A recent study of whole body vibration found interesting changes that indicate the benefits of this therapy could go beyond musculoskeletal health. Whole body vibration is a form of exercise that involves sitting, standing, or moving on a vibrating platform that makes small repeated, rapid movements.

As in our clinic, whole body vibration has largely been used as part of exercise protocols to assist recovery from injuries or painful musculoskeletal conditions. Patients benefit from the ability to utilize the vibration from a very low intensity to a higher intensity level of exercise. However, the latest research goes beyond the usual rehab application to explore changes in inflammation and metabolism related to positive effects on the immune system and microbiome.

A crucial finding was a 17-fold increase in gut microbes that play a key role in reducing inflammation

The study, performed on two types of mice for comparison, measured a number of suspected changes that could have far reaching benefits for health. Those that were given whole body vibration  had measurable improvements in immune system cells and gut microbes that can reduce inflammation. This helps provide a potential explanation for why prior whole body vibration studies noted improvements in blood sugar regulation, cholesterol, and reduction in fatty liver. The group of mice that had been modified to be prone to diabetes, experienced even more significant improvement than the normal group.

Whole body vibration, even when performed passively with a patient just standing, appears to mimic other forms of exercise with resulting metabolic benefits. Other research has also indicated potential improvement in bone quality and quantity with whole body vibration, but this may require longer durations.

Further research could help us better understand how these beneficial changes occur in the body. With our current evidence of minimal risk of adverse effects and multiple benefits, whole body vibration is a therapy worth including in a rehab protocol for a variety of patients. It can especially be a good way to start exercise for those with severe limitations. 

Which do you think is healthier: BUTTER or BREAD? It's not a trick question but the answer may surprise you. High fat or high carbs? Does it matter if the bread is whole grain or the butter is organic? What if it's a buttery spread?

Our patients who have been taught to avoid inflammatory foods will know the answer. Carbohydrates turn straight into sugar in the body which increases inflammation throughout your system. Processed fats (like fake buttery spreads) can also increase inflammation in the body. However real butter tends to have a limited inflammatory effect compared to bread which spikes blood sugar and inflammation. Organic butter is even better, but organic bread is still high in inflammatory carbs. Multiple studies have now confirmed that saturated fats like those found in butter are NOT related to heart disease, but sugars and processed grains are. Improve your health by limiting the bread.

Military.com reported on a recently published report on a study of chiropractic care in the military. 

"The $7.5 million study was ordered under the fiscal 2010 National Defense Authorization Act, signed into law on Oct. 28, 2009. According to the report released Sept. 6, the trials showed some positive results."

A series of clinical trials examined whether chiropractic care reduced back pain and improved fitness compared to military personnel not receiving chiropractic care. The studies showed reduced back pain, increased strength, and improved endurance in those that received chiropractic care. The non-chiropractic group comparatively lost strength and endurance during the studies.

"'Based on the results, the investigators concluded that chiropractic care improves key fitness characteristics among active-duty service members with lower back pain and could lead to improved military readiness in such individuals,' the report notes."

The study confirms prior military research that demonstrated improved outcomes, improved readiness, and lower costs with chiropractic care compared to standard medical care for the military. Even with proven effectiveness and a survey by Blue Star Families demonstrating desire to access chiropractic care, the Military.com article notes continued restrictions limit availability of chiropractic services, especially for military dependents and retirees.

It's time our military, retirees, and their families had full access to the benefits of chiropractic care. Contact your congressman to ask for action.

"Canton Mayor Thomas Bernabei has joined other leaders around the country in proclaiming September as Drug-Free Pain Management Awareness Month, and a new bipartisan bill introduced to Congress signals a change in pain management that could help accelerate an end to our national opioid epidemic.

While state and local governments pursue legal efforts to hold prescription opioid makers and distributors accountable for their role in fostering opioid addiction, communities continue to work hard to reverse the numbers of drug overdose deaths. Stark County has benefited from the collaborative efforts of Stark County Opiate Task Force members.

