Health News
ADJUSTMENTS MAY HELP MANAGE AUTISM
Tuesday, May 8 2012
Chiropractic adjustments may help manage autism, according to an analysis conducted by investigators at the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association in Media, PA and Life Chiropractic College West in Hayward, CA.
"At the heart of the core symptons of ASD(i.e.,impaired social interactions,deficits in communication and repetitive or restricted behavioral patterns) is abnormal sensory processing," explain the researchers. "Preliminary studies indicate tha the chiropractic adjustment may attenuate sensorimotor integration based on somatosensory evoked potentials studies."
Explore - November 2011
PINE BARK EXTRACT QUELLS MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS
Tuesday, May 1 2012
Pine bark extract may curb symptoms of menopause. These findings are from a new study published in the journal Panminerva Medica.
Researchers from Pescara University in Italy followed 70 women, between the ages of 40 to 50. All The participants were classified as perimenopausal, a term used to describe the menopause transition years, when women have just begun menopause.
Pine bark extract substantially improved hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, irregular periods and loss of libido. The natural supplement also effectively decreased bloating and overall pain. In addition, it improved irregular heart beat and digestive problems.
Parminerva Medica - March 2012
HOW DOES STRESS IMPAIR MEMORY?
Tuesday, April 24 2012
Anyone who has ever been subject to chronic stress knows that it can take a toll on emotions and the ability to think clearly. But how? Now, new research uncovers a neural mechanism that directly links repeated stress with impaired memory.
Stress hormones are known to influence the prefrontal cortes (PFC), a brain region that controls high level "executive" functions such as working memory and decision making. Glutamate signaling plays a critical role in PFC funtion.
Dr. Zhen Yan and colleagues at the State University of New York at Buffalo found that in response to repeated stress in rats, there was a significant loss of glutamate receptors, which resulted in a deficit of PFC-mediated cognitive processes.
"Since PFC dysfunction has been implicated in various stress-related mental disorders, delineating molecular mechanisms by which stress affects the PFC should be critical for understanding the role of stress in influencing the disease process," concludes Dr. Yan.
Neuron - March 8, 2012
ADJUSTMENTS IMPROVE GRIP STRENGTH IN JUDO ATHLETES
Tuesday, April 17 2012
A growing body of research shows that chiropractic adjustments improve athletic performance and ward off sports-related injuries.
One just-published report reveals that cervical chiropractic adjustments may boost performance in martial artists. Specifically, the analysis followed 18 judo athletes of both sexes in a tip 10 national-ranked team.
"The present study suggests that the grip strength of national level judo athletes receiving chiropractic SMT improved compared to those receiving sham."
JMPT - November 14, 2011
EATING FISH MAY PREVENT COGNITIVE DECLINE
Tuesday, April 10 2012
Eating baked or broiled fish on a weekly basis appears to reduce the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease. These findings were presented yesterday at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America in Chicago.
"This is the first study to establish a direct relationship between fish consumption, brain structure and Alzheimer's risk," notes study author, Cyrus Raji, MD,PhD.
"Consuming baked or broiled fish promotes stronger neurons in the brain's gray matter by making them larger and healthier," Dr. Raji explains. "This simple lifestyle choice increases the brain's resistance to Alzheimer's disease and lowers risk of the disorder."
RSNA -November 30, 2011
EXERCISE FOR BETTER SLEEP
Tuesday, April 3 2012
Regular physical activity promotes healthy sleep patterns, according to a new analysis, which followed 3081 adults ranging in age between 18 and 85.
Specifically, study participants were 65 percent less likely to report often feeling sleepy during the day, compared with those who did not meet the guidelines.
Similar results were found for having leg cramps while sleeping (68 percent less likely) and having difficulty concentrating when tired (45 percent decrease).
National exercise guidelines are at least 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise or 75 minutes a week of vigorous exercise.
Mental Health and Physical Activity - December 2011
BANANAS, APPLE JUICE KEEP ASTHMA AT BAY
Wednesday, March 28 2012
Eating a banana a day cuts a child's risk of asthma by 34%, while drinking apple juice each day drops the risk by 47%, according to a study conducted by researchers at the Imperial College of London.
The study pooled data on 2,640 children, ages 5 to 10.
Imperial College of London - September 2, 2011.
CERVICAL MOBILIZATION BOOSTS LUNG FUNCTION
Tuesday, March 27 2012
Neck mobilization may boost lung function, according to a new study slated for publication in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics.
Findings showed that three key parameters of lung function improved significantly following mobilization. Specifically, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume at the first second and peak expiratory flow increased.
"Chest and neck mobilization techniques used in this study improved spirometric parameters in a group of young and healthy subjects," conclude the study's authors.
