Spinal Maintenance Care

:

Chiropractic Care: A Safe, Effective Treatment for Neck, Mid-back and Lower Back Pain

#ThinkChiropractic

Better Functional Improvement Outcomes and Higher Satisfaction with 

Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) Care

-  Back Pain 

-  Neck Pain

-  Headache Pain

Excellence in Hands-On Care

Americans' Perceptions of Chiropractic

#ThinkChiropractic 

The second "Gallup-Palmer College of Chiropractic Annual Report: Americans'Perceptions of Chiropractic," validates chiropractic as a valuable option for neck and back pain. 

Conditions Treated by a Chiropractor Near Me

Chiropractic care provides athletes with a competitive edge

#ThinkChiropractic

“The care provided by a doctor of chiropractic can help athletes reduce the risk of injuries, accelerate recovery time and improve health through improvements in range of motion, flexibility, balance, muscle strength and other key factors. Chiropractic care provides athletes with the competitive edge to fuel peak performance and succeed during their time at the Olympics.”

– Dr. Botelho

Champions of Chiropractic 

Chiropractic provides better sleep.

#ThinkChiropractic

“ChiropracticSleep Relief” - Sleep.org

Chiropractor Near Me

Malpractice Insurance Offers Low Rates in Pediatric Chiropractic Care Due to Low Risks

#ThinkChiropractic

Malpractice insurance premium rates are based upon risk – the higher the risk of injury from a given treatment, the higher the malpractice insurance rates for providers of that specialty.

Doctors of chiropractic who treat children have the same malpractice insurance rates as those who treat adults, meaning pediatric chiropractic care carries no increased risk.

Doctors of chiropractic have some of the lowest malpractice insurance rates of all primary health care providers in the United States (including medical doctors and osteopaths). The translation: services provided by a doctor of chiropractic carry the lowest risk of harm.

Source:

Doyle, M.F. Is chiropractic pediatric care safe? A best evidence topic. Clinical Chiropractic 2011; volume 14, issue 3, pp. 97 – 105.

Neck Pain – Management Strategies: Vol 15 Iss 5 The In Good Hands Newsletter from Chiro-Trust.org

“To the best of our ability, Life in Motion Chiropractic and Wellness agrees to provide our patients convenient, affordable, and mainstream Chiropractic care. We will not use unnecessary long-term treatment plans and/or therapies.”

www.Chiro-Trust.org

More ABC US news | ABC World News

When you make an appointment for a chiropractic evaluation for your neck pain, your doctor of chiropractic will provide both in-office procedures as well as teach you many self-help approaches so that as a “team”, together WE can manage your neck pain or headache complaint to a satisfying end-point. So, what are some of these procedures? Let’s take a look!

In the office, you can expect to receive a thorough history, examination, x-ray (if warranted), and a discussion about what chiropractic care can be done for you and your condition. Your doctor will map out a treatment plan and discuss commonly shared goals of:

• Pain reduction

• Posture/alignment restoration

• Prevention of future episodes.

Pain reduction approaches include (but are not limited to):

  - joint mobilization and/or manipulation

  - muscle/ligament stretching techniques

  - inflammation control by the use of physical therapy modalities (such as electrical stimulation), ice, and possibly anti-inflammatory vitamin / herbal therapies. 

Your chiropractor will also teach you proper body mechanics for bending, lifting, pulling, pushing and help you avoid positions or situations where you might re-injure the area. 

Posture/alignment restoration can include methods such as wall stand and/or stork exercises, respiratory "re-training", spinal stabilization exercises, and/or foot orthotic inserts. 

The third goal of future episode prevention is often a combination ongoing treatments in the office and strategies you can employ at home. This includes (but is not limited to):

• Whether you should use ice, heat, or both at times of acute exacerbation

• Avoiding positions or movements that create sharp/lancinating pain

• DOING THE EXERCISES that you've been taught ON A REGULAR BASIS

• Eating and an “anti-inflammatory” diet (lean meats & lots of fresh fruits/veggies).

