New Study Shows Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation Highly Effective for Lumbar Disc Herniation
Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a leading cause of lower back pain, sciatica, and mobility issues. Patients often face difficult decisions—live with chronic pain, rely on medications with side effects, or consider invasive surgery. But a major new study published in Frontiers in Medicine (2024) highlights that non-pharmacological care—especially spinal manipulation—offers significant pain relief and improved function without surgery or drugs.
Study Overview
Researchers conducted a prospective, randomized clinical trial with 240 patients diagnosed with LDH. Participants were split into four treatment groups:
Acupuncture + Manipulation (combined therapy)
Manipulation alone
Acupuncture alone
Traction therapy
Treatments lasted three weeks, and patient outcomes were measured up to three months post-treatment using two validated tools:
Visual Analog Scale (VAS) – Measures pain intensity
Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) – Evaluates lumbar function
Key Findings
Patients receiving acupuncture + spinal manipulation had the greatest overall improvement, with pain scores reduced by 63–68% and lumbar function scores improving by 55–58%.
Manipulation alone (including chiropractic-style spinal adjustments) provided substantial benefits, reducing pain by 51–55% and improving function by 41–45%—comparable to acupuncture alone.
Traction therapy was significantly less effective than manipulation or acupuncture.
Importantly, no major adverse events were reported, confirming the safety of these approaches.
Why This Matters for Chiropractic Patients
This high-quality clinical trial confirms what chiropractors have known for years:
Spinal manipulation directly addresses misalignments and nerve compression caused by herniated discs.
Chiropractic adjustments reduce inflammation, relieve pressure on affected nerves, and restore natural spinal motion.
Non-drug, manual therapy approaches can offer lasting pain relief and functional improvement—without surgery.
While combining acupuncture with manipulation had the highest success rates, spinal manipulation alone was nearly as effective, making chiropractic care a cornerstone of conservative LDH treatment.
Your Next Step
Is to get an exam to rule out any serious medical conditions—such as significant muscle weakness, loss of sensation or changes in bowel or bladder function.
Once urgent issues that might require surgery are ruled out, chiropractic care could be the safe, effective solution you’re looking for to manage pain and restore function naturally. Chiropractic care offers a safe, research-supported pathway to:
✅ Reduce pain intensity
✅ Improve mobility and function
✅ Avoid long-term reliance on drugs
✅ Support natural healing
Schedule a consultation today to see how our chiropractic team can help you find relief and get back to living pain-free.
Comparative clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with manipulation and other non-pharmacological interventions in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation: a prospective, multi-arm, randomized, open-label, blinded endpoint trialhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11738951/#S9
What Is a Cervicogenic Headache? A cervicogenic headache is a type of headache that originates from dysfunction in the neck, especially the upper cervical spine (C1–C3). Unlike migraines or tension headaches, the pain in cervicogenic headaches is referred from the neck to the head. Common symptoms include:
Dull, one-sided pain starting at the base of the skull
Pain that may spread to the temple, forehead, or eye
Neck stiffness or reduced range of motion
Headache triggered or worsened by neck movement or sustained posture
They’re often caused by:
Poor posture (especially tech neck or prolonged desk work)
Cervical joint or disc degeneration
Whiplash or other neck trauma
Chronic muscle tension in the neck and shoulders
Natural Ways to Relieve Cervicogenic Headaches
Chiropractic Care Chiropractors can address the root cause by restoring mobility and alignment to the cervical spine. Treatment may include:
Cervical spinal adjustments
Soft tissue therapy (trigger point work, myofascial release)
Posture correction and ergonomic guidance
Prescribed neck stretches and strengthening exercises
Research has shown spinal manipulation may significantly reduce frequency, duration, and intensity of cervicogenic headaches.
Acupuncture This ancient Chinese therapy uses fine needles to stimulate specific points on the body, helping:
Reduce inflammation and muscle tension
Improve blood flow and nerve function
Relieve pain through the release of natural endorphins
Acupuncture has been shown to help both cervicogenic and tension-type headaches, especially when combined with physical therapy or chiropractic care.
