American Chiropractors Directory and News

Does the Northeast Air Quality Give You a Headache? You’re Not Alone –

Headaches and Migraines

AmericanChiro

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June 9, 2023

Smoke is a common sight in the northeastern United States, whether you live there or just use social media. The smoke is settling in cities like New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore, which are sepia-toned from the wildfires raging across Canada. For residents, the affected air quality (which as of Wednesday was measured at 14.5 times the World Health Organization’s air-quality-guideline value) is leading to symptoms induced by both the actual conditions and the stress of the situation–including some severe headaches.

Doug Laher, Chief Executive Officer of the American Association for Respiratory Care, says that increased blood pressure and elevated heart rate can cause headaches. Michael Rubino, an expert in indoor air quality, says that the current concentration of smoke as well as the unprecedented amount airborne particles can make even the healthiest person feel unwell. Poor air quality can lead to sinus inflammation and oxidative stresses, which both cause headaches.

The presence of PM (particulate matter) is a major factor in determining the air quality level. These are tiny particles that can be inhaled and bypass our bodies’ self-defense mechanisms, making their way to our bloodstream. According to the EPA these particles are classified into PM10, which are particles with a diameter less than 10 micrometers, and PM2.5, which are fine particles with a smaller diameter, less than 2.5 micrometers. Add to this the chemicals found in wildfire smoke, such as aldehydes and acid gases (such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide), and symptoms such a coughing, scratchy throats, shortness and headaches are a natural reaction.

So how do we deal? Rubino says that staying inside is the best option to protect your system from smoke contamination caused by wildfires or when the AQI reaches 150. Wear an N95 mask when going outside, regardless of the reason. This will help reduce your exposure to particulate matter.

Study

Neck Pain

AmericanChiro

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June 9, 2023

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: Contradictory feedback can cause neck and back pain in workers

Columbus, OH – Cognitive dissonance may be a previously unknown risk factor for neck and lower back pain among workers performing lifting and lowering duties, according to the results of a new study.

Researchers at Ohio State University asked seventeen participants, aged 19 to 44, perform a precision-lowering task. They placed a light box within a square of a surface which was moved up, down, left and right. During the first 45-minute lifting/lowering trial, participants received almost all positive feedback. During the second test, the researchers told the participants that they had performed the task in an unsatisfactory manner.

Wearable sensors and motion capture technology were used to detect peak spine loads in the neck, low back and both compression and vertebral movement (or shear) from side to side and forward and backward (A/P).

After receiving the contradictory feedback, which created cognitive dissonance, the participants experienced increased loads in their neck and lower back during a subsequent lifting and lowering session. The average peak spinal loads were 19.3% higher for lateral shear in the neck and 11.1% higher for compression during the negative feedback session compared to baseline measurements. Peak loads in the low back were higher by 2.2% in shear and by 1.7% in compression in the third session.

Participants’ blood pressure and heart rates varied, and two questionnaires were used to assess discomfort levels. The results also included a positive and negative effect on the participants – either feeling inspired and strong or distressed and ashamed.

Researchers note that the findings may have implications for workplace risk prevention.

The Ohio State News reported that “This increased spinal loading occurred in just one condition, with a relatively light load.” William Marras is the senior study author and executive director of OSU’s Spine Research Institute. “You can imagine how this would look with more complex tasks and higher loads. For one time, a small percentage of the load is not a big deal. Think about the impact of working 40 hours per week, day after day.

The study was published in the online journal Ergonomics.

VA News

Headaches and Migraines

AmericanChiro

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June 8, 2023

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: Updating treatment for cervicogenic headaches

Cervicogenic headaches originate from the neck. Columbia VA hosted a cervicogenic head pain conference in May, attended by over 40 health care professionals across the country.

Dr. Christa Smit, physical therapist from Quillen VA, presented an update on cervicogenic migraines, their diagnosis, and treatment. She stressed the importance of a thorough examination of the neck and upper spine in headache patients.

“It is important that we stay on top of available evidence, as it constantly evolves along with our profession.” These conferences bring together clinicians with similar goals who want to improve the lives of their patients. They also provide an opportunity for us to grow together and to better serve our patients.

The conference included a lab demonstration on dry needling (photo above), a technique that is used to treat musculoskeletal discomfort. Dr. Benjamin Thomas was the workshop leader. He is a physical therapist, orthopedic specialist and dry needling expert at Charlie Norwood VA. The workshop participants had the chance to learn the technique and then practice it on one another.

It is important to come together and learn clinical skills.

