Tag Archives: pain relief

Unexpected Workplace Risks for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

21 Jul

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed as it
passes through the wrist, resulting in symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, burning
sensations, or pain in parts of the hand. Workplace factors such as forceful gripping, repetitive
movements, awkward wrist positions, and vibrating tools are well-known contributors to CTS;
however, researchers are increasingly identifying additional workplace exposures that may play a
role in CTS risk over time, especially in combination with the following factors:

  • Non-traditional shift work: Shift work can disrupt normal sleep cycles and circadian
    rhythms, potentially increasing systemic inflammation, impairing tissue recovery, and
    altering pain sensitivity. Fatigue may also contribute to poorer posture, reduced
    coordination, or increased muscle tension during repetitive tasks.
  • Toxic substances: Certain industrial chemicals and solvents are known to contribute to
    peripheral nerve irritation or neuropathy. Repeated exposure may make nerves more
    vulnerable to compression injuries, including irritation of the median nerve within the
    carpal tunnel.
  • Secondhand smoke: Tobacco smoke exposure may impair circulation and reduce oxygen
    delivery to tissues. Nicotine-related vascular changes and chronic inflammation may
    negatively affect nerve health and slow healing of irritated tissues surrounding the wrist.
  • Extreme temperatures: Cold environments can reduce blood flow, increase tissue
    stiffness, and slow nerve conduction. Workers exposed to cold conditions often
    experience increased muscle tension and reduced hand dexterity, potentially increasing
    strain on tendons and surrounding soft tissues. Repeated heat exposure may also
    contribute to tissue swelling.
  • Loud noise: Chronic noise exposure has been associated with increased physiologic stress
    responses, elevated stress hormone levels, and greater muscle tension. Some researchers
    suggest these stress-related changes may indirectly contribute to musculoskeletal
    disorders, particularly when combined with repetitive or physically demanding work
    activities.
    While reducing exposure to these risk factors may not always be possible in certain
    occupations, chiropractic care aimed at improving biomechanics, reducing mechanical stress on
    the median nerve, and addressing muscle and joint dysfunction in the upper extremity may play a
    role in managing the condition and helping workers perform daily job tasks more comfortably.

Brent Binder, D.C.

4909 Louise Dr.

Suite 102 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

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Joint Pain Is Not Always About “Just Getting Older”

14 Jul

Joint pain is common, especially in the knees, hips, shoulders, hands, neck, and lower back.
While often described as a normal part of aging, joint pain is not always simply about “getting
older.” There are multiple forms of arthritis, with osteoarthritis being the most common diagnosis.
Researchers estimate that approximately 30–40% of middle-aged adults and 50–70% of older adults
have some degree of osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is commonly described as a “wear and tear” condition in which the cartilage
that cushions joints gradually breaks down. Interestingly, normal daily movement is essential for
joint health because cartilage does not have a direct blood supply. Instead, nutrients are delivered to
joint tissues through changes in pressure that occur during movement, helping circulate joint fluid
that nourishes cartilage and supports joint health. When normal joint motion becomes altered—often
due to multiple contributing factors—the integrity of the cartilage tissue can become compromised.
As this process develops, an individual may experience pain, stiffness after periods of rest, swelling,
reduced range of motion, or difficulty with daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or
gripping objects.
Some risk factors for osteoarthritis cannot be changed, including aging and genetics;
however, many contributors are considered modifiable and often work in combination to affect joint
health:

  • Repetitive stress from certain occupations, sports, or activities may gradually increase
    stress on joints.
  • Past ligament injuries, fractures, or joint trauma can alter mechanics and increase stress
    on cartilage over time.
  • Additional weight increases pressure on weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips,
    and lower back.
  • Weak muscles provide less support and stability for joints, potentially increasing strain
    during movement.
  • Poor alignment or biomechanical imbalances may place uneven stress on specific areas of
    a joint.
  • Conditions such as diabetes, chronic low-grade inflammation, or metabolic syndrome
    may contribute to cartilage breakdown and joint irritation.
    Because many of the factors that contribute to osteoarthritis involve joint mechanics,
    movement patterns, and physical stress on the body, treatment is often focused on restoring normal
    joint motion and improving function. Chiropractors commonly address these factors as part of a
    multimodal treatment approach that may include manual therapies, specific exercises, modalities, and
    patient education. When combined with healthy lifestyle habits, these approaches may help many
    individuals remain more active and functional despite joint changes.