Our community has had some success at preventing deaths from opioid overdoses through more widespread use of Naloxone, increased opioid addiction treatment and education efforts. Between the years 2006 and 2012, there were 119,481,839 prescription pain pills flooding Stark County, enough for 45 pills per person per year. As of 2017, 191 million opioid prescriptions were still written in the U.S.; six times the number written in 1999. Pulling our community out of that hole will take a continued comprehensive effort.

Another important part of the solution recommended by modern pain treatment guidelines is the increased use of evidence-based, drug-free treatments to address painful conditions. Drug-free treatments like spinal manipulation, acupuncture and physiotherapies utilized first can prevent or reduce opioid reliance. Changing how we treat pain has the potential to not only reduce deaths, but also to prevent overdoses and addiction from starting."

Read more in the article about supporting changes in Medicare that could save lives and dollars.

Back pain and injuries related to backpacks are more common than you would think. With kids headed back to school, it's important to take a close look at their backpacks before they start the year. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2016 alone, and estimated 6,300 kids received emergency room treatment for backpack-related injuries. This number does not include visits to primary doctors or other physicians for backpack-related injuries.

Ensure your child is wearing the right back pack the right way to minimize the risk of injury. Here are some tips for safe backpack use:

• Limit the weight. Lighter is always better and backpack weight should be less than 10% of the child's weight.
• Use adjustable straps to fit the bag to the child's back. The bag should not be hanging low from loose straps.
• The child should use both straps and ideally they are padded for comfort.
• Ensure the backpack has compartments to secure their supplies in a balanced way without shifting around.

Patients are welcome to bring their child in our clinic and have their child checked while wearing their backpack to make sure it is being worn properly. Call (330) 492-1010 to schedule a courtesy backpack check and have the bag filled with an average day's supplies.

A bill has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to improve coverage of services provided by a doctor of chiropractic to Medicare patients. The legislation, H.R. 3645, known as the Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act of 2019, would "align Medicare's coverage of chiropractic services with that of other federal health care providers as well as many private health plans."

For years, Medicare coverage has been overly restrictive on services provided by chiropractic physicians, forcing these patients to pay out of pocket for examinations or adjunct therapies. Doctors of chiropractic are the only physicians restricted in this way.

Multiple studies comparing Medicare patients under the care of chiropractors have shown good benefit as well as cost savings compared to more expensive medical care. Other Medicare studies of chiropractic patients have revealed prescription opioid use at half the rate compared to patients seeing a medical provider for a similar condition. H.R. 3645 has the potential to reduce overall health care costs for Medicare patients seeing a doctor of chiropractic as well as significantly reducing high risk opioid use.

The American Chiropractic Association described the bill stating it "would enable beneficiaries to more easily access the chiropractic profession's broad-based, non-drug approach to pain management, which includes Medicare-covered services such as manual manipulation of the spine and extremities, evaluation and management services, diagnostic imaging and utilization of other non-drug approached that have become an important strategy in national efforts to stem the epidemic of prescription opioid overuse and abuse."

To help voice support to improve the health coverage of U.S. seniors, please take one minute to use the link below to send a letter of support to your U.S. Representative:

Over the past year, various researchers reviewing the effects of taking baby aspirin daily have found more harm than good for healthy adults.

Low-dose or "baby" aspirin has been a popular recommendation for older Americans due to a belief that its blood-thinning effect could prevent heart disease. A CNN report notes, "Three recent large studies concluded that taking a daily low-dose aspirin is, at best, a waste of money for healthy older adults. At worst, it may raise their risk of internal bleeding and early death."

The American College of Cardiology and the American Heat Association have changed their recommendations to prescribe low-dose aspirin only for those at high risk of heart disease or those who already have heart disease. Experts have found the risk of excessive bleeding is too high to recommend low-dose aspirin for those at lower risk of heart disease, and they don't recommend aspirin for patients at high risk of bleeding.

CNN quotes Johns Hopkins cardiologist Dr. Roger Blumenthal: "Clinicians should be very selective in prescribing aspirin for people without known cardiovascular disease. It's much more important to optimize lifestyle habits and control blood pressure and cholesterol as opposed to recommending aspirin. Aspirin should be limited to people at the highest risk of cardiovascular disease and a very low risk of bleeding."

