David Perna, D.C.

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 [..]

Whiplash associated disorder (WAD) has been known to affect nerve function, which can manifest as several symptoms, including visual problems. If the initial chiropractic examination reveals altered ocular function, the patient’s chiropractor may recommend a variety of eye-specific exercises to aid in the healing process. Blinking: When using a screened device, blinking essentially rests the [..]

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 [..]

The historic seminal book on orthopedics was written by Nicholas Andry in 1741 (1). The primary discussion of his book addressed the treatment of spinal distortions, beginning in childhood. Andry was a professor of medicine at the University of Paris. The word orthopedic is a composite of two Greek words: Ortho, meaning straight. Pedic, meaning [..]

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 [..]

When a patient with whiplash associated disorders (WAD) presents for chiropractic care, they may undergo a series of tests, including an examination that looks at the movement of the eyes. Why is this necessary, and what can it tell their doctor of chiropractic? The sudden acceleration/deceleration that occurs during a whiplash event—such as a motor [..]

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 [..]

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 [..]

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 [..]