Exercise for Fibromyalgia – New Research
Low-intensity water therapy for fibromyalgia can help with pain relief.
Spinal Manipulation More Effective than Medication for Neck Pain
A new study carried out by researchers at Northwestern Health Sciences University has found spinal manipulation therapy better for neck pain relief than medication. Publishing their results in the Annals of Internal Medicine’s January 2012 edition, the researchers have stressed the findings are not applicable to all patients and that individual treatment protocols are always warranted. The big surprise from the study was that home exercises for neck pain were also more effective than neck pain medication, meaning that many patients could treat themselves without the side-effects of popular drugs. Read more
Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Aromatase Inhibitor-Induced Joint Pain
A new study presented at a conference last month revealed data supporting the use of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint pain and stiffness connected to osteoarthritis and aromatase inhibitors. Osteoarthritis in the neck can lead to pinched nerves, subluxation, and even spinal cord compression, causing neck pain and stiffness, as well as headaches, and even paraesthesia, numbness, and weakness in the limbs. Aromatase inhibitors may contribute to neck pain via this mechanism, but the drugs are increasingly used to improve survival times in breast cancer patients. Discussing their findings at the 8th International Conference of the Society for Integrative Oncology, researchers from Columbia University talked about the adverse effects on joint health in breast cancer patients taking aromatase inhibitors to manage their cancer. Joint pain and stiffness experienced by these women appeared to be relieved by the concomitant use of glucosamine and chondroitin, although the symptoms remained largely unresponsive to conventional pain medication. Read more
Cannabis Neck Pain Relief – CMA Calls for Legalization
Many patients already use cannabis to relieve neck pain, despite concerns over being classed as criminals and about the safety of the unregulated drug. This could all be about to change as The California Medical Association called last month for the legalization and regulation of cannabis. Their hope is that by being the first to break ranks amongst other medical authorities a national movement will arise to reschedule cannabis and allow increased research into the efficacy and safety of the drug for conditions such as neck pain, neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, and even nausea as a side-effect of other treatments. Read more
Tendonitis Neck Pain and Curcumin
Tendonitis and neck pain are frequently connected, particularly amongst computer users and checkout clerks. Rest and recuperation is the usual advice, but a common cooking spice, turmeric, and the active ingredient, curcumin might be able to give sufferers of tendonitis a helping hand. Typing, scanning barcodes, and many other aspects of people’s work use the tough, rope-like structures, tendons, which connect the muscles and bones to carry out the same movements over and over again. Tendons, whilst strong, are susceptible to injury and often become inflamed and tender through acute trauma, or from friction resulting from repetitive motion of the tendon over the muscles. Common sites of tendonitis include the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, hips, and heels and tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and Achilles tendon injuries will be familiar to many. In an ageing population where many are experiencing inflammatory illnesses, tendonitis is often connected to other arthritic conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, and even diabetes and other metabolic diseases. Certain antibiotics and other drugs are also connected to an increased risk of tendonopathy. Read more
Cyclobenzaprine may Help Neck Pain from Fibromyalgia
Could low-dose Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) be approved for use in fibromyalgia?
Shoulder Pain – NSAID Injections or Corticosteroid Injections?
A new study carried out by US researchers has found that NSAID injections are better than corticosteroid injections for relieving shoulder pain. A single injection of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ketorolac demonstrated superior pain-relieving qualities compared to corticosteroid injections when treating patients with shoulder impingement syndrome. Read more
Neck Exercises when Stuck in Traffic
Neck pain sufferers are often told to stretch and strengthen the cervical spinal muscles and carrying out neck exercises whilst stuck in traffic may be ideal for those struggling to incorporate these into their daily routine. Stretching out that neck tension and keeping those cervical spinal muscles loose and limber might provide significant relief from neck pain and stiffness otherwise only achieved through pain medication and anti-inflammatories. Obviously we are not advocating shoulder rolls whilst speeding down the freeway but a few quick stretches at the stoplight, or a longer neck exercise routine when there is a jam can help keep you from getting stressed out in the car by making that ‘lost’ time more productive and relaxing. Read more
When to See a Chiropractor
Neck Arthritis Exercises
Patients with chronic neck pain might be wondering about the safety of exercise for arthritis in the neck and rightly so. Prior to commencing any new stretching or strengthening exercises for neck pain patients are advised to check with their physician or physical therapist to avoid exacerbating neck arthritis problems. Those with rheumatoid arthritis, for example, where atlantoaxial subluxation has occurred or is unstable may exacerbate their condition if engaging in certain movements of the neck. Some neck exercises are beneficial for stabilizing the upper neck however and provide strength and flexibility for patients with chronic neck pain from other conditions. Read more