Let’s talk exercise! Your doctor of chiropractic will teach you exercises that are designed to increase range of motion (ROM), re-educate a flat or reversed curve in the neck, and strengthen / stabilize the muscles in the neck. Studies show that the deep neck flexor muscles – those that are located deep, next to the spine in the front of the neck – are frequently weak in patients with neck pain. These muscles are NOT voluntary so you have to “trick” them into contracting with very specific exercises. Your doctor will also teach you exercises that you can do EVERY HOUR of your work day (for 10-15 seconds) that are designed to prevent neck pain from gradually worsening so you aren't miserable by the end of work. 

Along these lines, he/she will discuss the set-up of your work station and how you might improve it – whether it’s a chair, desk, computer position, a table/work station height issue, or a reaching problem; using proper “ergonomics” can REALLY HELP! 

Posture & Ergonomics Training

Your doctor will also advise you not to talk on the phone pinching the receiver between your head and shoulder, to face the person you are talking to (avoiding prolonged head rotation), to tuck in your chin as a posture training exercise, and more. 

Chiro-Trust.org

ChiroTrust™ members are a group of Doctors of Chiropractic worldwide who have taken “The ChiroTrust Pledge” and are dedicated to providing conservative, mainstream chiropractic care to patients without sales pressure, long-term recommendations, unnecessary therapies or excessive costs.

Foundation for Chiropractic Progress Highlights Data Shared by Optum Highlighting Cost-Effectiveness of Chiropractic Care

Choose Conservative Care First

The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the value of chiropractic care, points to data from Optum, a global entity that works to improve the delivery, quality and cost-effectiveness of health care, which concludes that spinal manipulation is the single service that -- if not included during management of a non-surgical spinal episode -- will lead to higher total episode costs. Optum data, which covered a two year span, projected a total savings of $1.3 billion had its reported 14.7 million non-surgical spinal episodes begun with chiropractic care.

“Musculoskeletal conditions rank amongst the costliest in health care and are a top concern for all stakeholders – patients and payers, alike,” states Gerard Clum, DC, spokesperson, F4CP. “Doctors of Chiropractic (DC) provide evidence-based, cost-effective care, which includes spinal manual care appropriate for the management of these conditions and other health concerns.”

In the U.S., DCs deliver over 94 percent of spinal manipulations and, according to Optum records, when spinal manipulations occur within the first 10 days of a spinal episode, results include:

• Reduced overall episode costs

• Lower frequency of imaging, injections, prescription medications and surgery

Experts at the F4CP assert that when chiropractic care precedes other options, specifically medical or surgical interventions, costs per episode are reduced by 40 percent. Furthermore, chiropractic care is connected with favorable clinical outcomes and high patient satisfaction scores. 

“Chiropractic care advances the opportunity for optimal outcomes across care delivery, quality and cost,” says Dr. Clum. “In fact, according to research published in Spine, patients experiencing low back pain who first visited a DC versus a surgeon were over 40 percent less likely to experience surgery.” 

Excited about the potential of emerging reports to positively impact our nation’s population, Dr. Clum concludes, “The Optum data further validates the value of chiropractic care and acceptance of the rising trend: chiropractic first, medicine second and surgery last.”

About the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress

A not-for-profit organization, the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress informs and educates the general public about the many benefits associated with chiropractic care. To learn more about the Foundation, visit www.yes2chiropractic.com or call 866-901-F4CP (3427).

Daily Health Update for Tuesday, April 07, 2015

“To the best of our ability, Life in Motion Chiropractic and Wellness agrees to provide our patients convenient, affordable, and mainstream Chiropractic care. We will not use unnecessary long-term treatment plans and/or therapies.”

www.Chiro-Trust.org

Mental Attitude: A Sense of Purpose Is Important for Heart Health.

A review of past research involving more than 137,000 individuals found that living a life with a strong sense of purpose may lower a person's risk of early death, heart attack, and stroke. Compared with those lacking a sense of meaning and direction in life, researchers found that study participants possessing a strong sense of purpose had a 23% reduced risk of premature death from any cause and a 19% lower risk for cardiovascular-related events such as heart attack or stroke. Study author Dr. Randy Cohen writes, "Purpose in life is considered a basic psychological need, and has been defined as a sense of meaning and direction in one's life, which gives the feeling that life is worth living."