If you are taking baby aspirin daily, discuss the updated guidelines with your doctor and take a closer look at how you can improve your lifestyle habits.

There is more to an ingredient list than you realize. Processed food is designed to sell and it’s important to know their food label tricks before you decide to buy, or you may be eating something very different than you suspected.

Phantom trans fat

In the United States “zero trans fat” doesn’t really mean zero. The dangers of consuming trans fats are well known and food manufacturers are being forced to reduce these cheap oils used in packaged foods. Unfortunately for consumers, food labeling laws allow manufacturers to avoid labeling trans fat if the amount is equal or less than 0.5 grams per serving. So what to do when a serving size of 10 grams includes 1 gram of trans fat? Change the suggested serving size to 5 grams and now there is magically zero trans fat (you never paid attention to the serving size anyway)! Remember: packaged foods made with “healthy” unsaturated oils (canola, vegetable, soybean, corn) likely contain trans fats for longer shelf life even if it doesn’t show up on the label.

Sneaky sugar

We all know we are better off to avoid foods that appear high in sugar, so manufactures have developed multiple tricks to hide the sugars or make them appear lower. One trick is to shrink the serving size like with trans fats. Another trick is using multiple types of sugars or sweeteners so sugar doesn’t appear as the first and largest ingredient. Now its spread through the list as HFCS, glucose, sugar alcohols, sucralose, etc. Companies will also use processed sugar sources that sound better but are still sugar: fruit juice sugar, fruit sugar concentrate, etc. Remember: if it’s sweet, there’s probably a significant amount of sweetener inside (even if it states "zero"), and artificial sweeteners are no better for your health.

Added fiber, vitamins, minerals, and probiotics?

Do adding synthesized nutrients make junk food more nutritious? No. But it does make you feel less guilty and increase sales. Those nutrients are added because the food manufacturing process wiped out the natural nutrients. If the grains weren't processed into white flour, the fiber would still be there. If the yogurt wasn't pasteurized, the probiotics would still be there. And for the benefit of thinking it's a healthier product, the food companies charge you more. Remember: if they are adding nutrients, it's because processing took them out.

What the easiest way to avoid food label tricks?
​
Avoid processed foods. The only way to totally avoid food label tricks is to choose real foods and get cooking. Tricks can be played with meats and produce as well, but not as easily as boxed or canned processed foods. And remember, the best and cheapest food is what you grow in your back yard.

Two recent studies noted surprising levels of back pain in kids and the quick damage that occurs with heavy weightlifting when performed before teenagers are fully grown.

On one hand, some find it odd that kids would require any kind of treatment for back or other musculoskeletal pains. On the other hand, a significant number of adults report childhood injuries as the starting point for their chronic or periodic episodes of back pain. These issues are becoming more frequent due to a greater focus on specialization in sports at a younger age. Two studies help provide a closer look at how common these problems are.

Back Pain Common in Kids

An analysis of American kids between the ages of 10 and 18 noted one in three had experienced back pain in just the past year. Back pain episodes were more likely for older teens, heavier teens, and those more active with competitive sports. Another factor noted was heavy backpacks, especially when worn with only one strap instead of two.

Weightlifting in Teens Linked to Spine Damage

Another study looked at the effects of heavy weightlifting in adolescents over a period of three years. At the start of the study, none had low back pain and only two had abnormal lumbar spine findings show on MRI testing. After three years of weightlifting, three athletes had low back pain and abnormal lumbar spine findings were found in 11 of 12 athletes. These findings included low back disc injuries, disc degeneration, and spondylolysis (a crack or stress fracture in part of the vertebra). These are significant problems that greatly increase the risk of future back problems.

These studies don't tell us kids must avoid sports, but they should be smart about them. One major key to staying healthy, is adequate rest. A lack of restful periods between intense activity interferes with healing and risks further injury. Avoiding sports specialization at a young age is also likely to help. Kids are generally better off with a mix of activities through the year, rather than intensely focusing on one. It's important to consider other lifestyle factors: good posture, anti-inflammation eating, and stress reduction. These all help maintain better health and lower the risk of injuries.

