Tag Archives: mechanicsburg pa chiropractor

Jaw Mobilization May Improve Balance in Vertigo Patients

6 Oct

For people with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), dizziness often occurs when
changing head position during everyday activities. The condition develops when tiny calcium crystals
inside the inner ear become displaced and enter one of the semicircular canals involved in balance. As the
head changes position, these crystals interfere with normal signals from the inner ear to the brain, creating
the sensation that the room is spinning.
Standard treatment for BPPV focuses on canalith repositioning maneuvers, which are specific
head and body movements designed to move displaced inner-ear crystals out of the affected canal and
back to where they belong, relieving vertigo symptoms. While this approach is effective for many people,
researchers continue to investigate whether addressing nearby muscles and joints may further improve
balance and recovery.
A recent randomized controlled trial explored whether treating the jaw and surrounding soft
tissues could enhance recovery. The study included 41 adults with BPPV who all received standard
treatment. Half of the participants also received temporomandibular joint (TMJ) mobilization and soft
tissue therapy once a week for four weeks. Both groups experienced significant improvements in
dizziness. However, the group receiving the additional TMJ mobilization and soft tissue therapy
demonstrated significantly greater improvements in jaw function and balance performance. These
findings suggest that addressing jaw dysfunction may improve certain aspects of balance, even though it
did not produce additional reductions in dizziness compared with standard care alone.
The connection between the jaw and balance may seem surprising. Maintaining balance depends
on the brain integrating information from several sources, including the inner ear, vision, and sensory
signals from muscles and joints. Researchers have proposed that dysfunction involving the
temporomandibular joint or nearby muscles could alter some of this sensory information and potentially
influence balance. However, the mechanisms behind this relationship are not yet well understood, and the
study does not establish that TMJ dysfunction causes or contributes to BPPV itself.
For people recovering from BPPV, a comprehensive evaluation may look beyond the inner ear,
especially if balance problems persist after the vertigo has improved. Because each person’s symptoms
and contributing factors are different, treatment decisions should always be based on a thorough
evaluation and individualized care plan.
Chiropractors are trained to evaluate musculoskeletal conditions that may influence movement,
posture, and balance. They can identify findings that may require referral to another healthcare provider
when appropriate and provide conservative care based on each patient’s needs. For some individuals, this
may include manual therapy, soft tissue techniques, and exercises designed to improve movement and
function as part of a coordinated approach to recovery.

Brent Binder, D.C.

4909 Louise Dr. Suite 102

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

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Small Hip Muscle Linked to Back, Buttock, and Leg Pain

1 Oct

While a herniated disk is a well-known cause of sciatica—pain that travels from the lower
back into the buttock or down the leg—it is not the only one. In some cases, a small muscle deep
within the hip called the piriformis may contribute to similar symptoms. Understanding how this
muscle functions can help explain why identifying the true source of radiating leg pain is sometimes
complicated.
The piriformis is located beneath the larger muscles of the buttock. It stretches from the
lower part of the spine and pelvis to the upper portion of the thigh bone. Although relatively small, it
plays an important role in stabilizing the hip and pelvis and helping rotate the hip outward. These
functions contribute to activities such as walking, climbing stairs, changing direction, and
maintaining balance.
When the piriformis becomes tight, irritated, or does not function normally, it may affect the
way the hip and pelvis move and contribute to pain in the buttock or surrounding areas. Just beneath
the piriformis—or, in some people, passing through portions of the muscle—runs the sciatic nerve,
which travels from the lower back into the leg. In some individuals, irritation or entrapment of the
sciatic nerve near the piriformis may also produce pain, tingling, numbness, or aching that travels
down the back of the leg.
A recent literature review concluded that piriformis syndrome is frequently overlooked
because its symptoms can closely resemble conditions such as a lumbar disk injury or sacroiliac joint
dysfunction. Some estimates suggest that piriformis syndrome may account for approximately 5% to
8% of cases involving low back, buttock, or leg pain, but diagnosing the condition remains
challenging because there is no single test that confirms it. Instead, healthcare providers rely on a
careful history and physical examination and, when necessary, imaging or other testing to evaluate
alternative causes.
Because evaluating suspected piriformis involvement requires looking beyond the location of
the pain itself, a chiropractor may assess hip mobility, muscle strength, flexibility, posture, walking
mechanics, and tenderness around the hip and pelvis in patients presenting with lower back, buttock,
or radiating leg pain. Specific examination procedures can help determine whether the piriformis
may be involved while helping distinguish it from other possible causes, such as a lumbar disk
problem or nerve compression in the spine.
When appropriate, conservative treatment by a doctor of chiropractic may include soft tissue
techniques to reduce muscle tension, manual therapy to improve movement in the spine and pelvis,
stretching and strengthening exercises, and guidance on activity modification—all with the goal of
reducing pain, improving function, and promoting healthier movement patterns.

Brent Binder, D.C.

