Move More for a Longer, Healthier Life

20 Nov

As we age, we often shift our focus toward healthy lifestyle habits not just to extend life, but to preserve independence and remain free of chronic disease and disability well into later years. While maintaining a healthy weight, eating a nutritious diet, and tracking lab values are all important, a study published in October 2024 suggests that physical activity—specifically how much we move throughout the day—may be the single best predictor of longevity.

One practical way to stay active is by using an activity tracker, whether it’s a traditional pedometer or one of the newer smart watches and rings that have become popular. There is an old business adage that what gets measured gets improved, and recent studies suggest that this applies to physical activity as well. In March 2023, researchers reported that sedentary adults who wore activity trackers and received reminders about their daily steps increased their step count by an average of 5,000 per day within three months. A similar effect has been seen in children, who boosted their activity by roughly 1,500 steps a day when given a tracker of their own.

The widely quoted goal of 10,000 steps a day may have started in the 1960s as a marketing slogan for a Japanese pedometer, yet modern research suggests it is not far off as a benchmark for health. A large analysis of 57 studies led by researchers at the University of Sydney found that averaging about 7,000 steps a day was associated with a 47% reduction in the risk of premature death, along with lower risks of dementia, depression, and cardiovascular disease. Other work suggests that the longevity benefits of walking may level off at around 16,000 steps a day. For those who are sedentary, goals like 5,000, 8,000, or 10,000 daily steps may seem daunting at first, but the most important point to remember is that some movement is always better than none, and with time and consistency, more is always possible.

Daily step counts capture overall movement, but higher-intensity activity remains essential for building stronger muscles and bones, improving balance, and unlocking health benefits that everyday walking alone cannot provide. Current guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise each week, along with resistance training twice a week. Participating in sports or recreational activities is a particularly effective way to meet these goals, as they not only challenge the heart, lungs, and muscles, but also engage the mind and senses and provide valuable opportunities for social connection.

Before beginning any new fitness routine, it is important to check with your healthcare provider to ensure the activities are safe for your individual health profile. And if pain or stiffness begins to interfere with your ability to move more, a doctor of chiropractic may be able to help restore comfortable movement and reduce limitations, allowing you to progress to an active lifestyle that supports long-term health and independence.

Pain Relief Chiropractic

4909 Louise Drive Suite 102

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

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Recovering from Whiplash

17 Nov

A whiplash neck injury occurs when the head is abruptly thrown backward and then forward. This violent motion, which happens faster than the body can brace against, can damage soft tissues—including ligaments, muscles, nerves, and disks—as well as cause bone injury or fracture with or without dislocation. Symptoms typically develop within days and may include neck pain and stiffness, reduced motion, headaches (often starting at the base of the skull), shoulder or upper back tenderness, dizziness, fatigue, tingling or numbness in the arms, and pain that worsens with movement. Each case is unique, making recovery time highly variable and difficult to predict.

By following clinical guidelines, healthcare providers can give patients the best chance for recovery. In the absence of red flags (such as fracture, dislocation, neurological compromise, or vascular injury), chiropractic care often focuses on reducing muscle spasm, pain, and inflammation; restoring mobility; encouraging activity within tolerance; and reassuring patients about recovery.

While specifics can vary depending on exam findings, patient preferences, and clinical training and experience, a multimodal treatment approach may include manual therapies including spinal manipulation, mobilization, and soft tissue therapies; manual and/or mechanical cervical traction; pain reducing modalities such as electrical stim, laser therapy, pulsed electrical magnetic field, pulsed ultrasound; dry needling or acupuncture; home exercises to increase muscle strength and improve range of motion; patient education; and diet modifications or supplement recommendations.

Although most injured patients improve within several weeks, up to 50% may continue to experience pain and/or other related whiplash associated signs and symptoms at one year post injury. Investigators have initiated a number of studies to identify which patients may be at greatest risk for prolonged recovery, and though no clear rubric has been established, research suggests the following may be risk factors for chronic whiplash symptoms: older age; a history of back or neck problems (including previous whiplash); pre-existing psychological distress; higher initial pain intensity; pre-existing cervical spine osteoarthritis; and current smoking.

If progress is limited or risk factors for chronic recovery are present, a doctor of chiropractic may coordinate with the patient’s medical physician or a specialist to provide additional treatment beyond the chiropractor’s scope of care.

