Eckert Chiropractic, P.C.

09/05/2025

The Cash-Based Practice Field Manual: The Clinician's Guide To A Successful Cash-Based Practice And Never Having To Deal With Insurance Companies Again

09/16/2023

Hello fellow Facebookyins! I have been hacked so if you get a friend request from “me” please just ignore, delete, discombobulate, etc.

06/14/2022

04/19/2022

04/14/2022 UPDATE

ECKERT CHIROPRACTIC, P.C.
412 Cromwell Avenue, Rocky Hill, CT 06067
860-529-8338 fax 203-413-6369
www.eckertchiro.com

OFFICE HOURS
MON 8:00 – 1:00 2:00 – 6:00
TUE 3:00 – 7:00
WED 8:00 – 1:00 2:00 – 6:00
THU 8:00 – 1:00 3:00 – 7:00
FRI 8:00 – 1:00

BODY FACTS
You replace every particle in your body every seven years. You are literally not the same person you were 7 years ago.

NEWS YOU CAN USE
CAN ALL THIS BAD NEWS CAUSE BACK PAIN?
This headline may seem strange to you. After all, what does the news have to do with your back?
According to the Johns Hopkins Health Alerts, quite a bit.
The Health Alert entitled, “Back Pain and Osteoporosis Special Report, The Mind Body Connection,” reads “A growing number of studies affirm that the mind-body connection also plays a role in back pain, both in setting off an initial ‘back pain attack’ and in contributing to ongoing chronic pain.”
The Health Alert went on to say mental distress increases the risk of developing back pain, followed by a slow recovery.
This is what’s very interesting: One study found “catastrophizing” increased the risk of getting back pain.
This, the writer explained, is largely due to the ‘fight or flight’ mechanism. During this stress response, your body produces chemicals to make you hyper-alert. This causes muscles to tense up and can even go into spasm.
It is important to understand this today, because every time you turn on the television, the news will no doubt be negative in some way, shape, or form. This is not to say they are always wrong but “catastrophizing” may be giving you a life of aches and pains.
There are many thing you can do to stop the cycle. Breathing exercises, stretching, meditation and exercise will all help.
CHIROPRACTIC CARE CAN OFTEN BE A GREAT STRESS REDUCER AND A TIME TO JUST RELAX AND GET AWAY FROM IT ALL.
The bottom line is: There may be nothing YOU can personally do to change bad news, so it makes no sense to constantly stress over it and get sick. Come in and let us help!!!
NOTE FROM DR. ECKERT:
I am so grateful to all my patients that took heed to my appeal for referrals. Thank you, thank you, thank you! We are starting to see an uptick.
Let’s pray we see no more CoVid outbreaks this year or ever again…

And, as always, please remember, we are always here for you! If you have any health concerns or questions, please call me at 860-529-8338.

Yours In Health,
Dr. Eckert >

Chiropractic services. Carpal tunnel syndrome. Rehabilitation. Low back pain. Fibromyalgia. Weight loss. Neck pain. Call for a free consultation!

09/29/2020

ECKERT CHIROPRACTIC, P.C.
09/28/2020 UPDATE
Dear Patients and Friends,
MON 8:30 – 12:30 2:00 – 6:00
TUE Staff Training 3:00 – 6:00
WED 8:30 – 12:30 2:00 – 6:00
THU 8:30 – 12:30 3:00 – 7:00
FRI 8:30 – 12:30
APPOINTMENT PHONE 860-529-8338

FUN FACT:
Your fingernails grow four times faster than your toenails.
Nails are basically protective and since our fingers are busier than our toes, they are more likely to need replacing. Also, constant exposure to sun and air aid in their growth.

