From Malik Slosberg, D.C.

“Back and neck problems usually begin with an acute episode which heals quickly.  However, much recent evidence indicates that these problems tend to reoccur, with gradually increasing pain and disability.

Many studies have found that the best predictor of a new episode of back pain is a previous one.

It is now understood that back and neck pain are similar to asthma.  They are both chronic, intermittent problems that occur periodically over the course of a lifetime, rather than an acute disease that can be cured.  Like asthma, back and neck problems must be managed and kept under control.

Two thirds of people who have had back pain in the past are likely to have symptoms every year.  There are more than 100 million back pain sufferers a year in the United States.

If tissue heals with poor function, symptoms can … Read More »

There are basically three stages the body goes through in order to heal from an injury.

The first stage is the inflammatory stage. This is typically the first three to four days after you hurt yourself or a chronic injury flares up.  The most important thing to remember about this stage is DO NOT USE HEAT as a method of feeling better.  It will make your condition worse!  ONLY USE ICE  for the first three to four days.  And….only apply the ice for a duration of 20-25 minutes every 2 waking hours.  That’s right.  Do not put any ice on an area when you are in bed, laying down, or anywhere where there is a possibility of you falling asleep.  Bad, bad, very bad idea.  Heat and prolonged use of ice will cause EXCESSIVE SWELLING in the area that you are … Read More »