Tag Archives: mechanicsburg pa chiropractor

Whiplash Avoidance Strategies

25 May

During a whiplash event, such as a rear-end collision, the head and neck accelerate and decelerate
more rapidly than the nervous system can coordinate a protective muscular response. This can result in
sprains, strains, and microtrauma to the soft tissues of the head, neck, and upper torso, which may
manifest as neck pain, stiffness, headache, brain fog, or dizziness—collectively referred to as whiplashassociated disorders (WAD). Because many patients experience symptoms that persist for months or even
years following injury, WAD can place a significant burden on individuals, families, and society as a
whole—highlighting the importance of strategies and technologies aimed at reducing whiplash risk.
Three key technologies designed to reduce collisions are blind spot monitoring, lane departure
warning, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Blind spot monitoring
systems detect vehicles alongside the car that may not be visible to the driver and provide visual or
auditory alerts. Lane departure warning systems use cameras to identify lane markings and notify the
driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane; activation of the turn signal typically overrides these
alerts. Forward collision warning systems use cameras and sensors to detect when a vehicle is
approaching another object too quickly and alert the driver. More advanced systems incorporate
automatic emergency braking, which can slow or stop the vehicle to avoid a collision or reduce its
severity.
Proper adjustment of the seat and head restraint is also important in reducing whiplash risk.
Ideally, the head should remain close to the head restraint during a collision to limit excessive backward
motion. Research suggests that a seatback angle of approximately 20–30 degrees, combined with
positioning the head within about 2 inches (5 cm) of the head restraint and ensuring the restraint is aligned
with the top of the head (not below it), may help reduce injury risk. Despite this, observational studies
have shown that a large proportion of drivers do not properly adjust their head restraints. In response,
vehicle manufacturers have introduced seat and head restraint technologies designed to reduce the relative
motion between the head and torso during rear-end impacts.
Perhaps the most important factor in reducing whiplash risk is driver attention. Distracted drivers
are less likely to recognize hazards such as rapidly approaching vehicles, unsafe lane changes by others,
or road conditions that require sudden braking. In situations where a collision appears unavoidable, some
evidence suggests that pre-contraction of the neck muscles may reduce injury severity by limiting head–
neck motion and reducing strain on cervical structures.
If a collision does occur, early management focused on maintaining activity within pain tolerance
and restoring normal movement patterns may help reduce the likelihood of persistent symptoms.
Conservative approaches, including chiropractic care, are commonly used to support recovery in patients
with whiplash-associated disorders.

Brent Binder, D.C.

4909 Louise Dr. Suite 102

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 (717) 697-1888

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Potential Causes of Wrist Pain

18 May

After shoulder pain, wrist complaints are among the most common reasons patients seek
chiropractic care for upper limb issues. Before treatment begins, the likely cause of the patient’s
wrist symptoms must be identified. Let’s review the most common causes of wrist pain and the
key features that help differentiate them:

  • If a patient presents with fever (suggesting possible septic arthritis), severe pain out of
    proportion to the injury or sudden neurologic changes (raising concern for acute
    compartment syndrome), or significant trauma (like a suspected scaphoid fracture),
    immediate referral to the emergency room is warranted.
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common peripheral neuropathy and is
    characterized by numbness and tingling in the median nerve distribution (thumb,
    index, middle, and radial half of the ring finger). Positive findings on physical
    examinations that involve compression of the wrist strongly support this diagnosis.
  • De Quervain’s tenosynovitis causes pain on the thumb side of the wrist and most
    commonly affects women ages 30–50, especially postpartum. A positive Finkelstein
    test (thumb in fist, bend wrist toward pinky—pain on thumb side is positive) supports
    this diagnosis.
  • Osteoarthritis of the wrist or carpometacarpal joint can cause pain and stiffness during
    gripping, pinching, and other hand-intensive activities. It may lead to visible
    deformity and is typically confirmed with X-ray imaging.
  • A fall on an outstretched hand can result in a wrist sprain or ligament injury. Pain is
    typically localized and reproduced with palpation and range-of-motion testing. Mildto-moderate swelling, no visible deformity, no neurovascular deficits, and preserved
    (though painful) range of motion help differentiate this from more serious trauma.
  • Triangular fibrocartilage complex injury presents with pain on the ulnar (pinky) side
    of the wrist, often following trauma or repetitive axial loading (motions like pushing
    up off a chair or performing a push-up that direct force through the wrist into the
    forearm). Tenderness over the ulnar fovea and pain or clicking with forceful wrist
    rotation are suggestive findings.
  • Flexor or extensor tendinopathy results from overuse of the forearm and wrist
    musculature, presenting as localized pain along the affected tendon(s), often
    aggravated by resisted movement.
    Once the likely source of wrist pain is identified, treatment typically involves a
    combination of manual therapy and targeted exercises to reduce stress on affected tissues and
    restore normal joint function. Patients who do not respond as expected may be referred for
    further evaluation or advanced imaging.

