A new review published in Lancet reviewed data from 16 studies including 820 patients regarding the use of low level laser for neck pain.  The authors concluded "We show that LLLT (low level laser therapy) reduces pain immediately after treatment in acute neck pain and up to 22 weeks after completion of treatment in patients with chronic neck pain."

This is an important review for two reasons.  First, the authors included only high quality, randomized trials that compared the treatment group against a placebo group.  Second, there was no conflictive funding for the review.  This produces strong evidence for a benefit of low level laser.  I've been using a laser in my office for several years now, and it never ceases to amaze me how such a simple device can bring so much relief!

Read the review here.

Chiropractic is one of the most effective treatments for TMJ (jaw) problems.  Chiropractors are specially trained to evaluate and treat these problems at the level of the temperomandibular joint, and perhaps even more importantly, the upper neck.

The TMJ has both a mechanical and a neurological connection to the upper neck.  Often chronic upper neck problems lead to a TMJ problem.  A new study demonstrates that a single chiropractic adjustment to the upper neck improves mouth opening (the total distance you can open your mouth) and "pressure pain thresholds" (how much pressure is required to produce pain) over the temples.  This powerfully demonstrates the effect of neck adjustments in the function of the TMJ. 

If you or a loved one suffers from TMJ pain, see a chiropractor--no one is better trained to assess and treat your problem!

Read the study here.

Patients often seek care in my office for migraine headaches--as a rule they are pleasantly surprised with the results attained through chiropractic care.  

Research studies on the subject demonstrate the following benefits with chiropractic:

• 60% reduction in migraine frequency (less than half the migraines!)
• 14% reduction in pain during migraine
• 20% reduction in duration of migraine
• 36% reduction in medication needed for migraine

 Other research on the subject has yielded similar results.  I believe that chiropractic should be the first choice in treating migraine because 1)there is minimal chance of adverse reactions--its very safe, 2)benefits from chiropractic care are long lasting, not temporary as with medication, and 3)chiropractic care treats the source of the problem for most people with migraines, a poorly functioning neck.  

Read the full text study on Chiropractic and migraine here.

New research demonstrates the dramatic effects of chiropractic care for people with ankylosing spondylitis.  Ankylosing spondylitits, or AS, is a progressive inflammatory arthritis of the spine that eventually results in stiffness and fusion of spinal joints.  Researchers in this most recent study evaluated a 34 year-old male with a 10 year diagnosis of AS during an 18 week course of chiropractic treatment.  The results were profound, "There was a 90% improvement in the disease activity index and an 85% improvement in the functional index from the pre-treatment baseline..."

I have the privilege of seeing people's function returning with chiropractic care on a regular basis--people regaining the ability to walk, run, throw, and enjoy life pain free.  Read more about chiropractic here.

Read the study here. 

A new study reveals the power of the chiropractic adjusment for treating neck pain.  Researchers compared a single chiropractic adjustment to mobilization (stretching the neck).  The chiropractic adjusment resulted in significantly greater improvements in range of motion (ability to freely move the neck).  The adjustment also provided superior pain relief.  The importance of chiropractic in the treatment of neck pain cannot be stressed enough.  The chiropractic adjustment results in decreased adhesions and fibrosis around the joints, normilization of movement patterns, and "resets" the nerves controlling the neck.  The end result is more rapid, more complete healing, and improved function that affects the entire body.

Read the study here.  

The prestigious journal Pain published a study in June confirming the benefits of laser therapy for chronic neck pain. The study utilized a 830 nanometer laser (the same wavelength I utilize in my office) to treat 90 patients with chronic neck pain. The treatment group had significant pain reduction whereas the placebo group slightly worsened. The beuaty of laser therpy is excellent results with no side effects! Read the study here.