Neck Pain
Smash a glass ceiling and the Stampede returns: On the July 9th news

“Today is a victory and you can tell all the women in your life that the glass ceiling is broken. And I thank all the women who touched this blanket in front of me and made it crack. You are an inspiration to me. “
Archibald secured victory after conceding rival Reginald Bellerose, who served as Chief of Muskowekwan First Nation in Saskatchewan for the past 17 years.
The election had extended to a second day and went into a fifth ballot after neither Archibald nor Bellerose received the 60 percent of the vote required for victory.
Bellerose then withdrew from the race before a sixth ballot could begin.
The AFN represents 634 First Nations with 900,000 members.
Archibald, who previously served as regional chief for Ontario, campaigned on a platform to build a solid pandemic recovery plan for the First Nations.
It is also committed to working with governments to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 calls.
–
That too …
COQUITLAM, BC – The federal government has reached an agreement with British Columbia to create the first of the Trudeau Liberals’ bid to establish a national daycare system, and what long-time advocates call “very good news” for families and the economy.
The agreement aims to create 30,000 new rooms in BC over the next five years, with the average fee for regulated rooms halving to $ 21 per day by the end of 2022 and $ 10 per day for children under six by 2027 per day will be achieved.
Funding is also aimed at low-income, indigenous, black and newly arriving families.
Speaking on the announcement, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the pandemic revealed that it was virtually impossible for parents, especially mothers, to build careers without good childcare.
“Hard families deserve better, and our economy deserves better too,” he said. “This is exactly what a feminist recovery looks like.”
BC is the first to sign the Liberals’ April federal budget offer that pledged $ 27.2 billion over five years of new spending the government plans to send to the provinces to subsidize daycare.
Childcare advocates had seen the first agreement on the national system as a benchmark for others. For another deal in the coming weeks, proponents are now turning their eyes east, such as Atlantic Canada.
–
And the …
OTTAWA – Statistics Canada will tell this morning how the job market performed in June after two months of job losses in April and May as companies shed headcount during a third wave of lockdowns.
The economy lost 68,000 jobs in May and after an April that saw 207,000 jobs lost, more dropped out of the labor force.
The May result left the country 571,100 jobs, or three percent below pre-pandemic levels in February 2020.
Economists expect the June labor force survey to show an increase in employment as restrictions are lifted nationwide.
CIBC senior economist Royce Mendes says there may also be a surge in the number of workers looking for work after thousands stopped looking for a job in May.
He writes that June may just be the starter for the summer recruitment season, with bigger gains potentially emerging later in the summer as a larger portion of the economy reopens.
–
What we observe in the USA …
WASHINGTON – The Biden government has unveiled new efforts to protect voting rights.
The move comes as complaints from civil rights activists and other Democrats grow louder that the White House hasn’t done enough to combat pressure from several Republican-led state parliaments to restrict access to the election.
President Joe Biden met with civil rights activists in the West Wing on Thursday while Vice President Kamala Harris announced $ 25 million new Democratic National Committee spending to support efforts to protect voting access ahead of the 2022 midterm elections.
The government faces a call to “save American democracy”.
–
That too …
SURFSIDE, Florida – Rescue workers now focused on finding remains instead of survivors in a Florida condo collapse vow to continue their search for victims until they clear all debris.
Surfside Mayor Charles Burkett quoted a fire department officer Thursday as saying the crews would not stop until they got to the end of the pile and each victim was recovered.
Meanwhile, the death toll rose to 64 and another 76 people were missing.
One Canadian is confirmed among the dead while three more remain among the missing.
Separately, Paraguay’s foreign minister said in a radio report late Thursday that the body of the country’s first lady’s sister was among those found.
Several Latin American citizens were reported inside the building when it collapsed.
–
What we see in the rest of the world …
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – To date, 17 suspects have been arrested in the breathtaking assassination of the Haitian President.
According to the Haitian authorities, two of the suspects are believed to have dual US-Haitian citizenship and the Colombian government says at least six are former soldiers in their army.
The head of Haiti’s National Police said last night that eight more suspects had been searched and three more had been killed by police. Officials previously said seven had been killed.
The Colombian government says it was asked about six of the suspects in Haiti, including two of those killed, and found that they were retired Colombian soldiers without disclosing their identities.