Final Thought Cervicogenic headaches are common—but treatable. By combining chiropractic care, acupuncture, and lifestyle changes, many people find long-term relief without relying on painkillers. Your body holds the answer—sometimes, it just needs the right alignment and support to heal naturally.
The body doesn’t lie—when physiology changes, function follows.
Introduction When we think about diabetes, we often picture glucose levels, insulin, and the classic complications—nerve damage, kidney disease, vision loss. But what if the condition also quietly reshapes how we move every day? A recent study by Petrovic et al. sheds light on a lesser-known consequence of diabetic neuropathy: impaired tendon mechanics, particularly in the Achilles tendon, during walking. This discovery doesn’t just add a new layer to diabetes management—it challenges how we approach rehab and movement training in these patients.
Function Follows Physiology The Achilles tendon plays a vital role in walking by acting like a spring—storing elastic energy when your foot hits the ground and releasing it as you push off. But in individuals with diabetic neuropathy, this elegant process is disrupted.
Here’s what Petrovic’s study revealed:
Increased tendon stiffness: Tendons are supposed to stretch and recoil, but stiffness limits that function, reducing fluid movement and shock absorption.
Reduced energy storage and return: The tendon’s ability to act like a spring is diminished. Instead of rebounding with ease, it’s more like a rigid cable—less energy-efficient and less adaptive to movement demands.
Higher hysteresis: More energy is lost as heat rather than being recycled into forward motion. This “energy leak” makes walking more fatiguing and less biomechanically efficient.
Greater muscular workload: Because the tendon isn’t doing its job as a passive energy recycler, muscles have to work harder to compensate—resulting in quicker fatigue and reduced gait endurance.
Why It Matters in Rehab These changes aren’t just biomechanical trivia—they have real implications for daily function and rehabilitation. Patients with diabetes may struggle more with walking not only due to neuropathy but because their tendons are working against them.
A few clinical considerations:
Rehab plans should address muscle endurance and coordination since tendons can’t carry as much of the load.
Incorporating eccentric loading and mobility-focused exercises may help improve tendon elasticity over time.
Therapies aimed at improving metabolic health—like nutrition, glycemic control, and aerobic conditioning—may indirectly benefit tendon function.
Conclusion Tendons may not be the first structure we think of when managing diabetes, but they are a crucial link in the movement chain. The phrase “function follows physiology” reminds us that even subtle metabolic changes can ripple through the body in profound ways. By better understanding and addressing tendon dysfunction in diabetic patients, we can design smarter, more supportive rehabilitation plans—ones that truly meet patients where they are, structurally and metabolically.
People with diabetic neuropathy: implications for metabolic energy saving. Journal of applied physiology. 2018 May 1;124(5):1333-40.
Fong, D. T.-P., et al. (2022). “Metabolic Dysfunction and Tendon Health: Mechanisms and Clinical Implications.” Journal of Clinical Medicine, 11(6), 1666.
Here’s a blog post based on the study titled “Ultra-processed foods and cardiovascular disease: analysis of three large US prospective cohorts and a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies” (BMJ, 2024). The blog is simplified for a general audience and includes a proper citation at the end.
Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Increased Risk of Heart Disease: What You Need to Know
A major new study published in The BMJ in 2024 has confirmed what many nutrition experts have long warned: eating a high amount of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is strongly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease—including heart attacks, stroke, and related deaths.
What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?
Ultra-processed foods are industrially manufactured products that go far beyond the use of salt, sugar, or fat. These include packaged snacks, sugary beverages, frozen meals, sweetened breakfast cereals, and many fast foods. They’re often high in calories and low in nutrients, but what’s even more concerning is the way they may affect the body over time.
What Did the Study Find?
This large-scale research drew from three major U.S. cohort studies (involving over 700,000 participants) and combined it with a systematic review and meta-analysis of 45 additional prospective studies. Key findings included:
Individuals with the highest intake of ultra-processed foods had a 24% increased risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those with the lowest intake.
There was a 39% higher risk of cardiovascular-related death among those consuming the most UPFs.
The strongest associations were seen with products like processed meats, sugary beverages, and ready-to-eat meals.