Brent Binder,

D.C. 4909 Louise Dr. Suite 102

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 (717) 697-1888

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Causes of Knee Pain in Kids

11 May

Knee pain accounts for at least one-third of musculoskeletal complaints in the pediatric
population seen in healthcare clinics, including chiropractic offices. This is especially common
in active children during the growth spurts of early adolescence. Let’s review some of the most
common causes of knee pain in kids and teens and how they are typically managed.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome, or kneecap pain, is the most common cause of knee pain
in children and adolescents. Pain typically arises from behind the patella and worsens with
activities involving knee flexion, such as climbing stairs, squatting, or prolonged sitting. On
examination, pain may be reproduced with a single-leg squat, often with inward knee collapse.
Treatment includes both weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing exercises targeting the posterior
hip and quadriceps. Manual therapy and movement retraining may be used to restore normal
joint mechanics. Treatment may include a foot orthotic if excessive ankle pronation is
contributing to pain.
Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) is inflammation of the growth plate at the tibial tubercle
just below the kneecap, often producing a prominent bump that can irritate the patellar tendon
during running, jumping, squatting, and kneeling. Treatment typically includes patient education,
activity modification, exercise therapy, and use of an infrapatellar strap. Sinding-LarsenJohansson syndrome is similar to OSD but involves the bottom of the patella rather than the
tibial tubercle. Management follows a similar approach.
Patellar tendinopathy, or jumper’s knee, results from cumulative microtears due to
repetitive jumping, landing, and sprinting. Management includes reducing high-load activities
(while avoiding complete rest), gradually reloading the tendon as symptoms improve, and
performing strengthening and flexibility exercises for the quadriceps and hamstrings. Manual
therapy and biomechanical corrections may also help improve loading patterns.

In cases such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis, chiropractors may work in coordination with
the child’s medical physician or rheumatologist to provide supportive care—such as gentle
manual therapy and soft tissue techniques—to improve mobility and reduce muscle tension.
The good news is these conditions generally respond well to conservative management,
helping most children return to their normal activities without the need for invasive treatment.

Brent Binder, D.C.

4909 Louise Dr. Suite 102

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 (717) 697-1888

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Chiropractic Care for Headache Relief

4 May

Statistically, up to 20% of adults experience frequent headaches, with approximately 1–
4% reporting headaches on more than 15 days per month. While there are many types of
headaches—and within each subtype, multiple underlying causes and triggers—research
suggests that musculoskeletal factors can contribute to certain headache presentations. What
would a doctor of chiropractic look for during the initial visits to determine whether a course of
chiropractic care could benefit the headache sufferer?
The first step is to take a patient history that explores past and present health, as well as
details specific to the chief complaint—headaches, in this case. The responses help determine
whether the headache pattern is consistent with musculoskeletal referral from the neck or
surrounding tissues. Important clues include band-like pressure around the head; pain that begins
in the neck or base of the skull and may spread to the temples, forehead, or behind the eyes;
headaches triggered by prolonged computer work, poor posture, neck movement, stress, or jaw
clenching; pain that worsens after desk work or driving; improvement with massage, stretching,
or heat; and co-occurring neck stiffness or shoulder tightness.
If the patient presents with red flags—such as a new type of headache after age 50, the
worst headache of their life, recent head trauma, signs of infection (e.g., fever), or neurological
symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or vision changes—they may be referred for urgent
medical evaluation.
The history guides the physical examination, during which the chiropractor assesses
range of motion of the cervical spine—particularly the upper cervical segments—for restrictions,
asymmetries, or reproduction of symptoms. They will also palpate soft tissues in the head and
neck, including the suboccipital muscles, upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, temporalis,
masseter, and levator scapulae, to identify tenderness or trigger points and determine whether
these reproduce the patient’s headache. Orthopedic testing and postural assessment further help
identify musculoskeletal contributors.
The specific treatment approach varies by patient, but generally involves conservative
therapies aimed at restoring joint mobility and reducing muscle tension. This may include spinal
manipulation or mobilization, soft tissue therapy, trigger point techniques, physiotherapy
modalities, targeted exercises, and postural education. If a musculoskeletal disorder is a primary
contributor—as is often the case in tension-type or cervicogenic headaches—patients may
experience significant improvement or resolution. For other headache types, such as migraines,
care may help reduce the frequency, intensity, and duration of episodes.

Brent Binder, D.C.