Haitian officials identified two of the detainees as Haitian Americans, but did not provide any further details beyond their names.
–
And the …
TOKYO – Fans will be banned from stadiums and arenas around Tokyo when the Olympics begin in two weeks, the city’s governor said Thursday after meeting organizers of the games postponed by the pandemic.
This means that the Olympic Games will be largely a pure TV event after the Japanese government put the capital in a state of COVID-19 emergency due to rising new infections and the highly contagious Delta variant.
The statement was made by Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, and the ban on spectators was approved by the Japanese Olympic organizers, the International Olympic Committee, the International Paralympic Committee and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
It is a major blow to Japanese taxpayers and local organizers of the games, which have been postponed by the coronavirus as early as 2020.
Hundreds of millions of dollars in ticket revenue will be lost and the government will have to make up for that.
–
On that day in 1793 … Upper Canada, now Ontario, banned the importation of slaves and ordered that slave children should be released at the age of 25. But it wasn’t until 1833 that slavery was finally banned by the British Parliament.
–
In sport …
WIMBLEDON, Ing. – Canadian Denis Shapovalov will try to face all odds when he faces the world’s number 1 in the Wimbledon semi-finals.
The 22-year-old is playing at the All England Club today against the top seeded Novak Djokovic, who has a place in the Grand Slam final on the line.
The 34-year-old Djokovic has won 19 major titles – just one step behind the record jointly held by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal – and has won five Wimbledon titles alone, including the last two at the All England Club. Shapovalov is meanwhile in a slam semi for the first time in his career.
Djokovic has already won this year’s Australian Open and French Open and has a 6-0 lead in a direct duel with the 10th-placed Canadian.
Djokovic’s most recent win against Shapovalov came in January at the ATP Cup in Melbourne, Australia. They met once at a Grand Slam, with Shapovalov falling in the third round of the 2019 Australian Open. In the same year they faced each other in the final of the prestigious Paris Masters, in which Djokovic won.
Shapovalov aims to become the first Canadian to win a men’s individual Grand Slam title. Milos Raonic reached the Wimbledon final in 2016 before losing to Andy Murray. Bianca Andreescu became the first Canadian Grand Slam individual winner when she defeated Serena Williams in the final of the 2019 US Open.
–
In the entertainment sector …
CALGARY – The rides are open, the stuffed animals are on display at the gaming tables, and the stalls are being loaded with supplies.
Forced by the pandemic to cancel for the first time in its history last year, the Calgary Stampede has returned.
The setup may sound familiar, but due to COVID-19, there have been some notable changes to the 10 day celebration of cowboy life.
The sidewalks are wider, there are markings that show the correct spacing in the lineups and fewer journeys.
“We wanted to spread this, create more space for social distance, so we brought fewer trips to get there,” said Scooter (Greg) Korek, vice president of customer service for North American Midway Entertainment.
Stampede’s new security measures include halving the daily number of visitors, sanitary facilities for the public and improved cleaning of the entire site. Staff and volunteers are required to wear masks and perform rapid COVID-19 tests.
The chuckwagon races are not held and the parade to kick off the Stampede is confined to the grounds without an audience.
–
ICYMI …
TORONTO – Toronto-based researchers developed a tool that they say can help doctors determine who is most likely to have concussion symptoms that last months after the injury.
The experts hope their calculator can help identify high-risk patients who need additional monitoring and note a range of sometimes debilitating symptoms that can include headache, dizziness, neck pain, difficulty concentrating, absent-mindedness, and irritability.
Scientists from the Unity Health Network presented the calculator today. It is intended for use in adult patients and generates risk scores based on their answers to five questions.
The tool is based on research that examined data from previous concussion patients in Ontario. Researchers found that 12.5 percent had persistent symptoms after a concussion, which can include anything that lasts three months after the injury.
Dr. Mark Bayley, the medical director of UH-N’s Toronto Rehab, said the number is likely around 15 percent when you factor in those who had widespread symptoms but did not seek additional treatment.
The researchers found that people over the age of 61 and adults with “high levels of health care” were at higher risk for persistent symptoms in the year before their concussion, while those with a history of psychiatric disorders, anxiety, or depression were at the highest risk.
The results were published yesterday in the journal PLOS Medicine.
