Chronic back pain sufferers frequently consider massage therapy as an alternative to analgesic medications. There are some obvious advantages: no concerns about drug-drug interactions if you happen to be on other medications, and it is relatively non-invasive. Research regarding efficacy of massage for reducing pain intensity is mixed. In a systematic review published in the
Read MoreSo Why Can’t We Fix Them? Human beings have experienced back pain since they began standing on two feet, according to authors David Allan, MD and Gordon Waddell, MD. The earliest case presentation dates to a papyrus document from 1500 BC, but evidence suggests that Neanderthal man, and
Read MoreOffice furniture is designed to be attractive and durable, but not necessarily comfortable. Despite their promises, novel designs such as the knee chair have been proven in studies to be harder on the body than their conventional counterparts. This doesn’t mean ergonomics doesn’t matter, but we haven’t done a very good job of figuring out
Read MorePeople living with chronic back pain may be hesitant to begin an exercise program for reasons including the pain itself, fear of further musculoskeletal damage, depression, anxiety, and not understanding why it is important to exercise in the first place. If any of these concerns have kept you from engaging in regular physical activity, my
Read MoreSome habits are particularly hard to change, smoking being a prime example. If you’re wondering why smoking is being mentioned in a blog about back pain, it’s because research shows that smoking increases back pain prevalence, with one study showing an 8% difference between smoking and non-smoking American adults (Green et al, 2016). By now,
Read MoreWhen businesses consider making financial investments, they base decisions on cost/benefit analysis. Investors look at both short and long-term costs and outcomes. The more granular the analysis, the better it can inform a decision. For example, a hospital considering investing in a new MRI machine would consider the cost and depreciation of durable equipment, overhead
Read MoreMany of us begin the new year with resolutions for lifestyle improvement such as losing weight, becoming more physically active or developing better sleep habits. Unfortunately, most of these resolutions fail because they are too vague. The key to successful change is baby steps: small, realistic goals with a predetermined beginning and completion. An acronym
Read MoreOne of the most important lessons I learned as an athlete was the importance of breath control for performance. Breathing properly maximizes the amount of oxygen available to the brain and working muscles. Breath control is also important for recovery and reducing your perception of chronic pain. Most of us assume that since we have
Read MoreMost of us face periods when either inclement weather or work/life schedules make outdoor exercise difficult. What are the best options for indoor activity, particularly if you don’t have a gym membership, or lack the extra time for driving to and from an off-site facility? One of the positive outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic was
Read MoreMost of appreciate the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, but effectively losing weight is an enigma. It shouldn’t be that complicated, given the tsunami of weight loss plans and products we see advertised in the media. What is particularly frustrating is when weight loss quickly leads to weight regained. Why is it so hard
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