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!
Sleep Is Essential for Good Health
22 DecSleep is a fundamental biological necessity that supports vital processes such as brain waste
clearance, immune regulation, and nutrient metabolism. While the body can recover from an occasional
night of poor rest, frequent sleep disruption can set the stage for chronic disease. Experts estimate that
about ten percent of adults meet the criteria for insomnia, while another twenty percent experience
occasional insomnia symptoms, highlighting just how widespread sleep problems are.
There are three key ingredients for healthy sleep: quantity, quality, and consistency. Adults
generally need seven to nine hours of rest each night, with the required amount gradually decreasing with
age. If you find yourself sleeping in on weekends or relying on naps to catch up, that’s a clear sign you’re
not getting enough sleep during the week. But the number of hours alone doesn’t tell the whole story. The
body cycles through several stages of sleep—from light to deep to rapid eye movement—and waking
repeatedly during the night can interrupt these cycles, leaving you feeling tired even after spending
sufficient time in bed. Equally important is maintaining a regular sleep schedule. Going to bed and
waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends, helps regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, the
internal clock that governs hormone release, body temperature, and alertness. When this rhythm is stable,
it becomes easier to fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake feeling refreshed.
And no, that morning cup of coffee can’t make up for poor sleep. In fact, an analysis of data
concerning more than 88,000 adults in the UK Biobank study found that inadequate or irregular sleep is
associated with 172 diseases, including dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes. For 42 of these
conditions—among them liver cirrhosis, fibrosis, and age-related frailty—poor sleep more than doubles
disease risk. Remarkably, the researchers estimate that insufficient or irregular sleep accounts for roughly
20% of the overall risk profile in 92 of these conditions, suggesting that sleep regularity may play an even
greater role in long-term health than sleep duration alone.
To set the stage for better sleep, experts emphasize lifestyle and environmental factors that
support the body’s natural rhythms. A nutrient-rich diet, regular physical activity, limited alcohol and
caffeine intake, and effective stress management all contribute to more restful sleep. Exposure to natural
light during the day and minimizing blue light from screens in the evening help reinforce the body’s
natural light–dark cycle. Keeping the bedroom dark, quiet, and cool promotes deeper rest, while
maintaining a consistent bedtime strengthens the brain’s expectation of when to release sleep-related
hormones. If snoring, gasping, or frequent awakenings are a problem, a sleep specialist can evaluate for
conditions such as sleep apnea.
Finally, when pain interferes with sleep, addressing the source is essential. Research shows a
bidirectional relationship between poor sleep and musculoskeletal pain—particularly low back pain—
meaning that inadequate rest can worsen discomfort, and discomfort can further erode sleep quality. In
such cases, consulting a doctor of chiropractic can be an important step toward breaking this cycle and
restoring both comfort and healthy sleep.
Pain Relief Chiropractic
4909 Louise Dr. Suite 102 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 (717) 697-1888
The Four Grades of Whiplash Associated Disorders
15 DecWhiplash occurs when the head suddenly accelerates and then rapidly decelerates, placing
excessive strain on the soft tissues that support the neck. In addition to neck pain and stiffness, this
motion can produce a variety of symptoms collectively known as whiplash-associated disorders
(WAD). To better define and manage these injuries, the Quebec Task Force on Whiplash-Associated
Disorders (1995) developed a classification system that grades whiplash severity from I to IV.
WAD I is characterized by neck pain and stiffness without any objective findings on physical
examination. In other words, there is no loss of range of motion; no muscle spasm or guarding; no
swelling, bruising, or deformity; no neurological deficit; and no imaging abnormalities.
Approximately 15–25% of whiplash patients fall into this category.
In WAD II, neck symptoms are accompanied by physical examination findings such as
decreased range of motion, localized tenderness in neck muscles, muscle spasm, and sometimes
headache. However, there are no neurological deficits or abnormalities visible on diagnostic imaging.
About two-thirds of whiplash patients are graded WAD II.
