How common are pelvic pain and hip pain during pregnancy?
How common are pelvic pain and hip pain during pregnancy? The percentage of pregnant mothers experiencing pelvic pain varies across different studies and populations. Here are some reported percentages: – About 30% of all pregnant women experience pelvic pain, usually starting around pregnancy week 18[2]. – The reported prevalence of pregnancy-related low back pain (LBP) and/or pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is 34%[3]. – Approximately 50% of pregnant women experience symptoms of pelvic floor disorders, which can include pelvic pain[5]. – The prevalence of PGP and/or LBP during pregnancy is estimated to be 50%, with 20% experiencing PGP that significantly impacts their daily activities[6]. – Up to 80% of pregnant women experience low back or pelvic pain[7]. These figures indicate that pelvic pain is a common issue during pregnancy, affecting a significant proportion of pregnant women. Pelvic misalignment or “pelvic distortion” often lead to difficult and prolonged labor, also known as dystocia. Seeing a board certified perinatal chiropractor will ensure that you have the best chance of getting the perinatal and postnatal care you need. Gentle, safe chiropractic adjustments of the pelvis will help to improve function and often relieve pain. Dr. Lou Jacobs is a board certified perinatal and...
read moreWhat is the failure rate of trigger finger surgery?
How often do Trigger Finger surgeries have complications for the patient? Trigger fingers affect musicians often. Depending on the finger affected, they can end careers or alter them dramatically. Especially for musicians who play stringed instruments. Some procedures offer very low risk results, others not so much. Yes, trigger finger problems can ruin your career but so could the surgery. Before you go under the knife, weigh your risk factors and make a decision based on the facts, as a matter of “informed consent.” The failure rate of trigger finger surgery varies depending on the type of surgical procedure performed—open surgery or percutaneous release—and specific patient factors such as underlying health conditions like diabetes. 1. Open Trigger Finger Release: – The overall complication rate for open trigger finger release is reported to be between 1% and 43%, with major complications requiring reoperation at about 2.4%[1]. – Another study mentions a recurrence rate of 3%, with only a single patient requiring reoperation, indicating a low failure rate[7]. – An office-based study reported a low complication rate with the most common issue being wound complications at a rate of 3.2%[8]. 2. Percutaneous Trigger Finger Release: – The success rates for percutaneous...
read moreWhat percentage of musicians have neck pain?
What percentage of musicians have neck pain? The percentage of musicians experiencing neck pain varies across different studies and samples. According to one study, 64% of professional musicians reported neck pain[1]. Another study indicated that 59.1% of music students experienced neck pain[2]. Additionally, a different source reported that 52.5% of musicians experienced pain in the neck and shoulder area[6]. These variations highlight that neck pain is a common issue among musicians, affecting a significant percentage of both professional musicians and music students. Either way, all the studies reviewed have shown that at least half of the musicians studied, have neck pain. Chiropractic care mobilizes the neck, relaxes the muscles, realigns joints, improves range of motion, takes pressure off of nerves that control the neck, arms and hands. Adjustments by a chiropractor have been shown to improve reflexes, improve focus, and keep joints of the neck healthier. Neck pain in musicians is mostly preventable, just like cavities in musicians are preventable… if the proper action steps are taken. Dr. Lou Jacobs in Portland, Maine has worked as a chiropractor for some of the world’s most famous musicians. He was interviewed for a published article in Guitar Player Magazine in 2023,...
read moreWhy Does Mental Stress Cause Neck Pain? – Dr. Lou – Portland, Maine
Why is the neck ground zero for tension from mental stress? You have probably heard me (Dr. Lou) mention that mental stress tends to accumulate as tension in the neck and shoulders first. Why the neck and shoulders? Why not the big toe, or the low back? Mental stress accumulates mostly in the neck and shoulders due to the body’s natural stress response, often referred to as the “fight or flight” response. When someone experiences stress or anxiety, the body releases various hormones, including cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare the body to face a perceived threat. This preparation involves several physiological changes, one of which is the contraction of muscles[1][2][3][4]. Many of the most important muscles of the body are in the neck and shoulders! The neck and shoulders are common areas where muscle tension accumulates for several reasons: 1. Protective Mechanism: The tightening of muscles, including those in the neck and shoulders, is part of the body’s instinctive protective mechanism against injury or pain. In the context of the fight or flight response, muscle tension prepares the body to either confront the threat or flee from it. This response is beneficial in the short term but can...
read moreIt’s Coming! Shoveling Wet, Heavy Snow in Portland, Maine – April 4-6, 2024
Shovel Smart. Enjoy Your Weekend! Shoveling wet, heavy snow is an unusual winter chore for April…even in Maine. It can be both physically demanding and potentially hazardous because by April, you may be out of practice. At least in 2024 after one of the most mild winters we’ve had in a long time. Tomorrow’s storm is predicted to last 3 days. The weight of wet snow, combined with the repetitive motion and colder conditions, increases the risk of injury. With the right approach and precautions, you can effectively clear snow while minimizing the risk to your health. Here are some tips for shoveling wet, heavy snow safely and efficiently. I’ve been a chiropractor and acupuncturist here in Portland, Maine for over 22 years. I have a little bit of experience in this department… Choose the Right Equipment Selecting the appropriate shovel can make a significant difference. Ergonomic shovels with curved handles help reduce the amount of bending you need to do, which can decrease strain on your back. Lightweight materials like plastic or aluminum reduce the overall weight you have to lift. Additionally, a shovel with a smaller blade will encourage you to lift less snow at a time,...
read more