TODAY’S EDUCATIONAL CORNER
Multiple studies have shown that hyper-pronation (HP), or too much rolling-inwards of the ankle, can have effects on the body far beyond the foot. For example, abnormal motion of the ankle can lead to slight changes in how the knees and pelvis move as you carry out your normal daily activities, placing added strain on these structures and increasing the risk of injury in both the short and long term. These faulty movement patterns can also lead to improper motion and a higher risk for injury above the hips, including in the lower back.
In one study that involved patients with low back pain (LBP), researchers found that improving both ankle pronation (with foot orthotics) and lower limb weakness (with exercise) resulted in improvements in knee, hip, and low back function.
Foot orthotics often include a pronation-correcting wedge that is thicker on the inside and tapers narrow to the outside to correct the rolling-in effect of the ankle. One study measured the effects that a 5º heel wedge had on the lower limb up to the thorax, noting significant 3-dimensional kinematic changes occurred on the hip, pelvis, and thorax. However, over-correction (at 10º), had detrimental effects on proper motion elsewhere in the body, which underscores the importance of getting an accurate prescription when fitting foot orthotics. Likewise, other studies have demonstrated that a forefoot orthotic may also be required to ensure proper biomechanics while walking.
A study that included 213 high school and college cross country runners (107 male, 106 female) found that 37 (17.4%) wore foot orthotics. Of the 37 orthotic users, 17 (54.8%) wore them for exercise-related leg pain, of which 15 of the 17 reported benefits. Another study compared the load on the Achilles tendon during running both with and without foot orthotics and reported that running with foot orthotics was associated with significant reductions in Achilles tendon loading compared to running without orthotics.
These studies clearly support the MANY benefits foot orthotics have on the whole body or structure, which facilitate both the short- and long-term management of conditions like low back pain! At Eckert Chiropractic, P.C., we frequently fit foot orthotics for lower extremity complaints, as well as lower back pain.
Remember, we are always here for you! If you have any health concerns, please call me at 860-529-8338.
Yours in Health,
Dr. Eckert
אלוהים יברך אותך

09/23/2020

ECKERT CHIROPRACTIC, P.C.
09/15/2020 UPDATE
Dear Patients and Friends,
MON 8:30 – 12:30 2:00 – 6:00
TUE Staff Training 2:00 – 6:00
WED 8:30 – 12:30 2:00 – 6:00
THU 8:30 – 12:30 3:00 – 7:00
FRI 8:30 – 12:30
APPOINTMENT PHONE 860-529-8338

FUN FACT:
You are taller in the morning than at night.
During normal activities during the day the cartilage in our knees and other areas slowly compress, but when you go to sleep and rest the cartilage goes back to normal. On average we are about 1 centimeter taller in the morning than in the evening.

TODAY’S EDUCATIONAL CORNER
Pillow Talk
Individuals with neck pain may find it difficult for get a night of restful, restorative sleep due to pain keeping them awake or interrupting their slumber. Not only can a restless night make it more difficult to complete tasks related to everyday living or make neck pain worse, but poor sleep habits over time can raise one’s risk for chronic disease and even early death—perhaps as much as physical inactivity or a bad diet. When treating a patient with neck pain, doctors of chiropractic often inquire about the patient’s sleeping position and pillow, as addressing these factors may be important for getting a good night’s rest.
When it comes to a “good” position for the head while sleeping, most experts would recommend assuming a position that most closely mimics a good upright posture. If lying on the back, the head should not be forced toward the chest (hyper-flexed) or dropped too far backward into hyper-extension. When lying on the side, the head should not be forced upward or downward, away from the neutral position. If you habitually sleep on your stomach—which is generally NOT a good position for the neck due to the prolonged static rotation—you may want to consider a very thin pillow (or not using a pillow) to not force the neck too far up or down when rotated. Placing a body-pillow between the knees that extends up in front of the pelvis and chest can function as a “kick-stand” to keep you from rolling onto your stomach during the night.
What about pillow materials? There are many to choose from, such as feathers, foam (memory and others), water, buckwheat, and/or combinations of these. While there is probably not a “best” choice, there are characteristic differences that are worth discussing. For example, memory foam molds nicely to the contours of the head and neck but can be hot and may have an unpleasant odor. Latex foam has the advantage of molding well to contours without becoming hot and comes in various densities to suit preferences, which can be quite helpful for those with neck pain and headaches. Generally, higher density foam offers less breakdown and more support. Latex is also resistant to mold and dust mites, another distinct advantage. Feathers and down pillows can mold to fit the body contours nicely but have a tendency to lose that initial position as the feathers often spread out while sleeping. Some people are also bothered by allergies or skin sensitivities making feather pillows and certain types of foam undesirable. Buckwheat hulls tend to mold well and be cool but then can be noisy when moving. Mattress firmness should also be taken into consideration, as the amount of “sinking in” will affect the pillow thickness decision.
If musculoskeletal pain is interfering with your sleep, consult with your doctor of chiropractic to help determine the best position and pillow for your individual case. Your chiropractor may also offer nutritional recommendations with the aim of improving sleep quality.
Remember, we are always here for you. If you have any health concerns, please call me at 860-529-8338.
Yours in Health,
Dr. Eckert
אלוהים יברך אותך