JMPT - September 26, 2011
ADJUSTMENT EASE DIZZINESS
Tuesday, March 20 2012
Manual therapy, especially spinal manipulation and mobilization, may ease the symptoms of cervicogenic dizziness. These findings are from a review study conducted at the department of Chiropractic at Mazquarie University in Sydney, Australia.
They conclude: "There is moderate evidence to support the use of manual therapy, in particular spinal mobilisation and manipulation, for cervicogenic dizziness. The evidence for combining manual therapy and vestibular rehabilition in the management of cervicogenic dizziness is lacking. Further research to elucidate potential synergistic effects of manual therapy and vestibular rehabilitation is strongly recommended."
Chiropractic & Manual Therapies - September 18, 2011
CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT ALLEVIATE CHEST PAIN
Tuesday, March 13 2012
Chiropractic adjustments alleviate chest pain, according to investigators at the University of Southern Denmark.
The researchers explain that "the musculoskeletal system is a common but often overlooked cause of chest pain."
The study followed 115 patients with acute chest pain of no coronary or other medically diagnosed cause.
The patients were randomly assigned to four weeks of either chiropractic care including adjustments or self management. While both groups experienced improvement, the chiropractic group enjoyed significantly more pain resolution, compared with the self-management group.
JMPT - January 2012
SCHOOLCHILDREN NEED AT LEAST 10 HOURS OF SLEEP
Tuesday, March 6 2012
Parents, doctors and educators know that lack of sleep disturbs children's academic performance. But just how much sleep is necessary for optimum learning?
"Taking into account the results obtained, we believe that more than 9 hours sleep and a nightly routine favors academic performance," added researcher, Ramon Cladellas
"The lacking hours of sleep distorts children's performance in linguistic knowledge, grammar and spelling rules, and key aspects in the organization and comprehension of texts, to name a few examples. They are basic skills, meaning that if the pupil, due to a lack of sleep, develops problems in this area, it could have a repercussion on all subjects," explains Cladellas.
"Most children sleep less than is recommended for their intellectual development, which is hindered because the lack of sleep cannot be recovered."
"Nowadays, there is great concern because children are glued to the television, computers, and videogames, but the same importance is not given to them going to bed at the same time every night," concluded Cladellas.
Cultura y Educacion - March 2011
SMOKING UPS RISK OF CHRONIC PAIN
Tuesday, February 28 2012
Smokers are much more likely to suffer from musculoskeletal pain than non-smokers, according to a new study reported in the Journal of Pain.
Researchers from the University of Kentucky School of Public Health surveyed more than 6,092 women.
The study findings showed that smokers are significantly more likely to report chronic pain than nonsmokers. Daily smokers were two times more likely to report pain than nonsmokers. Those who smoke a pack or more a day also were most likely to report a high burden of chronic pain.
Journal of Pain - August 2011
CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR SCOLIOSIS
Tuesday, February 21 2012
Chiropractic care, including adjustments and exercises, may significantly improve scoliosis, according to a new report.
The study included 28 patients with scoliosis. According to the report, "The average beginning primary Cobb angle was 44 degree + 6 degree. Patients received the same chiropractic rehabilitation program for approximately 6 months. At the end of active treatment, improvements were recorded in Cobb angle, pain scores, spirometry, and disability rating. All radiographic findings were maintained at 24-month follow-up."
Findings showed that patients "reported improvements in pain, Cobb angle, and disability immediately following the conclusion of treatment and 24 months later."
Journal of Chiropractic Medicine - September 2011
CERVICAL MOBILIATION MAY CORRECT MUSCLE DYSFUNCTION
Tuesday, February 7 2012
More research shows that cervical mobilization may help correct muscular imbalances associated with muscle tension and pain. Specifically, researchers looked at changes in the recruitment of the longus colli and sternocledomastoid in patients with chronic neck pain.
Following the adjustment, longus colli recruitmet increased significantly and sternocledomastoid recruitment decreased significantly in patients with neck pain.
"Cervical mobilization appeared to modulate neck muscles function by increasing deep muscle and reducing superficial muscles recruitment," conclude the study's authors.
JMPT - October, 2011
VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY LINKED WITH EARLY MENARCHE
Tuesday, January 31 2012
Early menarche is a risk factor for diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Now, a new study published in the American Journal of Clinicla Nutrition links vitamin D deficiency with early menarche.
Results revealed that 57% of girls in the vitamin D-deficient group reached menarche during the 30-month follow-up, compared with 23% of girls in the vitamin D-sufficient group. After controling for age at baseline and body mass index, researchers found that early menarche was twice as likely in vitamin D-deficient girls, than in vitamin D-sufficient girls.
