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

While it may sound confusing, the most common type of neck pain is non-specific neck pain; that is, neck pain that occurs in the absence of an underlying disease or pathology, like an infection or osteoporotic fracture. Rather, non-specific neck pain is caused by postural or mechanical issues affecting the soft tissues in the neck. [..]

The “gold standard” for health care research is the randomized controlled trial, or RCT. A lay explanation for a typical RCT study is: Researchers gather a group of individuals that have the same problem. The problem is quantified, often by using standardized measurement outcomes. The group is randomized to be treated differently. The quantification of the problem [..]

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) can be a complex condition that can be a challenge to manage for several reasons. There can be multiple contributing causes. Seldom is CTS the result of one traumatic event, like a broken wrist that produces instant symptoms that requires emergency surgical treatment. Rather, the condition tends to develop over time as [..]

Physical activity, from housework and gardening to a structured exercise routine, is widely recognized as the most important behavior for both promoting longevity and lowering the risk for cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, several forms of cancer, and other chronic diseases. In fact, the World Health Organization lists low cardio-respiratory fitness as the number one [..]

According to a systematic review that included 201 studies, low back pain may affect between 10-67% of athletes at any given moment, with anywhere from 17-94% experiencing sports-related back pain each year. This broad range is due to the age, level of competition, and the specific sports included in each study. For example, the data [..]

Each year, surgeons perform hundreds of thousands of total hip arthroplasties (hip replacements), and the most common reason is osteoarthritis of the hip. This condition isn’t caused by an underlying disease, rather it’s due to wear and tear of the hip joint from everyday activities over time. Not only can osteoarthritis of the hip be [..]

In addition to manual therapies and other treatments provided in a chiropractic office, patients with chronic low back pain are often advised to exercise—specifically the core muscles—as part of the recovery process. Is there a protocol that’s best for engaging the core muscles? In 2018, researchers recruited 34 chronic low back pain patients and assigned [..]

Lateral epicondylitis—also known as tennis elbow—is a tendinopathy of the extensor forearm muscles, which are located on the back of the hand side of the forearm. It’s estimated the condition affects up to 3% of middle-aged adults. As with many musculoskeletal conditions, treatment guidelines emphasize exhausting non-surgical options before consulting with a surgeon. In a [..]

The shoulder is a complex structure that consists of four joints that work together to allow for a large range of motion. Unfortunately, this flexibility results in instability and an elevated risk for injury. Perhaps the well-known shoulder injury is a rotator cuff tear, which will affect at least one-in-five persons during their lifetime. While [..]

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a common condition characterized by pain and discomfort while chewing, which is estimated to affect about 10% of adults to some degree. As with many musculoskeletal conditions that come on gradually and don’t require emergency care, treatment guidelines recommend conservative care as an initial treatment approach, of which doctors of chiropractic [..]