Why This Matters
Heart disease is still the leading cause of death in the United States. This study adds to a growing body of evidence that not all calories are created equal—and that food quality, especially processing level, plays a critical role in long-term heart health.
Action Steps You Can Take
Read ingredient labels – If you can’t recognize or pronounce the ingredients, it’s likely ultra-processed.
Cook more at home – Homemade meals typically have fewer preservatives and additives.
Limit sugary drinks and packaged snacks – Swap soda for water or tea, and try fruit or nuts instead of chips or cookies.
Bottom Line: Reducing your intake of ultra-processed foods could be a powerful step toward protecting your heart and overall health.
📚 Citation: Srour, B., Song, M., Sun, Q., et al. (2024). Ultra-processed foods and cardiovascular disease: analysis of three large US prospective cohorts and a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. BMJ, 385, e077255. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2023-077255
Improved Access to Chiropractic and Other Local Services Across Illinois
As of May 2025, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has implemented a major policy change that could dramatically improve access to timely, high-quality care for veterans. This update eliminates a longstanding administrative hurdle that often delayed referrals to community-based providers—including chiropractors—despite agreement between the veteran and their VA clinician.
What Changed?
Previously, even if a VA provider determined that community care was in the best medical interest of the veteran, the referral required a second clinical review. This extra layer frequently caused delays, confusion, and even denial of services, preventing veterans from receiving needed care close to home.
With the new policy, VA providers can now directly refer patients to non-VA providers in the Community Care Network without unnecessary bureaucratic barriers. This applies when community care is deemed clinically appropriate and in the veteran’s best interest.
Why This Matters
Faster access to care: Veterans can now get timely services from chiropractors and other specialists.
Local options: Care can be delivered in community settings, reducing travel burden and wait times.
Veteran and provider collaboration respected: Clinical judgment and patient preference now play a greater role in the referral process.
Who Benefits?
Veterans throughout Illinois—and across the U.S.—who need care outside the VA system now face fewer delays. This is especially important for chiropractic care and other specialties where community providers can often deliver faster, more accessible services.
This information was just released, and we will share additional updates as they become available. If you have further questions, please contact your local VA center.
Title: How Exercise Helps Lower Blood Pressure in Overweight Kids and Teens
Intro Childhood obesity is on the rise—and with it comes serious health risks, including high blood pressure (hypertension). But can physical activity make a difference? A recent systematic review and meta-analysis published in BMC Pediatrics (2025) offers a hopeful answer.
What Was the Study About? Researchers reviewed 17 studies involving 1,125 overweight children and teens to examine how different types of exercise programs impacted blood pressure. They wanted to know: Which workouts really help—and how long do they need to last?
Key Findings
✅ Exercise Works: Both systolic (the top number) and diastolic (the bottom number) blood pressure significantly dropped in kids who took part in regular exercise programs.
📉 Best Results Came From These Workouts:
HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training)
MICT (Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training)
These were the most effective at lowering blood pressure. Other types like resistance training or recreational sports didn’t show consistent results.
📏 How Much Exercise?
3 sessions per week
60 minutes each
At least 12 weeks long
📊 The Numbers:
Systolic BP dropped by an average of 0.44 standard deviations
Diastolic BP dropped by 0.52 standard deviations
Why This Matters High blood pressure in children isn’t just a temporary problem—it increases the risk for heart disease later in life. These findings support the idea that exercise can be a powerful prevention tool that’s safe, effective, and accessible.
What Should These Programs Look Like? For the best results, the authors recommend:
Programs lasting at least 12 weeks
Three 60-minute sessions per week
Monitoring of heart rate and exercise intensity
Support from a team of professionals (think PE teachers, pediatricians, and family members)
Takeaway If you’re a parent, teacher, or healthcare provider, structured exercise can make a real impact on a child’s heart health. The right training program—especially HIIT or MICT—can help manage or even prevent high blood pressure in kids and teens who are overweight.
If pain is limiting your child’s ability to exercise, call Sikorsky Chiropractic to help them move comfortably and stay active.