The study concludes that vitamin D deficiency is associated with earlier menarche.
AJCN - November 2011
WATCHING ONLY NINE MINUTES OF "SPONGE BOB" CAUSES ATTENTION PROBLEMS
Tuesday, January 24 2012
Watching even just a few minutes of "Sponge Bob", or similar fast-paced cartoons, can lead to attention problems, says researchers at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.
Results revealed that "children who watched the fast-paced television cartoon performed significantly worse on the executive function tasks than children in the other 2 groups when controlling for child attention, age, and television exposure."
"Just 9 minutes of viewing a fast-paced television cartoon had immediate negative effects on 4-year-olds' executive function," conclude the study's authors. "Parents should be aware that fast-paced television shows could at least temporarily impair young children's executive function."
Pediatrics - September 12, 2011
STUDY IDENTIFIES RISK FACTORS OF DISC DISEASE
Tuesday, January 17 2012
What factors influence the risk of herniated lumbar disc disease (HLDD) in men? To investigate, researchers followed 3,833 men of 33 years. All of the participants were free of a history of back disease at the study's onset.
Findings revealed that frequent strenuous physical activity at work significantly boosted the risk of developing HLDD. Bodyheight - but not weight - was also a significant predictor.
Spine - September 2011
CHIROPRACTIC HELPS VETERANS WITH NECK PAIN
Tuesday, January 10 2012
Chiropractic care is beneficial for veterans suffering from neck pain. These findings are from an analysis of 54 veterans with chief complaint of neck pain who received chiropractic care through a Veterans Health Administration medical center.
"Mean chiropractic clinical outcomes were both statistically significant and clinically meaningful for this sample of veterans presenting with neck pain," concludes the study.
JMPT - September 12, 2011
HOW PEPPERMINT RELIEVES IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME
Tuesday, December 27 2011
Peppermint is reputed to relieve Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Now researchers have discovered scientific evidence supporting this natural treatment.
Specifically, it appears that peppermint activates an "anti-pain" channel in the colon, soothing inflammatory pain in the gastrointestinal tract.
Study coauthor Dr. Stuart Brierlay explains that peppermint acts through a specific anti-pain channel called TRPM8 to reduce pain sensing fibers, particularly those activated by mustard and chili".
PAIN - April 13, 2011
MRI'S, BACK SURGERY HIGHER AMONG PATIENTS OR MEDICAL DOCTORS WITH IN-OFFICE MRIS
Tuesday, December 13 2011
When medical doctors own or lease MRI equipment, their patients are more likely to receive scans for low back pain. Patients of orthopedists are more apt to undergo back surgery as well, according to a study published online in Health Services Research.
Financial incentives, inherent in self-referral, "seem to have an influence on physician behavior that we can't ignore, and an impact on patient care in the long run," says Jacqueline Baras Shreibati, MD of Stanford University School of Medicine.
Health Services Research - April 2011
BPA BLOOD LEELS HIGHER IN WOMEN WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME
Tuesday, December 6 2011
Women with the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common hormone imbalance in women of reproductive age, may be more vulnerable to exposure to the chemical bisphenol A (BPA), found in many plastic houshold items. These findings were presented at The Endocrine Society's 92nd Annual Meeting in San Diego.
Researchers divided 71 women with PCOS and 100 healthy female control subjects into subgroups matched by age and body composition (obese or lean). Blood levels of BPA, compared with those of controls, were nearly 60 percent higher in lean women with PCOS and more than 30 percent higher in obese women with the syndrome.
Additionally, as BPA blood level increased, so did the concentrations of the male sex hormone testosterone and androstenedione, a steroid hormone that converts to testosterone.
"Women with the polycystic ovary syndrome should be alert regarding this environmental contaminant's potential adverse effects on reproductive aspects of their health problem," says study coauthor, Evanthia Diamanti-Kandarakis, MD, PHD.
The Endocrine Society - June 20, 2010
VITAMIN E MAY REDUCE RICK OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
Tuesday, November 29 2011
High blood levels of vitamin E may ward off Alzheimer's disease(AD), say scientists.
The analysis included 232 people. All participants were aged 80 years or more, and were dementia-free at the beginning of the study. After six years of follow-up, 57 AD cases were identified.
The blood levels of all eight natural vitamin E components were measured at the beginning of the study. The study found that subjects with higher blood levels of all the vitamin E forms had a reduced risk of developing AD, compared to subjects with lower levels. After adjusting for various confounders, the risk was reduced by 45% to 54%, depending on the vitamin E component.