–
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on July 9, 2021
The Canadian press

We understand how important it is to choose a chiropractor that is right for you. It is our belief that educating our patients is a very important part of the success we see in our offices.
Neck Pain
Re: Chronic Pain: Management focuses on the individual, not the pain.
Dear Editor
Chronic pain management focuses on the individual, not the pain.
I am very pleased with the review by Kang and colleagues [1]. I write as a spinal pain specialist whose patients had an average episode duration of pain pain of 2.5 years [2] for low back pain and 1.3 years for neck pain [3]. These studies confirm that Kang et. al. noted the significant extent of spinal and extraspinal pain, sleep disturbance, and psychological distress. I also recognize the ‘heartsinks’ who have seen many consultants for a variety of complaints, and those with hypersensitivity. I do accept that some patients need further investigations, but it can be done in a way that does not cause further anxiety. To ensure that intensive rehabilitation is not contraindicated. By showing a genuine interest in the family, job and interests of the individual, you can begin to build confidence and hope for the clinical path being recommended.
The review ignores trauma’s effects on some people, causing their pain to begin, and for others, a major factor. Thirteen percent of patients with neck pain who presented to my clinics had a traumatic origin with a missed break and significant psychological comorbidity. Subsequently, it became clear that post-traumatic distress (PTPD), [a term used because post-traumatic stress may require specialist knowledge for diagnosis] can be present in rheumatological practices [4] and with the increasing influx of refugees in the UK [5], more patients are being diagnosed with PTPD. This can have major effects on families [5]. PTPD is commonly seen in medicolegal situations where accidents have caused major destruction to the lives of individuals and their families, including divorce [6]; and is often associated mood disturbances [6].
Kang et. al. correctly mention that sleep disorders are important in the management chronic pain [1], however, two important aspects of a’sleep story’ must be identified. It is important to ask the individual what they are thinking about when they lie awake in bed at night. This may provide clues as to social or family stress. Second, you should ask about their nightmares and dreams, especially if they are unpleasant. These often involve reliving trauma or accidents. When asked about nightmares, people who deny any unpleasant memories during direct questioning may reveal clues. The presence of PTPD can be important because it opens up therapeutic opportunities with psychological support and medications.
My experience in rehabilitation medicine over the years has taught me that to fully assist our disadvantaged clients, social issues must be resolved before psychological issues, and psychological issues must be resolved before physical issues!
References
1. Kang Y et. al., Chronic Pain: Definitions and Diagnosis. BMJ (Clinical Research ed. ), 2023. 381: p. e076036.
2. Frank A. et al. A cross-sectional study of the clinical and psychosocial features of low back injury and the resulting work handicap: Use of the Quebec Task Force Classification. Int J Clin Pract, 2000; 54(10) p. 639-644.
3. Frank A, De Souza L and Frank C. Neck Pain and Disability: A Cross-sectional Survey of the Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Neck Pain Seen in a Rheumatology Clinic. Int J Clin Pract 2005; 59(doi: 10.1111/j.1742-1241.2004.00237.x): p. 173-182.
4. McCarthy J. and Frank A. Posttraumatic psychological distress can present in rheumatology. BMJ 2002. 325(27 July): p. 221-221.
5. Frank A. Refugee status: a yellow-flag in managing back pain. BMJ 2007;334(13 Jan): p.58-58.
6. Frank A. Psychiatric effects of road traffic accidents: often disabling, and not recognised (letter). BMJ 1993, 307(13th Nov): p.1283.

We understand how important it is to choose a chiropractor that is right for you. It is our belief that educating our patients is a very important part of the success we see in our offices.
Neck Pain
Landmark Trial: Opioids No Better Than Placebo for Back Pain
The first randomized controlled study testing the efficacy of a short course opioids for acute nonspecific neck/low back pain suggests that opioids do not relieve acute neck or low back pain in the short-term and can lead to worse outcomes over the long-term.
After 6 weeks there was no significant difference between the pain scores of patients taking opioids and those who took a placebo. After one year, the pain scores of patients who received placebos were slightly lower. After 1 year, opioid users were also at a higher risk of opioid abuse.
Senior author Christine Lin, Ph.D., from the University of Sydney told Medscape Medical News that this is a “landmark trial” with “practice changing” results.
