A July 2001 survey conducted by the American Massage Therapy Association found that the number of adults receiving massages from a massage therapist more than doubled since 1997. Most healthcare providers are recognizing massage therapy as a legitimate aid for lower back pain and an effective adjunct to lower back treatments. Fifty-four percent of healthcare…
DetailsThough you may already know that arthritis is a common condition, it may surprise you to know that arthritis impacts more than 50 million Americans, making it the number one cause of disability in the country, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Arthritis symptoms may come and go and can be mild, moderate or severe. Whether you’re…
DetailsResearch suggests turmeric and its components can potentially alleviate arthritis inflammation and pain. Most people know turmeric as a powdered spice used to give foods flavor and color—it gives many curries their deep golden color. Derived from a plant in the ginger family, turmeric (Curcuma longa) contains a natural chemical compound called curcumin. Scientists have…
DetailsThe lumbar spine (lower back) is a remarkably complex structure. The L4-L5 are the two lowest vertebrae in the lumbar spine, and together with the attached disc, joints, nerves and soft tissues, it provides a variety of functions, including supporting the upper body and allowing motion in multiple directions. However, with its heavy load and…
DetailsBreast cancer is cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States. Breast cancer can occur in both men and women, but it’s far more common in women. Substantial support for breast cancer awareness and research funding has…
DetailsAs busy as we are, we often forget the fundamentals of taking good care of our backs. Get back to the basics of spine health with these 6 simple tips: Stay hydrated and practice good nutrition. Maintaining a healthy diet and staying well -hydrated will optimize blood flow and nutrition to your organs, joints, and spine.…
DetailsMuscle loss can contribute to the loss of independence as we age. Similar to what osteoporosis, sarcopenia is the decline of skeletal muscle in older adults. Sarcopenia is one of the leading causes of functional decline in older adults and is associated with a number of chronic illnesses. By continuing to keep active older adults…
DetailsThe use of some type of physical therapy or exercise is integral to almost all forms of back and neck pain treatment. Sometimes physical therapy and exercise are the first lines of treatment, other times it may help manage chronic pain, or provide rehabilitation after surgery. But did you know that both gentle back exercise and…
DetailsScoliosis is any abnormal sideways curvature of the spine measuring at least 10 degrees on an x-ray. While scoliosis is not a disease, in rare cases it can be caused by a disease. More often, however, scoliosis develops from an unknown cause during adolescence or from spinal degeneration during adulthood. Structural vs. Nonstructural There are…
DetailsNeuropathic pain originates in the nerves; and can be thought of as similar to static on a telephone line. Neuropathy happens when nerves become damaged or dysfunctional because of an injury or trauma. It’s considered a chronic condition. Neuropathic pain is distinct from other types of pain. If a person breaks a bone, pain signals…
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