🌿 Outdoor Exercise Boosts Kids’ Brain Power More Than Indoor Workouts
Remember when your mom thru you out of the house and told you to come back for dinner? Your mom was right kids should be outside playing and not in front of the T.V. .
A recent study reveals that physical activity outdoors leads to greater cognitive benefits in children compared to similar indoor workouts. This is the first study to directly compare the two settings for brain function improvement.
Key Highlights
🧠 Outdoor exercise improved attention, working memory, and self-control more than indoor exercise.
⏱️ Kids responded faster and more accurately on brain tests after outdoor activity sessions.
🌳 Nature exposure may enhance the positive effects of physical activity on the brain.
💡 Outdoor environments offer a low-cost, high-impact way to support healthy cognitive development in children.
The Study at a Glance
Participants: 45 children, ages 11–13
Method: Each child did the same workout both outdoors and indoors, then completed brain function tests before and after.
Results: Outdoor workouts consistently led to faster reaction times and better accuracy on tasks related to memory, attention, and control.
Why It Matters This study is the first to show that combining physical activity with nature exposure offers greater cognitive benefits than exercising indoors alone. It supports the idea that schools, parents, and communities can boost kids’ brain health by encouraging outdoor play and movement.
So, send your kids to park or back yard to play and they might come back smarter.
If there any pain preventing your child from playing outside, make an appointment with Dr. Steve. He can mostly like your child feel better.
Quick Summary A recent meta-analysis combining data from 7 cohort studies and over 681,000 participants (ages 41–67) found that higher olive oil consumption is linked to lower risks of all-cause mortality, cancer mortality, and cardiovascular disease mortality.
Study Highlights
The studies spanned Spain (3), the U.S. (2), Iran (1), and Italy (1), with follow-up periods ranging from 5 to 28 years.
Individuals who consumed more olive oil had:
16% lower risk of cardiovascular-related death
15% lower risk of death from any cause
11% lower risk of cancer-related death
All included studies were rated as having low risk of bias.
These findings reinforce the well-known benefits of olive oil for heart and metabolic health. While observational in nature (meaning they can’t prove causation), the results are consistent across diverse populations and align with olive oil’s recognized anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and heart-protective properties.
High-Velocity, Low-Amplitude (HVLA) manipulation is a well-researched and widely used chiropractic technique that has stood the test of time. This rapid, controlled thrust moves a joint just beyond its normal physiological range—without exceeding anatomical integrity—delivering a range of therapeutic benefits.
But what exactly makes this technique so effective?
In this blog, we’ll explore five key benefits of HVLA spinal manipulation, backed by research, to help you better understand why this time-tested approach continues to be a cornerstone of chiropractic care. Whether you’re a clinician refining your technique or a patient curious about the effects of adjustments, this deep dive will shed light on the powerful impact of spinal manipulation.
1. Biomechanical Benefits: Restoring Joint Function
HVLA adjustments influence the spinal joints, muscles, and ligaments, leading to:
✅ Restored Joint Mobility – Spinal facet joints can become restricted due to poor posture, injury, or repetitive stress. HVLA helps restore mobility by stretching and repositioning these joints.
✅ Reduced Spinal Fixation – The rapid thrust breaks adhesions in the joint capsule and surrounding connective tissue, allowing for improved range of motion.
✅ Decreased Intra-Articular Pressure – HVLA manipulation improves synovial fluid motion, which lubricates the joints and enhances movement.
✅ The Cavitation Effect (“The Pop”) – The audible release during an adjustment occurs due to a sudden change in joint pressure, causing gas bubbles (CO₂, N₂, O₂) to be released from the synovial fluid.
For a deeper understanding of joint manipulation and the science behind the “pop,” check out this blog comparing historical and modern models of spinal adjustments.
HVLA spinal manipulation modulates the central and peripheral nervous system, helping to:
✅ Reduce Pain via the Gate Control Theory – The adjustment activates mechanoreceptors in the spinal joints and soft tissues, which inhibit pain signals sent from nociceptors to the brain.
✅ Relax Muscles Reflexively – Adjustments stimulate muscle spindle afferents and Golgi tendon organs, helping decrease muscle tightness and spasms.
