June 2019 Health Newsletter

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) has joined forces with Voices for Non-Opioid Choices ("Voices"), a nonpartisan coalition of more than 20 organizations committed to preventing opioid addiction before it starts by increasing patient access to non-opioid therapies and approaches for managing acute pain.  Chiropractors' use of spinal manipulation as a non-drug approach to back pain treatment is especially relevant in combating the U.S. opioid epidemic.  Low back pain is one of the most common conditions for which prescription opioid pain medications are prescribed even though research shows the drugs have limited effectiveness in relieving back pain and carry higher risks.  The Voices coalition seeks to increase access to multiple non-opioid and non-drug approaches so that patients can manage their pain more safely and effectively--particularly pain after surgery.  According to Voices, pain after surgery is a common path to opioid abuse, misuse and addiction, with about 3 million Americans becoming "persistent" opioid users each year following a surgical procedure.  The Voices coalition includes both patient and provider organizations such as the American Nurses Association, the Alliance of Orthopaedic Executives, the American Medical Women’s Association and the National Safety Council.  "We are excited to join Voices and its efforts to increase access to non-opioid approaches to pain treatment.  Chiropractic services and other non-drug approaches are an important first line of defense against pain," said ACA President Robert C. Jones, DC.  "Beyond the risks of addiction and overdose, prescription opioid medications that numb pain may convince a patient that a musculoskeletal condition such as back pain is less severe than it is or that it has healed. This misunderstanding can lead to overexertion and a delay in the healing process or even permanent injury."

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) is the largest professional chiropractic organization in the United States.  ACA attracts the most principled and accomplished chiropractors, who understand that it takes more to be called an ACA chiropractor.  We are leading our profession in the most constructive and far-reaching ways -- by working hand in hand with other health care professionals, by lobbying for pro-chiropractic legislation and policies, by supporting meaningful research and by using that research to inform our treatment practices.  We also provide professional and educational opportunities for all our members and are committed to being a positive and unifying force for the practice of modern chiropractic.

In a finding that should come as a surprise to no one, a new U.S. study concluded that physically fit 50 year olds suffered less from chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and colon cancer, as they aged. The study of over 18,600 men and women, linked treadmill tests, done at the age of 50 and meant to establish cardiovascular health, to an additional 26 years of Medicare claims. Men in the lowest fifth of fitness scores in the initial evaluation experienced a rate of chronic disease of 28 percent per year. In contrast, the the rate of the top fifth was 16 percent per year. In women, the rates were 20 percent and 11 percent. Currently, national guidelines recommend 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of high-intensity exercise per week. While the findings do not prove that exercise cuts the risk of chronic disease, it does appear that it makes a difference as we age. However, researchers added that the study did not take into account genetic and environmental factors which may affect the chronic disease rates.

According to researchers, children who participate in moderate to vigorous physical activity not only benefit physically, they also improve their cognitive performance and brain function. Results from a new study involving 221 children aged 7 to 9 show regular participation in moderate to vigorous physical activity increases their ability to block out distractions, increase focus and improve their multi-tasking skills. U.S. and European exercise guidelines for children and teens currently call for a minimum of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day. If you're a parent with a child or teen, encourage and assist them in becoming and staying physically active. Enroll them in after school programs that involve physical activity. Get them into a sports league. Join the YMCA. Take them to the park. Play in the back yard. Be safe but definitely be active!