When an injury occurs, start with non-pharmacologic conservative treatment like chiropractic first. In most cases, this will be enough to bounce back quickly from an injury and avoid the risk of opioid medications or other higher risk treatments.

Dr. Aaron McMichael has stepped down as President of the North Central Academy of Chiropractic (NCAC) to serve in his newly elected role of District Director to the Ohio State Chiropractic Association (OSCA). NCAC is a regional group of doctors of chiropractic that works with the state association.

Dr. McMichael will be serving on multiple committees in the OSCA including the Opioid Task Force. "I look forward to continuing to promote better solutions to the opioid crisis in Ohio. Though non-drug treatments provided by doctors of chiropractic have been recommended by various guidelines, there are still too many hurdles to proper patient access. I'll be working hard to reduce the barriers to patient access to chiropractic care and non-drug treatments."

The OSCA plans a special Advocacy Day in March, pushing state legislation that will improve Medicaid coverage of chiropractic care including exams that are not currently covered. "One of the great reasons to utilize doctors of chiropractic as a solution to the opioid crisis, is that research has indicated it not only works to reduce opioids and improve patient health, but it reduces health care costs at the same time. We'll be educating Ohio's legislators to make sure they understand the value of chiropractic as a cost-effective solution."

A recent study performed at Columbia University found that prescription opioid use carries significant risks not just to the user, but also others on the road. Columbia researchers examined fatal two-vehicle crashes over a 24-year period where one driver was cited as causing the accident and looked at toxicology reports for drug use.

Researchers concluded that driver use of prescription opioids was associated with causing fatal accidents regardless of alcohol use. Drivers on prescription opioids like Vicodin, hydrocodone, morphine, oxycodone, methadone or others were twice as likely to cause a fatal accident. Most accidents occurred when the driver failed to stay in their lane. The researchers also noted, "While counseling patients about the risks of opioid analgesics, clinicians should take into consideration these medications' adverse effect on driving safety."

Prescription Opioids Used as Directed Cause Impairment

The risks of addiction and death with even short term prescription opioid use is now well known, but the impairment caused by prescription opioids when used as directed in not well appreciated or discussed. As this study noted, "Opioid use may result in dizziness, drowsiness, and sedation, which may impair the requisite psychomotor and cognitive skills necessary for safe driving." Opioid medications cause impairment that can also significantly increase risks at work. It's startling how often these medications are still used for work injuries, especially when these workers are returned to using large industrial equipment while taking these opioids. Patients also have to be careful with similar side effects caused by muscle relaxers, anti-anxiety meds, and antidepressants.

Not only do opioid painkillers carry high risks, recent studies have indicated they are far less effective as a treatment for chronic pain than long assumed. With this high burden of risk, it's best to follow updated pain management guidelines that recommend chiropractic and non-drug treatment first. Not only is there no associated impairment, but chiropractic treatment is associated with improved function and reaction time. Whenever possible, try non-drug treatment like chiropractic for pain first and reduce your risk with driving or using heavy equipment.

Cleaning tasks performed at home and work often include the use of harsh chemicals and could cause lung damage similar to smoking cigarettes. Asthma and other respiratory conditions have been reported related to the use of cleaning products, so researchers took a closer look at long term risk of lung problems with cleaning. How do you think using chemical cleaning products compares to smoking?

Researchers collected data on over 6000 participants for over twenty years and compared frequency of cleaning at home and work to measurements of lung health. They concluded, "Women cleaning at home or working as occupational cleaners had accelerated decline in lung function, suggesting that exposures related to cleaning activities may constitute a risk to long-term respiratory health." Rates of asthma were higher in women that reported more frequent cleaning at home or for work. Researchers noted, "the effect of occupational cleaning was thus comparable to smoking somewhat less than [1 pack/day for 20 years]."

How Can Cleaning Products Be So Harmful to the Lungs?