Meredith Hall, Chief of Physical Therapy at the Columbia VA, spoke about the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration for the management of cervicogenic migraines. She emphasized the role of physical therapists in treating this condition, and the importance working with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive treatment.

“It’s important to bring practitioners from different areas together for networking, and to raise awareness about research that can be used for evidence-based practices. It is important to come together for the hands on clinical skills in order to put the newly acquired skills into daily practice.

Daniel Muluneh shared his experience as a physical therapist in Richmond, VA. “The ability to connect with others at conferences such as these is very important. Being able to do this at a VA-hosted event is more beneficial to me than a private sector event.

“I work in a traumatic-brain injury clinic and I see a lot patients with neck and head pain. This is perfect for me.” I learned a lot about cervicogenic migraine. “The workshop on dry-needling and manual manipulation is directly applicable and I plan to bring it back to Richmond.”

Columbia VA

The Wm. The Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center is located in South Carolina, along with seven community-based clinics, including Anderson, Florence and Rock Hill. We serve over 90,000 Veterans in 36 of the 46 counties in South Carolina.

New treatments for back and neck pain

Neck Pain

AmericanChiro

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June 8, 2023

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Whitecaps vs. Timber Rattlers, June 7, 3023

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Listening Lawn returns to Studio Park in the Summer of 2019

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Jung hitting .600 in June

Why wildfire smoke can cause headaches

Headaches and Migraines

AmericanChiro

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June 7, 2023

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breathing in wildfire smoke may cause headaches immediately. Short-term exposure to particulate material from wildfires is also linked to an increased number of emergency room visits for headaches.

Researchers aren’t sure why wildfires cause headaches. However, it may be because they alter the sensitivity of some neurons, which can increase headache risk, said Dr. Raj Fadadu. He is a researcher from the University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, who has studied wildfire smoke’s health effects.

Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos is a pulmonary and intensive care medicine physician at Johns Hopkins Medicine. He said that wildfire smoke can cause lower oxygen levels in the blood if you suffer from an underlying lung disease like asthma. This can lead to headaches. Inhaling smoke from wildfires can also cause inflammation, which in turn can cause headaches.

Dr. Fadadu said that if you feel a headache coming, you should go indoors if you are in an area of poor air quality. He said that to avoid headaches and other effects of smoke, you should limit the time spent outdoors and improve the quality of the air inside. You can benefit from an air purifier with a HEPA-filter. You should also avoid smoking or vaping.

If you must go outside, wear a mask that fits snugly, such as an N95. While wearing a face mask indoors to reduce smoke is not recommended, if you feel you are in poor air quality and believe you may be inhaling polluted, air, then a mask could help alleviate headache symptoms.

Over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol and Advil may be helpful. Dr. Fadadu says that staying hydrated is important. Avoid looking at screens if you can. At the very least, reduce the brightness on your screen to ease strain on your eyes. If your headache does not respond to home treatments or becomes more intense, it may be time to visit an urgent care center, or emergency department. A doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications.

Dr. Galiatsatos suggested that if you have underlying pulmonary problems and are experiencing headaches after exposure to smoke from wildfires, you should consider testing your oxygen level and contacting your physician.

Stress could also be a cause of your wildfire-smoke headache. Stress can cause tension headaches. These are mild, throbbing headaches that usually affect both sides of the brain.

Dr. Fadadu explained that the anxiety people might feel when they see the orange-tinged smoke or decide whether to wear a mask to leave their homes could contribute to headaches. This is especially true on the East Coast where people aren’t used to dealing with the impact of wildfires.

Dr. Fadadu stated that “that ecological stress we’re experiencing with wildfires” is a real phenomenon.

Interpreting Imaging of Equine Neck – The Horse

Neck Pain

AmericanChiro

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June 7, 2023

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Neck pain in horses may be caused by a variety of conditions, including soft tissue (e.g. myofascial or synovial pain), neurologic or bony lesions. Kevin Haussler DVM, DC PhD Dipl. ACVSMR, Associate Professor at Colorado State University’s Orthopaedic Research Center in Fort Collins during his presentation at The American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Symposium, held April 27-29, Charleston, South Carolina. Haussler’s presentation covered the anatomy of the cervical joints, the spectrum and severity of osteoarthritis in these spaces, as well as how to determine the clinical significance of imaging findings.

Osteoarthritis affects the entire synovial joint–that is, the two bones that meet at the joint and the cartilage, as well as the fluid and membrane within the synovial joint. Haussler said that it is a spectrum, because diagnostic imaging can detect some changes but not others. Diagnostic imaging can be difficult for veterinarians because of the complex anatomy of the cervical joint processes and the superimposition of structures.