4909 Louise Dr. Suite 102

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

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Heart Rate Zones: Why Exercise Intensity Matters

29 Sep

Heart rate zones reflect exercise intensity as a percentage of a person’s estimated maximum
heart rate, which is commonly calculated by subtracting age from 220. For example, a 50-year-old
adult’s estimated maximum heart rate is 170 (220 minus 50). As exercise becomes more demanding,
the heart beats faster to deliver oxygen-rich blood to working muscles. Each heart rate zone places
different demands on the body and supports different aspects of fitness. Because factors such as
medications, medical conditions, and fitness level can influence heart rate, these zones should be
viewed as helpful guidelines rather than exact targets.

  • Zone 1, or about 50% to 60% of maximum heart rate, is considered very light activity. It
    promotes circulation, supports recovery after harder workouts, and can help reduce stiffness
    by encouraging gentle movement.
  • Zone 2, between 60% and 70% of maximum heart rate, is often called the aerobic zone.
    Activities such as brisk walking, easy cycling, or comfortable swimming performed at this
    intensity help improve cardiovascular health, increase endurance, and encourage the body to
    use fat efficiently as a source of energy.
  • Zone 3, which ranges from 70% to 80% of maximum heart rate, improves aerobic endurance
    and prepares the body for longer or more demanding activities. Many people notice they are
    breathing harder but can still speak in short sentences.
  • Zone 4, between 80% and 90% of maximum heart rate, is much more challenging. Training
    in this range can improve speed, cardiovascular capacity, and athletic performance, but
    because it places greater stress on the body, these workouts are usually performed for shorter
    periods with adequate recovery.
  • The highest level of effort occurs in Zone 5, or 90% to 100% of maximum heart rate. This
    zone is typically reached during short bursts of intense exercise, such as sprinting or interval
    training. It helps improve peak performance, power, and the body’s ability to perform at
    maximum effort. Because Zone 5 is very demanding, it is generally appropriate only for brief
    periods and may not be suitable for everyone, especially individuals who are new to exercise
    or who have certain medical conditions.
    The best exercise program usually includes a variety of heart rate zones rather than staying in
    just one. The right balance depends on a person’s age, fitness level, health status, and goals. Whether
    the objective is improving heart health, increasing endurance, or enhancing athletic performance,
    exercising at different intensities can help create a safe, balanced, and sustainable fitness routine. Of
    course, if aches, pains, or stiffness affects your ability to engage in physical activity, schedule an
    appointment with your chiropractor as treatment to help the affected joints move better may not only
    make exercise easier on the body but lower the risk of potential injury from faulty mechanics.

Brent Binder, D.C.

4909 Louise Dr. Suite 102

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

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Subfailure of the Facet Joints During Whiplash Injury

22 Sep

The neck contains many structures that work together to support the head and allow
smooth movement, including muscles, ligaments, disks, nerves, and facet joints. During a
whiplash injury, the neck can experience rapid forces that stretch these tissues, contributing to
the myriad symptoms collectively known as whiplash-associated disorders (WAD). According to
a recent systematic review, injuries to the cervical facet joints—small joints located at the back
of the spine that guide movement between the vertebrae—are a common source of pain
following whiplash, even if routine imaging tests do not reveal obvious structural damage.
The review, which examined 49 studies, found that the joint capsule surrounding the
cervical facet joints can sustain what researchers call a subfailure injury. In simple terms, this
means the tissue is stretched enough to develop microscopic strains without tearing or causing
obvious structural damage. Even though these tiny injuries may not appear on imaging tests, they
can still stimulate pain-sensitive tissues, causing pain that is often aggravated by certain neck
movements or positions.
Of note, the authors also found that these small injuries may increase the sensitivity of the
nervous system, allowing pain signals to continue long after the initial injury. This could help
explain why nearly half of patients with WAD continue to experience symptoms a year after
their injury, even though the injured tissues would generally be expected to have undergone
substantial healing.
These findings highlight the importance of the physical examination when assessing a
patient after a motor vehicle collision, sports injury, head trauma, or slip-and-fall accident. By
evaluating how the neck responds to palpation, assessing range of motion, and observing which
movements reproduce the patient’s symptoms, a doctor of chiropractic can identify patterns that
may suggest involvement of one or more cervical facet joints. While no single examination
finding can definitively diagnose a facet joint injury, the physical examination helps determine
the most likely source of pain and guides appropriate treatment.
If one or more facet joints are suspected to have been injured, chiropractic care often
includes a combination of gentle spinal manipulation or mobilization, soft tissue therapy,
therapeutic exercises, and postural recommendations designed to reduce pain, restore normal
joint motion, and improve the strength and coordination of the muscles that support the neck.
Patients are generally encouraged to remain as active as their symptoms allow rather than
immobilizing the neck with a cervical collar, as prolonged use can lead to muscle
deconditioning, joint stiffness, and an increased risk of persistent symptoms.

Brent Binder, D.C.