Researchers noted, "most cleaning agents have an irritative effect" on the lining of our airways. Some may cause a harmful immune system response, and others could cause scar tissue type changes that damage the airways and reduce lung function. They specifically named ammonia and bleach as chemicals likely to cause lung damage. Think about the irritation of skin with these chemicals if you don't use gloves. The same irritation can occur in the lungs with each breath.

What Can You Do to Avoid Lung Damage While Cleaning?

The first step to reduce your risk of lung problems with cleaning is to reduce your exposure. You don't have to stop cleaning the house. Limit the use of the harshest chemicals like bleach and ammonia. Try to use those as infrequently as possible, and if using, try to avoid spraying them into the air or use a mask to limit exposure. Remember: the stronger it smells, generally the more you are breathing in.

Fortunately, more and more natural cleaning products are available that are significantly less harmful. Check out your options next time you go to the store. Simple vinegar and baking soda can also be used for lots of cleaning needs. And don't get too concerned about having the most sterile house on the block. Over-cleaning your space has been associated with more health problems.

Similar to improvements in lung health measured in smokers that quit, those who improve their cleaning habits are also likely to note improvements in lung health. It's never too late to make changes that will benefit your health. If you want even more help, consider a detox program to reduce your body's chemical load. 

As part of the response to the national opioid epidemic, federal agencies were directed to work together to draft a report on pain management best practices. The report offers potential solutions to the problems that created the epidemic and continue to negatively affect the health of millions of Americans.

The Pain Management Best Practices Inter-Agency Task Force Report focused on initial key concepts that included a multidisciplinary approach to chronic pain that includes non-drug treatments like chiropractic manipulation, exercise rehab, acupuncture, yoga, and others. The Report acknowledges that some of these treatments are underutilized and more education is needed along with improvements in reimbursement for these services.

More specifically, the Report directs clinicians to "consider and prioritize, when clinically indicated, nonpharmacologic approaches to the management of pain...including mind-body behavioral interventions, acupuncture and massage, osteopathic and chiropractic manipulation, meditative movement therapies, and natural products, among others."

"Improved reimbursement policies for complementary and integrative health approaches as well as improved education for medical professionals and a greater workforce of pain management specialists can address key barriers to acceptance and implementation of complementary and integrative health approaches for pain. Additional research, greater patient and clinician education — including clinical guidance and indications for use — and expanded coverage of complementary and integrative health approaches are essential for a comprehensive solution to reduce the reliance on opioids."

This Report follows other state and federal guidelines and recommendations that highlight chiropractic and other non-drug treatments as an important solution to avoiding opioid dependency or addiction. Now years into the epidemic, Americans continue to struggle and overdose on opioid pain pills. Bigger changes are needed to improve the way we treat pain without such high risks of side effects or death.

It all starts with our family and friends. Make sure they are avoiding painkillers when possible, and starting with non-drug treatments like chiropractic first before riskier options.

​Updated pain management guidelines recommend patients start with non-drug treatment like chiropractic first for non-terminal pain, but how does seeing a chiropractor first really effect treatment?

Research indicates starting with non-drug treatment like chiropractic is a much safer and more effective method of treating most patients compared to the overuse of opioids and other medications. A recent study published by the Mayo Clinic looked at how the initial provider a patient sees for neck pain can have a significant impact on the subsequent treatment they receive.
 
Researchers compared treatments and medical services provided to patients when they initially see a primary care medical doctor (PCP), Physical Therapist (PT), Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) or specialist (pain management, orthopedic surgeon, etc.). The study found multiple benefits to starting treatment with a DC compared to PCP:

• Patients who saw a DC first were least likely to use opioids
• DC patients were least likely to undergo surgery (none of the 383 chiropractic patients underwent neck surgery during the study period)
• DC patients were least likely to undergo MRI testing or xrays
• DC patients were least likely to receive injections
• PT patients were less likely than PCP patients to use opioids, though more likely to undergo injections or surgery, and more likely to undergo MRI testing
• Specialist patients were most likely to undergo surgery, injections, receive opioids, and get MRI testing.