Researchers have found that osseous changes are present in 50% of horses who are clinically normal. Horses often display a combination between normal and diseased articulations at the neck, Haussler explained. He said that radiographs are a two-dimensional way to diagnose a problem that is three-dimensional. This can make it difficult to establish a correct diagnosis. Some horses may experience severe pain or performance issues without any physical abnormalities being detected, while others may have significant bony anomalies that do not seem to cause pain.

Haussler said that in a study of 8 horses euthanized because of severe neck pain, investigators found that 86% of them had normal cervical radiographs. They found that only 3% of the horses had normal cervical anatomy, based on observed bone changes at necropsy.

RELATED CONTENT | Neck and Back Pain in Horses (Podcast)

It is important to determine where bony changes occur. Veterinarians often use multiple diagnostic imaging modalities to get a complete picture of a horse’s anatomy. This includes computed tomography (CT), myelography (myelography), and ultrasonography.

The clinical relevance of imaging findings depends on the clinical signs, as well as the horse’s stiffness and pain. “When there is a combination of osseus and soft tissues changes, we must ask, ‘Which finding is most relevant?’ And ‘What should we do?'” said he.

Haussler says that when the clinical relevance of diagnostic imaging is unclear, veterinarians should consider the horse’s movement patterns, athletic usage, and overall performance in order to determine the appropriate treatment plan.

AI Chatbots Are Making Bank Customers Uneasy

Headaches and Migraines

AmericanChiro

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June 6, 2023

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The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau released a warning Tuesday regarding the use of generative AI chatbots by banks. The agency claims it has received “numerous complaints” from customers who have interacted the chatbots but have not received “timely, straight-forward” answers to their question.

In a press release, the agency stated that “working with customers to solve a problem or answer questions is an essential function for Financial Institutions – and the basis of Relationship Banking”.

CFPB warned that AI chatbots may provide inaccurate financial information or compromise customer privacy.

Carol Yepes/Getty Images

The CFPB warned that artificial intelligence chatbots may provide inaccurate financial information or violate customer privacy. They could also cause a lack in trust for the financial institution and their services, and decrease customer satisfaction.

Also See: The Best online banks for June 2023

The CFPB has named two generative AI bots, Capital One Eno and Bank of America Erica. Both were algorithmically trained using customer conversations and chat logs.

Capital One and Bank of America did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

According to the CFPB, around one third of Americans interacted with a bot in 2022. This number is expected grow as more companies integrate AI in their operations.

In a statement, Rohit Chopra, Director of the CFPB, said that a poorly implemented chatbot could lead to customer frustration, lowered trust, or even legal violations.

AI isn’t just for banks. In recent months, a flood of new services powered by generative AI has been released following the launch OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

AI chatbots can be helpful for a variety of tasks, but some bots do more harm than good. One eating disorder prevention organization removed its AI chatbot after it encouraged users to lose weight when they called the helpline seeking advice. The bot also offered “harmful” or “unrelated” suggestions.

The CFPB is monitoring the AI chatbots market and encourages customers who have complaints about chatbots in banking to contact them via their website or by calling (855) 412-CFPB (2372).

Here are some more tips on how to save money and earn higher interest. You can also learn how to open an online bank account.

Editor’s note: CNET uses an AI engine to create some stories. See this post for more information.

Expert Suggested Ayurvedic Remedies To Get Rid Of Neck Pain At Home

Neck Pain

AmericanChiro

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June 5, 2023

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Expert Suggested Ayurvedic Remedies To Get Rid Of Neck Pain At Home

Ayurvedic Remedies To Get Rid Of Neck Pain At Home (Image credit – Freepik)

With hours of sitting at your desk at work, the problem of neck pain has become a part of life unfortunately. There are some neck exercises that you should do every day which will apparently help in keeping the pain at check. However, it is not guaranteed that the pain will go away by doing so.

In this article, we are going to talk about some Ayurvedic remedies which will supposedly help in getting rid of neck pain at home. An Ayurvedic expert took to her social media and shared some home remedies which will reduce neck pain.

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Dr Dimple Jangda wrote while sharing, “In Ayurveda, neck pain is often associated with an imbalance in the Vata dosha, which governs movement and controls the nervous system. When Vata becomes aggravated, it can lead to stiffness, pain, and discomfort in the neck area.”

Tulsi – It possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Consuming Tulsi tea or using Tulsi leaves in cooking can help reduce pain and inflammation.

Ginger – It can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation in conditions like arthritis. You can consume ginger by adding it to teas, soups, or meals.

