Roger Clifford, D.C., D.A.C.N.B.

The thoracic portion of the spine the longest part of the spine and is made up of twelve vertebrae (T1-T12), which lies between the cervical spine (C1-C7) and the lumbar spine (L1-L5). The thoracic spine protects the very important spinal cord that begins in the brain and runs down to approximately T12 where the cord [..]

Chronic non-specific neck pain is the most common form of neck pain. While the inclusion of the word “non-specific” implies the cause of neck pain is unknown, the term really describes neck pain without an underlying disease or pathology—like an infection or osteoporotic fracture. Thus, chronic non-specific neck pain is better understood as neck pain [..]

In the absence of a sleep disorder, most people take getting a quality night’s sleep for granted, as well as all the health benefits that accompany good sleep hygiene. However, when someone has trouble sleeping through the night, it can be expressed in fatigue, irritability, daytime dysfunction (including increased workplace errors and injuries), slowed responses, [..]

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremity. It can arise from many causes (sometimes more than one at the same time) such as anatomical variations, ganglion cysts, occupational mechanical stress, and systemic diseases including obesity, drug toxicity, alcoholism, diabetes, hypothyroid, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), etc. Let’s discuss how a [..]

There are many studies that support the theory that kinetic chain dysfunction in the lower extremities—the foot, ankle, knee, or hip injury and/or condition—can alter normal lumbo-pelvic biomechanics, which can lead to low back pain. Let’s take a look at how abnormal motion in the hip can affect the lower back. A 2015 literature review [..]

Past research has shown that weak core muscles can affect spinal stability, which can increase one’s risk for low back pain. This is why low back pain patients are often advised to either become physically active or remain as active as possible, not only to aid in the management of their present condition but also [..]

Osteoporosis is the most common chronic metabolic bone disease, and it’s characterized by increased bone fragility. According to a 2017 study, more than 200 million people suffer from osteoporosis, and 1-in-3 women over age 50 and 1-in-5 men will experience osteoporosis-related fractures in their lifetime. If you have family members (parents or grandparents especially) who [..]

The shoulder is a very complex region that is comprised of multiple joints and muscle attachments, a strong joint capsular ligament, and multiple nerves and blood vessels that pass into the arm to bring motor and sensory function to the hand and fingers. One condition of the shoulder that may drive a patient to seek [..]

The sinuses are cavities in the skull that rest just behind the face, which help humidify the air we breathe and may even enhance the human voice. It’s common for patients with a headache in this area to refer to it as a sinus headache; however, the lay term “sinus headache” is somewhat controversial because [..]

When a person experiences pain, numbness, tingling, and/or weakness in the hand, they may assume it’s carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) since it’s the most common and well-known peripheral neuropathy. Unfortunately, many healthcare providers may also jump to the same conclusion, and care may focus on the hand and wrist. One problem with this approach is [..]