How to Avoid Age-Related Neck Pain

neck pain age related postureNeck pain is a common problem for older adults but some simple postural tips could help lower your risk of pain and disability and maintain a high quality of life, whatever your age. By keeping the spine nicely aligned you can reduce wear and tear and keep your back and neck strong and supple so as to lower your susceptibility to injury. So, without further ado.. Read more

Musculoskeletal Problems, Migraines, Sleep, and Mental Health – What's the Connection?

neck pain depression insomnia musculoskeletal healthA recent study in Spain has investigated the prevalence of painful musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis, neck pain and back pain with migraine, anxiety, depression and problems sleeping. What they found should help influence health care policy worldwide. Read more

Common Causes of Neck Pain in the Elderly

seniors neck pain causesOlder adults frequently experience neck pain and back pain, with a variety of anatomical, pathological, and physiological factors involved in the development of symptoms. Arthritis is a common cause of neck pain in seniors attributed to the spine itself, as are discogenic disorders, trauma, tumours, and infection. Other issues involve the muscles in the neck, or nervous system function. Below, we outline some key causes of neck pain, because knowing its origins is essential to getting appropriate treatments and, where possible, for preventing pain recurring. Read more

Neck Pain – Is it Your Purse's Fault?

neck pain woman's purse chihuahaImagine tucking a small chihuahua under your arm and heading out for drinks, making sure not to drop that pooch as you navigate the subway, sidewalks, and a crowded bar. Imagine doing this every day for the rest of your life and then consider how that might contribute to the development of chronic neck pain. Read more

Fibromyalgia Relief with Resistance Training and Aerobic Exercise

resistance training for fibromyalgia neck pain relief

Examples of resistance training exercises.

Fibromyalgia is just one of many possible causes of neck pain, and relief from pain can be hard to come by for those with this chronic condition. It’s great to hear then that researchers in Saskatchewan, Canada, may have found evidence of a free and easily accessible pain relief option for millions of fibromyalgia sufferers, namely resistance training and aerobic exercise. Read more

Kids, Headaches and Gum – Something to Chew On.

Teenager girl makes chewing gum's bubble

26/30 children had headache relief by quitting gum.

Kids can get headaches for a lot of reasons but if your kid is regularly complaining of headaches and jaw pain it might be time to look at their gum-chewing habits. A new study suggests that excessive gum chewing might be a missed headache trigger in teens. Read more

Off-Season Neck Exam Could Spell End for Peyton Manning's Career

peyton manning acdf neck injury surgery

Manning left the Colts for the Broncos, returning to form after his 2011 ACDF neck surgery.

Is Peyton Manning’s career drawing to a close? Rumor has it that the Bronco’s quarterback may be forced into retirement depending on the results of a scheduled off-season neck exam.

Having undergone several neck surgeries to address a painful herniated cervical disc, Manning managed to return to form for the Broncos. He’s now waiting to hear if it’s still safe for him to play next season but has he already dropped hints that he’s set to retire? Read more

What is Osteoarthritis and How Can You Reduce Spine Degeneration from this Common Cause of Neck Pain?

osteoarthritis neck pain causesAs one of the most prevalent chronic musculoskeletal diseases in the world, osteoarthritis is a common cause of chronic neck pain. This condition usually affects the joints in the hands, knees, hips, and spine, leading to deformity, swelling, and impaired mobility and function, in addition to causing pain. Read more

Neck Pain and Gout at Christmas

gout and neck pain christmas turkey purine foods

Aside from turkey, there are many foods those with gout might want to avoid.

Gout probably wasn’t on your list of things for Santa to bring this year so why is your January starting with a gout attack and neck pain? There’s likely a clue or two lurking in your drinks cabinet and refrigerator (think Christmas goose, or turkey!) so maybe that new year resolution can involve a gout-free 2014 by finding out what other foods to avoid when you have gout. Read more

How the Spine Narrows Naturally with Age

cervical spinal stenosis ageSome degree of spinal stenosis (narrowing) occurs with age, with all of the structures of the spine changing over time. Whether or not these changes will result in symptoms from pinched nerves, spinal cord compression, or blood vessel occlusion or damage depends on the anatomy of each individual. Read more