Turmeric – Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties. Its active compound, curcumin, helps reduce pain and inflammation in the body.

Do you suffer from neck pain due to sitting at your desk for long hours or working at home the entire day? You can try applying these kitchen herbs at home and see if these provide any relief to the scorching pain. Because, when nothing works, nature comes to the rescue.

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Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

COVID-19 Could Cause Neck Pain and Stiffness

Neck Pain

AmericanChiro

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June 4, 2023

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Source: Getty Images

COVID-19 neck pain can be a symptom that is present early in the virus’s life. What you need to know about neck pain caused by COVID.

This article

Scientists are still learning more about the virus, even after years of the coronavirus epidemic. COVID-19 affects climate, health, education and job markets. Some may wonder if neck discomfort is one of the COVID-19 symptoms.

Look at the most common COVID-19 symptoms and how long they may last.

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COVID-19 is also associated with neck stiffness and pain. The severity of neck pain caused by COVID-19 depends on the individual. COVID-19 symptoms can vary, so it’s important to be aware of them in order to seek medical attention if they are severe.

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Can COVID-19 cause neck pain?

COVID-19 can cause neck pain.

According to Medical News Today inflammation of the muscles can cause discomfort. When a person is infected with COVID-19, their immune system can trigger reactions that cause inflammation. The immune system is working, which is good, but inflammation can cause pain, especially in neck muscles.

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Another possible cause could be that “the virus might bind to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors within the muscles.” Medical News Today states that this could cause pain in each muscle.

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It is also possible that someone with COVID-19 spends a lot of time in bed, or slouching in a chair to rest. Resting in a position that is not comfortable or staying in bed for longer than usual can also cause neck pain. COVID-19 can also cause stiffness due to a lack movement.

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Can neck pain be an indication of COVID-19 infection?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not identify neck pain specifically as a symptom of COVID-19. However, “muscle or aches in the body” are considered one of the most important indicators of infection. It’s possible to have neck pain before COVID-19 is diagnosed.

According to 60 and Me, neck discomfort is a common complaint among COVID-19 sufferers. In some cases, it is one of the first signs that a person needs to be tested for COVID-19. This does not mean that neck pain is a sign of COVID-19.

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Neck pain may be caused by long-term COVID or something else.

Some people with “long COVID”, have continued to experience muscle pain. Everyday Health states that people with COVID-19 tend to experience pain in the neck and back, as well as shoulder and other areas.

In rare cases, neck discomfort can be a sign of something more serious, such as meningitis, thyroid problems, or other conditions. Mayo Clinic notes that neck stiffness can be a sign of meningitis. It is also accompanied by sudden high fever, severe nausea, and severe headache. If you think your symptoms may be a sign you need immediate medical attention, contact your doctor.

Why Do I Wake Up With A Migraine?

Headaches and Migraines

AmericanChiro

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June 3, 2023

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You were in the middle a dream at six o’clock.

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As you rub your sleep out of your eyes and jar yourself awake by that annoying alarm, you may feel more than just the Monday blues.

You may first feel a dull ache, but soon realize that it is a migraine. You struggle to get out of bed in the morning.

It can be frustrating to start the day with a headache.

While it may be difficult to pinpoint the cause of your migraines, some common triggers include sleep problems, dehydration and overuse or pain medication.

Headache specialist Zubair Ahmed explains what causes migraines and how you can get a good sleep and enjoy a peaceful day.

What is a headache?

It’s easy to mistake a migraine for a mild headache. But a migraine is actually a neurological disorder that causes symptoms such as:

Headache ranging from mild to severe
Pain that throbs or pounding.
Sensitivity towards light, noise, and odors.
Nausea and vomiting.
Stomach pain and discomfort.
Fatigue.
Dizziness and blurred Vision

About 12% of Americans suffer from migraines, and most last at least four hours. Chronic migraines are migraines that occur at least 15 times per month.

Dr. Ahmed says that a migraine can range from mild to severe. It can reduce your activity and affect your ability to perform tasks.

According to the American Migraine Foundation, migraines usually occur in the morning.

What causes you wake up with a headache?

Migraines are disabling and can cause you to miss your work or be absent from your daily life. Dr. Ahmed explains what could possibly trigger a migraine in the morning.

Sleep issues can be a problem

Sleep disorders such as insomnia, teeth grinding, and restless leg syndrome can affect your sleep quality and quantity. This can increase the frequency of migraines.

Dr. Ahmed notes that sleep has several functions which are essential for us to function normally throughout the day. “We’re learning, for example, that during sleep we get rid metabolic waste that can accumulate in the brain. We believe that headaches can be caused by these processes being hampered.