09/10/2020

ECKERT CHIROPRACTIC, P.C.
09/08/2020 UPDATE
Dear Patients and Friends,
MON 8:30 – 12:30 2:00 – 6:00
TUE Staff Training 2:00 – 6:00
WED 8:30 – 12:30 2:00 – 6:00
THU 8:30 – 12:30 3:00 – 7:00
FRI 8:30 – 12:30
APPOINTMENT PHONE 860-529-8338

FUN FACT:
Babies are born with 300 bones – adults have 206.
As babies grow, some of their bones fuse together. Some infant bones are made entirely of soft, flexible tissue called cartilage that's slowly replaced by hard bone as the baby develops.

TODAY’S EDUCATIONAL CORNER
Healthy Eating During the Pandemic
With stay-at-home orders in place due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, we are all a lot closer to snacks and facing more stress, both of which can trigger overeating and bad food choices.
Use these healthy eating tips to keep your waistline in check, so that your work pants will still fit when you finally change out of your pajamas!
Reasons for Overeating
Recognizing the cues that make you want to eat when you are not hungry is an important step in maintaining healthy eating habits during stressful times.
Stress Eating
Consider whether you want to eat because you are stressed, bored or feeling emotional. Or are you actually hungry? Take a few minutes and do some mental detective work to determine why you want to eat.
If it could be stress or emotional eating, try some stress management techniques first.
Stay busy, keep your mind involved in something or get active. Exercising instead of stress eating is, perhaps, the best way to stay fit. In past Educational Corners I have listed many ways to exercise during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Also, consider other activities to keep busy such as these virtual travel ideas or just staying connected to friends and family.
Mistaking Thirst for Hunger
If you think you really are hungry, but it is not mealtime, drink some water and see if you feel better. Hunger is often mistaken for thirst. Also, drinking water helps you stay hydrated.
Avoid drinking a sweetened beverage as that can trick the mind and stimulate hunger or spike your blood sugar.
Another option is to drink a warm, unsweetened beverage such as herbal tea, flavored tea or black coffee. This could satisfy your need to consume something if you are really not hungry but want a little something.
How to Stop Overeating
Knowing why you want to eat is the first step. Next, take action:
Set a Meal Schedule
If you think you want to eat but it is not mealtime, wait 10-15 minutes to see if you are still hungry. Even if you are still hungry, can you wait a bit longer until it is closer to mealtime?
If you are typically hungry at a certain time between meals, plan a time for a healthy snack. And stick to the schedule.
Eat Mindfully
When you do eat, and especially if you are satisfying a craving, give your body and mind time to enjoy each delicious bite.
• Use all of your senses: sight, touch, smell, hearing, taste. Incorporate all of these into your eating experience. This will help you savor every bite.
• Sit down at the table. Banish distractions like watching a video or checking Facebook or emails. When you are distracted, you are most likely not paying attention to what you are eating or how much you are eating. If you are grazing every time you walk through the kitchen, it is more likely that you are not actually hungry.
• Chew slowly. It takes about 15-20 minutes for food to reach your stomach and start registering that you are satisfied. If you eat too fast, you are more likely to overeat since your stomach won't have had time to register that it is full.
Eating Right
Finally, making good food choices will go a long way to keep you eating healthy.
Conquering Cravings
If you are truly hungry and have a hankering for something specific, make good choices rather than grabbing something processed and unhealthy.