Pain Relief Chiropractic

4909 Louise Drive Suite 102

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

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Chiropractic Approach for Tension-Type Headaches

13 Nov

Almost everyone will experience headaches during their lifetime, with roughly half of adults reporting at least one episode each year. While many may be transitory, some patients develop recurring or persistent headaches. The most common form is the tension-type headache (TTH), accounting for an estimated 60–70% of all chronic headache cases.

Tension-type headaches are characterized by bilateral, non-pulsatile pain of mild to moderate intensity, typically described as a tightening or pressing sensation lasting from 30 minutes to seven days. Many patients liken the pain to a band-like pressure encircling their head. Unlike migraines, TTH is not associated with nausea or vomiting, and patients can usually tolerate routine physical activity. Some may report sensitivity to either light or noise (but not both), and about 20% experience mild loss of appetite.

There is no specific diagnostic test or imaging finding for TTH. Diagnosis is based on its characteristic symptom pattern—bilateral, pressing pain not worsened by activity combined with the absence of migraine features and exclusion of secondary causes through clinical history, physical exam, and neurological assessment. If red flags are present—such as sudden severe onset, progressive worsening, systemic illness, or neurological deficits—urgent referral to an emergency department or specialist is warranted.

A 2023 study in Musculoskeletal Science & Practice found that many TTH patients also experience neck pain, limited range of motion, and impaired motor control. Palpation of trigger points in the neck muscles or upper cervical joints can often reproduce the headache pain pattern. These findings suggest cervical spine examination is an important component of evaluation, and addressing dysfunction through manual therapies—such as spinal manipulation, mobilization, soft tissue work, and neck-specific exercise—may provide benefit.

Studies have found that manual therapies applied to the cervical region to address trigger points in the muscles and restore normal movement to joints and other soft tissues can reduce the intensity, duration, and frequency of tension-type headaches. However, a multimodal approach that includes modalities, therapeutic exercises, and diet and lifestyle improvements may be necessary to more effectively manage the condition.

Pain Relief Chiropractic

4909 Louise Drive Suite 102

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

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What Is Iliotibial Band Syndrome?

10 Nov

Up to one-in-five adults experience knee pain each year, and many seek chiropractic care to find relief from both pain and disability. While knee pain can have many causes, when discomfort is concentrated on the outside of the knee in active adults, iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is an important condition to consider.

The iliotibial band is a tough, fibrous band of fascia that runs from the iliac crest at the top of the pelvis down to the outer surface of the tibia just below the knee. It serves as a dynamic stabilizer of both the knee and the hip during walking and running, and research has shown that it also stores and releases elastic energy during these activities, much like a spring.

Pain from ITBS rarely begins with a single traumatic event. Instead, it typically develops after a gradual increase in running loads, such as taking on longer distances or increasing speed. The condition is estimated to account for up to 14% of all running-related injuries, but there is still debate about the exact mechanism of injury. The traditional explanation is that the band becomes irritated as it rubs back and forth over the bony prominence of the lateral femoral epicondyle as the knee bends and straightens. More recent studies, however, suggest that the band is firmly anchored to the femur and that repetitive knee motion instead compresses the soft tissues beneath it, leading to pain. A third view emphasizes the role of weak hip muscles, which reduce pelvic control and place greater strain on the ITB, creating a sprain-like overload.

Because there is no blood test or imaging procedure that can definitively diagnose iliotibial band syndrome, clinicians rely on a combination of history and physical examination while ruling out other potential causes of lateral knee pain such as meniscus injury, synovial plica syndrome, or bone stress fracture. Iliotibial band syndrome is most strongly suggested when tenderness is present directly over the lateral femoral epicondyle, when pain worsens with prolonged running, downhill activity, or stair descent, and when there is no evidence of catching, locking, or clear trauma that would indicate another problem. Findings on clinical tests such as Noble’s compression test, Ober’s test, or Renne’s test can further support the diagnosis.

Treatment of ITBS usually requires a multimodal approach. Patients often need to modify their activity levels to reduce strain on the ITB, while also addressing underlying inflammation. Rehabilitation exercises to strengthen the hip and core muscles and improve posture can restore balance, while manual therapies may be used to improve the movement of joints and soft tissues. In some cases, orthotics or footwear changes are recommended to correct ankle or foot mechanics that place additional stress on the knee. As with most musculoskeletal conditions, the earlier care is initiated, the better the outcomes. With prompt attention, patients can usually expect a satisfactory recovery that allows them to return to their usual recreational and occupational activities without lingering limitations.