At the WAD III level, patients present with both musculoskeletal findings (as seen in WAD
II) and neurological signs, which may include sensory loss (numbness or tingling), motor weakness
(reduced strength in muscles supplied by affected cervical nerves), altered reflexes, or radiating arm
pain. As with WAD I and II, the injury still involves soft tissues that typically do not appear on X-ray
or advanced imaging. Approximately 5–10% of whiplash patients fall into this grade of WAD.
The classification of WAD IV is utilized when there is structural damage to the cervical spine
that is present on diagnostic imaging and is usually associated with severe symptoms. Patients with
WAD IV typically require emergency treatment to stabilize the spine. Fortunately, fewer than 1–2%
of whiplash patients meet this criterion.
The good news is that WAD I, II, and III typically respond well to a multimodal chiropractic
approach aimed at reducing pain and restoring function as quickly as possible. Manual therapies may
include gentle, low-velocity, low-amplitude techniques; thrust manipulation (high-velocity, lowamplitude); facet gliding; long-axis cervical traction; passive range-of-motion exercises; massage;
trigger-point therapy; dry needling; or acupuncture. Adjunctive physical therapy modalities such as
electrical stimulation, therapeutic ultrasound, laser therapy, pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF)
therapy, in-office or home cervical traction, and others are also frequently utilized. Exercise training
is a crucial component of care, as long-term improvement depends on patient self-management and
reduces provider dependency that can sometimes arise. In the event a patient does not respond to care
or if additional issues are present that fall outside the chiropractic scope, the case may be co-managed
with an allied healthcare provider.
Brent Binder, D.C.
4909 Louise Dr. Suite 102 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 (717) 697-1888
Midlife Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
11 DecCarpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed or restricted
as it passes through the wrist. Early on, this may cause mild, intermittent tingling, numbness, or pain in
parts of the hand, but over time, symptoms can become more frequent and activity-limiting. While CTS
can develop at any age, it’s most common during midlife due to the convergence of three key factors:
occupational stress, hormonal and metabolic changes, and age-related anatomy.
When we perform frequent, repetitive hand movements, the tendons that run through the carpal
tunnel glide back and forth against one another. Over time, the lubricating sheaths surrounding these
tendons can become inflamed and sustain micro-injuries that need time to recover. However, occupations
or hobbies that involve non-neutral wrist positions, high gripping forces, or vibration exposure often
provide little opportunity for rest. After years—or decades—of repetitive stress, minor irritation can
progress into chronic inflammation that’s difficult to ignore or manage with over-the-counter remedies.
In addition to repetitive movement, hormonal changes and worsening metabolic health during
midlife increase CTS risk. Chronically elevated blood sugar can thicken connective tissue (including the
transverse carpal ligament) and increase fluid retention, both of which reduce space inside the carpal
tunnel and place pressure on the median nerve. Poor metabolic health also damages the microvessels that
supply the nerve and fuel systemic inflammation that can narrow the tunnel even further. Women face an
added risk during this stage of life, as changes in estrogen and thyroid hormones can make tissues less
elastic and more vulnerable to shear forces.
Age-related changes compound the problem. As we grow older, damaged tissues heal and
regenerate more slowly. Tendons thicken, ligaments stiffen, and the myelin sheath that insulates nerves
can begin to thin, leaving the median nerve more susceptible to compression at the carpal tunnel. Muscle
mass naturally declines as well, reducing the stabilizing forces around the wrist. These changes affect not
only the carpal tunnel itself but the entire course of the median nerve—from the neck and shoulder down
through the elbow and forearm—meaning that restriction anywhere along its path can heighten sensitivity
to compression at the wrist.
Fortunately, all is not lost. Although we can’t stop the aging process, we can control occupational
and metabolic risk factors. Adjusting tools to maintain a neutral wrist position, scheduling regular microbreaks, and performing nerve-gliding or wrist-mobility exercises can help reduce pressure in the tunnel.
Supporting overall metabolic health is equally important: limit sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods,
increase fruit and vegetable intake, take daily walks, and aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity plus
two resistance-training sessions per week.
