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Healthy News November 2023

picture 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 – noted an important finding: SMT enhanced quality of life, balance, and cerebral palsy. OrthoIllinois Chiropractic incorporates spinal manipulation into our care of McHenry 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 iumproved 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 showed that multidisciplinary integrative care for low back pain has its benefits in decreasing disability, decreasing pain, and reducing 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) revealed 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 important for older folks! We know that making musculoskeletal pain care person-centered – considering age, symptoms that accompany back pain and related conditions, willingness to follow the treatment plan - is so important. (5) What do you want? Ready to begin the path to symptom relief? OrthoIllinois Chiropractic 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 McHenry lifting  

TIP OF THE MONTH: Lift (and Lower) Properly

“Keep your back straight when you lift! Bend your knees!” You’ve 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 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 a noteworthy 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 McHenry chiropractic visit.

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

CONTACT OrthoIllinois Chiropractic

Set your next McHenry chiropractic visit with OrthoIllinois Chiropractic today. We look forward to your visit!

"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."