Subluxations Don't Take Vacations!

Summer is here, and that means travel plans and vacations for many! While this is a very exciting and fun time of year, it's often when subluxation begins to rear its ugly head. Hours spent sitting in cramped cars or airplane seats, hauling heavy luggage, or sleeping on uneven surfaces like air mattresses or tent pads is not easy on the body. These are the continual micro-traumas, and sometimes actual traumas, that cause subluxation to occur and can worsen already problematic areas of the spine. Without proper support and awareness, these summer routines can silently begin interfering with the nervous system, which can slowly manifest into symptoms.

Subluxations typically occur without warning. You may not feel them right away, but over time, you will start to have dysfunction in the body’s ability to heal, function, and move optimally. We often talk about how the nervous system is a “highway” of information, connecting the brain to the rest of the body. When interference of the nervous starts to occur this acts as a disruption and dysfunction in that highway. This can lead to stiffness, pain, decreased mobility, or even fatigue and digestive issues. The worst part? These symptoms often show up at the most inconvenient times and when you least expect them, like mid-beach vacation or during that long-awaited family getaway camping trip.

To support your spine while traveling, simple habits go a long way. When flying or driving, aim to take movement breaks every two hours to stretch and reset your posture. Bring along a small lumbar support pillow or even a rolled-up sweatshirt to help maintain the natural curve of your lower back. Stay well hydrated, as dehydration can affect spinal discs and joint health. If you’re camping, invest in a quality sleeping pad and avoid sleeping directly on hard surfaces, which can strain your spine overnight. Most importantly, maintain proper movement and positioning of the spine by staying adjusting to keep the body in its best possible shape for your trip before it even begins!

If you’re planning a summer getaway or just returning from one, consider scheduling a chiropractic adjustment to keep your spine functioning at its best. Regular care helps address subluxations before they cause problems and keeps your nervous system clear, so your body can adapt and heal naturally. Traveling should be about fun, not fighting through aches and pains. Let us help you make the most of your summer with a healthy nervous system, and aligned spine.

In Good Health,

Drs. Mark, Matt & Tami
(www.mifflintownchiro.com)

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PSS:  If you would like an email reminder of your appointments please stop by at the front desk and talk to Sharon. 

References:

1: De Geer CM. Intervertebral Disk Nutrients and Transport Mechanisms in Relation to Disk Degeneration: A Narrative Literature Review. J Chiropr Med. 2018 Jun;17(2):97-105. doi: 10.1016/j.jcm.2017.11.006. Epub 2018 Jun 14. PMID: 30166966; PMCID: PMC6112070.

Newsletter Articles
June 2025

• Nonspecific Low Back Pain Helped by Chiropractic According to Study
• Infant Helped by Chiropractic After Birth Trauma
• Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Helped with Chiropractic
• Chiropractic Care Reduces Opioid Usage in Military Personnel with Low Back Pain

Nonspecific Low Back Pain Helped by Chiropractic According to Study

On May 26, 2025, the Annals of Rheumatology and Autoimmunity published the results of a study with the title, "Effect of Chiropractic on Pain and Disability in Patients with Nonspecific Low Back Pain." The study begins by noting that "Nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) is characterized by low back pain, that is, not associated with any underlying pathology and is accompanied by burning, dull aching, or sharp pain."

According to the study authors, the purpose of this study was "…to evaluate the effect of chiropractic on pain and disability in patients with NSLBP." They report that, worldwide, approximately 1.63 billion people suffer from musculoskeletal disorders like back pain and are the second-leading cause of disability.

They also note that typical medical care for low back pain (LBP) involves nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, opioids, or surgery. However, the authors express their concerns about treating lower back pain with medications due to the possibility of side effects and drug related problems. They state, "Due to the adverse effects and potential harm to the patient, complementary therapy such as chiropractic is being increasingly used in the management of LBP."

In this study, a total of 30 people, 16 males and 14 females with NSLBP, were recruited to participate. All patients were between the ages of 20 and 50. Anyone who was diagnosed with a spinal pathology, or who was undergoing physical therapy for pain relief, or under pain medication were not included in this study.

