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For Neck Pain, Chiropractic and Exercise Are Better Than Drugs
DrOshidar • Jun 25, 2013
The headline above is from a January 7, 2012 article in the health section of the New York Times. This article, as well as a similar one from Medical Press on January 4, 2012, is based on research published on January 3, 2012 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
The research studied 272 adults who were suffering with neck pain for 2- to 12-weeks duration. The subjects were divided into three groups, and received either chiropractic adjustments (called SMT or spinal manipulative therapy in the study), home exercise with advice (HEA), or prescription medication. The adjustments were delivered by one of five chiropractors while the medications were prescribed by medical physicians. The medications consisted mainly of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen, or both.
The care in each of the three groups lasted only 12 weeks in this study. The people in the study were asked to rate their pain initially and at various points thereafter up to 12 months later. The level of pain was recorded for each of the participants at the intervals of at 2, 4, 8, 12, 26, and 52 weeks. The results reported that chiropractic adjustments did better in helping neck pain patients and showed “a statistically significant advantage over medication after 8, 12, 26, and 52 weeks.”
Even though the care rendered for each of these groups was only for 12 weeks, the long term follow-up showed that 53 percent of the people who had received chiropractic continued to report at least a 75 percent reduction in pain. The exercise group also had similar numbers. However, the group taking medication showed only a 38 percent reduction in pain overall.
Dr. Gert Bronfort, an author of the study and research professor at Northwestern Health Sciences University in Minnesota, noted his reasons for the study included a lack of information on choices for people with neck pain. “There was a void in the scientific literature in terms of what the most helpful treatments are,” Bronfort said. He noted that the results showed chiropractic superior to medications. “Even a year later, there were differences between the spinal manipulation and medication groups,” Bronfort said.
Not only did the group taking medications not fair as well in pain reduction, there was also a problem with usage as people kept taking them in an attempt to get help. “The people in the medication group kept on using a higher amount of medication more frequently throughout the follow-up period, up to a year later,” said Dr. Bronfort. “If you’re taking medication over a long time, then we’re running into more systemic side effects like gastrointestinal problems.”
Ozempic use often leads to the loss of more muscle than fat Bones can become less dense with rapid weight loss Exercising and eating more protein can help combat bone loss
Ronald Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O., DACBN, MS, CFMPXylitol and Erythritol are commonly used by those wanting to lose weight or who are diabetic. Many people use artificial, low-calorie sweeteners to reduce their sugar intake. It's found in chewing gum, toothpaste, sugar-free candy, baked goods, and more. According to a June 2024 study, high levels of xylitol and erythritol, sugar alcohols and low-calorie sweeteners used in many foods and products, has been associated with an increased risk of a major cardiovascular event, like a heart attack or stroke and death. The researchers in this study analyzed how xylitol impacts heart health in over 3,000 patients in the U.S. and Europe. The team of researchers, led by Dr. Stanley Hazen at the Cleveland Clinic and published in European Heart Journal on June 6, 2024 showed that having the highest blood levels of xylitol is linked with a 57% increased risk of a major cardiovascular event compared with lower levels. The Reason Why Xylitol and Erythritol May Pose a Cardiovascular Risk? Blood components called platelets help blood to clot. The researchers found that both erythritol and xylitol made platelets more sensitive to blood clotting signals. . Additionally, taking a single 30-gram dose of xylitol increases blood levels 1000-fold within 30 minutes – this increase can stimulate blood clotting, which is concerning for people with existing heart disease. These results suggest that consuming erythritol and xylitol can increase blood clot formation. This, in turn, could increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. What Products Commonly Include Erythritol and Xylitol? Chewing gum Candy Ice Cream Breath mints Some Dietary supplements Mouthwash Toothpaste Sugar-Free Desserts Liquid compounded medications Commercially produced: Baked goods, beverages, candies, chewing gums, chocolates, tabletop sweetener packets, ice cream, puddings, jams and jellies, fruit preparations, biscuits, and sauces Dr. Grisanti's Comments For now, I recommend being cautious using products with xylitol and erythritol in it, – particularly those with cardiovascular risk factors. Although some people will say the research may be flawed, I have to wonder if the people against this new study have an agenda that places the public at risk. All in all, I say why take the risk. I prefer to err on the side of caution and simply stop consuming food items that have erythritol and