• If you want something sweet, choose fruit.
• Craving salt? Measure one ounce of nuts or an ounce of hummus.
• Sour could be a dollop of plain Greek yogurt.
• Creamy could be unsweetened yogurt (try plain and put in your own fruit for flavor).
• Chewy options include a whole wheat English muffin.
• For crunchy, try carrot sticks, celery or other raw veggies.
• For a carb craving, try whole wheat crackers, like Triscuit Thins, which is a better choice than chips or standard crackers.
• If you just need chocolate, allow yourself one square to satisfy that craving.
Can Takeout Be Healthy?
Many people are choosing to order in meals to support their local restaurants or for a change of pace.
That is fine. Just remember, when you order in, you often receive more food than you need in one sitting. Before you start to eat, put half in a container and save it for another meal.
And choose wisely.
• Avoid French fries – choose a side salad, plain baked potato or soup instead.
• Go easy on the cheese and avoid stuffed crust or cheese-stuffed pasta dishes.
• Pass on anything fried or breaded.
• Make sure sauces are not oily or sugar-sweetened.
Consider these healthy options instead:
• Grilled chicken or fish
• Plain sweet potatoes (not fries) or baked potatoes (add your own salsa to jazz it up)
• Whole grain pasta or bread (but limit your portions)
• Soups such as miso, butternut squash, vegetable, tomato basil, chicken tortilla, minestrone, wonton, egg drop and turkey chili
Salad Tips
Salad can be a good takeout choice, but too often, they are lettuce topped with unhealthy choices, like dried fruits, breaded chicken and high calorie dressings.
Choose light oil and vinegar or use a tiny amount of dressing. Ask for the dressing on the side and lightly dip each bite in the dressing.
You can also make your own light dressing rather than using the dressing that comes with the salad.
Practice Portion Control
As important as what to eat is how much to eat. Try to satisfy your craving with a small portion of what you want.
You do NOT need to clean your plate. Eat until you are nearly full, not until there is nothing left on your plate. You can always put it away for later.
Portioning out meals and snacks ahead of time will help. Buying snack-size bags can be very helpful to avoid overeating.
If you buy a value sized bag of snacks, take a few minutes to look at the nutrition label and portion out baggies of the snack according to the package recommendations. By pre-making snack bags, you are less likely to graze or sit down with an entire family-sized bag of snacks and mindlessly eat.
AND… If you have gain a few extra pounds over the COVID19 times, I have a weight-loss program called “CHIROTHIN” that has been very successful over the past 6 years in helping my patients to lose weight. You can view the program at www.rockyhillweightloss.com. And, it comes with a guarantee! If you don’t lose at least 15 pounds over the six weeks program, I pay for another 6 weeks. (Most people lose over 15 pounds). Give me a call and I’ll set you up with a free consultation to see if the program is right for you!

Remember, we are always here for you. If you have any health concerns, please call me at 860-529-8338.
Yours in Health,
Dr. Eckert
אלוהים יברך אותך

Over 30 years of experience. Effective weight loss, lose weight reliably, improve your health. Call us at 860-529-8338 today!

09/01/2020

ECKERT CHIROPRACTIC, P.C.
09/25/2020 UPDATE
Dear Patients and Friends,
LABOR DAY WEEK HOURS
MON LABOR DAY CLOSED
TUE 8:30 – 12:30 2:00 – 6:00
WED 8:30 – 12:30 2:00 – 6:00
THU 8:30 – 12:30 3:00 – 7:00
FRI 8:30 – 12:30
APPOINTMENT PHONE 860-529-8338

FUN FACT:
“Pteronophobia” is the fear of being tickled by feathers.
It’s also a fear of feathers themselves. The word “ptero” is the Greek word for feather, and “phobia” is also Greek, meaning fear.

