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A Brief Research Summary Best Neck and Low Back Pain Therapy The increasing interest by the medical community and general public and scientific evidence confirming its effectiveness has caught the attention of several health associations and government agencies. A 1993 study in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that, "The estimated number of visits made in 1990 to providers of unconventional therapy was greater than the number of visits to all primary care medical providers nationwide." Chiropractic was among the most frequently used non-medical therapy. Fibromyalgia is also treated. Chiropractic Neurology Research Brief, volume1issue2- Chiropractic's Effectiveness for Fibromyalgia Chiropractic Neurology Research Brief, volume1issue3- Low Back Pain Does Not Go Away on its Own A follow-up report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1998 found that the use of non-medical treatments had increased significantly since the 1990 survey, with "...overall prevalence of use increased by 25%, total visits by an estimated 47%, and expenditures on services provided by practitioners of alternative therapies by an estimated 45%." Of the survey respondents, one in nine (11%) had used chiropractic care within the previous year. Dr. Saracino's Tips for a Healthy Spine Information to Take Home The following tips can help you take better care of your spine: 1) The Springwald Chiropractic mattress is the best quality and most comfortable spinal-supportive system on the market. It supports the spine sufficiently while allowing moisture (rehydration, otherwise known as imbibition) to reenter the spinal discs. This allows the discs to regain height, nurishment and strength. The best sleeping posture is on one's back with the legs elevated nine inches with a leg-lift pillow available in my office and a Therapeutica chiropractic cervical (neck) pillow. The leg-lift places the low back in a supported and comfortable position and the cervical pillow supports the normal architecture of the neck bones which decreases neck muscle tension. Pain-free and deeper sleep is often achieved when following these this advise. 2) When standing for extended periods, rest one foot atop a small stool to decrease stretch of the psoas muscle of the elevated leg. This reduces pressure in the muscles in the front of the spine at the lumbar (low back) spine. 3) Sit on firm chairs that support the normally arching forward curve in the low back by placing a lumbar support in the lower portion of the backrest. I have Backhuggar low back support cushions in stock at all times. Adjust the seat of one's car so that one's knees are level with one's hips and the backs of thighs feel even pressure- not the usual more pressure near one's pelvis. Avoid driving with the left knee higher than the right knee. Often patients report that they drive with the left knee pulled up, rotated out and leaning on the door. This twists the pelvis and shortens the muscles that rotate the left leg outward which increases their chances for spasm and discomfort. 4) Before lifting objects inhale deeply then let the air out, with resistance, While bending. Maintain the forward-arching low back curve by bending at the knees and hips. Using one's legs and hips for most of the work will prevent the low back curve from flattening which could severely damage the lumbar area. Hold objects close to one's body which keeps spinal flexion to a minimum. A Brief History Of Chiropractic Chiropractic's Coming of Age Manipulative therapy was been performed, likely, for centuries attested to by etchings found on the inside walls of ancient pyramids. The first recorded chiropractic manipulation was performed on September 18, 1895 by Dr. Daniel David Palmer, a Canadian-born teacher and healer. Dr. Palmer was, at the time, studying the cause and effect of disease. His patient was Harvey Lillard, a janitor working in the same building as Dr. Palmer in Davenport, Iowa. Mr. Lillard, who had complained of hearing problems for over 17 years, allowed Dr. Palmer to examine his spine. Dr. Palmer discovered a "lump" on Mr. Lillard's back and suspected that a vertebra might be out of place, which he then repositioned with a gentle thrust. After several such treatments, much of Mr. Lillard's hearing was restored. Since Dr. Palmer's first chiropractic manipulation, due mostly to Dr. Saracino's alma mater- The National University of the Health Sciences [the foremost institution of its kind in the world and first fully accredited chiropractic degreee granting institution]- the art and science of chiropractic has progressed significantly. Chiropractic neurlogists utilize advanced diagnostic procedures, sophisticated physical therapy and rehabilitation equipment. A growing body of scientific research has proven chiropractic's effectiveness which has lead to greater acceptance among other health care professionals. Chiropractic is a popular health care choice with as many as 13% of the United States population receiving regular care, and up to 40% of the population having visited us.