For the purposes of this study, chiropractic adjustments were rendered to each of the participants for only 4 days in a row. Before and after the four days of care, each participant completed standardized questionnaires to measure their pain indexes from their LBP. The two types of pain measurement included a "Pain disability index" (PDI) and a "Oswestry disability index" (ODI) which measures pain and how it affects activities of daily life.

The study reports that all the 30 participants showed a significant reduction in both the PDI and ODI pain index scores in the post chiropractic care assessments compared to the assessments performed before chiropractic care was given. The study also recorded that none of the patients in this study reported any adverse effects during the study period.

In the report's discussion section, the authors commented that "The results of the study showed a significant reduction in PDI and ODI scores in the post-test compared to pretest assessments. It indicates that four days of chiropractic was effective in reducing the pain intensity and its related disability in patients with NSLBP." They concluded, "Chiropractic was safe and effective in reducing the pain and disability in patients with NSLBP."

Infant Helped by Chiropractic After Birth Trauma

The Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health published the results of a case study on May 27, 2025, documenting the improvement through chiropractic care, in a variety of health issues, of a newborn who suffered severe birth trauma. According to the study authors, "Birth trauma has been defined as an event occurring during labor and delivery that results in threatened or actual serious injury or death to the mother and / or infant." The title of the case study best describes the level of health concerns for this infant. "Positive Health Outcomes Following Chiropractic Care in an Infant with Birth Trauma, Clavicular Fracture, Subluxation, and Breastfeeding Dysfunction."

Clavicular fracture is a break in the clavicle. This type of injury is not uncommon during the birth process. The Nationwide Children's Hospital describes this condition by saying, "Clavicle, also known as collar bone, fractures are the most common injury sustained by newborns during birth. A clavicle fracture is a break in the collar bone and occurs as a result of a difficult delivery or trauma at birth."

Typical medical care for a clavicular fracture is a "wait and see" approach, as the medical perspective does not consider this issue to be overly serious. However, when there is enough trauma at birth to cause a clavicular fracture, there are usually other health issues for both the infant and the mother.

In this case, a 16-day-old infant girl was brought to the chiropractor by her mother. The infant had suffered a right clavicle fracture that was attributed to birth trauma. The history for this case showed that the mother had a very difficult birth with labor lasting 35 hours. During the second phase of pushing, the infant's clavicle was broken. After the birth, the mother and infant were sent home with no care or recommendations as to the clavicular fracture.

The mother also reported that her infant daughter had difficulty breastfeeding and could not properly latch to her breast causing significant pain and irritation for the mother. The pain associated with the clavicular fracture and inability to feed properly resulted in the infant girl excessively crying and disturbance to her sleep.

A chiropractic examination was performed which revealed a reduced range of motion of the infant's head, along with sensitivity and swelling of the neck muscles. The infant girl would wince and try to swat away the hand when her clavicle was touched by the doctor.

With the mother's permission, specific forms of age-appropriate chiropractic care was started on this infant. The infant was initially seen twice per week. The study records that after about 10 visits, the infant girl's mother reported that her daughter's neck range of motion had significantly improved. The mother further reported her daughter was no longer experiencing latching problems during breastfeeding. The infant was also more comfortable when left to sleep and was more comfortable in her car seat.

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Helped with Chiropractic

A case report published on February 7, 2025, in the open access science journal Cureus documented chiropractic care helping reduce scoliosis in an adolescent patient. The National Library of Medicine defines this condition as, "Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common form of pediatric scoliosis occurring in individuals between the ages of 10 to 18. By definition, idiopathic scoliosis implies that the etiology is unknown or not related to a specific syndromic, congenital, or neuromuscular condition."

This study begins by describing how scoliosis is measured and the possible health issues related to severe cases. "This spinal deformity is measured by the Cobb angle. Scoliosis is classified as mild (Cobb angle: 10-24°), moderate (25-39°), or severe (≥40°). Mild-to-moderate scoliosis can lead to cosmetic deformities, back pain, functional limitations, and psychological challenges. Severe scoliosis is associated with cardiac dysfunction and pulmonary complications."

