David Perna, D.C.

Of all the symptoms associated with whiplash associated disorders (WAD), dizziness may be one of the most concerning to patients because of how it can limit their ability to get up and move around. What can be done to treat dizziness following a WAD injury? Two studies published in 2019 suggest that manual therapies and [..]

Not only are blueberries delicious and easily attainable at the supermarket but they are also incredibly good for you. But don’t take our word for it, let’s look at what researchers say… A 2019 review looked at findings from eleven studies that involved blueberry interventions. The researchers found that blueberries benefit memory and executive function [..]

Running is one of the most popular forms of exercise, largely because it can be done almost anywhere at any time and it doesn’t require much in the way of equipment (other than a pair of running shoes). While there is a common belief that running always leads to osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, the [..]

In biomechanics, there is a rule that notes that the regions of the body that have the greatest mobility have the least stability; and reduced stability is coupled with greater injury and stress risk. Joints that have multiple planes of motion are particularly prone to increased stress and injury risk. The jaw not only open [..]

In the past, we’ve written about the use of mechanical traction for patients with neck pain. But what about the low back pain (LBP) patient? Can traction help reduce pain and improve function for this group? Let’s see what the scientific literature has to say about traction for the lower back and whether it has [..]

Cervicogenic headache (CGH) refers to headaches caused by dysfunction in the neck, and experts estimate that 18% of chronic headache patients have cervicogenic headaches. Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) is a form of treatment most commonly provided by doctors of chiropractic, and several studies have demonstrated that SMT is highly effective for patients suffering musculoskeletal disorders [..]

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a disorder caused by compression of the median nerve that alters the nerve’s function (neuropathy), leading to pain and numbness/tingling (paresthesia) primarily on the palm-side of the wrist and hand. While factors like hormonal changes and repetitive motions are known to increase the risk for CTS, there might be a [..]

The hip is a very important region of the body, especially since our upright, weightbearing activities rely on a properly functioning hip joint.  With the expansive growth of youth athletic programs, the incidence of hip-related injuries and the associated disability has markedly increased.  But is there a difference between young male and young female hip [..]

Experts estimate that whiplash associated disorders (WAD) from motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) affect about 300 for every 100,000 people in the Western each year. Suffice it to say, that’s a lot of people! Crash tests have demonstrated that the risk for whiplash is much greater when the backrest is leaned backward and/or when a headrest [..]

The omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA can reduce the risk for cardiovascular issues and even ease depressive symptoms, but can these healthy fats also help keep our minds sharp as we age? In one study, researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine monitored the diets of 260 healthy, cognitively normal older adults [..]

The sciatic nerve is made up of five nerve roots that exit the spine in the lower back (L4 to S3) and then merge into one nerve that travels through the buttock and into the leg. At the back of the knee, the nerve divides into two nerves, the tibial and common peroneal, that travel [..]

In addition to spinal manipulation, doctors of chiropractic often use other conservative therapies to reduce pain and improve function in patients with neck pain. When it comes to neck conditions involving herniated disks, radiating arm pain (“radiculopathy”), strains, facet syndromes or sprains, and myofascial pain, cervical traction is one such option. As part of the [..]