David Perna, D.C.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition characterized by numbness, tingling, and/or pain located on the palm side of the wrist, hand, and into the index, third, and half of the ring finger. It’s caused by pressure exerted on the median nerve as it passes through the “tunnel” located in the wrist. The “floor” of [..]

Previously, we discussed three types of headaches: tension headaches (the most common), cluster headaches (a vascular headache—less common, short duration but REALLY painful), and sinus headaches. Migraine headaches were discussed the month before last. In keeping with the theme, ONE more headache type will be discussed: rebound headaches, followed by anti-inflammatory herbal remedies, and finally, [..]

Chiropractic Applications Janet Travell, MD, is one of the most recognized physicians of modern history. Her notoriety is attributed primarily to two events: Myofascial problems and its consequent symptoms are nearly a universal human experience. Dr. Travell was an early pioneer in understanding the science, pathophysiology, and treatment of myofascial problems. She has been referred [..]

Format Clinical Features Connecting The DotsPersonal injury cases have two components: a healthcare component and a legal component. Much of the legal component of a personal injury case is hinged upon the records of the healthcare provider. The healthcare records are often thoroughly reviewed. Accurate and complete healthcare records will protect the legal component of [..]

Chiropractic has long described benefits that extend beyond pain relief and crisis management such as the concept of immune stimulation and overall well-being. But what is “wellness” and how does it fit in with the chiropractic model?Interestingly, there is no single definition for the term “wellness.” Frequently, “wellness” is advertised on balloons, banners, billboards, in [..]

Chiropractic manipulation of the spine is well documented, and evidence strongly supports its benefits for many musculoskeletal conditions of the neck, midback, low back, pelvis, and extremities. Less evidence has been published about visceral manipulation. So what are there benefits of visceral manipulation, if any?A 2013 study reported that females with lower urinary tract symptoms [..]

The most common cause of cervical nerve root compression (compressive neuropathology) is degenerative joint disease with stenosis and narrowing of the intervertebral foramen narrowing. The second most common cause is cervical disc herniation (1).Cervical disc herniations with compressive neuropathology are commonly seen in asymptomatic populations (2, 3, 4). In a study published in 1996, 63% [..]

Whiplash (or the rapid acceleration forwards followed by deceleration or sudden stopping of the moving head during the whiplash event) occurs at a speed that is so fast, we can’t prepare for it. In other words, by the time it takes us to voluntarily contract a muscle to guard ourselves against injury, that rapid forward/backwards [..]

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a very challenging condition to both diagnose and treat since there are different clinical signs and symptoms unique to each patient's case. Therefore, the diagnosis is made by excluding other possibilities. To make matters even more challenging, there are “primary” and “secondary” types of FM, or those who develop FM for no [..]

Last month, we covered what Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is, its symptoms, causes, who is at risk, and how it's diagnosed. This month, we’ll center our focus on CTS treatment.How is CTS treated? For the best success, treatment should begin as early as possible. Unfortunately, most people wait a long time before they get to [..]

Headaches come in several different sizes, shapes, and colors, so to speak. In fact, if you search “headache classification,” you will find the IHS (International Headache Society) 152-page manual (PDF) lists MANY different types of headaches! Last month, we discussed migraine headaches. This month, we’ll talk about the other headache types. So WHY is this [..]

Low back pain (LBP) accounts for over 3 million emergency department visits per year in the United States alone. Worldwide, LBP affects approximately 84% of the general population, so eventually almost EVERYONE will have lower back pain that requires treatment! There is evidence dating back to the early Roman and Greek eras that indicates back [..]