David Perna, D.C.

Fibromyalgia (FM) causes widespread pain to an estimated 5.8 million Americans. FM is considered a “musculoskeletal disorder,” even though many of the symptoms include other body systems, especially the gastrointestinal system, as conditions such as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) often co-exist with FM. It is thought that FM is a disorder that amplifies the manner [..]

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) results in pain, numbness, tingling, grip strength weakness, interrupted sleep, and can interfere with work, social family, and recreational activities. Symptoms can radiate up the forearm and down into the fingers making tasks that require intricate finger movements very difficult. Many of us know someone who has had carpal tunnel surgery, [..]

Last Month, we covered the first two of four primary goals when it comes to the chiropractic management of neck pain (#1 - Pain Management and #2 - Structural realignment). This month, we will conclude this discussion with #3 - Functional Restoration and #4 - Prevention. 3) FUNCTIONAL RESTORATION: Restoring function basically allows the patient [..]

Low back pain (LBP) is the most common complaint for which patients seek chiropractic care. X-rays are a common diagnostic tool utilized by most healthcare providers. Let’s take a look at the role of x-rays and how they are used by both medical practitioners and chiropractors. X-rays are a form of radiation (similar to light [..]

DEFINITIONSScientific research articles use words that have important meanings in interpreting the value of a study. Such important words include:Correlation / AssociationCausationReverse CausationWe will use the words correlation and association as being synonymous, or as being the same.Correlation (association) (1):There is a relationship between two or more variables.Correlations can be positive or negative. In a positive correlation, as one variable [..]

Chiropractic care focuses on treating the whole person and realigning the spine to maximize function and health. This month’s focus is on the feet and how they can have a tremendous effect on the whole body. Let’s take a look!Did you know that the foot consists of 26 bones, 33 joints (20 of which are [..]

Because the spinal cord is housed by the spine and the exiting nerve roots communicate with the autonomic nerves that basically run our organ function, maintaining alignment of the spine and pelvis is very important to minimize nerve irritation and subsequent health-related problems. The focus of this article is on leg length, its effect on [..]

When discussing the topic of whiplash injury recovery, prompt assessment, treatment, education, reassurance, and advice can be VERY EFFECTIVE in helping the injured crash victim improve during the acute stage of the injury (the first three months). But after three months, when the condition becomes more chronic, which interventions are the most beneficial? More specifically, [..]

Utilizing dietary approaches to help with fibromyalgia (FM) management has been our main topic these past two articles and serves as GREAT background information for this month’s topic: Vitamin D and its role in the management of pain associated with FM. Let’s take a look!Vitamin D is found in foods such as fish, eggs, fortified [..]

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) affects MANY individuals from all walks of life and in many occupations. Today’s discussion centers around CTS among musicians, and most importantly, what can be done about it.It’s thought that CTS affects musicians because of their rapid, repetitive finger movements. The “formula” for CTS risk includes: Repetition + Speed + Force [..]

Neck pain is a very common condition that drives many patients to seek chiropractic care. Treatment planning typically includes four primary goals: 1) Pain Management; 2) Structural Realignment; 3) Functional Restoration; and 4) Maintenance / Prevention. 1) PAIN MANAGEMENT: Getting rid of pain is the primary focus of ALL patients in the early stages of [..]

Last month, we addressed low back pain (LBP) in the younger patient (age 30-60), so it only seems appropriate to continue the discussion for those over the age of 60. As previously mentioned, back pain does NOT discriminate when it comes to age. In fact, chiropractors see many children and teenagers with LBP as well [..]