Health Alert: Global Burden of Smoking on Low Back Pain and Rheumatoid Arthritis…
An analysis of data collected from 192 countries found that smoking contributes to 84.5 million cases of low back pain and 11.3 million cases of rheumatoid arthritis each year. This accounts for an estimated $326 billion in direct healthcare costs and lost productivity.
Addiction, December 2023 Diet: Where to Eat a Healthy Lunch at Work…
A survey of 622 workers from four companies in Tokyo found the nutritional quality of lunches was highest when employees either ate a homemade lunch or a meal prepared in the company cafeteria. On the other hand, when participants opted for take-out or dining at a restaurant offsite, they were more likely to choose less healthy fare.
Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, January 2024 Exercise: Getting Active Slows Bone Loss.
Using data from the PASSPORT study, researchers from the University of Jyväskylä observed that sedentary older adults who participated in a yearlong exercise intervention that combined progressive muscle strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility training experienced a slower decline in bone mineral density in the femoral neck than their peers who remained physically inactive. The findings suggest that even at an older age, it’s not too late to take action to reduce the risk for hip fracture.
Bone, January 2024 Chiropractic: Posture, Disability, and Chronic Low Back Pain.
Among a group of 435 chronic low back pain patients, researchers observed an association between abnormal sagittal (from the side) posture and greater low back pain-related disability. Doctors of chiropractic often address postural faults in the management of chronic low back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders.
Spine Journal, November 2023 Mental Attitude: A Third of Those with Spondyloarthritis Have Anxiety Disorder.
Questionnaires completed by 12,713 arthritis patients revealed that around a third (34.5%) of spondyloarthritis patients suffered from high levels of anxiety, and the risk is greatest among females, those under 55 years of age, and those diagnosed within the previous three years.
RMD Open, January 2024 Wellness/Prevention: Considering Spine Surgery? Get a Second Opinion.
For patients considering spine surgery, a recent study that looked at outcomes of 1,088 patients who received a second opinion found that only 34.7% underwent a surgical procedure in the next two years, while 60.8% were recommended to pursue a conservative treatment approach (like chiropractic care). It’s estimated this saved each patient an average of $6,705 in treatment costs.
BMC Health Services Research, December 2023 Check out this month's pain relief updates here! | 