American Heart Association, March 2015

Health Alert: Air Pollution May Increase Stroke Risk.

A new study has discovered that high levels of small-particle air pollution can increase an individual's risk for narrowing of the carotid arteries in the neck, a risk factor for stroke. The findings come from screening tests of more than 300,000 people living in New York. Investigators found that those who live in areas with high levels of air pollution were 24% more likely to have narrowing of the arteries that deliver blood to the brain. Lead author Dr. Jonathan Newman adds, "If you're in good health, the level of air pollution we see in most parts of the United States probably doesn't pose a significant health risk to you. But for people who are very young, very old, or have other medical problems, air pollution could be a significant source of cardiovascular disease risk."

American College of Cardiology, March 2015

Diet: Lycopene May Reduce Risk of Kidney Cancer in Older Women.

Lycopene is an antioxidant compound commonly advertised as a component of tomatoes and tomato products. An analysis of data from over 96,000 postmenopausal women revealed that a higher intake of lycopene is associated with up to a 39% reduced risk for developing renal cell carcinoma.

Cancer, February 2015

Exercise: Can Interactive Cycling Games Provide an Alternative to Conventional Exercise?

Scientists recently compared the physiological and enjoyment responses between conventional cycling and interactive video game cycling. They found that interactive video game cycling was more enjoyable for study participants and led to a higher overall energy expenditure. Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that interactive cycling games could be a suitable alternative to conventional exercise.

PLOS ONE, March 2015

Chiropractic: Back Pain Prevalence and Obesity Around the World.

Using data collected from 42,116 individuals from nine countries across five continents, researchers have found that obesity can increase an individual's risk for back pain 1.4 to 3.3 times when compared with their countrymen whose body mass index scores fall in the normal range. While further studies are needed to identify what factors lead to greater back pain risk for obese adults in some countries, it's clear that maintaining a healthy weight should be an important part of everyone's back pain prevention strategy.

BMC Public Health, February 2015

Wellness/Prevention: This May Slow Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with Kidney Disease.

For kidney disease patients, cardiovascular disease is the main cause of morbidity and mortality. An animal-based study looked at the effect of daily exercise on mice with compromised kidney function. Compared with sedentary mice, researchers observed considerably less aortic plaque build-up in the mice that exercised. Further research is necessary to verify these findings and eventually determine if such benefits translate to human kidney disease patients.

PLOS ONE, March 2015

Daily Health Update for Monday, 06 April 2015

“To the best of our ability, Life in Motion Chiropractic and Wellness agrees to provide our patients convenient, affordable, and mainstream Chiropractic care. We will not use unnecessary long-term treatment plans and/or therapies.”

www.Chiro-Trust.org

Mental Attitude: Is COPD Linked to Dementia?

For those needing more reasons to avoid cigarette smoke and other forms of air pollution, a new study notes an association between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and mild cognitive impairment, a risk factor for dementia.

Alzheimer's Research & Therapy, March 2015

Health Alert: New CPR Devices Approved by FDA.

The ResQCPR system involves two new devices that can be used together to aid people who require cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The first device is called the ResQPump, which attaches to a person’s chest with a suction cup, making it easier for the rescuer to compress and decompress the chest during CPR. The second device, the ResQPod, fits onto a rescue mask or breathing tube to help reduce pressure inside the victim’s chest, which helps draw more blood to the heart. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that when used together, the devices help increase the amount of oxygenated blood that circulates through the patient's body during CPR and thus increases their chance of survival.

Food and Drug Administration, March 2015

Diet: Vegetarian Diet May Reduce Risk of Colon Cancer.

A new study involving more than 77,000 adults has found that a vegetarian diet may cut an individual's risk of colorectal cancer by 20%. The researchers believe the benefit is mainly the result of eating less red and processed meat (both of which have been associated with a high risk for colorectal cancer) and eating more fiber-rich foods in the form of fruits and vegetables (which have been linked to a reduced risk for the disease).

