The placebo effect, defined as symptom improvement following delivery of an inert substance, is often cast in a negative light, as a confounder during research and indication of malingering among certain patients. However, new studies indicate just the opposite: placebo can improve symptoms of pain and discomfort, due to specific neurochemical responses that occur when
Read MoreIt is well accepted that both behaviorally and biologically, children are not simply “little adults.” According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), children breathe more air per pound of weight than adults, have less fluid in their bodies, and thinner skin (cdc.gov, n.d.). Children may have more difficulties explaining their experience of pain, and
Read MoreAt our chiropractic clinic, we routinely see individuals who have been involved in motor vehicle accidents and suffered whiplash injuries as a result. Any crash serious enough to cause whiplash is likely associated with significant trauma. When developing a treatment plan, it’s important to consider both the physical and emotional components, which are specific to
Read MoreChronic pain presents complex diagnostic challenges, with comorbid illnesses, behavioral and environmental factors all playing significant roles. Stress, anxiety and depression, all common in chronic pain, can exacerbate physical symptoms (Ray et al., 2016), while factors in the work environment (ergonomics and physical labor) may contribute to chronification. Metabolic diseases (overweight, obesity, diabetes), cardiovascular conditions
Read MoreQuality of life is considered an important marker within healthcare, particularly as concerns individuals living with chronic disease. Quality of life (QoL) implies a life well-lived: an apt if rather vague descriptor. Given that scientists like to quantify things, the question arises as to what determines quality of life, and what is the best way
Read MorePersons who enjoy exercising out of doors inevitably encounter inclement weather. Yet given time to acclimate, the body adjusts remarkably well to extremes of heat and cold. While exercising at cooler times of the day, wearing the proper apparel and paying attention to hydration are important safety considerations in the summer, it is equally crucial
Read MoreMost individuals aren’t terribly bothered by headaches, thanks to effective over-the-counter analgesics such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen. However, individuals with episodic and chronic headache, particularly migraine, can be greatly affected, with headaches lasting multiple hours or even days, and resulting in significant disability. While medications such as triptans can effectively treat acute
Read MoreAs the weather heats up, more individuals have access to swimming pools either at their residences or in the community. Even a small, backyard pool can provide enough room for aquatic exercise, which has some important benefits for persons living with chronic pain. Unlike land exercise, exercising in the pool doesn’t put pressure on the
Read MoreOne of the most important functions healthcare providers serve in working with patients with recurrent back pain is helping these individuals get back to activities they find meaningful. In some cases, this might be return to work, in others, competing in an upcoming pickleball tournament. In all events, these are the things that patients believe
Read MoreThe terms pain, function and disability describe different aspects of the pain experience, and each has different implications, depending on context. A treating physician addresses a person’s subjective pain rating; physical and occupational therapists focus on how pain impacts ability to perform activities of daily living (function); while third party payers and the legal system
Read More