Archive for December 2015

Low back pain can be a significant safety risk for a pilot, as it can become a distraction during flight. In a recent case study, a pilot sought a non-pharmacological and noninvasive therapy option for his chronic low back pain. After just three sessions of manual treatment to address sacral, pelvic, and lumbar dysfunction, the pilot reported an 80%+ improvement in pain and was able to return to flight. The case reveals the benefits of manual therapy in the management of chronic back pain among aviators.

Military Medicine, October 2015

Just a few bad habits can affect sleep quality. The National Sleep Foundation lists the following sleep-stealing practices you should avoid: consuming caffeine within six hours before bedtime; drinking alcohol or eating a large meal or snack before bed; insufficient exercise; having a TV or other technology in the bedroom; and sleeping late during weekends.

Low back pain is a common complaint among golfers. In a recent study, professional golfers with a history of chronic low back pain received a one-month regimen of spinal manipulation and corrective core exercises to improve their spinal shape/curvature. After the four-week program concluded, the researchers observed a significant change in pelvic tilt among the participants, indicating the benefits of a combination of spinal manipulation and corrective core exercises in establishing correct spinal curvature.
Journal of Physical Therapy Science, September 2015

Early exposure to dogs may reduce the risk of asthma in children. A new study found children in homes with a family dog during their first year of life had a 13% lower risk of asthma by the time they were old enough for school. The researchers speculate early exposure to a wider variety of microorganisms (via the family dog, in this case) helps build a more robust immune system that is less susceptible to some of the environmental causes of asthma attacks.
JAMA Pediatrics, November 2015

A research review of 51 trials has found evidence that multiple sessions of manipulation performed by a doctor of chiropractic may provide greater pain relief and functional improvement over both the short-term and long-term for patients with neck pain when compared with other treatment options including massage, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and some medications.
Cochrane Database Systematic Review, September 2015

The Weight-Control Information Network suggest the following to help women stay healthy both while they are pregnant and after their child is born: speak to your healthcare provider about what exercises are safe to perform during pregnancy, return to normal exercise after the baby is born (as soon as your doctor approves such activities), drink plenty of fluids when exercising, use caution when exercising in warm weather, eat a balanced diet both during and after the pregnancy, and if possible, breast feed to aid in burning calories.
National Institutes of Health, October 2015