November 2023 Healthy News from Dr. Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC Neurological Symptoms Like Quality of Life Improved with SMT; Tips for Lifting and Lowering Properly
SPINAL MANIPULATION HELPS WITH NEUROLOGICAL SYMPTOMS: Balance, Muscle Stiffness, Motor Function, etc.
A review of the research on the helpfulness of spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) for symptoms associated with neurological disorders - leading causes of disability globally – reported an important finding: SMT enhanced quality of life, balance, and cerebral palsy. Dr. Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC incorporates spinal manipulation into our care of La Grande back pain and neck pain patients’ treatment plans! Other findings included how SMT may increase strength in asymptomatic spine pain and stroke patients as well as motor function, autonomic function, muscle stiffness, balance problems, and spasticity. (1) Though rare and an extreme condition of spasticity, hereditary spastic paraplegia (a neurodegenerative disorder), was iumproved with SMT. Its extremity spasticity and pain were decreased, and strength and function were improved after 9 months of chiropractic care alongwith NSAIDs and baclofen. (2) Research and experience demonstrated that multidisciplinary integrative care for low back pain has its benefits in decreasing disability, improving pain, and reducing symptom frequency. One study showed that the difference was just 4% though: 43% for chiropractic care alone and 47% for multidisciplinary. (3) A chiropractic-based study of lumbar spinal stenosis patients with related balance issues treated with SMT in the form of flexion distraction (aka Cox® Technic) documented significant improvement in objective (tests like Timed Up and Go, Five Time Sit to Stand, balance force plate measurements of entropy) and subjective outcomes (patient-reported) at mid visit (average 9th visit) and end visit (average 13.7th visit). The average age of the participants was 83.5 years old! (4) Improving balance is so valuable for older folks! We know that making musculoskeletal pain care person-centered – taking into account age, symptoms that come along with back pain and related conditions, willingness to follow the treatment plan - is so essential. (5) What do you want? Ready to begin the path to symptom relief? Dr. Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC is!!
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Nate McKee on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson about the benefit of The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management for spinal stenosis sufferers and their balance.
“Keep your back straight when you lift! Bend your knees!” Our La Grande back pain patient patients have heard such recommendations about lifting properly. A recent study tested other factors and found that externally rotating the feet while keeping the spine straight allowed further reach while lifting with a straight spine. (6) Another study describes how lumbar spine extensor muscle force control – weaker in back pain patients yet very important in daily activities like lifting – is linked to increased multiplanar knee movement throughout the lifting process. (7) We need to think about the knees, too! In an interesting twist on proper lifting, a study found that postural control was more challenged during load-lowering than load-lifting! (8) Thinking before lifting and lowering is important! We’ll talk more on your next La Grande chiropractic visit.
Happy November! We give thanks for you! Set up your next appointment soon!
CONTACT Dr. Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC
Set your next La Grande chiropractic appointment with Dr. Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC straightaway. We look forward to your visit!