JAMA Internal Medicine, March 2015

Exercise: How to Shop for Athletic Shoes.

It is essential to wear a properly fitted and supportive pair of shoes when exercising. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society offers the following tips: shop at a specialty store to take advantage of their expertise, try on shoes at the end of the day when your feet are largest, wear the socks you usually wear when exercising, make sure you can easily move your toes after lacing them up, walk or run a few steps to test that the shoes firmly grip your heels, and look for a sport-specific shoe if you plan to play a particular sport.

The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, March 2015

Chiropractic: How Whole Body Vibrations Increase Back Injury Risk…

While exposure to whole body vibrations (WBV) has been identified as a risk factor for a work-related back injury, previous research hasn't determined why this is the case. In a recent study, volunteers lifted a box in front of them from ground level to a waist height platform to the left of their bodies repeatedly during two hour-long sessions. Before one of the sessions, participants sat for an hour on a vibrating platform. An analysis of body movements from both sessions showed that WBV exposure resulted in faster and more exaggerated twisting motions by participants. Over time, such behavioral changes during repeated lifting tasks following WBV exposure may increase an individual's risk for an injury to the lower back.

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, March 2015

Wellness/Prevention: Focusing on Sleep Quality and Stress Reduction Helps Reduce Diabetes Risk!

For those at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, a new study recommends focusing on reducing stress and getting quality sleep in addition to increasing physical activity and eating better. Researcher Dr. Mariam Kashani explains, "By taking sleep and stress into account, we factor in important hormonal processes to better manage glucose. When we are stressed, our bodies release extra glucose and when we are tired, we tend to make poor food choices. In this context, people often regain weight, and in doing so, they may revert back to worsening blood glucose levels."

American College of Cardiology's 64th Annual Scientific Session in San Diego, March 2015

This information should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all health care concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a health care professional who is familiar with your updated medical history.

Daily Health Update for Friday, 03 Apr 2015

“To the best of our ability, Life in Motion Chiropractic and Wellness agrees to provide our patients convenient, affordable, and mainstream Chiropractic care. We will not use unnecessary long-term treatment plans and/or therapies.”

www.Chiro-Trust.org

 Mental Attitude: Does IQ Determine How Much Alcohol a Young Man Drinks?

Swedish researchers have found that lower male IQ scores are linked to greater risks for heavy and binge drinking behaviors. The research team separated the nearly 50,000 male study participants into nine groups based on IQ scores from highest to lowest. They found that the risk of heavy drinking increased 20% and the risk of binge drinking increased 9% as they moved each level downwards towards the group with the lowest IQ scores. While it’s believed that many factors may influence an individual's alcohol consumption, those with higher IQ scores may be more likely to make lifestyle choices that would steer them clear of situations that encourage heavy drinking.

Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, March 2015

Health Alert: Family History of Prostate Cancer May Be Linked to Breast Cancer Risk.

A family history of prostate cancer may be tied to a woman’s risk of breast cancer. Researchers found that women whose father, brother, or son have had prostate cancer may have a 14% greater risk of developing breast cancer when compared with women whose male family members have not had prostate cancer. They also found that women with a family history of both prostate and breast cancer have a 78% greater risk of developing breast cancer when compared with women whose family histories have neither. The findings call attention to the need for women to know their complete family medical history, particularly cancer diagnosed among first-degree relatives, including fathers, brothers, and sons.

Cancer, March 2015

Diet: Could This Olive Oil Compound One Day Fight Cancer?

Oleocanthal, a compound in extra virgin olive oil, has been observed to cause cell death in cancer cells; however, scientists have been unable to determine how it worked. Now, researchers claim that oleocanthal acts by rupturing the lysosomes found in cancer cells, causing cell death within 30 minutes while leaving non-cancerous cells untouched. Study co-author Dr. Paul Breslin notes, "The mechanism of killing cancer cells and sparing healthy cells, lysosomal membrane permeabilization, has been hypothesized as a possible mechanism of effectively killing cancer cells and sparing healthy tissues but has never been realized before. Our realization of this makes this paper of particular therapeutic interest for cancer treatment."