xylitol in it. Using xylitol and erythritol in the small amounts typically found in chewing gum, toothpastes, and mouth rinses seems to be safe. But using it in very high doses and long-term isn't a good idea. It does not mean throw out your toothpaste if it has xylitol in it, but we should be aware that consumption of a product containing high levels could increase the risk of blood clot-related events. If you're looking for a sweet treat, the only sweeteners I stand behind are organic, 100 percent stevia or monk fruit extracts. Remember simply read the labels of the items you eat or drink if you want to know if xylitol and erythritol has been added. --------- ATTENTION DOCTORS, ALL HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONERS, PATIENTS and POTENTIAL NEW PATIENTS If you found this article of value may I ask if you can tell your friends and colleagues about Clinical Rounds. This is a great introduction to the field of functional medicine as well as having the opportunity to stay current on the latest medical news on a variety of important health issues. Here is the webpage to subscribe: http://www.clinicalrounds.com References: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/xylitol-may-affect-cardiovascular-health https://www.nbcnews.com/health/heart-health/xylitol-linked-increased-heart-risk-reconsider-sugar-substitutes-rcna155688 https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news/2024/common-sweetener-linked-potential-cardiovascular-risks https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/27/2439/7683453 https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2024/06/06/xylitol-sugar-artificial-sweetener-heart/ https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/erythritol-cardiovascular-events https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-023-02223-9 https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/27/2439/7683453 https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/27/2439/7683453 ** Always consult with a physician or healthcare practitioner with significant integrative or functional medicine training before starting any of the above recommendations. You can find a qualified and certified functional medicine practitioner by going to: www.FunctionalMedicineDoctors.com The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Grisanti and his functional medicine community. Dr. Grisanti encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. Visit www.FunctionalMedicineUniversity.com for more information on our training in functional medicine. Look for practitioners who have successfully completed the Functional Medicine University's Certification Program (CFMP) www.functionalmedicinedoctors.com . This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Dr. Grisanti is required
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https://www.functionalmedicineuniversity.com/public/2000.cfm ** Feel free to use this article on your website. Compliments from Functional Medicine University . ** Read my past articles: http://www.functionalmedicineuniversity.com/public/department88.cfm ===================== View Rick Bramos Fitness YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_x4I27Z0DfYkfcroXxAhcA/videos Here is Rick's New Video of the Week: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W__EwtXJkyY Rick is now offering phone consultations for those wanting to lose weight or simply to improve their fitness. Rick can be reached at 2days2fitness@gmail.com for more details. ===================== ATTENTION DOCTORS AND ALL HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONERS Tell your friends and colleagues about Clinical Rounds. This is a great introduction to the field of functional medicine. Here is the webpage to subscribe: http://www.clinicalrounds.com Take care, Ron P.S. Please visit our facebook page and "Like It" Of course if you really like it. :) http://www.facebook.com/pages/Functional-Medicine-University/161486170671332
At the very least, you'll want to keep this to a minimum. Inflammation is often visible—think red skin or a swollen knee. However, inflammation can also occur on the inside, and it's not always so easy to detect. "Inflammation is a physiological process involved in the defense of our body and the repair of tissues," says Jenna Stangland, RD , a Momentous advisor. Stangland explains that inflammation can be triggered by infections, trauma, toxins or allergic reactions. Sometimes, it becomes chronic in the muscles and tissues. Unfortunately, Stangland says chronic inflammation carries risks. "Chronic inflammation can end up stimulating the development of cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune disease, neurological disease or cancer," Stangland says. "This type of inflammation can last several months as a result of inability to combat and reduce it." Diet isn't a cure-all for chronic inflammation or the diseases it can trigger. However, it's an important tool. "Diet plays a significant role in inflammation, as certain foods can either promote or reduce inflammation in the body," says Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN , a preventive cardiology dietitian at EntirelyNourished.com . One food in particular is worth avoiding. RDs shared the food to limit if you have chronic inflammation. Related: The One Diet That Will Actually Lower Your Heart Attack Risk, According to Cardiologists