1.) Women have a better sense of smell than men. 2.) When you take a step, you use up to 200 muscles. 3.) Your ears secrete more earwax when you are afraid than when you aren’t. 4.) The human brain has the capacity to store everything you experience. 5.) It takes twice as long to lose new muscle if you stop working out than it did to gain it. 6.) The average person’s skin weighs twice as much as their brain. 7.) Every year your body replaces 98% of your atoms. 8.) On average, there are 100 billion neurons in the human brain. 9.) The lifespan of a taste bud is ten days. 10.) Dentists recommend you keep your toothbrush at least 6 feet away from a toilet to avoid airborne particles caused by flushing. 11.) Your tongue is the only muscle in your body that is attached at only one end. 12.) Your stomach produces a new layer of mucus every two weeks so that it doesn’t digest itself. 13.) It takes about 20 seconds for a red blood cell to circle the whole body. 14.) The pupil of the eye expands as much as 45% when a person looks at something pleasing. 15.) Your heart rate can rise as much as 30% during a yawn. 16.) Your heart pumps about 2,000 gallons of blood each day. 17.) Your heart beats over 100,000 times a day. 18.) Your hair grows faster in the morning than at any other time of day. 19.) Your body is creating and killing 15 million red blood cells per second. 20.) You’re born with 300 bones, but when you reach adulthood, you only have 206!
Excessive Smartphone Use Can Be a Pain in the Neck
18 FebSince their introduction and rapid adoption in the mid-2000s, smartphones have become an
integral part of daily life—not only by consolidating multiple technologies into a single device, but
also by helping us stay connected with family, friends, clients, and colleagues. However, alongside
these benefits, a growing body of evidence points to significant downsides. Excessive smartphone
use has been linked to poorer mental health—particularly among teens and young adults—and may
also negatively affect physical health.
Most notably, smartphone use typically involves prolonged downward gaze. While this
posture may seem harmless at first, over time the body adapts by rounding the shoulders and shifting
the head forward from its normal centerline. Beyond its impact on physical appearance, forward head
posture places increased strain on the muscles and tendons of the neck and upper back that work to
support the head. This pattern has been colloquially referred to as “tech neck” or “text neck.” In
addition to neck pain, forward head posture may increase the risk of headaches as well as pain in the
thoracic and lumbar regions of the spine. Moreover, screen time is often sedentary time, and
excessive device use is associated with prolonged sitting and reduced physical activity—factors that
can elevate overall chronic disease risk.
A 2017 study found that smartphone use tends to peak during young adulthood, with
approximately 1 in 5 university students meeting criteria for smartphone addiction—defined as a
pattern of compulsive smartphone use marked by loss of control, psychological distress when use is
restricted, and continued use despite negative impacts on daily functioning, relationships, or health.
Women were found to be at greater risk than men. In addition, up to half of young adults exhibit
problematic smartphone-related behaviors, suggesting that these devices exert a substantial influence
on this population.
To help curb excessive smartphone use, consider the following strategies: turn off nonessential notifications; establish phone-free times (such as before bed) and keep the phone in another
room to reduce temptation; avoid bringing the phone into the restroom; use “Do Not Disturb” mode
during focused tasks; install third-party apps to track and limit daily screen time; delete time-wasting
apps; rediscover hobbies to fill leisure time; keep a paper book on hand for passive commutes or
waiting periods; and tell friends and family about your goals so they can provide accountability and
support.
Finally, if you are experiencing chronic spinal pain related to prolonged smartphone use,
consider consulting a doctor of chiropractic. Chiropractors can provide in-office care to help reduce
pain and disability, as well as prescribe simple exercises and posture strategies that can be performed
between visits to help restore healthy spinal alignment.
Brent Binder, D.C. 4909 Louise Dr. Suite 102 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 (717) 697-1888
Chronic Whiplash and Neck Muscle Endurance
16 FebWhiplash-associated disorders (WAD) is an umbrella term used to characterize the
myriad symptoms that can occur when soft tissues are injured during rapid acceleration and
deceleration of the head and neck in a whiplash event, such as a rear-end automobile collision.
