David Perna, D.C.

Neck pain can arise from many sources. For example, there are ligaments that hold bones to other bones that are non-elastic and very strong. When injured, the term, “sprain” is applied. The muscle and/or its attachment (the tendon) can tear as well, which is called a “strain.” But, what is it that people refer to [..]

Low back pain (LBP) is a common problem associated with traveling. Last month, we covered lifting remedies, and this month we will continue this discussion… Medication Foresight: Get a prescription: If you know your prescription will run out prior to your return from traveling, either get it re-filled before you leave or get a prescription [..]

Chiropractic has been utilized as a treatment for many ailments, but primarily those related to musculoskeletal (MSK) problems, especially back and neck pain. However, there are many people who seek chiropractic services for ailments other than MSK conditions such as colds, flus, or just to “feel better.” Similarly, as chiropractors, we have observed in our [..]

QUESTION:If a tree falls in the woods when no one is present, does it make a sound? COMMON RESPONSE LAY PERSON:Yes COMMON RESPONSE MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL:No DISCUSSION:All perceptions are cortical. The perception of sound is a cortical event. If no one is present, there is no cortex present, and therefore there is no sound. When a [..]

To better understand whiplash, let’s take a look at the anatomy of the cervical area and what is actually injured in a whiplash injury. The spine is basically a long chain made up of blocks that are larger at the bottom and smaller at the top. This means the low back vertebra are huge compared [..]

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) sufferers frequently report a cluster of symptoms, but almost all have one symptom in common: numbness, usually in digits 2-4 on palm-side of the hand. CTS is usually described as an over-use type of injury caused by repetitive work including (but not limited to): typing, assembly work, packaging jobs, machine operators, [..]

Low back pain (LBP) is a common complaint when it comes to traveling, whether it’s in a car, bus, train, or airplane. Traveling is hard on the joints, muscles and nerves for many reasons and requires us to do things our bodies are not used to, such as prolonged sitting in a cramped area. Remember [..]

Fibromyalgia (FM) management involves many treatment approaches. Last month, we discussed the importance of sleep quality, hormonal balance, infection management, nutritional supplementation, exercise, and the “SHINE” approach. This month, we are going to explore how important diet is in the management of FM.It’s been said that one of the most powerful tools the FM patient [..]

How many times have you heard, “I have a pinched nerve in my neck and have to have surgery.”? Though there certainly are cases where surgical intervention is required, surgery should ONLY be considered after ALL non-surgical treatment approaches have first been tried (and failed). It is alarming how many cases of cervical radiculopathy (i.e., [..]

WebMD says, “chiropractic care is considered a safe, effective treatment for acute low back pain, neck pain, headaches, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia.” A large literature review from the UK published in 2010 (The Bronfort Report) reported “moderate to high-quality evidence” for manual therapy for the following conditions: acute low back pain, chronic low back pain (>3 [..]

From the earliest moments of his life, Joe was an extremely active boy. He would attempt to climb up on to everything he could, often falling off: furniture, vehicles, rocks, trees, etc. When he began school, he was constantly involved in every sport available to him: football, baseball, basketball, soccer, gymnastics, and more. Joe particularly [..]

Low back pain (LBP) and its relationship to balance has been a recent topic on this site, and an initial discussion regarding specific balance exercises was introduced last month. This month’s article will complete the discussion about what you can do to preserve your current balance skills or better yet, improve them! Remember, wear your [..]