One of the ways scoliosis is treated medically is by spinal surgery. The authors of this study point out that surgery can provide cosmetic improvements but may present other issues. "Surgery involves significant recovery time. Surgical procedures carry inherent risks, such as infection, neurological injury, or complications from implants."

In this case, a 14-year-old boy was diagnosed with scoliosis. Upon a referral to a pediatric orthopedist, the curvature was measured to be a Cobb angle of 43 degrees. The pediatric orthopedist told the family that there was "not much that we can do" and recommended bracing. If the curvature continued to get worse, then surgery would be recommended.

An examination was performed at a non-medical center and included palpation, range of motion and orthopedic tests. The results showed asymmetry of the hips, shoulders, and spinal muscles. Spinal x-rays were taken and digitally measured to determine the amount of scoliosis. At that time, the scoliosis measured 42.4 degrees for the Cobb measurement angel.

Care was started on the boy in the forms of mechanical rehabilitation, stretching, and specific chiropractic adjustments. After 20 visits of the various forms of care, and again at 13 months after the initial visit, the chiropractor performed a follow-up set of spinal x-rays to measure the progress of the curvature of the boy's spine. The new x-rays showed that the scoliosis had significantly improved, going from initially 42.4 degrees to being reduced to 28.9° after care and reduced further to 23.8° at the 13-month follow-up.

In their conclusion the authors wrote, "The results of this case report are consistent with the findings of previous research on the efficacy of scoliosis-specific exercises and chiropractic interventions in the management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. These studies have demonstrated that nonsurgical approaches can lead to significant improvements in spinal alignment, respiratory function, and physical capacity."

Chiropractic Care Reduces Opioid Usage in Military Personnel with Low Back Pain

The Journal of General Internal Medicine published a study on May 20, 2025, with the title "The Impact of Chiropractic Care on Opioid Prescriptions in Veterans Health Administration Patients Receiving Low Back Pain Care."

The authors of this study begin by reporting on why the Veterans Administration is interested in non-drug approaches to back pain. "Since the start of its Opioid Safety Initiative (OSI) in October 2013, through its current Pain Management Opioid Safety and Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PMOP), the Veterans Health Administration (VA) has been working to embrace a culture of effective pain treatment while reducing the risks associated with long-term opioid therapy."

The study reports that low back pain (LBP) is the most common reason veterans seek healthcare services through the VA. VA medical facilities have been offering chiropractic care since 2004 in certain facilities. However, the study also reports that the only 4.1% of veterans seek chiropractic services while 11-14% of the general population seek chiropractic care. This potentially speaks to restrictions or barriers to receiving chiropractic care in the VA system.

The authors note that other studies have shown chiropractic care has decreased the needs for other forms of care. They state, "Prior observational studies outside VA have shown that patients receiving chiropractic visits for LBP tend to subsequently use less of other healthcare services such as advanced imaging, therapeutic injections, and pharmacological therapies, including opioids."

Researchers reviewed the records of patients from 2015 to 2020, who went to a VA facility for lower back pain. Patients were excluded from the study if they only went to the VA for one visit for LBP, or if they received an opioid prescription within 180 days prior to their study timeframe.

The patient records were organized into two groups. One group was called the "Chiropractic users" and the other group was referred to as "Chiropractic non-users". After removing cases that did not fit the study parameters, the researchers reviewed the records of 128,377 veterans that did meet the study criteria. This included 7327 (5.71%) chiropractic care users and 121,050 (94.29%) non-chiropractic patients.

The researchers then compared these two groups looking to see the rate of new opioid prescriptions for patients in each of the groups. The results showed a statistically significant reduction in opioid prescriptions filled by those LBP under chiropractic care as compared with those that did not receive chiropractic care.

In the discussion section of the study the authors wrote, "Our results add to the existing literature showing an inverse relationship between receipt of chiropractic care and receipt of opioid prescriptions among patients with LBP in private sector and VA Populations." They concluded, "The results of this study show that nonpharmacologic chiropractic care can be an important component of opioid sparing strategies for VHA patients with LBP."