 
The researchers noted, "These findings are consistent with the recent [American College of Physicians] low back and [Center for Disease Control] opioid prescription guidelines, which favor nonpharmacological interventions often provided by DCs and PTs. There are important practice and policy implications of our findings given current recommendations in favor of front-line nonpharmacological management in patients with neck pain, yet many systems are not structured to provide care in this manner. Stronger alignment of PTs and DCs as front-line providers by health care systems may be needed in light of the widespread addiction, which has been identified as a public health epidemic."

This study confirms the wisdom of seeing a DC first for musculoskeletal pain to avoid riskier and more expensive treatments or testing. It also highlights the work that needs to be done by health systems to ensure this treatment is appropriately covered and encouraged to be used first whenever possible.

The leaves are down and snow is coming! Time is running out to get those leaves cleaned up. Use these tips to prepare for your leaf-raking marathon without the painful aftermath. 

• Start with some walking and stretching to warm up the body and prepare it for activity.
• When raking or blowing, stand straight and avoid hunching over to minimize strain on the neck and back. Work with the rake or blower  directly in front of your body to avoid repeated twisting side to side.
• Bend at the knees and hips when picking up leaves and don't lift them all at once.
• Don’t forget protective gear like gloves and glasses, especially when using power tools. Wear a mask to keep your airways clear.
• Follow up your conquest of the yard with an ice pack to control inflammation.
• If the weather allows, try to work with leaves as dry as possible to keep the weight down.

Cleaning up leaves can be a healthy activity when done right. Use these tips to stay healthy in the yard or get some help!

Ohio chiropractic physicians recently meeting in Columbus for the annual chiropractic convention, took time to celebrate those doctors that have worked tirelessly for patients throughout the state of Ohio.

Each year one doctor is recognized for lifetime achievement. In honor of Dr. Rick McMichael's decades of service to chiropractic patients and the profession, the Ohio State Chiropractic Association awarded Dr. Rick McMichael the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dr. McMichael has served in numerous positions throughout his career to improve patients' ability to access chiropractic care. Over the years he has served as Ohio State Chiropractic Association President, Ohio Board of Chiropractic Examiners President, Ohio Congress of Chiropractic Associations President, American Chiropractic Association President, as well as serving in leadership of the World Federation of Chiropractic and other chiropractic organizations. He served on Advisory Committees to the Department of Defense and Veterans Administration, ensuring that our nation's military, veterans, and family members have access to chiropractic care.

This is the latest in professional awards received by Dr. McMichael. He has been awarded OSCA Chiropractor of the Year, ACA Chiropractor of the Year, and 2-time Logan University Alumnus of the Year among other awards.

Accepting a lifetime achievement award doesn't mean he's done. Dr. McMichael continues to help patients and will serve where needed until all patients have appropriate access to the chiropractic care they need and deserve.

Doctors Aaron McMichael and Jud Sprandel have been actively working with state and county opioid task force groups to encourage guideline-recommended drug-free treatment for pain before opioids. The Canton Repository published their article on one of the major remaining obstacles preventing patients from accessing this treatment--health care coverage:

"The opioid epidemic has highlighted the necessity of taking a new approach to treating pain, but Ohio's largest health care payers do not appear to be listening.

"Just in time for Drug-Free Pain Management Month, officially recognized in September by Ohio and the city of Canton, a recent analysis of Ohio's largest health care payers indicates they have been reluctant to improve coverage of recommended drug-free pain treatment alternatives. Study results indicate health care coverage often continues to favor prescription opioid use and might be contributing to the ongoing opioid epidemic.
​
"Every year Ohio sets a record for drug overdose deaths with no end in sight thus far. As part of the solution, updated treatment guidelines have provided clear recommendations for a new approach to treating non-terminal pain: Use conservative non-pharmacologic options like chiropractic and acupuncture first. Use opioids last, only when needed, and use opioids only in addition to conservative options.

"Health care providers and patients have shown significant interest in pain treatment alternatives. There has been one main barrier to better pain treatment: health care coverage. Health care payers increasingly have restricted coverage for alternatives to pain pills over the years. With one to two years having passed since the publication of updated pain treatment guidelines, it was time to see if health care coverage had improved..."

