exercise program (65.1%), particularly in patients with low back pain and nerve pain radiating into their legs. The authors noted that even though patient satisfaction and pain relief was significantly greater in the flexion-distraction manipulation group compared to the exercise group, both groups responded equally well in terms of return to function.
At this office, we utilize the flexion-distraction manipulation technique that this study investigated for chronic low back pain. We also incorporate flexibility and strengthening exercise for the core or lumbopelvic region to promote better and further recovery with long lasting results.
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. For more information you can visit our website at thatcherchiropractic.com and if you have additional questions or if you wish to schedule an appointment with us, please feel free to contact us by phone at (719) 574-3700.
This study utilized two groups of patients. One group received flexion-distraction manipulation of the spine and the other group received an exercise program designed to strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine and increase flexibility. The study revealed that flexion-distraction provides significantly greater pain relief and overall patient satisfaction (79.6%) compared to the exercise program (65.1%), particularly in patients with low back pain and nerve pain radiating into their legs. The authors noted that even though patient satisfaction and pain relief was significantly greater in the flexion-distraction manipulation group compared to the exercise group, both groups responded equally well in terms of return to function.
At this office, we utilize the flexion-distraction manipulation technique that this study investigated for chronic low back pain. We also incorporate flexibility and strengthening exercise for the core or lumbopelvic region to promote better and further recovery with long lasting results.
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. For more information you can visit our website at thatcherchiropractic.com and if you have additional questions or if you wish to schedule an appointment with us, please feel free to contact us by phone at (719) 574-3700.
Monday, December 5, 2016
Does Stiffness Come From Arthritis of Something Else?
Patients tell me that stiffness or soreness in their neck or back is arthritis or degenerative joint disease because an x-ray was performed and they are doomed to suffer forever. Often times, these patients think or have been told the only way to find relief is with an anti-inflammatory medicine.
People that thought or were told they had arthritis have found relief with chiropractic treatment. The reason is that the "arthritis" was not the problem at all or was only part of the problem. You see, rarely can a doctor look at an x-ray and identify that arthritis is "the problem." There are thousands of people, young or old, that have arthritis or degenerative joint disease on an x-ray and have no pain or functional deficit.
How could this occur? It is as simple as an imbalance in the spinal joints and muscles that create the stiffness or pain that is often mistaken for arthritis. Sometimes people do not notice these imbalances right away. However, after "a few thousand miles" one will start to feel symptoms and know that something is wrong. Usually, a course of chiropractic treatment coupled with core exercises are of great help. Studies have shown that long term use of anti-inflammatory medicines can cause problems with the stomach, liver, and kidneys. The message: fix your spinal problem with rehabilitation rather than continuing down the long term medicine path.
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. For more information you can visit our website at thatcherchiropractic.com and if you have additional questions or if you wish to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact us by phone at (719) 574-3700.
People that thought or were told they had arthritis have found relief with chiropractic treatment. The reason is that the "arthritis" was not the problem at all or was only part of the problem. You see, rarely can a doctor look at an x-ray and identify that arthritis is "the problem." There are thousands of people, young or old, that have arthritis or degenerative joint disease on an x-ray and have no pain or functional deficit.
How could this occur? It is as simple as an imbalance in the spinal joints and muscles that create the stiffness or pain that is often mistaken for arthritis. Sometimes people do not notice these imbalances right away. However, after "a few thousand miles" one will start to feel symptoms and know that something is wrong. Usually, a course of chiropractic treatment coupled with core exercises are of great help. Studies have shown that long term use of anti-inflammatory medicines can cause problems with the stomach, liver, and kidneys. The message: fix your spinal problem with rehabilitation rather than continuing down the long term medicine path.
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. For more information you can visit our website at thatcherchiropractic.com and if you have additional questions or if you wish to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact us by phone at (719) 574-3700.
Monday, November 21, 2016
Avoiding the Hazards of Winter: Snow, Ice Need Not Be a Problem for the Back
Severe Weather Causes Many Injuries
When snow, ice, and frigid winds blow into your town, chiropractors notice a marked increase in strains, sprains, and back injuries. Shoveling snow the wrong way, slipping on icy sidewalks, clambering awkwardly over snow banks, even wearing the wrong kind of clothing can prove hazardous to your health as hundreds of thousands of Americans learn, to their regret, each year. "Couch potatoes" are hit especially hard.
The Risks of Braving the Elements
Combining ice, snow, and freezing cold with long-unused muscles can lead to disastrous results. The physical exertion in shoveling snow without a proper buildup often results in injuries. Hitting an icy spot when dashing off to the mailbox or carrying out the trash can cause a serious tumble. And it's not just the fall that is problematic. The quick jarring motion as you try to catch yourself can strain muscles as much as the actual falling.
