David Perna, D.C.

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 [..]

“Whiplash” is considered a non-medical term that encompasses a range of injuries. These injuries typically affect the neck and are caused by a sudden movement of the neck associated with extension or forceful backward bending. The medical term “cervical acceleration-deceleration” (CAD) is considered to be a more accurate description of what happens during a car [..]

Fibromyalgia (FM) management can be as difficult as making a definitive diagnosis. FM is characterized by generalized body aches and feeling exhausted, and yet, in spite of the exhaustion, the inability to sleep is a “classic” FM complaint. FM sufferers, as well as the caregivers, know how physically and mentally difficult it is to manage [..]

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) results in numbness, tingling, and sometimes weak grip strength due to pinching of the median nerve as it travels through the carpal tunnel at the wrist. There are many conditions that are similar to CTS, many of which we have discussed in the past. The following is a list of “13 [..]

Last month, we looked at the published evidence that overwhelmingly supports the use of cervical traction. As promised, this month’s focus is the proper methods of applying it. The type of traction that this discussion will address will be limited to the kind that can be purchased and then used in the home, usually multiple [..]

GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease is basically “heartburn.” This, of course, does NOT arise from the heart, but rather, is usually the reflux of the stomach’s acidic contents into the esophagus (the tube that runs between the mouth and stomach). GERD has been reported to be the most common cause of heartburn and affects up [..]

Phases of Healing Improvements in Timing and Quality of Healing Problems and Residual CharacteristicsThere are many published journal articles and books pertaining to the topic of “Soft Tissue Injury and Repair.” My favorites include:Studies on development of connective tissue in transparent chambers in rabbit’s ear; American Journal of Anatomy; 1940.Orthopaedic Medicine, Diagnosis of Soft Tissue Lesions; 1982.Acute [..]

Last month, we discussed car safety features, proper headrest position, how to prepare for a crash, and seeking immediate treatment as ways to minimize the chances of suffering from whiplash in the event of an accident. Here are four more ways to avoid or minimize whiplash:PAY ATTENTION WHILE YOU DRIVE. Too often, we get distracted [..]

Neurotransmission is the method by which nerves “speak” to each other so impulses can be sent from one part of your body to the brain and back. For example, when you touch a hot plate by accident, it doesn’t take long before you quickly let go of the plate. The reason you let go quickly [..]

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition that results when the median nerve is pinched in carpel tunnel at the wrist. As the name implies, “carpal” refers to the 8 small bones in the wrist that make up the “U” shaped part of the tunnel and “syndrome” means symptoms that are specific and unique to [..]

Traction is defined as, “…the act of pulling a body part.” Therefore, it is commonly used in many regions including the legs, arms, low back, mid-back, and the neck. We will be limiting this discussion to cervical or neck traction, and the question of the month is, “…does it help patients with neck pain and [..]

Statistically, most people (estimated to be about 90%) will seek care for Low Back Pain (LBP) at some point in their lifetime. Last month, we discussed the role foot orthotics play in the management of LBP by improving balance, and it seems appropriate to discuss other ways we can improve our balance, hence the topic [..]