Lin explained that “we did not have any good evidence before this trial on whether opioids are effective for acute neck or low back pain, but opioids are one of the most commonly prescribed medicines for these conditions.”
Lin stated that based on these results “opioids shouldn’t be recommended at any time for acute neck and low back pain,”
The results of the OPAL study have been published online in The Lancet on June 28.
Rigorous Test
The trial was conducted at 157 primary care and emergency departments in Australia, with 347 adults who experienced low back pain or neck pain for 12 weeks or less.
They were randomly allocated (1:1) to receive guideline-recommended care (reassurance and advice to stay active) plus an opioid (oxycodone up to 20 mg daily) or identical placebo for up to 6 weeks. Naloxone is given to prevent opioid-induced constipation, and to improve blinding.
The primary outcome was the pain severity at six weeks, as measured by the pain severity subscale (10-point scale) of the Brief Pain Inventory.
After 6 weeks of opioid therapy, there was no difference between placebo and opioid therapy in terms of pain relief or functional improvement.
The mean pain score was 2.78 for the opioid group at 6 weeks, compared to 2.25 for the placebo group. (Adjusted median difference, 0.53, 95% CI -0.00 – 1.07, P=.051). At 1 year, the mean pain scores of the placebo group were lower than those of the opioid group (1.8 and 2.4).
The risk of opioid misuse was doubled at 1 year for patients randomly assigned to receive opioid therapy during 6 weeks as compared to those randomly assigned to receive placebo during 6 weeks.
At 1 year, the Current Opioid Use Measure (COMM), a scale that measures current drug-related behavior, indicated that 24 (20%) patients from 123 patients who received opioids, were at risk for misuse. This was compared to 13 (10%) patients from 128 patients in a placebo group ( p =.049). The COMM is a widely-used measure of current aberrant drug related behavior among chronic pain patients who are prescribed opioid therapy.
Results Raise “Serious Questions”
Lin told Medscape Medical News that “I think the findings of the research will need to be distributed to doctors and patients so they receive the latest evidence on opioids.”
“We must reassure doctors and their patients that the majority of people with acute neck and low back pain recover well over time (normally within 6 weeks). Therefore, management is simple – stay active, avoid bed rest and, if needed, use a heat pack to relieve short term pain. Consider anti-inflammatory drugs if drugs are needed,” Lin added.
The authors of the linked comment state that the OPAL trial raises serious questions regarding the use of opioids for acute neck and low back pain.
Mark Sullivan, MD PhD, and Jane Ballantyne MD, from the University of Washington in Seattle, note that clinical guidelines recommend opioids to patients with acute neck and back pain when other drugs fail or are contraindicated.
As many as two thirds of patients may receive an opioid for back or neck pain. Sullivan and Ballantyne say that it is time to reexamine these guidelines.
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), the University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health (University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health) and SafeWork SA funded the OPAL study. The authors of the study have not disclosed any relevant financial relationships. Sullivan and Ballantyne have served as board members of Physicians for Responsible Opioid Prescribing (unpaid), and paid consultants for opioid litigation.
Lancet. Online published June 28, 2023. Abstract
Join us on Facebook or Twitter for more Medscape Neurology News.

We understand how important it is to choose a chiropractor that is right for you. It is our belief that educating our patients is a very important part of the success we see in our offices.
Neck Pain
‘I tried acupuncture for back and neck pain even though I’m afraid of needles–and it’s literally the only thing that’s ever worked’

We understand how important it is to choose a chiropractor that is right for you. It is our belief that educating our patients is a very important part of the success we see in our offices.
-
Sciatica3 years ago
Sciatica exercises pictures – Best Exercises For Sciatica Pain Relief
-
Sciatica4 years ago
10 Piriformis Stretches to Alleviate Sciatica, Hip, and Lower Back Pain
-
Sciatica4 years ago
Can your sciatic nerve cause abdominal pain
-
Chiropractor Near Me9 years ago
The best ways to Find the very best Chiropractor Near Me?
-
Sciatica3 years ago
5 Best Cream for Sciatica Pain
-
Chiropractor Near Me9 years ago
Looking for a Chiropractor In My Area?
-
Sciatica4 years ago
How to Sleep with Lower Back Pain and Sciatica Nerve Pain Relief At Night
-
Sciatica4 years ago
Acupressure points for sciatica