4909 Louise Dr. Suite 102

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

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Wrist Mobilization May Improve Median Nerve Function

15 Sep

The median nerve provides feeling to the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and the thumb side
of the ring finger. It also controls several muscles at the base of the thumb. If pressure builds within the
carpal tunnel where the nerve passes through the wrist, the compression can impede the normal median
nerve function, resulting in the symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or difficulty gripping
objects associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Because these symptoms can interfere with everyday
activities, researchers continue to investigate which conservative treatments may best improve median
nerve function.
Among the non-surgical treatments commonly used for carpal tunnel syndrome are manual
therapies designed to improve the movement of either the median nerve itself or the structures
surrounding it. One approach, known as median nerve mobilization or neural gliding, uses gentle
movements to help the nerve slide more freely through surrounding tissues. Another is carpal bone
mobilization, in which a clinician uses manual techniques to improve the movement of the small bones
that form the wrist and the carpal tunnel. Although both techniques are widely used, it has been unclear
whether either intervention can immediately improve the physiological function of the median nerve.
To investigate this question, researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial involving 74
adults with carpal tunnel syndrome. Participants were assigned to receive either median nerve
mobilization, carpal bone mobilization, or no treatment. Nerve conduction studies performed immediately
before and after treatment showed that the carpal bone mobilization group experienced significantly
greater improvements in motor nerve conduction velocity than both the neural mobilization and control
groups. Improvements in both motor and sensory conduction velocity were also observed within the
carpal bone mobilization group. By comparison, the neural mobilization group demonstrated only a
modest increase in sensory nerve amplitude.
These findings suggest that improving the mechanical environment surrounding the median nerve
may produce immediate physiological benefits. By restoring normal movement of the wrist joints, carpal
bone mobilization may temporarily reduce stress or pressure within the carpal tunnel, allowing electrical
impulses to travel more efficiently through the compressed nerve. This does not mean neural mobilization
is ineffective. Nerve-gliding techniques may improve nerve mobility, reduce mechanosensitivity, or
contribute to symptom relief over time, even if immediate improvements in nerve conduction are limited.
Chiropractors frequently manage patients with carpal tunnel syndrome using a multimodal
approach that addresses the many factors contributing to the condition. In addition to evaluating the wrist,
chiropractors may assess the elbow, shoulder, neck, and upper extremity for joint dysfunction, soft tissue
restrictions, or movement patterns that increase stress on the median nerve. Treatment may include joint
mobilization or manipulation, soft tissue therapies, nerve mobilization, therapeutic exercises, nocturnal
splinting, ergonomic recommendations, activity modification, and home stretching or strengthening
exercises. By restoring normal mechanics and reducing stress on the median nerve, conservative care may
help improve function, reduce symptoms, and support long-term recovery.

Brent Binder, D.C.

4909 Louise Dr. Suite 102

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

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Hands-On Care May Help Reduce Hamstring Injuries

8 Sep

Athletic performance depends on more than strength alone. Healthy movement requires
muscles, joints, and the nervous system to work together smoothly. Hamstring injuries are
among the most common in sports, especially those involving running, sprinting, and rapid
changes of direction, such as soccer. Because recovery can take weeks or even months, injury
prevention is an important goal in the sports world.
Research suggests that maintaining good joint mobility and healthy muscle function may
help the body move more efficiently. The hips and knees play a particularly important role
because they generate and absorb force during athletic activities. When movement in these joints
is limited or the muscles become fatigued, the hamstrings may be subjected to greater strain,
increasing the risk of injury.
In a November 2025 study, researchers examined these factors in a group of 66 female
soccer players. They found that athletes who received a single session of manual therapy
combined with neuromuscular exercises experienced improvements in hip and knee range of
motion as well as neuromuscular function—how effectively the brain, nerves, and muscles work
together to control movement. Improvements in these areas are thought to enhance hamstring
resilience and may contribute to a lower risk of injury, though the study did not directly measure
injury rates. While the study focused on soccer players, the findings suggest that optimizing
movement and muscle control may benefit athletes in many sports.
These findings add to a growing body of research suggesting that hands-on care and
targeted exercise may help improve the way the body moves. Better hip and knee mobility can
reduce unnecessary stress on the hamstrings, while improved neuromuscular control may help
muscles respond more effectively during demanding activities. It is important to remember that
no single treatment can prevent every injury. Training load, conditioning, previous injuries,
recovery habits, and many other factors also influence injury risk. Still, addressing movement
limitations may be one valuable component of a comprehensive injury prevention program.
While chiropractic care is most often associated with helping reduce pain and disability
following musculoskeletal injuries, many athletes also use it as part of a broader strategy to
optimize movement and function. In fact, professional teams in nearly every major sports league
include chiropractors as members of their healthcare staff. Many patients also choose to continue
receiving periodic chiropractic care after recovering from an injury so that movement restrictions
and other mechanical issues can be identified and addressed before they contribute to future
problems.

Brent Binder, D.C.

4909 Louise Dr. Suite 102

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

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