Bending and twisting when tossing a shovel of heavy snow can aggravate or injure a lower back, especially if there is a pre-existing disc injury. Simply walking outside in freezing weather without layers of warm clothing can intensify older joint problems and cause a great deal of problems. In addition, as muscles and blood vessels contract to conserve the body's heat, the blood supply to the extremities is reduced. This lowers the functional capacity of many muscles, particularly among the physically unfit.
Problems Respond Well To Chiropractic Care
Sprains and strains affecting your ability to function, such as being unable to bend over to tie your shoes or having difficulty getting out of the chair require prompt attention.
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. For more information you can visit our website at thatcherchiropractic.com. If you have additional questions or if you wish to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact us by phone at (719) 574-3700.
When snow, ice, and frigid winds blow into your town, chiropractors notice a marked increase in strains, sprains, and back injuries. Shoveling snow the wrong way, slipping on icy sidewalks, clambering awkwardly over snow banks, even wearing the wrong kind of clothing can prove hazardous to your health as hundreds of thousands of Americans learn, to their regret, each year. "Couch potatoes" are hit especially hard.
The Risks of Braving the Elements
Combining ice, snow, and freezing cold with long-unused muscles can lead to disastrous results. The physical exertion in shoveling snow without a proper buildup often results in injuries. Hitting an icy spot when dashing off to the mailbox or carrying out the trash can cause a serious tumble. And it's not just the fall that is problematic. The quick jarring motion as you try to catch yourself can strain muscles as much as the actual falling.
Bending and twisting when tossing a shovel of heavy snow can aggravate or injure a lower back, especially if there is a pre-existing disc injury. Simply walking outside in freezing weather without layers of warm clothing can intensify older joint problems and cause a great deal of problems. In addition, as muscles and blood vessels contract to conserve the body's heat, the blood supply to the extremities is reduced. This lowers the functional capacity of many muscles, particularly among the physically unfit.
Problems Respond Well To Chiropractic Care
Sprains and strains affecting your ability to function, such as being unable to bend over to tie your shoes or having difficulty getting out of the chair require prompt attention.
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. For more information you can visit our website at thatcherchiropractic.com. If you have additional questions or if you wish to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact us by phone at (719) 574-3700.
Monday, November 7, 2016
Chiropractic - Why it Works with Fatigue and Stress
Fatigue and Stress have obvious effects on our daily lives. When trying to balance work, children, and home demands, the most common complaints are tension, irritability, and headaches. With an increase in adrenaline, the back and neck often develop misalignments (or subluxations) and commonly result in "back problems." A common misconception is that the "muscle tension" is the primary problem. Actually, "muscle tension" is a symptom of a more serious problem which is the subluxation. Chiropractic techniques treat the subluxation which consequently treats the symptoms of back and neck pain and headaches.
Sometimes the connection between the pain and its cause is obvious because you have been hunched over a desk all day trying to meet a deadline. But other times the emotional connection to back pain is more subtle. Unfortunately, this can lead to a vicious cycle wherein fatigue and stress can cause a backache, and, in turn, the pain causes additional fatigue.
Think of the body as a finely tuned machine. When all the moving parts fit together perfectly the machine runs smoothly at its optimal potential even when going up hill or pulling a heavy load. If even one of the moving parts becomes misaligned the machine cannot run so smoothly. Friction may occur and affect the other moving parts. Even the lightest load or going down hill can be a struggle. The machine cannot function at its optimal potential.
Does your "machine" suffer from stress and fatigue and not function at its optimal potential? If so, you may benefit from chiropractic treatment.
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. For more information you can visit our website at thatcherchiropractic.com. If you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment with our office, please feel free to call us at (719) 574-3700.
Sometimes the connection between the pain and its cause is obvious because you have been hunched over a desk all day trying to meet a deadline. But other times the emotional connection to back pain is more subtle. Unfortunately, this can lead to a vicious cycle wherein fatigue and stress can cause a backache, and, in turn, the pain causes additional fatigue.
Think of the body as a finely tuned machine. When all the moving parts fit together perfectly the machine runs smoothly at its optimal potential even when going up hill or pulling a heavy load. If even one of the moving parts becomes misaligned the machine cannot run so smoothly. Friction may occur and affect the other moving parts. Even the lightest load or going down hill can be a struggle. The machine cannot function at its optimal potential.
Does your "machine" suffer from stress and fatigue and not function at its optimal potential? If so, you may benefit from chiropractic treatment.
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. For more information you can visit our website at thatcherchiropractic.com. If you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment with our office, please feel free to call us at (719) 574-3700.