Despite advances in the understanding and treatment of WAD, it is estimated that nearly half of
whiplash patients continue to experience ongoing pain and disability for a year or longer. Recent
studies have identified reduced neck muscle endurance as a risk factor for chronic WAD, but
what happens in a real-world setting when neck muscle strengthening is included as part of
treatment?
To explore this question, a May 2025 study recruited 140 patients with chronic WAD
who completed pre-intervention assessments of neck pain, neck-related disability, neck function,
and psychosocial factors. Participants were then assigned to one of two treatment groups: athome exercises delivered through Internet-based instruction or in-office exercises facilitated by a
physiotherapist. Treatment frequency ranged from two to four sessions per week over a twelveweek period. Participants completed the same assessments three months and fifteen months
following the conclusion of care.
The results demonstrated that both in-person and at-home exercise approaches produced
similar improvements in neck pain, disability, and function, and these improvements were
associated with increased neck muscle endurance. While this finding provides important
confirmation that addressing impaired neck muscle endurance may help reduce persistent WAD
symptoms, the results related to psychosocial factors—how a person perceives, responds to, and
recovers from neck pain and injury—were particularly noteworthy. The data showed significant
post-treatment improvements in self-efficacy, fear-avoidance beliefs, depressive symptoms, and
catastrophizing. This is especially meaningful, as these factors are known to be present early
after injury and are strongly associated with the development of chronic WAD.
While further research is needed to confirm these findings and better understand the
underlying mechanisms involved, the results suggest that assessment of neck muscle endurance
should be included as part of the initial clinical evaluation, with targeted exercises prescribed for
patients to perform between in-person visits with their chiropractor or other healthcare provider,
if needed. Beyond the personal and family-level benefits associated with successful WAD
recovery, any intervention that reduces the risk of chronic WAD may also offer substantial
macroeconomic benefits, including improved productivity and reduced litigation-related costs,
which could ultimately contribute to lower automobile insurance expenses.
Brent Binder, D.C. 4909 Louise Dr. Suite 102 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 (717) 697-1888
It Isn’t Always Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
11 FebWhen symptoms such as pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness affect the hand, the first
condition that comes to mind for most people is carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). While CTS is the
most common nerve entrapment affecting the upper extremity, it is far from the only possible cause
of these symptoms. So how does a chiropractor determine whether the problem is CTS or something
else?
The process begins with the patient completing a detailed health history that addresses both
current symptoms and relevant medical background. This information helps determine whether
compression of the median nerve—central to a CTS diagnosis—is likely, or whether one of the other
nerves supplying the hand should be considered. During the physical examination, the chiropractor
performs specific provocative tests to help identify where the median nerve—or another nerve—may
be restricted along its course. In some cases, though not routinely required, additional diagnostic
tools such as nerve conduction studies or ultrasound may be used to help confirm the diagnosis.
If symptoms primarily involve the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and the thumb-side of
the ring finger and are reproduced by wrist compression or sustained wrist positions, classic carpal
tunnel syndrome is likely. However, compression of the median nerve at other locations along its
pathway can produce a similar symptom pattern. Potential sites include the forearm, below or above
the elbow, the shoulder, and even the neck. To further complicate matters, nerve compression can
occur at multiple sites simultaneously. For example, a 2016 study found that approximately 1 in 16
patients with CTS also had median nerve compression in the forearm, a condition known as pronator
teres syndrome.
The ulnar nerve, which supplies sensation to the pinky and the ulnar side of the ring finger,
can also become compressed as it passes through a different anatomical structure at the wrist called
Guyon’s canal. As with the median nerve, restriction of the ulnar nerve anywhere along its course
from the neck to the hand can generate similar symptoms. The same principle applies to the radial
nerve, which innervates the back of the hand and can become irritated as it passes through the radial
tunnel near the wrist. This is why a thorough history and physical examination is so critical: the
history helps identify which nerve is involved and the examination helps pinpoint where compression
may be occurring.
In most cases, conditions involving median, ulnar, or radial nerve compression respond well
to a multimodal conservative treatment approach. This may include manual therapies such as
manipulation, mobilization, and soft tissue techniques; therapeutic exercises; nighttime bracing;
activity modification; and anti-inflammatory strategies. Importantly, outcomes are typically faster
and more favorable when patients seek care early, rather than waiting months or years before
consulting with a chiropractor.