Brent Binder, D.C.

4909 Louise Dr.

Suite 102 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

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Benefits of a Daily Multivitamin

29 Jun

Many adults and children take a daily multivitamin as part of their overall health
strategy. However, decades of research have produced mixed findings on whether
multivitamins reduce the risk of major health outcomes. As a result, some experts assert that
water-soluble vitamins produce little more than expensive, neon-colored urine.
More recent studies—particularly those using improved research designs—are
beginning to challenge this notion. While multivitamins are not a cure-all, they may offer
subtle but measurable benefits, especially in certain populations.

  • In a 2026 study analyzing data from the COSMOS trial involving 958 older adults,
    researchers found that participants who took a daily multivitamin for two years
    experienced slower biological aging—by about four months—compared to those
    taking a placebo. The multivitamin group also had lower levels of inflammatory
    markers and performed better on cognitive assessments, suggesting potential benefits
    for both physical and brain health.
  • An August 2020 study of 42 middle-aged and older adults found that those taking a
    daily multivitamin experienced less severe illness symptoms and shorter illness
    duration than those given a placebo. Many nutrients commonly found in
    multivitamins—such as vitamins C, vitamin D, and zinc—are known to support
    immune function.
  • In a group of 1,708 heart attack survivors, researchers observed that those given a
    high-dose multivitamin had a 54% lower risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes
    compared to those given a placebo.
  • An analysis of nearly 100,000 women found that multivitamin use during pregnancy
    was associated with reduced risks of several birth defects, including neural tube,
    cardiovascular, urinary tract, and limb abnormalities.
    A more modern perspective is that multivitamins may not be universally necessary—
    especially for individuals who consume a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet rich in fruits,
    vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. For these individuals, additional
    supplementation may offer little added benefit. However, for older adults, individuals with
    dietary restrictions, chronic conditions, or increased nutritional demands, a daily
    multivitamin may serve as a practical and low-risk way to help close nutritional gaps.
    As research continues to evolve, the most balanced conclusion may be that
    multivitamins are neither a miracle solution nor a waste, but rather a tool that can be useful in
    the right context.

Brent Binder, D.C.

4909 Louise Dr. Suite 102

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 (717) 697-1888

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Neuroinflammation and Chronic Whiplash Symptoms

25 Jun

It’s estimated that up to 50% of patients with whiplash-associated disorders
(WAD) continue to experience symptoms one year after their injury. Common chronic
WAD symptoms include persistent neck pain and stiffness, headaches, shoulder and
upper back pain, arm pain or numbness and tingling, dizziness or balance issues, fatigue
and sleep disturbance, cognitive difficulties, and increased pain sensitivity.
Because of the significant toll chronic WAD can have on individuals, families, and
society as a whole, there has been substantial research aimed at better understanding
these injuries in hopes of preventing long-term pain and disability. In particular, the view
is beginning to shift from WAD being the result of simple soft tissue injury to a more
complex condition involving the nervous system, where ongoing inflammation in and
around neural tissues may continue to drive pain long after the initial injury.
The sudden acceleration and deceleration of the head and neck that characterizes
whiplash can place rapid strain on cervical tissues, including the joints, muscles,
ligaments, and tendons. In response, the body initiates an inflammatory process, releasing
chemical messengers that help coordinate healing. These inflammatory signals can also
affect nearby nerves, increasing their sensitivity and altering how they transmit signals.
In the short term, this response is normal and part of recovery. However, if the
condition is not effectively managed, this heightened state can persist. Ongoing irritation
of the nervous system may amplify pain signaling and contribute to increased sensitivity
over time, a process known as central sensitization. As a result, stimuli that would not
normally be painful may begin to produce pain, and symptoms can persist even after the
original injury has largely healed.
Patients with signs of sensitization often require a more comprehensive treatment
approach—one that addresses both the physical tissues and the nervous system. Care may
include manual therapies and therapeutic modalities, targeted exercises and a gradual
return to normal activity, and patient education to support positive recovery expectations.
In some cases, additional strategies aimed at reducing inflammation, such as dietary
considerations, may also be included as part of a broader, individualized plan.

Brent Binder, D.C.