Monday, October 31, 2016
Sciatica Treatment Proves Ineffective
Bed rest has been the primary treatment for sciatica for most of the 20th century. Sciatica is a severe pain in the leg caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve at the lower back. Physicians have traditionally sent patients with symptomatic herniated discs to bed for days, weeks, and even months on the premise that bed rest speeds recovery. However, this advice appears to be erroneous, according to the first methodologically rigorous randomized trial of rest for sciatica (Vroomen et al., 1999).
In the new study, patients who remained cautiously active had exactly the same outcomes as those who spent two weeks in bed. There were no differences between the two groups in terms of pain, neurologic status, functional status, or lost work time.
Patients should no longer be told that it must be strict bed rest. Some prescribed that walking would be desirable to punctuate any rest and avoid deconditioning.
This study essentially confirms what chiropractors have been recommending for years. Regardless of whether a disc is involved with an individual's low back pain or sciatica, early return to activity is a key to recovery.
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. For more information you can visit our website at thatcherchiropractic.com. If you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment with us, you can reach us by phone at (719) 574-3700.
In the new study, patients who remained cautiously active had exactly the same outcomes as those who spent two weeks in bed. There were no differences between the two groups in terms of pain, neurologic status, functional status, or lost work time.
Patients should no longer be told that it must be strict bed rest. Some prescribed that walking would be desirable to punctuate any rest and avoid deconditioning.
This study essentially confirms what chiropractors have been recommending for years. Regardless of whether a disc is involved with an individual's low back pain or sciatica, early return to activity is a key to recovery.
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. For more information you can visit our website at thatcherchiropractic.com. If you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment with us, you can reach us by phone at (719) 574-3700.
Monday, October 24, 2016
The Pelvis and Short Leg Syndrome...
Your spine sits on top of your pelvis, which acts as the foundation of your body. When the foundation tilts, there will be problems in the spine above. One of the most common problems we see in our patients is a short leg that affects the spine by tilting the pelvic foundation. The short leg can be anatomic, caused by a severe fracture or polio, but this type is uncommon. Most "short" legs are actually caused by a problem in the sacro-iliac (SI) joints.
The SI joints connect the sacrum (tailbone) with the two iliac bones (pelvic bones).
The SI joints couple the downward pressure of the spine with the upward pressure of the spine when the legs are lifted upward. To overcome the forces involved in this job, these joints are not constructed like other joints in the body. Their inner surfaces are not smooth and designed for sliding, like a knee. Instead, the joints are rough with interlocking nubbins and partially covered by a tacky, felt-like fibrous cartilage.
SI Joint Injuries:
When an SI joint is injured, the supporting ligaments are overstretched, allowing the iliac bones to rock out of position in relation to the sacrum. The nubbins within the SI joint then lock it into an abnormal position.
We call this "rocking and locking" of a joint out of its normal position a subluxation. Subluxation of an SI joint lifts the hip socket and leg upwards on the side of the injured SI joint. This creates what some call a "functional" short leg. This means the pelvis is no longer level because it tilts downward on the short leg side.
How the Spine Compensates:
Our bodies do not respond to a tilted pelvis the same way the Tower of Pisa responds to its tilted foundation. Spines are not rigid like the tower. Instead of tilting to one side, our spines slowly build a series of curvatures to compensate for the pelvic foundation's tilt.
These curvatures, called scoliosis with significant compensation, require a constant contraction of the muscles along the outside of each curve to prevent its collapse. This long-term constant contraction of the supporting muscles causes them to become unhealthy.
Normal muscle health demands both contraction and relaxation to provide a constant flow of blood. The blood delivers oxygen and sugar and then carries away lactic acid and other wastes. Constant contraction chokes off this healthy blood flow and leaves the muscles poisoned with lactic acid. Eventually, they become tired, weak, and subject to spasm.
When we examine a new patient, we check the leg lengths to see if the pelvis is level. We then go on to check for constant muscular contraction near the spine. When a patient is lying down, healthy muscles relax almost immediately. Unhealthy muscles do not relax and therefore feel like ropes, or even cables, to our fingers.
Because we often ignore many of these SI joint problems, 25% of Americans now suffer debilitating back pain. If you have continuing problems (weakness, pain, spasm) anywhere in your spine, it is likely that your pelvic foundation is the cause.
How Can I Know?
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. For more information you can visit our website at thatcherchiropractic.com. If you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact us by phone. You can reach us at (719) 574-3700.
The SI joints connect the sacrum (tailbone) with the two iliac bones (pelvic bones).
The SI joints couple the downward pressure of the spine with the upward pressure of the spine when the legs are lifted upward. To overcome the forces involved in this job, these joints are not constructed like other joints in the body. Their inner surfaces are not smooth and designed for sliding, like a knee. Instead, the joints are rough with interlocking nubbins and partially covered by a tacky, felt-like fibrous cartilage.
