David Perna, D.C.

Many patients attempt to use gadgets to treat their carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. But is this a good choice or another fad? Sometimes our health advice comes from friends, family, and customers at the local health food store. I am sure you were given a persuasive story before buying. Late night TV infomercials are used [..]

Disorders such as fibromyalgia, whiplash, and irritable bowel syndrome share the common symptom of muscle hyperalgesia (more sensitive to painful pressures and stimulation). Obviously, more sensitive patients may find it more difficult to stress their bodies with stretching or physical exercise. If you are more sensitive to pain, you may be more likely to consume [..]

We hear about dental hygiene and how to eat right, but when was the last time you considered if you slept well in a way that does not stress the spine? Most of us know it's important to avoid head and neck trauma because serious and devastating injuries can occur. Less understood is how minor [..]

Whiplash injuries of the neck and spine commonly occur in motor vehicle collisions. Even minor impacts with little vehicle damage can put significant stress on the spinal ligaments, disks, and delicate nerves. Some people get symptoms right after the accident (which is a very bad sign) but most people feel somewhat unscathed, at least initially. [..]

One important concept in spine care is making the patient an active participant in their rehabilitation. It's important to change our sedentary lifestyles so that we not only get well, but also do things that prevent problems from occurring in the first place. But first, it is important to understand how back injuries occur. When [..]

One important cause of wrist pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome is a sprain of the delicate ligaments holding the 12 wrist bones together. These 12 small bones connect the hand to the arm and have many tiny ligaments, which limit the range of motion. During a sprain, the range of motion of the bones [..]

When looking at treating fibromyalgia, there is a range of natural alternatives to choose from. Most fibromyalgia patients use a variety of complementary and alternative approaches including vitamins/herbs, chiropractic, and massage. These more natural approaches carry fewer risks of side effects and should be encouraged.Massage treatment can be helpful to many patients. Some common techniques [..]

Chronic headaches are a mystery to most of us. Why they occur seems to be the most common question. Some patients' headaches can be easily explained, but many seem to get headaches for no apparent reason. An often overlooked cause of headaches is the spine and spinal trauma. How does this occur?Delicate connective tissue link [..]

Car seats have become more and more advanced over the years with newer models having integrated side impact airbags. While side impact bags are important for side impacts, the most unprotected direction to protect from is the rear end. The mainstay of protection for the rear impact is the headrest. But if not positioned properly, [..]

If you watch much television or have paid a visit recently to a family medical doctor for low back pain, the information you're getting may be a flawed. For example, you've probably been told that back problems are not very serious and that the problem is quickly cured with simple treatments, such as going back [..]

If you see a server at your favorite restaurant or a cashier at your local grocery store with a brace on their wrist and ask them what's wrong, chances are their reply will include these three words: carpal tunnel syndrome.For many patients with carpal tunnel symptoms like wrist pain, wearing a brace can be a [..]

What is meant by describing fibromyalgia as a global problem? Well, it does occur in many countries around the world, but more to the point, fibromyalgia is only one piece of a complex full-body puzzle. Patients with fibromyalgia will report widespread pain in the neck, back, and in other areas, but there's also much more [..]