Neurology

Use It or Lose It: Dancing Makes You Smarter

By Frank M. Painter|April 22, 2012|Neurology, Wellness|

Use It or Lose It: Dancing Makes You Smarter

For centuries, dance manuals and other writings have lauded the health benefits of dancing, usually as physical exercise. More recently we’ve seen research on further health benefits of dancing, such as stress reduction and increased serotonin level, with its sense of well-being.

Then most recently we’ve heard of another benefit: Frequent dancing apparently makes us smarter. A major study added to the growing evidence that stimulating one’s mind can ward off Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia, much as physical exercise can keep the body fit. Dancing also increases cognitive acuity at all ages.

You may have heard about the New England Journal of Medicine report on the effects of recreational activities on mental acuity in aging. Here it is in a nutshell.

The 21-year study of senior citizens, 75 and older, was led by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, funded by the National Institute on Aging, and published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Their method for objectively measuring mental acuity in aging was to monitor rates of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. (more…)

Neurophysiologic Effects of Spinal Manipulationin Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain

By Frank M. Painter|September 22, 2011|Chiropractic Care, Low Back Pain, Neurology|

Neurophysiologic Effects of Spinal Manipulation in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain

The Chiro.Org Blog

SOURCE: Musculoskelet Disord. 2011 (Jul 22); 12: 170

Brian C Clark, David A Goss Jr,
Stevan Walkowski, Richard L Hoffman,
Andrew Ross, and James S Thomas

Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute (OMNI),
Ohio University,
236 Irvine Hall,
Athens, OH 45701, USA.

Background

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common reasons for seeking medical care and accounts for over 3.7 million physician visits per year in the United States alone. Ninety percent of adults will experience LBP in their lifetime, 50% will experience recurrent back pain, and 10% will develop chronic pain and related disability [1-4]. According to the most recent national survey more than 18 million Americans over the age of 18 years received manipulative therapies in 2007 at a total annual out of pocket cost of $3.9 billion with back pain being the most common clinical complaint of these individuals [5].

Over the past decade there has been growing scientific evidence supporting the clinical efficacy [6-10] and effectiveness [11,12] of manual therapies in treating LBP. While clinical evidence supporting the efficacy and effectiveness of manual therapies has emerged, less scientific evidence has been offered to explain the effects and mechanisms underlying these treatments. The lack of a mechanistic underpinning hinders acceptance by the wider scientific and health-care communities, and it also limits the development of rational strategies for using manipulative therapies.

You may also enjoy the
Low Back Pain and Chiropractic Page

(more…)

Sidney Crosby Press Conference with Dr Ted Carrick

By John Wiens DC|September 8, 2011|Concussion, Neurology, Video|

Sidney Crosby, probably the best player in the NHL, and one who is certainly marketed as the face of the NHL along with Alexander Ovechkin, has been unable to play hockey since last year due to a serious concussion. Recently he has been treated by Dr Ted Carrick, a chiropractor and founder of the Carrick Institute for Graduate Studies in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Sid has made dramatic progress since starting treatment with Dr Carrick.

Here is the press conference. Dr Carrick’s remarks start at 7:40 into the clip.