SI Joint Injuries:
When an SI joint is injured, the supporting ligaments are overstretched, allowing the iliac bones to rock out of position in relation to the sacrum. The nubbins within the SI joint then lock it into an abnormal position.
We call this "rocking and locking" of a joint out of its normal position a subluxation. Subluxation of an SI joint lifts the hip socket and leg upwards on the side of the injured SI joint. This creates what some call a "functional" short leg. This means the pelvis is no longer level because it tilts downward on the short leg side.
How the Spine Compensates:
Our bodies do not respond to a tilted pelvis the same way the Tower of Pisa responds to its tilted foundation. Spines are not rigid like the tower. Instead of tilting to one side, our spines slowly build a series of curvatures to compensate for the pelvic foundation's tilt.
These curvatures, called scoliosis with significant compensation, require a constant contraction of the muscles along the outside of each curve to prevent its collapse. This long-term constant contraction of the supporting muscles causes them to become unhealthy.
Normal muscle health demands both contraction and relaxation to provide a constant flow of blood. The blood delivers oxygen and sugar and then carries away lactic acid and other wastes. Constant contraction chokes off this healthy blood flow and leaves the muscles poisoned with lactic acid. Eventually, they become tired, weak, and subject to spasm.
When we examine a new patient, we check the leg lengths to see if the pelvis is level. We then go on to check for constant muscular contraction near the spine. When a patient is lying down, healthy muscles relax almost immediately. Unhealthy muscles do not relax and therefore feel like ropes, or even cables, to our fingers.
Because we often ignore many of these SI joint problems, 25% of Americans now suffer debilitating back pain. If you have continuing problems (weakness, pain, spasm) anywhere in your spine, it is likely that your pelvic foundation is the cause.
How Can I Know?
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. For more information you can visit our website at thatcherchiropractic.com. If you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact us by phone. You can reach us at (719) 574-3700.
Monday, October 10, 2016
What to Do for Back Problems...
Incidence:
Sooner or later, an amazing 8 of every 10 people in the United States will suffer with back problems at one point in their life.
What the Experts Recommend:
The U.S. Agency for Health Care Policy and Research appointed a panel of medical experts who reviewed some 3,900 studies on care for acute low back problems. The panel rejected bed rest, surgery (except in rare cases), injections into the back, and all oral prescription drugs (such as antidepressants or steroids). In contrast, they found that spinal manipulation, which is usually performed by a chiropractor, "can be helpful for patients with low back problems."
There are fewer studies on long term chronic back problems than for short-term acute back problems. Still, a recent study in the respected medical journal, Spine, found chiropractic care beneficial for ongoing chronic back problems. The traditional approach for patients with chronic back problems has been "back school" to teach patients how to cope and live with the condition. Chiropractic care was compared to back school in this study and the chiropractic group performed significantly better. The researchers concluded, "Spinal manipulation is clinically useful in chronic patients who have been suffering for seven weeks or more."
So many scientific and government studies have proven the effectiveness of chiropractic care for back problems. In 1993, the government of Ontario, in a 216 page study of all available evidence, found chiropractic care of low back problems superior to medical management in terms of safety, evidence of effectiveness, evidence of cost effectiveness, and in patient satisfaction.
How Can I Know?
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. For more information you can visit our website at thatcherchiropractic.com. If you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact us by phone. You can reach us at (719) 574-3700.
Sooner or later, an amazing 8 of every 10 people in the United States will suffer with back problems at one point in their life.
What the Experts Recommend:
The U.S. Agency for Health Care Policy and Research appointed a panel of medical experts who reviewed some 3,900 studies on care for acute low back problems. The panel rejected bed rest, surgery (except in rare cases), injections into the back, and all oral prescription drugs (such as antidepressants or steroids). In contrast, they found that spinal manipulation, which is usually performed by a chiropractor, "can be helpful for patients with low back problems."
There are fewer studies on long term chronic back problems than for short-term acute back problems. Still, a recent study in the respected medical journal, Spine, found chiropractic care beneficial for ongoing chronic back problems. The traditional approach for patients with chronic back problems has been "back school" to teach patients how to cope and live with the condition. Chiropractic care was compared to back school in this study and the chiropractic group performed significantly better. The researchers concluded, "Spinal manipulation is clinically useful in chronic patients who have been suffering for seven weeks or more."
So many scientific and government studies have proven the effectiveness of chiropractic care for back problems. In 1993, the government of Ontario, in a 216 page study of all available evidence, found chiropractic care of low back problems superior to medical management in terms of safety, evidence of effectiveness, evidence of cost effectiveness, and in patient satisfaction.
How Can I Know?
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. For more information you can visit our website at thatcherchiropractic.com. If you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact us by phone. You can reach us at (719) 574-3700.
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