Month: July 2015

Chronic pain patients use alternative care, often don’t tell physician

Jul 22, 2015

When it comes to managing chronic pain, patients often seek out alternative care but many don’t tell their physicians, a new study found.

A survey of more than 6,000 patients treated for chronic pain at Kaiser Permanente Northwest between 2009 and 2011 found that nearly 60 percent also saw a chiropractor or acupuncturist. But more than a third treated for acupuncture and more than 40 percent who saw a chiropractor did not tell their primary care physician.

http://www.oregonlive.com/health/index.ssf/2015/07/chronic_pain_patients_us…

Text Neck Set To Become The Next Spine Epidemic

Jul 21, 2015

Summary: As smartphone use increases across the globe, the incidence of ‘text neck’ may be rising. Text neck results from the head being placed in a flexed position while looking at a smartphone or mobile device. Increased flexion positions of the cervical spine can put as much as 60-70 pounds of pressure on the spine and related structures. Over time, this can result in significant injury to the spine, particularly the cervical region. The problem appears to be particularly significant for young people who tend to spend many more hours per day on their mobile devices. Researchers say it is important to remember not to flex the neck when looking at a smartphone and to only look down with the eyes.

For more information…

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2014/11/20/text-neck-is-becoming-an-epidemic-and-could-wreck-your-spine/