Finally, chiropractic care can help restore normal motion to the wrist and surrounding joints,
reducing strain on the median nerve along its entire pathway. Your chiropractor can also teach you the
most effective exercises for symptom management and guide you on ergonomic adjustments to keep your
wrists healthy long-term.
Brent Binder, D.C.
4909 Louise Dr. Suite 102 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 (717) 697-1888
Internal vs. External Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
8 DecMost adults will experience shoulder pain at some point during their lifetime, and it’s estimated
that nearly one-third of adults are affected each year. Among the many possible diagnoses, shoulder
impingement syndrome accounts for roughly half of all shoulder pain cases. However, current
understanding indicates that shoulder impingement syndrome is not a single diagnosis, but rather a cluster
of symptoms that can arise from multiple anatomical and biomechanical factors. The condition is
typically classified as either internal or external, depending on where and how the impingement occurs.
The shoulder complex functions as an integrated system of four joints that together allow for an
exceptional range of motion. The glenohumeral joint that joins the humerus (upper arm bone) with the
glenoid fossa of the scapula is the primary joint responsible for most shoulder movement. It is stabilized
by the rotator cuff muscles, labrum, and surrounding ligaments. Under ideal conditions, this joint moves
freely to perform tasks like lifting, throwing, or reaching overhead. But when mechanical forces, either
within the joint itself or external to it, disrupt that motion, the result may be pain, inflammation, and
limited movement. Over time, chronic irritation may lead to scar tissue formation and even degenerative
changes.
External impingement occurs when the acromion or coracoacromial ligament compress the
rotator cuff during arm elevation. While anatomical variations such as a hooked acromion can predispose
some individuals to impingement, the most common contributors are poor scapular control, forward
shoulder posture, rotator cuff weakness, or degenerative changes from repetitive overhead activity or
aging.
Internal impingement, on the other hand, occurs when the humeral head pinches the rear portion
of the rotator cuff between the greater tuberosity and the posterior glenoid rim during high-velocity
overhead movements such as throwing or serving. Contributing factors often include posterior capsule
tightness, shoulder instability, scapular dyskinesis, excessive external rotation, and repetitive overuse.
Internal impingement is more common among younger, athletic, or physically active individuals.
While surgery is occasionally indicated as a first-line intervention in specific cases (such as
significant structural damage or full-thickness rotator cuff tears), clinical guidelines overwhelmingly
recommend conservative management as the initial approach, with chiropractic care serving an excellent
choice! Treatment typically aims to restore normal movement patterns within the shoulder complex
through a multimodal approach that may include manual therapies, joint mobilization, specific exercises,
physiotherapy modalities, traction, and postural retraining. The goal is to reduce inflammation, restore
joint motion, release adhesions, address trigger points, and strengthen weakened muscles.
The good news is that conservative care has a high success rate for both internal and external
impingement—especially when treatment begins early—helping most patients recover without the need
for surgery.
Brent Binder, D.C.
4909 Louise Dr. Suite 102 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 (717) 697-1888
Chiropractic Treatment for Chronic Rhinosinusitis?
4 DecChronic rhinosinusitis is a long-term inflammation of the nasal and paranasal sinus mucosa
lasting twelve weeks or more, characterized by at least two of the following symptoms: nasal
congestion, facial pressure or pain, reduced sense of smell, and/or nasal discharge. It’s estimated that
about 1 in 10 adults worldwide are affected, though prevalence may be higher in some regions due to
genetic, cultural, and environmental factors that contribute to persistent inflammation of the nasal
and sinus lining.
Contributing factors can include allergic or environmental irritants—from household
allergens to air pollution—structural issues such as a deviated nasal septum, enlarged turbinates, or
nasal polyps that obstruct sinus drainage, recurrent infections, immune dysfunction, asthma, and even
gastroesophageal reflux. It’s highly likely that two or more of these are present in a patient, making
each case somewhat unique and often requiring a tailored, multidisciplinary approach to resolve
symptoms.