Pain Relief Chiropractic

4909 Louise Drive Suite 102

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

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Work Activities Linked to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

6 Nov

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve is compressed or entrapped as it passes through the wrist. This often leads to numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger, along with muscle weakness that makes pinching and gripping difficult. Certain types of jobs carry a higher risk of developing CTS, including agriculture, trucking, factory work, construction, food service, and office work. But it is not the occupation itself that causes the problem so much as the specific tasks involved.

Repetitive hand movements are one of the most common contributors. The tendons that allow the fingers to flex and extend travel through the narrow carpal tunnel, each wrapped in a lubricating sheath to help them glide smoothly. When these tendons are worked too often without rest, friction builds, the sheaths swell, and pressure inside the tunnel rises, affecting the function of the median nerve. Over time, microtraumas accumulate and inflammation becomes more frequent, producing even more severe symptoms. Forceful gripping adds another layer of stress, since tightening down on a tool or object makes the tendons thicken and further crowd the tunnel, creating more opportunities for irritation.

Vibration is another key factor. The use of jackhammers, chainsaws, grinders, or other vibrating tools not only increases tendon friction but also places mechanical stress directly on the median nerve. Vibration reduces blood flow by constricting small vessels, further depriving the tissues of oxygen and nutrients. Likewise, working in non-neutral wrist positions—whether bending the wrist up, down, or to the side—changes the shape of the carpal tunnel and raises internal pressure. Cold temperatures, while not a direct cause, intensify the problem by stiffening tissues and restricting blood flow, making symptoms more severe.

In real-world work, most tasks involve a combination of these stressors. A meatpacker gripping an electric knife in a cold warehouse, a carpenter operating a vibrating power tool, or an office worker typing for hours with poor ergonomics all face multiple overlapping risks. Because people are motivated to keep working, CTS symptoms are often ignored or self-managed until they become too limiting to continue daily tasks. The good news is that the sooner care is sought, the better the chance of recovery. Chiropractic care can be an effective option, helping patients restore comfortable movement and strength so they can return to normal activities without lingering pain or limitation.

Pain Relief Chiropractic

4909 Louise Drive Suite 102

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

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Treatment for Vertebral Compression Fracture

3 Nov

While there are many potential causes of low back pain in older adults, one of the most common—especially among women—is vertebral compression fracture (VCF). By age 80, up to 30% of women and 20% of men will have sustained at least one VCF. Interestingly, only about one-third of cases produce acute, noticeable pain. The remainder are either asymptomatic or go undiagnosed due to lack of imaging or because other pain-generating conditions such as osteoarthritis or spinal stenosis may mask the fracture. The type of treatment to address the injury depends largely on whether the fracture is stable or unstable.

A vertebral compression fracture occurs when the bony structure of the vertebra collapses, often due to osteoporosis and weakened bone health. If the fracture extends beyond the anterior portion of the vertebra, radically alters spinal alignment, or places pressure on neural structures, it is considered unstable. These cases usually require surgical intervention, such as vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty (injecting a cement-like material into the vertebra) or spinal fusion to stabilize the spine. Fortunately, only 10–15% of vertebral compression fractures are unstable.

Most VCFs are stable and can be managed conservatively, which may include chiropractic care. Treatment guidelines recommend activity modification during the early healing phase—avoiding heavy lifting, twisting, or prolonged sitting or standing. However, patients are encouraged to remain active within pain tolerance, as inactivity can lead to deconditioning and slower recovery. Bracing may be considered on a case-by-case basis, though evidence for its effectiveness is mixed. Spinal manipulation is generally contraindicated, but chiropractors can employ low-force manual therapies, modalities for pain and muscle spasm (such as ultrasound, TENS, or cold laser), and prescribe posture and core stabilization exercises. Co-management with a medical physician may include short-term medications to control acute pain.

Ultimately, the most effective treatment is prevention. Osteoporosis—the most common underlying cause of VCFs—is often silent until a fracture occurs. Guidelines recommend that all women over age 65 undergo a bone density (DEXA) scan, with earlier screening for those with family history or risk factors. While there is no consensus for men, approximately 1 in 6 will develop osteoporosis in old age. Just as important is adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a nutrient-dense diet, weight-bearing exercise, maintaining adequate vitamin D levels, not smoking, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption.

Pain Relief Chiropractic

4909 Louise Drive Suite 102

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

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