4909 Louise Dr. Suite 102

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 (717) 697-1888

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Spinal Manipulation for Lumbar Disk Lesions

1 May

The majority of low back pain cases are classified as non-specific in nature, meaning they
are not attributable to an identifiable, single structural cause such as a fracture, infection, tumor,
or nerve compression. But, in roughly 5–10% of cases, the cause of localized pain in the lower
back can be linked to injury to the intervertebral disks—which sit between each of the lumbar
vertebrae and function as shock absorbers while facilitating spinal movement. If a nearby nerve
root is affected, the patient may experience symptoms that radiate along the course of the nerve
into the leg. What role, if any, can chiropractic play in managing lumbar disk–related low back
pain?
When a patient presents with low back pain, the chiropractor evaluates specific patterns
to determine whether a disk lesion may be contributing to the patient’s symptoms. Disk-related
pain is more likely when symptoms worsen with sitting, bending, leaning forward, or lifting, and
improve with standing, walking, or extension-based movements. Pain may be centralized in the
low back or refer into the buttock or thigh. In some cases, symptoms can extend further down the
leg. A particularly important clinical finding is centralization, where pain that radiates into the
leg moves back toward the spine during repeated movements.
In contrast, findings such as localized tenderness, pain primarily with extension and
rotation, no change in symptoms with repeated movement, or pain unaffected by loading patterns
suggest that a disk may not be the primary pain generator. Advanced imaging is typically not
recommended as an initial step in the diagnostic process. This is because a significant portion of
middle-aged adults have disk abnormalities visible on MRI that are often asymptomatic, and
treating these findings may not benefit the patient. Imaging is more appropriately reserved for
cases involving red flags such as progressive neurological deficits, bowel or bladder dysfunction,
or suspicion of serious pathology such as cancer, infection, or fracture.
The goal of treatment is to reduce mechanical stress on the affected disk and surrounding
structures, particularly when herniation is irritating nearby nerve roots, allowing the condition to
improve over time. Doctors of chiropractic often use a multimodal approach that may include
spinal manipulation or mobilization, soft tissue therapies, physiotherapy modalities, traction,
therapeutic exercise, and postural education. Patients who continue to experience significant
symptoms after 6–12 weeks may be referred for further evaluation. Fortunately, the prognosis is
favorable. Studies show that more than 4 in 5 cases of lumbar disk herniation improve with
conservative care and do not require surgery.

Brent Binder, D.C.

4909 Louise Dr. Suite 102

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 (717) 697-1888

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How Much Screen Time Is Too Much for Teens?

30 Apr

Adolescence is a period of rapid development, and behaviors established during this time can
influence emotional, mental, and physical health well into adulthood. Over the past two decades, the
proliferation of smartphones, handheld devices, and social media has dramatically reshaped daily
life—including for teenagers. Numerous studies have linked excessive screen time to poor posture,
physical inactivity, adverse metabolic outcomes, neck pain, behavioral concerns, lower academic
performance, and mood disorders. But how much screen time is too much?
According to a January 2026 article published in the Journal of the American Medical
Association, teens aged 13 to 18 average more than 8.5 hours per day on screen-based
entertainment—including more than an hour during school hours. The data suggest that the most
frequently used app categories among teenagers include social media, video streaming, gaming,
communication, and general entertainment.
In another study, researchers found that adolescents’ risk of adverse outcomes—including
elevated stress, depression, suicidal ideation, and substance use—increased noticeably after four
hours of daily screen use. These findings suggest that limiting total recreational screen time to under
four hours per day may be a reasonable goal for many teens. When examining social media use
specifically, assessments completed by more than 100,000 Australian youths found that spending
more than two hours per day on social platforms was associated with lower scores for happiness, life
satisfaction, and emotional regulation. Interestingly, the same study found that complete avoidance of
social media was also associated with poorer wellbeing, suggesting that some degree of online social
interaction may be beneficial for adolescents.
So how can parents help their children better regulate screen time? For starters, research
suggests that giving children their own smartphone before age 12 is associated with higher rates of
depression, obesity, and insufficient sleep, so delaying a child’s first phone until later adolescence
may be wise. It’s also recommended to establish screen-free times during the day—such as during
meals or in the hour before bedtime—as well as screen-free zones like bedrooms or dining areas.
Many mobile service providers offer family plans with parental controls that allow parents to set app
restrictions and built-in time limits. Perhaps most importantly, parents should model healthy
technology habits themselves. If children see adults constantly on their phones, they are likely to
imitate that behavior—consciously or not.
Of course, if excessive screen time has contributed to poor posture or musculoskeletal
discomfort in either parent or child, consider scheduling an appointment with your chiropractor. In
addition to hands-on care aimed at restoring movement to stiff joints, they can recommend simple
exercises to perform throughout the day to reduce strain and help prevent future episodes.

Brent Binder, D.C.

4909 Louise Dr. Suite 102

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 (717) 697-1888

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