Molecular & Cellular Oncology, January 2015

Exercise: Exercise's Effect on the Brain Could Improve Mobility as We Age.

A small study conducted at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago indicates that staying physically active in adulthood may ward off mobility problems later in life. In a study involving 167 seniors, those with a history of physical exercise had higher mobility scores than their peers who were mostly sedentary during their working years, even in the presence of brain deterioration typically associated with movement difficulty among the elderly.

Neurology, March 2015

Chiropractic: Stretching Can Help Office Workers with Neck and Shoulder Pain.

For office workers with chronic neck and shoulder pain, a recent study found that performing neck and shoulder stretching exercises at least three days a week led to significant improvements in both pain and function.

Clinical Rehabilitation, March 2015

Wellness/Prevention: Benefits From Diet & Exercise.

A healthy diet combined with exercise can lead to many benefits. The Weight-Control Information Network lists the following benefits of exercise: keeps your body energized for work and play, improves ability to manage stress, promotes a positive self-image, improves the fit and look of clothing, tones muscles, and creates a positive example for family and friends.

The Weight-Control Information Network, March 2015

This information should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all health care concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a health care professional who is familiar with your updated medical history.

Daily Health Update for Thursday, 02 Apr 2015

“To the best of our ability, Life in Motion Chiropractic and Wellness agrees to provide our patients convenient, affordable, and mainstream Chiropractic care. We will not use unnecessary long-term treatment plans and/or therapies.”

www.Chiro-Trust.org

 Mental Attitude: Are Parents to Blame for Narcissistic Kids?

If you want to avoid raising a narcissistic child, then the authors of a new study recommend not overvaluing your son or daughter. The researchers found the children whose parents described them as "more special than other children" and who "deserve something extra in life" scored higher on tests of narcissism. Study co-author Dr. Brad Bushman adds, "Children believe it when their parents tell them that they are more special than others. That may not be good for them or for society." Dr. Bushman and his colleagues recommend that parent training interventions could teach parents to express affection toward their children without telling them that they are better than others.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, March 2015

Health Alert: Nearly Two Out of 3 People with Invasive Cancer Are Surviving 5 Years or More.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the overall five-year survival rate for patients following a cancer diagnosis is now just over 60%. While prostate and breast cancer -- the two most common body sites for cancer in the United States -- have high five-year survival rates (97% and 88%, respectively), there's significant room for improvement with lung cancer patients as their five-year survival rate is just 18%.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, March 2015

Diet: Vitamin B1 Deficiency May Affect from 1 in 6 to Nearly 1 in 3 Obese Adults.

Between 15.5% and 29% of obese patients seeking bariatric surgery are thiamine (also known as vitamin B1) deficient. Though important for metabolism, nerve conduction, and muscle contraction, thiamine is not produced by the body and must be derived from food sources. Thiamine deficiency has been associated with weakness, fatigue, psychosis, and nerve damage. While obesity is thought to be a disease of excess nutrition, this finding suggests that it may also be a disease of malnutrition.

Advances in Nutrition, March 2015

Exercise: How to Build a Fitness Support System.

Staying motivated to achieve your health and fitness goals can be easier if you have a strong support system. The American Council on Exercise recommends communicating with a partner or loved one about your goals, finding an accountability buddy to encourage you, and connecting with others who are focused on improving their health.

The American Council on Exercise, March 2015

Chiropractic: Advanced Diagnostic Imaging for Seniors with Back Pain?

While most treatment guidelines generally advise against CT/MRI scans for younger adults with new onset back pain, guidelines for older adults allow for early imaging. However, it's unknown if this improves outcomes or possibly worsens them if such imaging leads to treatments that may have serious adverse effects. To find out, researchers followed 5,239 seniors for the year after their initial visit regarding back pain. Of the group, 349 received either a CT or MRI scan within six weeks of their first appointment. One year later, outcome assessments focused on measuring disability found that early advanced imaging was not associated with better treatment outcomes.