Drinking too little water

Hydration is key to preventing migraines. Dr. Ahmed cites a research study that examined migraine sufferers who visited the ER.

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This study found that many headaches will improve if you give IV fluids to patients, suggesting that there may be an element of dehydration.

Overusing over-the-counter pain medication

Dr. Ahmed says that if someone uses Excedrin(r), or Tylenol (r), every day, they are at risk of developing a headache called a medication-overuse headache.

Aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen can help relieve migraine pain. While this may be helpful in the short-term, it can lead to a vicious headache cycle.

Certain foods are not recommended for consumption

You may be familiar with migraines and know that certain foods, such as aged cheese, chocolate, red wine, or even red wine, can trigger a migraine. These foods contain monosodium glutamate (MSG) or nitrates, which are known migraine triggers.

Dr. Ahmed says that the key thing to remember is that not all foods are the same. “So, it takes patience, keeping a diet diary, and systematically going over your diet to determine if there is something that could be associated with headaches.”

Too much caffeine in the body

You can still have your cup of coffee, but limit the amount of caffeine you consume each day. If you drink a lot coffee one day and then not have the same amount the following day, you could develop a headache due to the sudden drop in caffeine levels.

What should you aim for then? You should aim for between 100 milligrams to 150 milligrams a day, which is about a cup or coffee. This amount of caffeine can help to relieve migraines because it has the ability to reduce blood flow. You are at a higher risk of migraine if you consume more than 400 milligrams.

Depression or anxiety

Migraines are often triggered by mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, which can affect your sleep and stress levels.

“Depression and anxiety are closely linked to migraine.” We know that migraine patients are at a higher risk for depression and anxiety, and vice versa,” says Dr. Ahmed. We think that this may be due to the regulation of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which are associated with migraines and depression. Some antidepressants are effective in reducing migraine frequency and severity.

Avoiding bright lights, strong odors and loud noises

Some people can get migraines from certain stimuli, such as bright lights, strong scents (such as smoke or scented candle) and loud sounds.

Why does this happen? Dr. Ahmed says that it is unknown why certain stimuli trigger migraines.

Changes in barometric Pressure

Yes, the weather does affect migraines. A sudden rise in temperature or a drop in barometric tension can trigger a headache. The pressure change affects your sinuses and nasal cavities by forcing fluids in your tissues.

A significant barometric change could also change the amount pressure on your head and how your brain blocks your pain.

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Hormonal changes

Endorphins help to relieve pain, reduce stress and improve your mood. Your body produces less hormone in the early morning, between 4 and 8 am. Your body also produces more epinephrine which can cause migraines.

You may get more migraines when your estrogen levels change — during your period, during pregnancy or menopause.

Treatment options for morning headaches

There is no cure for migraines. However, there are ways to manage it. These include using over-the counter medications (but only according to the directions) like Excedrin(r), Migraine, and Advil(r), Migraine.

Prescription medications include:

Some vitamin supplements, such as riboflavin and magnesium, or butterbur, butterfew or feverfew may also be helpful, but you should discuss this with your doctor before taking any of these.

Dr. Ahmed says that there is no one-size fits all approach to treating migraines. “That’s the reason it’s so important to consult a headache specialist. They can ensure that any treatment plan you receive is tailored to your needs. Treatment options are varied, ranging from oral medications to monthly injections to infusions. It depends on the individual, the severity of the migraines, and the lifestyle.

How to avoid waking up with migraines

Dr. Ahmed shares some tips to help prevent migraines:

Be consistent. A daily routine can help to keep migraines away.
Pay attention to your meals. Along with drinking enough water, you should also pay attention to the foods you eat and avoid those that trigger migraines.
Get moving. Moderate exercise — walking, cycling, swimming, etc. — for 30 minutes has been shown to reduce migraines. Yoga and meditation are also helpful.

When to seek help

Dr. Ahmed advises that you should see a healthcare professional as soon as possible if you suspect you are suffering from migraines.

“Migraines definitely are under-diagnosed, and there is also a stigma surrounding them,” he says. “One study found migraines to be the most disabling disease in people under 50.” Many people think of migraines as a “regular headache.” But, we now know that it’s much more.

If you suffer from frequent headaches, which can disrupt your daily routine, a doctor can help you make lifestyle changes.

Dr. Ahmed assures that there are ways to reduce the impact migraines have on you, especially in terms of your ability to work.

“We want migraines to be addressed early and we want to identify things that are helpful. It may be as simple as making lifestyle changes, or it could require medication. “But your doctor will be there with you to figure it out.”