November 2023 Healthy News from Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka Neurological Symptoms Like Quality of Life Improved with SMT; Tips for Lifting and Lowering Properly
SPINAL MANIPULATION HELPS WITH NEUROLOGICAL SYMPTOMS: Balance, Muscle Stiffness, Motor Function, etc.
A review of the research on the benefits of spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) for symptoms associated with neurological disorders - leading causes of disability globally – noted a significant finding: SMT improved quality of life, balance, and cerebral palsy. Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka incorporates spinal manipulation into our care of Sitka back pain and neck pain patients’ treatment plans! Other findings included how SMT may boost 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 demonstrated that multidisciplinary integrative care for low back pain has its benefits in decreasing disability, decreasing pain, and reducing symptom frequency. One study demonstrated that the difference was just 4% though: 43% for chiropractic care alone and 47% for multidisciplinary. (3) A chiropractic-based study of lumbar spinal stenosis patients with related balance issues treated with SMT of the flexion distraction type (aka Cox® Technic) documented 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 of age! (4) Improving balance is so valuable for older folks! We know that making musculoskeletal pain care person-centered – considering age, symptoms that accompany back pain and related conditions, willingness to cooperate with the treatment plan - is so important. (5) What do you want? Ready to get started on the path to symptom relief? Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka 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.
“Keep your back straight when you lift! Bend your knees!” Our Sitka back pain patient patients have heard such recommendations about lifting properly. A recent study tested other factors and found that externally rotating the feet while keeping the spine straight made further reach possible while lifting with a straight spine. (6) Another study describes how lumbar spine extensor muscle force control – weaker in back pain patients yet very important in daily activities like lifting – is associated with increased multiplanar knee movement during lifting. (7) We need to think about the knees, too! In an interesting twist on proper lifting, a study described that postural control was more challenged during load-lowering than load-lifting! (8) Thinking before lifting and lowering is important! We’ll talk more on your next Sitka chiropractic visit.
Happy November! We give thanks for you! Set up your next appointment soon!
CONTACT Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka
Set your next Sitka chiropractic visit with Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka today. We’ll see you soon!