Musculoskeletal System

The Natural History of Degenerative Spondylolisthesis of the Cervical Spine With 2- to 7-Year Follow-up

The Natural History of Degenerative Spondylolisthesis of the Cervical Spine With 2- to 7-Year Follow-up Park, Moon Soo MD, PhD http://journals.lww.com/spinejournal/Abstract/2013/02150/The_Natural_History_of_Degenerative.19.aspx Spine: 15 February 2013 – Volume 38 – Issue 4 – p E205–E210 Abstract Study Design. Retrospective study. Objective. To determine whether cervical degenerative spondylolisthesis is unstable and/or progresses. Summary of Background Data. Cervical […]

Abdominal Obesity and Lumbar Disc Degeneration

Takatalo J. PLoS One. 2013;8(2):e56244. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0056244. Epub 2013 Feb 13 Abstract PURPOSE: To evaluate whether midsagittal (abdominal) obesity in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), waist circumference (WC) and body fat percentage are associated with lumbar disc degeneration in early adulthood. METHODS: We obtained the lumbar MRI (1.5-T scanner) of 325 females and 233 males at a […]

Nerve Stimulation Cuts Down on Migraines

Published: Feb 11, 2013 By Crystal Phend , Senior Staff Writer, MedPage Today Full Story Action Points A noninvasive device that electrically stimulates the trigeminal nerve prevented migraines for patients whose episodes were not well controlled by medication alone. Note that the Cefaly device consists of an eye glasses-style band with a self-adhesive electrode above […]

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use for Headache and Migraine

A Critical Review of the Literature Jon Adams, PhD, Gaery Barbery, MPH, Chi-Wai Lui, PhD Headache. 2013;53(3):459-473. Abstract and Introduction Abstract Contexts.—An evidence base for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) consumption within general populations is emerging. However, research data on CAM use for headache disorders remain poorly documented. This paper, constituting the first critical review of […]

Migraine

Mimics, Borderlands and Chameleons Heather Angus-Leppan Pract Neurol. 2013;13(5):308-318. Diagnostically, headache is the easy part of migraine. It is the surrounds of migraine—the aura, prodrome and postdrome—that can be most challenging, and confused with other pathologies. This article examines the definition and variants of migraine; alternative diagnoses for which migraine may be mistaken (mimics); conditions […]

Mechanisms of chronic pain from whiplash injury

Davis CG. Journal J Forensic Leg Med. 2013 Feb;20(2):74-85. doi: 10.1016/j.jflm.2012.05.004. Epub 2012 Jul 4. Affiliation cdavisdc@yahoo.com Abstract This article is to provide insights into the mechanisms underlying chronic pain from whiplash injury. Studies show that injury produces plasticity changes of different neuronal structures that are responsible for amplification of nociception and exaggerated pain responses. […]

Subclinical neck pain and the effects of cervical manipulation on elbow joint position sense

Haavik H J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2011 Feb;34(2):88-97. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2010.12.009. Abstract OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to investigate whether elbow joint position sense (JPS) accuracy differs between participants with a history of subclinical neck pain (SCNP) and those with no neck complaints and to determine whether adjusting dysfunctional cervical segments in the SCNP […]

Controlled Flax Interventions for the Improvement of Menopausal Symptoms and Postmenopausal Bone Health

A Systematic Review Tristan P. Dew, BSc, PhD; Gary Williamson, BSc, PhD Menopause. 2013;20(11):1207-1215. Abstract Concerns regarding hormone therapy safety have led to interest in the use of phytoestrogens for a variety of menopause-related health complaints. Recent meta-analyses concerning soy and postmenopausal bone mineral density, flax and serum cholesterol indicate that significant benefits may be […]

Forefoot Strikers Exhibit Lower Running-Induced Knee Loading Than Rearfoot Strikers

Juha-Pekka Kulmala; Janne Avela; Kati Pasanen; Jari Parkkari Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2013;45(12):2306-2313. Abstract Purpose: Knee pain and Achilles tendinopathies are the most common complaints among runners. The differences in the running mechanics may play an important role in the pathogenesis of lower limb overuse injuries. However, the effect of a runner’s foot strike pattern […]

Fear–Avoidance Beliefs Associated With Perceived Psychological and Social Factors at Work Among Patients With Neck and Back Pain

A Cross-Sectional Multicentre Study Kjersti Myhre; Cecilie Røe; Gunn Hege Marchand; Anne Keller; Erik Bautz-Holter; Gunnar Leivseth; Leiv Sandvik; Bjørn Lau BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2013;14(329) Abstract Background: Neck and back pain are common and often account for absenteeism at work. Factors at work as well as fear–avoidance beliefs may influence sick-leave in these patients. The […]