 JAMA, March 2015

Wellness/Prevention: Weight Loss Should Be Part of Cancer Prevention Strategies!

Current research shows that obesity is associated with a higher risk for ovarian and endometrial cancers, as well as postmenopausal breast cancer in women. Though the precise mechanism behind the elevated risk for such cancers is unknown, it's suspected obesity-related changes to a woman's sex hormone levels, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation may be to blame. Obese women are also at greater risk for cancer recurrence and mortality. Experts recommend that obese women adopt a healthier lifestyle as part of a cancer prevention strategy.

Best Practice & Research, Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology, February 2015

This information should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all health care concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a health care professional who is familiar with your updated medical history.

Daily Health Update for Wednesday, 01 Apr 2015

“To the best of our ability, Life in Motion Chiropractic and Wellness agrees to provide our patients convenient, affordable, and mainstream Chiropractic care. We will not use unnecessary long-term treatment plans and/or therapies.”

www.Chiro-Trust.org

 Mental Attitude: Loneliness & Depression Associated with TV Binge-Watching.

A recent study has found that the more lonely and depressed a person is, the more likely he or she will binge-watch TV. Researchers say that depressed individuals use this activity to move away from negative feelings and those who lack the ability to control themselves are more likely to binge-watch. This is of concern as past research has shown that obesity and other health problems are related to excessive television viewing, suggesting that binge-watching may be more than a harmless addiction.

65th Annual Conference of the International Communication Association, February 2015

Health Alert: Prescription Combo Can Be Fatal for Seniors.

Combining commonly prescribed antibiotics with a widely used heart medication appears to more than double the risk of sudden death in seniors, finds a new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. Spironolactone (Aldactone) is a common diuretic widely used in the treatment of heart failure. However, investigators have found that when trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Septra, Bactrim) is prescribed to someone on Spironolactone, it can cause blood potassium to rise to potentially life-threatening levels. Over a 17-year period, almost 12,000 people died suddenly after taking this combination of medicines and most of the patients who died were over the age of 85. The authors conclude that pharmacists and physicians must be made aware of this interaction, as it does not appear widely known at present time.

Canadian Medical Association Journal, February 2015

Diet: Toddler Snacks & Meals Have Plenty of Salt & Sugar.

Many prepackaged meals for toddlers contain high levels of salt, and many snacks, desserts, and juices for infants and toddlers contain added sugar. Researcher Dr. Mary Cogswell writes, "It was surprising that more than seven of ten packaged toddler meals contained too much sodium (salt)… Some parents might be surprised that a majority of infant and toddler snacks and sides, such as flavored crackers and rice cakes, contained added sugar. About half the analyzed ready-to-serve mixed grains and fruits products, such as oatmeal and fruit in a jar, contained added sugar." She recommends preparing food for infants and toddlers as a healthier choice over prepackaged foods.

Pediatrics, February 2015

Exercise: You May Want to Take it Easy When Jogging.

After following 1,000 healthy joggers and 4,000 healthy non-joggers for a decade, researchers claim that those who jog 1-2.4 hours per week were 71% less likely to die during the study period than non-joggers. However, they found no mortality benefits when comparing more strenuous joggers to the non-joggers in the study. Study researcher Dr. Jacob Marott adds, "We believe that long-term strenuous endurance exercise may induce pathological structural remodeling of the heart and large arteries."

Journal of the American College of Cardiology, February 2015

Chiropractic: Improvement in Chronic Hypertension Following Cervical Adjustment.

A 55-year-old male with a history of chronic hypertension that did not respond to medical management presented for a trial of chiropractic care. After receiving an upper cervical adjustment using a specific chiropractic protocol, his blood pressure progressively lowered. The findings support the possible use of chiropractic care in the management of unresolved chronic hypertension.

Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research, January 2015

Wellness/Prevention: Probiotic Pill May Help Diabetics.