Researchers from a study of teenagers with low back pain noted, "Low back pain is common in adolescence, but there is a paucity of high-quality research to inform care." Most medical research for treatment of various conditions is performed on adult patients, with limited study of children and teens. Low back pain research similarly has focused more on adults than children. As a solution to the opioid epidemic and overuse of prescription painkillers, current medical guidelines recommend non-drug treatments like chiropractic (spinal manipulation) and physical therapy (exercises) be used before medications or medical procedures. More doctors are recommending these treatment options and more patients are using them, but how effective are they for teens?

The Journal of the International Association for the Study of Pain published a randomized trial that compared treating adolescent low back pain with exercise therapy alone or exercise therapy combined with spinal manipulation. Patients were followed for a year and assessed at 12, 26, and 52 weeks. The researchers concluded, "For adolescents with chronic [low back pain], spinal manipulation combined with [exercise therapy] was more effective than exercise alone over a 1-year period, with the largest differences occurring at 6 months." Both groups demonstrated reduced pain, less medication use, and reduced disability with treatment. However, the patients who received spinal manipulation demonstrated significant improvement beyond that provided by exercise, including higher satisfaction.

While both spinal manipulation/adjusting and exercise therapy can be beneficial for back pain, this study confirms the findings of others that have found additional benefit to spinal manipulation. Other studies have also found that when a chiropractic physician manages the case, treatment is more likely to be consistent with treatment guidelines, less advanced imaging and testing is necessary, fewer specialists are required, and overall costs are reduced. For adults and kids, consider chiropractic first for safe and effective back pain treatment.

Steroid medications are known to reduce inflammation, leading to their use for back pain and other painful or inflammatory conditions. One of the common methods of use is in the form of a dose pack, starting with multiple pills per day and reducing dosage over several days. The American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society recommend other treatments since research demonstrates systemic steroids are no more effective than placebo and carry some risks.

Chiropractic manipulation is a leading alternative for musculoskeletal pain, but the addition of a natural food-based supplement may provide additional benefit by supporting the joints and surrounding soft tissues. Glucosamine Synergy made by Standard Process provides a synergistic blend of nutrients to feed the musculoskeletal system: 

• This supplement includes Boswellia, resin from the bark of Boswellia trees more commonly called Frankincense, but you don't have to wait for a wise man to bring it to you. Boswellia is known for its anti-inflammatory and tissue healing qualities.
• Glucosamine from crab shells helps the normal repair and rebuilding of cartilage that protects bone surfaces of joints.
• Calcium, magnesium, and manganese minerals help support healthy bone and soft tissues around the joints.
• Nutritional yeast provides B-complex vitamins and inositol to encourage healthy nerve function.
• Additional nutrient-dense foods are included that work synergistically with the other nutrients to support health and healthy function of the musculoskeletal system.

Glucoasmine Synergy may be used similarly to a dose pack, starting with a higher dosage and reducing with time, for the greatest benefit following an acute injury or acute aggravation of a chronic condition. Combining hands-on care like chiropractic manipulation and nutrient support helps even the most complicated cases result in a successful outcome.

As the lead author of an analysis on Opioids & Ohio's Healthcare Payers, Aaron McMichael, D.C., was recently interviewed on Cover2Resources. The Ohio State Chiropractic Association Opioid Task Force examined whether Ohio's largest private healthcare insurers and public healthcare payers are covering chiropractic and non-drug treatments recommended by state and national pain treatment guidelines:

"The results of this survey indicate Ohio’s largest healthcare payers have not improved or have only minimally improved coverage for alternatives to opioids as recommended. Most, if not all payers, appear to be continuing to provide better coverage for opioid treatment than for non-pharmacologic alternatives like chiropractic. Survey results indicate this coverage is resulting in increased use of prescription opioids and healthcare payers are therefore contributing to the ongoing opioid epidemic in Ohio."

The study has generated interest from Ohio legislators in increasing coverage of chiropractic and other pain treatment alternatives to opioids. Click here for more information on the study results and chiropractic as a solution to the opioid epidemic: http://ohiochiro.org/2018-report.html