THIS WEEK’S EDUCATIONAL CORNER:
Where Is This Shoulder Pain Coming From?
When people say, “My shoulder hurts,” they often point to different areas in the vicinity of the shoulder such as the base of neck, the collar bone, the scapula (shoulder blade), the chest, and/or their arm. The challenge with the shoulder is that it’s anatomically comprised of three joints: the glenohumeral joint, or GHJ (ball-and-socket); the acromioclavicular joint, or ACJ (collar bone and scapula); and the scapulothoracic joint, or STJ (shoulder blade and rib cage). Some researchers even argue that the sternoclavicular joint, or SCJ (collar bone and sternum), should also be considered part of the shoulder.
From a musculoskeletal standpoint, the list of conditions that can cause shoulder pain is quite lengthy (and NOT all-inclusive): avascular necrosis (the bone dies due to lack of blood flow), nerve injury (neck and/or peripheral), thoracic outlet syndrome, fractures in/around the shoulder, bursitis, shoulder dislocation, frozen shoulder, impingement, arthritis (several types), rotator cuff injury, sprains, tendinitis or rupture, and labral tears (cartilage rim around the socket).
One of the most common causes of shoulder pain is impingement, which may occur with many of the above-mentioned conditions. This is technically referred to as “subacromial impingement” (SAI), which is essentially a reduction of the normal gap between the ball and socket, thus limiting the amount of room the joint has to function. Classic symptoms include pinching and pain when trying to put a coat sleeve on or raising the arm horizontally.
To complicate matters, conditions elsewhere in the body can also refer pain to the shoulder. In 2018, a study noted instances in which athletes failed to respond to routine treatment for shoulder pain but experienced improvements in pain and function when treatment addressed dysfunction in the cervical spine. Non-musculoskeletal conditions can also result in shoulder pain, such as gall bladder disease, which classically refers pain to the right scapula/shoulder blade. Other abdominal organ conditions that can refer pain to the shoulder include pancreatitis, an ovarian cyst, an ectopic pregnancy, as well as post-surgical referred pain. A heart attack classically refers pain to the left shoulder and left arm but may also include the abdomen, jaw, and/or mid-back. A lung condition such as a blood clot (pulmonary embolism), infection (like pneumonia), or lung cancer or tumors may also refer pain to the shoulder.
Doctors of chiropractic are trained to evaluate the whole patient and identify contributing factors for the patient’s chief complaint. In instances in which a non-musculoskeletal issue is suspected, the patient may be referred to the appropriate healthcare provider. However, a combination of manual therapies (manipulation/mobilization), exercise, ergonomic modifications, nutritional counseling, and physical therapy modalities can result in a satisfying outcome in most cases of shoulder pain.

Some patients are still concerned about coming to our office. I would like you to rest assured that our office is much, much safer than the grocery store, the gas station, the gym, etc. We have been open with precautions since the beginning of the COVID-19 scare and no cases have been reported of any patient, staff, friend, relative, et. al., being diagnosed with COVID-19. In fact, the adjustments you receive will help strengthen your immune system and thus protect you from viruses and germs when, most likely sometime in early November, the “all-clear” is given and the mask burning parties will begin…
And remember, we are always here for you. If you have any health concerns, please call me at 860-529-8338.
Yours in Health,
Dr. Eckert
אלוהים יברך אותך

08/26/2020

ECKERT CHIROPRACTIC, P.C.
08/25/2020 UPDATE
Dear Patients and Friends,
WE ARE OPEN AND FULLY OPERATIONAL WITH ALL COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS:
MON 8:30 – 12:30 2:00 – 6:00
TUE 2:00 – 6:00
WED 8:30 – 12:30 2:00 – 6:00
THU 8:30 – 12:30 3:00 – 7:00
FRI 8:30 – 12:30
APPOINTMENT PHONE 860-529-8338
FUN FACT:
A cow-bison hybrid is called a "beefalo." You can even buy its meat in at least 21 states.*

THIS WEEK’S EDUCATIONAL CORNER:
Whiplash and Mid-Back Pain – How Can This Happen?