✅ Modulate the Spinal Cord’s Pain Response – HVLA affects sensory processing in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, reducing pain sensitivity.
✅ Improve Proprioception & Motor Control – By restoring normal joint motion, HVLA enhances proprioceptive feedback, improving movement coordination and balance.
Chronic pain is a complex issue, and proper assessment is key. If you’re interested in learning more, check out this blog featuring an expert discussion on pain management strategies.
3. Neurochemical & Inflammatory Benefits: A Natural Painkiller
Did you know spinal adjustments can stimulate the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals? Here’s how:
✅ Endorphin & Enkephalin Release – HVLA stimulates the production of these natural opioids, leading to pain relief and relaxation.
✅ Reduction in Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines – Studies show that spinal manipulation reduces inflammation by lowering TNF-α, IL-6, and PGE2, key mediators in chronic pain conditions like low back pain.
✅ Activation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis – HVLA triggers the release of cortisol, which helps regulate inflammation and stress responses.
This means chiropractic care not only addresses mechanical pain but also has systemic effects on inflammation and stress levels.
Chiropractic adjustments do more than relieve pain—they also support circulation and fluid movement in the body:
✅ Increased Blood Flow & Oxygenation – Spinal manipulation enhances microcirculation in spinal muscles and soft tissues, promoting healing and recovery.
✅ Enhanced Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Circulation – Some research suggests that spinal adjustments improve CSF flow, which may benefit cervicogenic headaches and neurological health.
For patients suffering from tension headaches or poor circulation, spinal adjustments may offer a natural, effective treatment option.
5. Psychosocial Benefits: The Mind-Body Connection
Pain isn’t just physical—it also affects our mental and emotional well-being. HVLA adjustments help address this by:
✅ Enhancing the Placebo & Expectation Effect – A patient’s belief in the effectiveness of spinal manipulation can amplify pain relief through psychological and neurobiological pathways.
✅ Reducing Fear-Avoidance Behavior – When patients experience pain relief after an adjustment, they become more confident in movement, helping to prevent chronic pain syndromes.
The psychological side of chiropractic care is just as important as the physical benefits. If you want to learn how to better support your patients, check out this guide for actionable strategies.
When it comes to non-surgical and non-pharmacological treatments for musculoskeletal conditions, HVLA spinal manipulation is one of the most effective interventions available. By targeting biomechanical, neurological, neurochemical, and vascular pathways, this technique provides comprehensive relief for conditions such as:
✔️ Low back pain ✔️ Neck pain ✔️ Sciatica ✔️ Headaches & migraines ✔️ Joint stiffness & restricted movement
If you’re experiencing pain or movement limitations, a chiropractic adjustment could be the key to unlocking relief. Consult with a licensed chiropractor today to restore function, reduce pain, and enhance your overall well-being!
If you’re experiencing cervicalor lumbar spine pain, chiropractic care can be a highly effective and beneficial treatment. If you haven’t yet explored chiropractic care for pain relief, now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment. Call us today or book online to see Dr. Sikorsky and take the first step toward improved mobility and lasting relief!
References
1. Alanazi, M. S., Degenhardt, B., Kelley-Franklin, G., Cox, J. M., Lipke, L., & Reed, W. R. (2025). Neuromuscular Response to High-Velocity, Low-Amplitude Spinal Manipulation—An Overview. Medicina, 61(2), 187.
2. César Fernández-de-las-Peñas, Cristina Alonso-Blanco, Joshua A. Cleland, Cleofás Rodríguez-Blanco, Francisco Alburquerque-Sendín, Changes in Pressure Pain Thresholds Over C5-C6 Zygapophyseal Joint After a Cervicothoracic Junction Manipulation in Healthy Subjects, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Volume 31, Issue 5, 2008, Pages 332-337
3. Chinonso Vincent Nweke (2023). Joint Mobilization and Its Resultant Effects. Cross Current Int J Med Biosci, 5(3), 72-77.
Dr. Steve Sikorsky | Chiropractic Care Elgin, Illinois
