Feature Articles:
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• No Rest for Acute Low Back Pain •
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A growing number of studies show continuation of daily living activities for those suffering acute lower back pain to be equal to or superior to prolonged bed rest. One recent study examined 281 patients aged 18 to 65 years with acute low back pain. Their onset of pain was less than 3 days and none had pain radiating below the buttocks. One group was instructed to continue normal activity (insofar as the pain allowed), and the other was prescribed 4 days of bed rest. Patients were then seen at three visits: on day 6 or 7, after 1 month, and after 3 months. On day 6 or 7, pain intensity was similar for both groups, as was the overall judgment of the treatment by patients and physicians. At 1 and 3 months, the groups again had equivalent intensity of back pain, functional disability, and vertebral stiffness.
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| SOURCE: Spine 2002;27:1487–1493 |
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• Chiropractic: The Real Deal •
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According to a recent article in the Annals of Internal Medicine, the public increasingly uses chiropractic largely for spinal pain syndromes and appears to be highly satisfied with the results. Of all the so-called alternative professions, chiropractic has made the largest inroads into private and public health care financing systems and is increasingly viewed as an effective specialty by many in the medical profession. Much of the positive evolution of chiropractic can be ascribed to a quarter century-long research effort focused on the core chiropractic procedure of spinal manipulation. This effort has helped bring spinal manipulation out of the investigational category to become one of the most studied forms of conservative treatment for spinal pain.
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| SOURCE: Annals of Internal Medicine. February 5, 2002; Vol. 136, No. 3, pp. 216-227. |
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• Exercise Improves Fibromyalgia •
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Attention fibromyalgia suffers -- A recent study published in the British Medical Journal graded aerobic exercise is a simple, cheap, and effective treatment for fibromyalgia. Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial of prescribed graded exercise against relaxation and flexibility training in fibromyalgia patients. After three months, exercise led to significantly more participants rating themselves as much or very much better, and the benefits were maintained or improved at one year follow up. The exercise group also had greater reductions in tender point counts.
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| SOURCE: British Medical Journal. Volume 325, Number 7357, Issue of 27 Jul 2002. |
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• Antioxidants Reduce Risk of Alzheimer Disease •
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A recent study suggests that a high dietary intake of vitamin C and vitamin E may lower the risk of Alzheimer disease. Oxidative stresses in the body are believed to contribute to the development of Alzheimer disease. Antioxidants, such as Vitamins C and E, help reduce oxidative stresses within the body. Some excellent sources of the antioxidants vitamin C and E include citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds and fish oils.
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| SOURCE: JAMA. 2002;287:3223-3229 |
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