Straightened cervical lordosis causes stress concentration

Australas Phys Eng Sci Med. 2013 Mar;36(1):27-33. doi: 10.1007/s13246-013-0182-4. Epub 2013 Jan 25. Straightened cervical lordosis causes stress concentration: a finite element model study. Wei W, Liao S, Shi S, Fei J, Wang Y, Chen C. Abstract In this study, we propose a finite element analysis of the complete cervical spine with straightened and normal […]

Manipulation/Manual Therapy in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis

Howard Vernon J Arthritis 3:e107. doi: Full Text Article:  http://www.omicsgroup.org/journals/manipulation-manual-therapy-in-the-treatment-of-osteoarthritis-2167-7921.1000e107.php Manual manipulation has a long history in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain [1]. Manipulation for the treatment of spinal pain conditions has become widely accepted as a result of numerous clinical trials, systematic reviews and clinical guidelines [2–4]. Surveys of chiropractic practice confirm that the […]

Manipulation/Manual Therapy in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis

Vernon H (2013) Manipulation/Manual Therapy in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis J Arthritis 3:e107. doi: Full Text Article:  http://www.omicsgroup.org/journals/manipulation-manual-therapy-in-the-treatment-of-osteoarthritis-2167-7921.1000e107.php?aid=12806 Manual manipulation has a long history in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain [1]. Manipulation for the treatment of spinal pain conditions has become widely accepted as a result of numerous clinical trials, systematic reviews and clinical guidelines [2-4]. […]

Clinical correlation of magnetic resonance imaging with symptom complex in prolapsed intervertebral disc disease

J Craniovertebr Junction Spine. 2013 Jan;4(1):16-20. doi: 10.4103/0974-8237.121619. Clinical correlation of magnetic resonance imaging with symptom complex in prolapsed intervertebral disc disease: A cross-sectional double blind analysis. Bajpai J1, Saini S1, Singh R1. Abstract INTRODUCTION: Low backache (LBA) is one of the most common problems and herniated lumbar disc is one of the most commonly […]

Physical Activity Recommendations for Adults With Arthritis

Health Care Providers’ Recommendations for Physical Activity and Adherence to Physical Activity Guidelines Among Adults With Arthritis Shamly Austin, PhD; Haiyan Qu, PhD; Richard M. Shewchuk, PhD Disclosures Prev Chronic Dis. 2013;10 Abstract Introduction Physical activity is beneficial for reducing pain and improving health-related quality of life among people with arthritis. However, physical inactivity is […]

Inflammatory Mediators in Intervertebral Disk Degeneration and Discogenic Pain

Global Spine J 2013; 03(03): 175-184 Karin Wuertz Abstract Although degeneration of the intervertebral disk has historically been described as a misbalance between anabolic and catabolic factors, the role of inflammatory mediators has long been neglected. However, past research clearly indicates that inflammatory mediators such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α are […]

Altered Spinal Motion in Low Back Pain Associated with Lumbar Strain and Spondylosis

Joseph S. Cheng Evidence-Based Spine-Care Journal 2013; 04(01): 006-012 Abstract Study Design We present a patient-specific computer model created to translate two-dimensional (2D) fluoroscopic motion data into three-dimensional (3D) in vivo biomechanical motion data. Objective The aim of this study is to determine the in vivo biomechanical differences in patients with and without acute low back pain. […]

Migraines May Hike Women’s Risk for Heart Problems

By Michael Smith, North American Correspondent, MedPage Today Published: January 15, 2013 Full Story Action Points These studies were published as abstracts and will be presented at a conference. These data and conclusions should be considered to be preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal. These studies suggest that migraine with aura appears to be […]

Exercise May Be Beneficial for Patients With Chronic Severe Sciatica Who Would Normally Qualify for Surgery

Margareta C Nordin, Federico Balagué Evid Based Med. 2013;18(2):63-64. Abstract Commentary on: Albert HB, Manniche C. The efficacy of systematic active conservative treatment for patients with severe sciatica: a single-blind, randomized, clinical, controlled trial. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2012;37:531–42. Context The role of conservative treatment and exercise still remain uncertain for severe sciatica. Methods This […]

Risk Factors For Persistent Problems Following Acute Whiplash Injury

Risk Factors For Persistent Problems Following Acute Whiplash Injury: Update Of A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Authors: David M. Walton, PT, PhD Published: Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 2013, Volume: 43 Issue: 2 Pages: 31-43 doi:10.2519/jospt.2013.4507 Study Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Objective To update a previous review and meta-analysis on risk factors […]