This information should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all healthcare concerns, decisions, and actions
must be done through the advice and counsel of a healthcare professional who is familiar with your updated medical history.
Brent Binder, D.C. 4909 Louise Dr. Suite 102 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 (717) 697-1888
Conservative Management of Patellar Tendinopathy
9 FebThe act of straightening the leg during walking, running, jumping, or standing is accomplished
through a coordinated anatomical mechanism involving the quadriceps muscles that attach to the patella
(kneecap), which is connected to the tibia (shin bone) via the patellar tendon. Repetitive and forceful
knee-extension movements can overload this tendon, leading to injury or inflammation known as patellar
tendinopathy, commonly referred to as jumper’s knee. This raises an important question: can conservative
treatments such as chiropractic care effectively manage this condition or is surgery required?
The classic presentation of patellar tendinopathy is pain at the front of the knee associated with
physical activity, typically localized to the patellar tendon itself. The condition occurs more frequently in
males, particularly those participating in high-intensity sports during adolescence and young adulthood.
However, adults who engage in repetitive jumping or high-load activities are also at increased risk.
Diagnosis is usually made through a detailed patient history and physical examination, though diagnostic
ultrasound may be used to confirm the condition. Treatment is generally divided into three phases: pain
reduction, strengthening and load progression, and functional training with return to sport.
The initial phase focuses on pain reduction and involves a temporary modification of activity.
This may include limiting jumping activities, reducing training volume, avoiding hard surfaces, and
allowing for increased recovery time between sessions. Complete immobilization is discouraged, as it can
lead to muscle atrophy and weakness that may delay recovery. Ice and other anti-inflammatory strategies
may be used between training sessions to help manage symptoms.
The second phase emphasizes progressive loading through isometric and isotonic exercises such
as wall sits, leg presses, and squats to gradually increase tendon stiffness and load tolerance. Because
kinetic-chain dysfunction often precedes patellar tendinopathy, care may also include manual therapies—
such as those provided by chiropractors—and targeted exercises to address contributing factors including
quadriceps weakness, hip abductor and external rotator weakness, limited ankle dorsiflexion, and poor
landing mechanics.
Once pain during rehabilitation scores no higher than 3 on a 10-point scale (0 = no pain; 10 =
worst pain imaginable), symptoms resolve within 24 hours of activity, and discomfort during normal
daily tasks is minimal, patients can begin a gradual return to sport. Full recovery typically takes three to
six months; however, if the condition becomes chronic before treatment begins, the rehabilitation process
may take considerably longer.
Surgical intervention is generally reserved for cases in which symptoms fail to improve after
approximately twelve weeks of well-supervised conservative management. The good news is that
conservative care results in satisfactory outcomes for most individuals with patellar tendinopathy.
Brent Binder, D.C. 4909 Louise Dr. Suite 102 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 (717) 697-1888
Potential Causes of Post-Surgical Neck Pain
4 FebAssuming patients and healthcare providers follow clinical guidelines for managing neck
pain, most neck pain sufferers can experience resolution of their pain and disability with the aid
of a conservative, multimodal treatment approach, such as those provided by chiropractors.
However, for a variety of reasons, some patients may still undergo surgical intervention, and it is
estimated that up to 40% may continue to experience persistent or disabling neck pain. Why is
this the case, and is there anything chiropractic care can do to help these patients?
The first potential cause of persistent post-surgical neck pain is an incomplete or
incorrect diagnosis. This can occur when imaging reveals positive findings—such as a disk
herniation—that are attributed to the patient’s symptoms but may not, in fact, be the underlying
cause. In some cases, a disk herniation may play a role; however, other contributing factors that
are not visible on imaging or are missed during a physical examination may also be involved.
There are also cases in which the pain generator is correctly identified and treated, but
complications from surgery result in ongoing neck pain. For example, scar tissue formation
around nerves and soft tissues can tether nerves or create a chronic inflammatory environment
that triggers pain. In addition, a decompressed nerve may continue to experience impaired
function as though it were still compressed.