The protective effect of vitamin E seems to be related to the combination of the different forms, notes lead author, Dr Francesca Mangialasche. On the other hand, she warns that high doses of a single form may be detrimental.
"Elderly people as a group are large consumers of vitamin E supplements, which usually contain only + tocopherol, and this often at high doses," adds Dr. Mangialasche. "Our findings need to be confirmed by other studies, but they open up for possibility that the balanced presence of different vitamin E forms can have an important neuroprotective effect."
Journal of Alzheimer's Disease - July 5, 2010
IS LOW BACK PAIN ASSOCIATED WITH HIP AND KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS
Tuesday, November 15 2011
According to a just-published analysis, low-back pain (LBP) is associated with osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip - but not of the knee.
The study pooled tracked 983 Ontario residents. The participants were 55 or older and had symtomatic hip or knee OA at the beginning of the study, which was between 1996 and 1998. At that time 58% of subjects also reported LBP.
The participants underwent follow-up between 2000 and 2001. After adjusting for confounding factors, the study's authors conclude: "In a cohort of individuals with OA of the hip or knee, we found that low back pain predicted subsequent OA-related pain and disability in those with hip disease, but not knee disease. Our study provides valuable prognostic information to clinicians involved in the management of patients with OA of the hip and knee."
JMPT - June 2010
PREGNANCY OFTEN LEADS TO PELVIC MISALIGNMENT, STRAIN
Tuesday, November 1 2011
Misalignment in the lumbosacral region, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, and related strain of pelvic ligaments is common during pregnancy and postpartum. These findings are from an evaluation of 30 women who were followed from their eighth month of pregnancy through three months after childbirth.
The study's authors found that "in women, in their eighth month of pregnancy and after childbirth, disorders of static alterations in pelvis alignment and sacroiliac joint dysfunction may occur. The state of pregnancy may result in strain symptoms in the lumbosacral region and pelvis with variable pain intensifying in various static positions".
Specifically, "the most frequently irritated ligaments in the lumbar region are interspinous(60%), iliolumbar (40%), and sacroiliac (36%)."
JMPT - JUNE 2010
ANESTHESIA LINKED WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES
Tuesday, October 25 2011
Infants and very young children who are exposed to anesthesia may experience higher rates of learning disabilities and cognitive difficulties, according to research presented at the International Anesthesia Research Society annual meeting in Vancouver.
Randall Flick, MD, MPH presented findings from a recent study at the Mayo Clinic conducted in primates, which concluded that multiple exposures to anesthesia before the age of 2 years are a "significant risk factor" for the development of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). A Single exposure to anesthesia did not appear to have an effect.
IARS - May 24, 2011
EXERCISING DURING PREGNANCY GOOD FOR BABY
Tuesday, October 18 2011
Babies of mothers who exercised during pregnancy appear to have stronger hearts than babies of sedentary mothers. These findings were presented this week at the Experimental Biology annual meeting in Washington, DC.
The study revealed that the fetuses' improved cardiovascular heart control is maintained one month after pregnancy, which indicated that mothers' efforts to stay active have lasting effects.
Experimental Biology - April 12, 2011
BPA EXPOSURE TIED TO INFERTILITY
Tuesday, October 4 2011
Daily exposure to a chemical that is prevalent in an plethora of products - including plastic water bottles and the lining of food cans - may cause infertility. These findings were presented at the Endocrine Society's Annual Meeting in Boston.
The Endocrine Society - June 7, 2011
MELATONIN PREVENTS WEIGHT GAIN, BENEFITS LIPID PROFILE
Tuesday, September 27 2011
According to a study of diabetic, obese rats conducted at the University of Granada the hormone melatonin helps control weight gain. It also improves blood lipid profiles by reducing triglycerides and LDL cholesterol while increases HDL cholesterol.
Journal of Pineal Research - May 2011
PESTICIDE EXPOSURE TRIPLES RISK OF PARKINSON'S
Tuesday, September 20 2011
Simply living or working near - but not in - field sprayed with pesticides dramatically ups the risk of Parkinson's disease (PD), say UCLA researchers who studied 362 people with PD and 341 controls living in California's Central Valley.
They found that working near fields sprayed with a combination of three common pesticides (ziram,maneb and paraquat) triples the risk of developing PD. Combined exposure to ziram and paraquat alone was associated with an 80% bolstered risk.
European Journal of Epidemiology - April 20, 2011
ADJUSTMENTS QUELL HEADACHE
Tuesday, September 13 2011
Chiropractic care is beneficial for many patients with headache, according to a large review study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics.
After pooling findings from 21 reports, the study's authors concluded that "evidence suggests that chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation improves migraine and cervicogenic 'stress' headaches".
JMPT - June, 2011
