Have you ever heard about the pencil experiment and its impact for positive thinking? In a study conducted in the 1980s, researchers asked participants to hold a pencil in their mouths and watch videos that influenced various reactions ranging from disturbed to amusement. Their conclusion was that individuals forced to smile by holding a pencil…
There are so many potential causes of back pain including natural degeneration, injury, and illness. But what happens when a deformity in the spine impacts comfort or daily tasks? While many of these conditions are seen early in life, as adults they can cause suffering and inability to function without pain. Three of the most common…
Without any wildly dramatic cause, an astounding one-third of adults over the age of 20 experience the signs of herniated discs. However, symptoms are only seen in 3% of these cases. Why is this such a common occurrence and how does a herniated disc occur? How does a herniated disc occur? The body’s natural aging…
Anyone dealing with back pain, whether acute or chronic, has experienced difficulty falling or staying asleep. How are back pain and sleep issues related, how do they influence and exacerbate each other, and how can you overcome them to have a restful night’s sleep in spite of back pain? Facts about back pain and sleep issues…
Over half of all people in the U.S. will experience some form of back pain. This is a dull or sharp pain in the any region of the back, especially the lower area, that makes it difficult to function normally. What are the risk factors for back pain and how can you prevent or reduce…
The lumbar, or lower, region of the back is a common location to experience osteoarthritis. This is a disease that causes the cushioning tissues, or cartilage, on top of the bones to degenerate over time. It can cause pain and swelling in the affected areas. Osteoarthritis of the spine specifically affects the joints and discs…
Chronic back pain–that is, back pain that last six months or longer–can have negative effects on the health of our body, but also our mind. Those with chronic back pain are believed to suffer from clinical depression at rates four times higher than the general public. Likewise, 75% of people with depression also suffer from…
Spinal stenosis is a condition that can often lead to chronic back pain and decreased mobility in the legs. While there are multiple causes for this condition, it is most often associated with degenerative diseases of aging, such as degenerative arthritis or bone spurs. What is spinal stenosis? At its basic level, spinal stenosis is…
Many of us immediately think about whiplash when we think about injuries caused by car accidents. However, even slow impact car crashes can result in lower back pain that can cause discomfort and chronic issues. Incidence of car accidents In 2010, seatbelt usage increased to 85% from just 69% in 1998 and the National Highway…
Lower back pain is a worldwide problem. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in countries all over the world, low back pain “ranks high (often first) as a cause of disability and inability to work, as an interference with the quality of life, and as a reason for medical consultation.” The American Chiropractic Association…