Researchers claim that a study involving rats demonstrates that a modified strain of "friendly" human gut bacteria called Lactobacillus appears to have instigated a process that converted cells in the intestinal lining to behave like pancreatic beta cells and release insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. In the study, the rats that received the modified probiotic had blood glucose levels up to 30% lower than rats that did not receive the probiotic. The researchers hope to one day develop a probiotic pill for human use that diabetic patients could take each morning to help manage and possibly cure their condition.

Diabetes, February 2015 

This information should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all health care concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a health care professional who is familiar with your updated medical history.

Inversion Tables

I am constantly asked by patients what my professional opinion is regarding inversion tables. In most cases I share my cursory exploration of the subject and advise that they do their homework before buying one. Having been asked this question again only three days ago I felt it only right to review what research literature I could find on the subject so as to provide people with a more detailed point of reference.

My search for credible, unbiased literature revealed a surprisingly scant wealth of resources on the subject. There are plenty of sites with opinion pieces, organizational advocacy, and even consumer testimonials regarding personal experience with inversion (i.e. Spine-Health) but very little medical evidence for or against its use. In fact I could only find two websites where the authors cited medical research to substantiate their advocacy, or lack thereof, for inversion table use in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain.

Edward R. Laskowski, M.D., co-director of the Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine Center and a professor at College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, published a brief article regarding the subject where he opened his commentary by stating, “Inversion therapy doesn't provide lasting relief from back pain, and it's not safe for everyone”. He went on to describe the effects of inversion and ended by citing its contraindications for use.[1]

Kevin Macpherson, M.Ed., ATC, currently employed by Pivotal Health Solutions, published an article where he cites eight relevant publications and ends his commentary by stating, “If more health-care providers were educated on the benefits of inversion, many patients could receive the lifelong benefits of this therapy and the cost savings to both patients and practitioner can be substantial, as we start to equalize gravity’s negative effects one patient at a time”.[2]

However, several of the research studies cited are more than twenty (20) years old and the sample sizes were small (60 subjects or less) which isn't a true random sampling of the general population. This in no way means the findings of these researchers is not legitimate but is dated and cannot accurately formulate a conclusive argument for or against the use of inversion tables.[3]^{, [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10], [11]} Dr. Laskowski’s article did however include two literature reviews in which the authors searched medical databases for studies involving treatment methods for low back pain.

The first, published in 2006 in Spine, examined traction therapy for low back pain with or without sciatica. In this review the authors selected studies regarding “randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving any type of traction”, albeit inversion tables ARE a form of traction this was not the solitary focus of this review. The authors ultimately concluded that “intermittent or continuous traction” is not a recommended standalone treatment for low back pain but that “the literature allows no firm negative conclusion that traction, in a generalized sense, is not an effective treatment for patients with LBP”.

The second, published in 2007 in the Annals of Internal Medicine, examined treatment methods that ranged from acupuncture to yoga but did not primarily examine the benefits and/or risks involved with inversion tables. The authors conclude that cognitive-behavioral therapy, exercise, spinal manipulation, and interdisciplinary rehabilitation exhibited moderate clinical effectiveness for the treatment of chronic or subacute low back pain. [12]

Ultimately I did find one [unbiased][13] research article that exclusively examined the use of inversion therapy in the treatment of low back pain. Although cited in Mr. Macpherson’s article ² it must have been an ad hoc addition by the website because this study was conducted three (3) years after the publication of his commentary. This was a pilot randomized trial conducted at the Regional Neurosciences Centre, Newcastle Upon Tyne in the United Kingdom that examined “the effect of inversion therapy in patients with single level lumbar discogenic disease, who had been listed for surgery”. Although only a small sample size (24 participants) was observed it examined the use of physiotherapy in the treatment of sciatica with and without the use of an inversion device. From a clinical standpoint the outcome measures used in this trial are right on the mark as well as their use of surgery avoidance as a sign of treatment success. The authors concluded that a larger multi-center randomized trial needs to be conducted because it was shown that “intermittent traction with an inversion device [plus physiotherapy] resulted in a significant reduction in the need for surgery”.[14]