Research regarding whiplash or whiplash associated disorders (WAD) classically focuses on neck pain; however, the data show acute thoracic spine / mid-back pain (MBP) occurs in 66% of WAD injures with 23% still complaining of MBP at one-year post-injury.
It’s easy to visualize how the cervical spine or neck can be injured in an automobile collision (or sport-related collision or a fall) as the head, which weighs an average or twelve pounds, whips back and forth in a “crack-the-whip” like manner, often well beyond the normal, physiological range of motion. This same stretching (eccentric loading) followed by compression (concentric loading) also occurs in the mid-back, which can injure ligaments, joint capsules, neural structures, and more. Also, the thoracic spine contributes to 33% of flexion and 21% of rotation IN THE NECK, making the mid-back a vital spinal region that facilitates neck movement and function!
In WAD cases, mid-back pain often hides in the shadows of a more obvious and often more serious neck injury, as the brain typically perceives pain from the greatest source. Additionally, the neuronal input to the sensory cortex of the brain (the area of the brain that perceives pain) is most highly represented from the head, hands, and feet and less from the mid-back or torso.
The seat belt may also contribute to injury—both to the anterior chest region including rib cage, sternum, breast tissue, abdominal organs, as well as to the mid-back. The oblique angle of the chest-restraint is an important factor when discussing the mechanism of injury, as it causes trunk/torso rotation during the rebound or flexion phase of WAD. Another mechanism of injury includes blunt trauma, of which the driver is especially at risk due to the close proximity of the steering wheel and the chest. This can lead to contusion or bruising, fracture, and/or injury to the abdominal and/or chest organs (heart and lungs).
Obviously, the speed of impact, angle of the collision, bracing of the person (or lack thereof), and overall physical condition of the patient can greatly affect the outcome of WAD-related injuries. The importance of assessing the whole person is essential in obtaining an accurate diagnosis and establishing a comprehensive treatment plan for the WAD patient.
Chiropractic management focuses on the entire person, frequently uncovering complaints in other spinal regions as well as in the extremities in WAD-related injured patients. Moreover, treating postural issues such as a short leg, ankle pronation, oblique pelvis, forward head posture, protracted shoulders, and more is vitally important in obtaining satisfying patient outcomes!
And… WE ARE HERE! If you just stay home and hide away from it all, your immune system will not be challenged and will slowly become weaker and weaker. Chiropractic adjustments can strengthen your immunity and help keep your body naturally safe from all viruses, not just COVID-19 (and, you know, the regular flu season is just around the corner!).

Yours in Health,
Dr. Eckert
אלוהים יברך אותך

08/19/2020

ECKERT CHIROPRACTIC, P.C.
08/18/2020 UPDATE

Dear Patients and Friends,

WE ARE OPEN AND FULLY OPERATIONAL WITH ALL COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS:
MON 8:30 – 12:30 2:00 – 6:00
TUE 2:00 – 6:00
WED 8:30 – 12:30 2:00 – 6:00
THU 8:30 – 12:30 3:00 – 7:00
FRI 8:30 – 12:30
APPOINTMENT PHONE 860-529-8338

THIS WEEK’S EDUCATIONAL CORNER:

Forward Head Posture and Neck Pain

Neck pain is one of the most common complaints that drive patients to seek chiropractic care. Sometimes the cause of injury is a known traumatic event, but in many cases, neck pain is the result of wear and tear from poor posture—forward head posture in particular.

The head, which weighs 10-11 lbs. (4.5-5 kg), typically rests above the shoulders. When an individual’s head leans forward to look at a computer screen or to look downwards at their smartphone/tablet, the muscles in the rear of the neck and upper back/shoulders need to work harder to keep the head upright.