4909 Louise Dr. Suite 102

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 (717) 697-1888

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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptom Mapping

18 Jun

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition characterized by symptoms in parts of the hand
supplied by the median nerve, typically caused by compression of the nerve as it passes through the
wrist. However, the constellation of symptoms associated with CTS is not unique to this peripheral
neuropathy, and without a thorough history and examination, it’s possible for a healthcare provider to
make an incorrect or incomplete diagnosis. In such cases, patients may achieve only temporary relief
at best.
Let’s look at how a doctor of chiropractic may map a patient’s symptoms to develop a clearer
picture of the chief complaint:

  • Location: The chiropractor will work with the patient to identify the precise areas in the hand
    where symptoms are experienced. In CTS, symptoms are most often reported in the thumb,
    index finger, middle finger, and the thumb-side of the ring finger as well as the
    corresponding portion of the palm. Symptoms affecting the pinky, the pinky-side of the ring
    finger, or the back of the hand may suggest involvement of a different nerve.
  • Timing and movement: Uncovering when symptoms occur can provide important clues. In
    CTS, symptoms may worsen at night, during repetitive or forceful hand activity, or at the
    extremes of wrist motion. If symptoms are provoked by changes in neck position or certain
    arm movements, this may indicate involvement beyond the wrist.
  • Path: If symptoms travel from the hand up the arm—or from the neck or shoulder down into
    the hand—this may suggest nerve irritation somewhere along its course.
  • Associated symptoms: While hand symptoms often drive patients to seek care, it’s important
    to check for additional complaints such as neck pain or stiffness, shoulder discomfort,
    headaches, or weakness in the arm or hand. These findings may be related and can influence
    the diagnosis.
    Assessing symptoms in this way helps determine whether the patient likely has CTS, whether
    there is median nerve involvement at other points along its path, whether a different nerve is
    involved, or some combination of these factors. It’s not uncommon for median nerve compression at
    the wrist to coexist with irritation at other sites (often referred to as double crush syndrome), or for
    the ulnar or radial nerves to also be involved—especially in cases that do not respond as expected to
    typical CTS care.
    With a more complete clinical picture, the chiropractor can develop a treatment plan aimed at
    reducing pressure on the affected nerves. This may include manual therapies, targeted exercises,
    physiotherapy modalities, nighttime wrist splinting, and nutritional recommendations to help manage
    inflammation. If underlying health conditions are suspected to contribute to nerve irritation, care may
    also involve collaboration with other healthcare providers, such as a medical physician or specialist.

Brent Binder, D.C.

4909 Louise Dr. Suite 102

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 (717) 697-1888

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The Importance of the Scapula

11 Jun

The shoulder is not a single joint. It’s a complex structure made up of four joints that
must work together to allow the wide range of motion needed for everyday arm movements.
While the glenohumeral (ball-and-socket) joint often gets the most attention when assessing
the shoulder, the scapula—or shoulder blade—is frequently overlooked despite its important
role in shoulder movement and stability. Let’s look at some of its key functions:

  • Stable Base for Muscle Activation: The scapula provides a stable platform for the
    rotator cuff and surrounding shoulder muscles to function properly. This stability is
    essential for coordinated movement, efficient force production, and safe load transfer
    during arm activity.
  • Scapulohumeral Rhythm and Joint Positioning: As the arm lifts, the scapula moves in
    coordination with the humerus to maintain proper alignment between the ball and
    socket. This coordinated motion—called scapulohumeral rhythm—includes upward
    rotation, posterior tilt, and external rotation. These movements help preserve space in
    the shoulder joint, reduce the risk of impingement, and allow for smooth, full-range
    motion.
  • Kinetic Chain Function: The scapula acts as a link between the shoulder, neck, and
    trunk, helping transfer force from the core and lower body to the arm. This role is
    especially important during activities that require strength, coordination, or overhead
    motion.
  • Glenohumeral Stability: The scapula must strike a balance between mobility and
    stability. It needs to move freely to position the socket correctly while also providing
    a firm base that allows the shoulder joint to remain stable during movement. This
    balance is critical for preventing injury and maintaining normal shoulder function.
    Research shows that improving scapular muscle endurance and correcting abnormal
    scapular positioning—both at rest and during movement—through manual therapy and
    targeted exercises can lead to better outcomes in patients with shoulder pain, including
    impingement. Additionally, studies have linked poor scapular alignment with an increased
    risk of chronic neck pain as well as greater pain intensity and disability. For this reason,
    doctors of chiropractic often evaluate the scapula when assessing patients with shoulder or
    neck pain.

Brent Binder, D.C.

4909 Louise Dr. Suite 102

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 (717) 697-1888

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