So what does all of this mean for you, the consumer? Before commencing any form of treatment due to a spine related disorder you should first consult a licensed medical professional who is specifically trained to differentially diagnosis your symptoms. Internet websites and anecdotal advice from friends and family is not a proper substitute for professional determination of your pain and effective treatment protocol(s). In fact when it comes to inversion therapy there are several contraindications to its use such as deconditioned musculature (spinal instability, spinal injury), eye conditions (detached retina, glaucoma, infection), circulatory problems (clotting issues, heart condition, high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation), fracture, hernia, implanted device(s), middle ear infection, osteoporosis, or pregnancy and only a professional medical consult will help determine if this form of treatment is right for you.[15] You should also keep in mind that no solitary intervention, as stated in the research presented here, is an effective form of treatment for musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction.

“Inversion tables are more or less like traction. I tell patients that want to try an inversion table to make sure they have another person in attendance to help them on and off the table. The same is true with traction. It may help, it may not. Generally, you will know the first time it is used.”[16]

FredrickWilson, DO

Center for Spine Health, Cleveland Clinic

---

[1] Laskowski, Edward R. "Diseases and Conditions - Back Pain." Inversion Therapy: Can It Relieve Back Pain? Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 09 June 2014. Web. 17 Mar. 2015. <http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/expert-answers/inversion-therapy/faq-20057951>.

[2] Macpherson, Kevin. "Inversion Therapy." Canadian Chiropractor. Annex Business Media, 30 Apr. 2009. Web. 17 Mar. 2015. <http://www.canadianchiropractor.ca/techniques/inversion-therapy-1461>.

[3] Haskvitz EM, et al. Blood pressure response to inversion traction. Physical Therapy. 1986;66:1364.

[4] Lamarr JD, et al. Intraocular pressure response to inversion. American Journal of Optometry & Physiological Optics. 1984;61:679.

[5] Klatz RM; Goldman RM; Pinchuk BG; Nelson KE; Tarr RS: The effects of gravity inversion procedures on systemic blood pressure, intraocular pressure and anteriol retinal pressure. J Am Osteopathic Assoc. 1983 Jul; 82(11) 853-857.

[6] Goldman RM; Tarr RS; Pinchuk BG; Kappler RE: The Physician and Sports Medicine. March 1985.

[7] Nachemson A and Elfstrom G: Intravital Dynamic Pressure Measurements in Lumbar Discs. Scandinavian Journal of Rehab Medicine, supplement, 1970.

[8] Kane M, et al.: Effects of Gravity-facilitated Traction on Intervertebral Dimensions of the Lumbar Spine. Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Phys Ther. 281-288, Mar 85.

[9] Nosse L.: Inverted Spinal Traction. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 59: 367-370, Aug 78.

[10] Dimberg L, et al: Effects of gravity-facilitated traction of the lumbar spine in persons with chronic low back pain at the workplace.

[11] Sheffield F.: Adaptation of Tilt Table for Lumbar Traction. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 45: 469-472, 1964.

[12] Chou R. Nonpharmacologic therapies for acute and chronic low back pain: A review of the evidence for an American Pain Society/American College of Physicians Clinical Practice Guideline. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2007;147:492.

[13] I did find another study published in the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association but found it hard to believe no outcome bias existed when the study was funded by the manufacturer of the inversion device being used in the research.

[14] Prasad KS, et al. Inversion therapy in patients with pure single level lumbar discogenic disease: a pilot randomized trial. Disability and Rehabilitation. 2012;34(17):1473-80

[15] Spinasanta, Susan. "Low Back Pain and Sciatica Treatment | Inversion Therapy." SpineUniverse. Vertical Health, LLC, 17 Apr. 2014. Web. 17 Mar. 2015. <http://www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/back-pain/low-back-pain/turning-back-pain-sciatica-upside-down>.

[16] Wilson, Fredrick. "Osteopathic Manipulation for Back&Pelvic Pain." My.clevelandclinic.org. Cleveland Clinic, 14 Jan. 2011. Web. 18 Mar. 2015. . This is was taken from "Online Health Chat" hosted by the Cleveland Clinic where members of the general public were able to have a Q&A session with Fredrick Wilson, DO.