Standard treatment usually starts with intranasal corticosteroids and nasal saline irrigation,
with the option of adding antibiotics, systemic steroids, antihistamines, decongestants, or leukotriene
modifiers. The data show that up to 90% of chronic rhinosinusitis patients without nasal polyps
respond to this approach, though the success rate falls to 50–70% in the presence of nasal polyps. For
the 10–20% who don’t respond to conventional treatment, the patient may receive referral to see if
they are a candidate for functional endoscopic sinus surgery aimed at enlarging the sinuses to restore
proper drainage and ventilation.
For patients who don’t tolerate certain medications, wish to avoid surgery, or continue to
experience symptoms even after undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery, there is limited
evidence that some hands-on therapies provided by chiropractors may be of benefit. A 2024
systematic review reported that manual therapies—including cervical soft tissue manipulation,
cervical myofascial release, cervical high-velocity/low-amplitude thrust manipulation (HVLA-TM),
thoracic muscle energy, scapular release, thoracic HVLA-TM, cranial techniques, and lymphatic
drainage—may help reduce head and neck congestion, improve lymphatic and venous outflow,
normalize autonomic tone, enhance respiratory mechanics and immune function, and decrease
perceived facial pressure and headache.
While chiropractors in most jurisdictions are recognized as portal-of-entry healthcare
providers—meaning patients can see them directly without referral—chronic rhinosinusitis may, in
some regions, fall outside the direct chiropractic scope of practice. In such cases, co-management
with the patient’s physician is advised, and chiropractic care should be provided on an adjunctive
basis consistent with local regulations.
Brent Binder, D.C.
4909 Louise Dr. Suite 102 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 (717) 697-1888
Risk Factors for Postpartum Low Back Pain
1 DecIt’s estimated that as many as 50–70% of new mothers experience low back pain and
related disability, which can hinder their ability to carry out daily activities such as household
chores, self-care, and meeting the physical demands of infant care—including feeding, lifting,
and carrying. When severe enough, these physical limitations can contribute to stress, anxiety,
and postpartum depression, further interfering with the mother’s ability to bond with her
newborn and diminishing her overall quality of life. What are the underlying causes of
postpartum low back pain?
Interestingly, some risk factors may be present even before conception. Research
suggests that being overweight or obese, physically inactive, or exposed to occupational risk
factors such as whole-body vibration, poor ergonomics, and frequent lifting can set the stage for
low back pain both during pregnancy and after delivery. Women with a prior history of low back
pain are also at elevated risk for symptoms during and following pregnancy.
As the baby grows, the center of mass shifts forward in the body. To compensate, the
pelvis tilts anteriorly and the lumbar spine increases in lordosis, placing added stress on the
lumbar intervertebral disks and facet joints. The stretching of the abdominal muscles can reduce
spinal stability, while hormonal changes that prepare the pelvis for childbirth can increase joint
laxity, further affecting stability in the lower spine and pelvic region. To compound these effects,
expectant mothers may experience fluid retention, deconditioning from reduced activity, sleep
positions that strain the lower back, and psychosocial factors such as stress and anxiety that
heighten pain perception.
Childbirth itself can also contribute to postpartum low back pain. The physical effort of
pushing during delivery can strain the lower back, and the hormonal changes that allow for
ligamentous laxity during pregnancy may persist afterward, leaving the spine more susceptible to
mechanical stress. In cases of cesarean delivery, factors such as spinal anesthesia, post-surgical
immobilization, and prolonged bedrest can further delay recovery and exacerbate pain.
Unfortunately, it’s a common misconception that postpartum low back pain will simply
resolve on its own. In reality, studies suggest that up to 1 in 5 new mothers with low back pain
will develop chronic symptoms lasting a year or longer. While some risk factors for postpartum
low back pain are beyond a woman’s control, others—such as maintaining an active lifestyle,
avoiding prolonged inactivity, and seeking chiropractic care to help restore proper joint motion
and function in the lumbar spine during and after pregnancy—can play a key role in prevention
and recovery.
Brent Binder, D.C.
4909 Louise Dr. Suite 102 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 (717) 697-1888
Pain Relief Chiropractic 