Experts estimate that for each inch (2.54 cm) of forward head posture, the head feels about 10 lbs. heavier to the muscles that attach to the back of the head and neck. To illustrate this, pick up a 10-pound object like a bowling ball and hold it close to your body. Then, hold it away from your body with your arm outstretched and feel how much heavier it seems and the strain it places on your body to maintain that position for even a short time.

In the short term, forward head posture is something the body can manage, but over time, the muscles can fatigue and the strain can injure the soft tissues in the back of the neck, shoulders, and upper back. To adapt, some muscles may become stronger (and some may atrophy), the shoulders can roll forward, the cervical curve can straighten, etc. Researchers have observed that forward head posture can also reduce neck mobility, especially with rotation and forward flexion movements. While these changes can lead to several negative health issues, neck pain is perhaps the most obvious and common.

When a patient presents for chiropractic care for neck pain, postural deficits will likely need to be addressed to achieve a satisfactory outcome. This can be achieved with manual therapies to restore proper motion in the affected joints and with exercises to retrain the muscles that may have become deconditioned. Additionally, a patient will need to develop better postural habits, especially when interacting with their electronic devices. While the process can take time, the good news is that it’s possible to reduce forward head posture, which can also lower the risk for neck pain recurrence.

And… as always, we are here for you. Please call if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you! Dr. Eckert

08/11/2020

ECKERT CHIROPRACTIC, P.C.
08/11/2020 UPDATE
Dear Patients and Friends,
WE ARE OPEN AND FULLY OPERATIONAL WITH ALL COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS:
MON 8:30 – 12:30 2:00 – 6:00
TUE 2:00 – 6:00
WED 8:30 – 12:30 2:00 – 6:00
THU 8:30 – 12:30 3:00 – 7:00
FRI 8:30 – 12:30
APPOINTMENT PHONE 860-529-8338
THIS WEEK’S EDUCATIONAL CORNER:
Can the Outcome of Back Pain Be Predicted?
When patients present with low back pain (LBP), they are frequently nervous and worried about whether they’re going to respond to the treatment—especially when it comes to getting out of pain and returning to their normal activities. A variety of studies have shown chiropractic care to be an effective option for the LBP patient, and though there is no “crystal ball”, there are some tests that doctors of chiropractic can perform during an examination that can help predict outcomes…
In fact, a meta-analysis of data from 43 studies published since 2012 suggests that centralization and directional preference, which may be present in 60-70% of LBP cases, offers important prognostic clues. Directional preference means that it’s possible to move the body in a manner that feels better to the patient. Centralization implies that it’s possible to move in a way that reduces the range of the pain to a specific region.
Here’s an example… Let’s say an LBP patient presents with radiating leg pain from their lower back with numbness and tingling in the leg and foot. The focus is to find a movement that REDUCES the leg pain/numbness, so their doctor of chiropractic asks the patient to bend forward, backward, and sideways, and to rotate their torso, looking for which direction is preferred, i.e., directional preference. When pain decreases AND centralizes (the leg pain disappears), then extension is the directional preference.
When centralization occurs, this is a favorable prognostic sign indicating that improvement can be expected. Likewise, when all positions or directions increase leg pain, this is a poor prognostic sign, meaning this is likely a more challenging case.
This helps doctors better advise patients about their condition and what to expect from care in both the short and long term so the patient can make REALISTIC goals and timely plans. Over or under reassuring patients is simply not appropriate. Directional preference also allows providers a means of determining what type of treatment to emphasize. For example, if the patient feels better bending backward and leg pain disappears, the provider will approach treatment and exercise recommendations from that direction.
Patient education is an important part of treatment, and educating patients on how this process can predict treatment outcome instills trust and places realistic goals in perspective so patients know what to expect. This improves compliance with care and confidence for both the healthcare provider and the patient.
As always, we are here for you. Please call if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you! Dr. Eckert