Finally, a new source of neck pain may develop following an otherwise successful
surgical procedure. This can occur when spinal alignment is restored but the joints and soft
tissues are not accustomed to supporting the altered loads and forces and subsequently become
injured. Additionally, in cases of surgical fusion that restrict movement at a cervical spinal level,
the vertebrae above and below the fusion may become hypermobile to compensate, pushing them
beyond their normal range of motion and increasing the risk of injury.
With all of this in mind, how can a doctor of chiropractic help manage post-surgical neck
pain? The first step is a thorough review of the patient’s history, which guides the physical
examination. The examination not only seeks to identify potential pain generators but also helps
detect red flags that contraindicate chiropractic treatment. In addition to traditional red flags
(such as fracture, infection, tumor, severe osteoporosis, and vascular abnormalities), the
chiropractor will also assess for signs of cervical instability or incomplete healing. To help
restore normal movement and function of the cervical spine, a doctor of chiropractic will often
employ a multimodal approach that combines low-force manual therapies, gentle traction,
therapeutic exercises, and physiotherapy modalities.
Brent Binder, D.C. 4909 Louise Dr. Suite 102 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 (717) 697-1888
Ten Persistent Myths About Low Back Pain in the Elderly
2 FebLow back pain (LBP) is one of the costliest and most disabling conditions affecting older adults. Not only
can pain and disability interfere with the ability to carry out activities of daily living, but proprioceptive deficits
associated with low back pain can impair balance, increasing the risk of serious falls and injuries that can
dramatically affect long-term health and independence. Despite clinical guidelines on effective management of low
back pain in the senior population, these ten prominent myths persist and continue to hinder recovery:
- MYTH: Back pain is inevitable with aging. FACT: Back pain is common but not inevitable. Prevalence
increases with age and then levels off after approximately age 60. - MYTH: Back pain usually indicates serious disease in older adults. FACT: Serious underlying conditions
account for fewer than 5% of cases. Most low back pain is classified as “non-specific” and is not associated
with serious pathology. - MYTH: Imaging is necessary in adults over age 50 with low back pain. FACT: Imaging in the absence of
“red flags” (such as cancer, fracture, infection, or cauda equina syndrome) can lead to unnecessary
interventions and can cause more harm than benefit. - MYTH: Pain should guide behavior—avoid lifting, twisting, and bending when experiencing low back
pain. FACT: Physical activity promotes recovery, while prolonged avoidance and inactivity are associated
with worse outcomes. Pain during activity does not usually indicate tissue damage. - MYTH: Bed rest is recommended for low back pain in older adults. FACT: Bed rest can cause more harm
than good, particularly when prolonged, and may contribute to deconditioning and delayed recovery. - MYTH: Medication should be the first-line treatment for low back pain. FACT: Clinical guidelines support
nonpharmacological treatments as first-line approaches, including manual therapies such as those provided
by chiropractors. - MYTH: Surgery is effective for primary back-dominant low back pain. FACT: Surgery is not
recommended for primary back-dominant pain and may result in worse outcomes or unnecessary
complications. - MYTH: Chronic low back pain in older adults is always caused by structural damage. FACT: Structural
changes seen on imaging correlate poorly with pain severity or disability. Psychosocial factors play a
substantial role in persistent pain. - MYTH: Injections, ablation, and nerve blocks are highly effective treatments. FACT: For nonspecific low
back pain, these interventions often provide no greater benefit than sham treatments and are associated with
increased adverse events in older adults. - MYTH: Disk herniations commonly cause leg pain in older adults. FACT: Disk herniations are less
common in this population; clinical findings are often more reliable than imaging alone.
Unfortunately, this misinformation is frequently reinforced by family members, friends, social media,
pharmaceutical companies, other industries, and even healthcare providers. These myths about back pain foster
inaccurate attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that can lead to inappropriate, costly, and sometimes harmful treatments.
Additionally, such misconceptions can result in psychological consequences—including fear of movement, poor
self-efficacy, low motivation, anxiety, stress, and depression—all of which contribute to greater disability and
slower recovery. The good news is that, in most cases, chiropractic care serves as a conservative treatment option
that can help reduce pain and disability, enabling older adults to more easily maintain independence and perform
activities of daily living.
Brent Binder, D.C. 4909 Louise Dr. Suite 102 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 (717) 697-1888
Pain Relief Chiropractic 