Dynamic Chiropractic

Dynamic Chiropractic
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For 40+ years, Dynamic Chiropractic has been the standard on reliable, comprehensive information about the chiropractic profession. DC reaches 50,000+ doctors and students of chiropractic through our print and online editions each month making it the most-read publication in the profession. DC is the preferred source for the latest chiropractic news, research, and clinical information.

  1. 3D AGO

    Arch Height and Injury: The Reality

    The long-held belief that low arches inevitably lead to injury is being challenged by research that prioritizes foot strength as a key protective factor. While traditional studies often found that individuals with extremely low or high arches were more prone to injuries like stress fractures or ankle sprains, newer data suggests that strong feet can significantly mitigate these risks. In fact, one study showed that runners with extremely flat feet were 20 times more likely to be injured, but those who engaged in foot-strengthening exercises saw a 240% decrease in injury rates. The sources advocate for a shift from purely structural assessments to performance-based clinical evaluations. Weakness in the intrinsic muscles, such as the flexor digitorum longus, is a better predictor of pain than arch height alone. Furthermore, while orthotics are a common treatment, the best clinical results are achieved when they are coupled with specific foot-strengthening interventions. For patients with low arches, these exercises can lead to significant improvements in running speed and power. Ultimately, by focusing on the "foot core," chiropractors can help patients prevent injury and improve athletic performance regardless of their anatomical arch type.

    6 min

  2. 3D AGO

    7 Exercises to Square Off the Geriatric Curve

    To "square off" the geriatric curve—reducing the steady decline in vitality as we age—chiropractors can prescribe seven low-tech, foundational exercises focused on strength, agility, and balance. The series highlights the sit-to-stand as a primary biomarker of fitness, mirroring the mechanics of a back squat to preserve the ability to perform daily activities. For balance and fall prevention, the single-leg stance and its eyes-closed progression are essential, with a goal of maintaining stability for up to 20 seconds. Other recommended movements include the single-leg quarter squat, which mimics walking up stairs, and "floor get-ups" to ensure patients can recover from a fall. For spinal health, the cat-camel pose promotes segmental mobility, while "wall angels" counteract the forward-head posture and thoracic kyphosis common in aging. The sources emphasize that these exercises should be performed consistently to ward off the combined effects of sarcopenia and disc desiccation. By training for "lifegevity," patients can maintain their independence and stay ahead of the typical aging curve through simple, movement-based strategies.

    6 min

  3. 3D AGO

    Sleep Quality and MSK Health: The Connection

    Sleep quality is a primary marker of physiological recovery, yet it is deeply dependent on the musculoskeletal and postural systems. The sources explain that postural distortions, particularly forward head posture, create mechanical disadvantages for the airway. When we lie down, decreased muscle tone can cause these misalignments to collapse the airway, leading to drops in oxygen saturation. Each oxygen dip triggers a reflexive heart rate spike, causing "micro-arousals" that prevent the patient from entering restorative deep sleep stages like REM and delta. Chiropractors play a vital role in improving sleep quality by addressing these structural contributors. The connection extends from the feet to the spine: issues like asymmetrical overpronation or pelvic rotation can create a "tug-of-war" between the psoas and the diaphragm, restricting normal breathing mechanics that persist during sleep. By restoring alignment and stabilizing the body's foundation—potentially through custom orthotics or cervical pillows—chiropractic care helps shift the nervous system from a state of vigilance to one of repair. Ultimately, correcting mechanical distortions allows for deeper, more stable breathing, which naturally improves sleep quality and supports overall musculoskeletal health.

    6 min

  4. 3D AGO

    Physical Activity and LBP: Transient and Long-Term Risks

    Low back pain (LBP) patients often avoid exercise due to the fear that physical activity will worsen their condition or cause permanent damage. A new case-crossover study addresses this "fear-avoidance" behavior by analyzing the transient and long-term risks of ten common daily activities. The research found that while activities such as heavy lifting, bending, twisting, and squatting were associated with an increased likelihood of a pain "flare" within the next 24 hours, these temporary setbacks were not associated with long-term harm. Crucially, the study revealed no association between these short-term flares and disability scores one year later. This evidence allows clinicians to empower their patients to engage in active, evidence-based treatments by acknowledging that while some activities might cause temporary discomfort, they do not lead to lasting disability. By reassuring patients that movement is fundamental to recovery, chiropractors can help them make choices based on overall health rather than fear of injury. Informed LBP management, therefore, involves navigating these short-term flares while promoting sustained, meaningful physical activity to ensure the best long-term outcomes.

    6 min

  5. 3D AGO

    The Future of Chiropractic (Pt. 2): A Path Forward

    The chiropractic profession faces a daunting financial reality, with student debt-to-income ratios climbing from 1.75 in the early 2000s to a staggering 4.29 today. To ensure long-term viability, the author argues that the financial equation must change through reduced tuition and radically improved business education within chiropractic colleges. Schools are urged to adopt cost-saving measures, such as online courses and administrative consolidation, while practicing chiropractors are encouraged to refer students to programs that prioritize financial success. Beyond education, the sources advocate for a unified political front. With over 70,000 practitioners in the U.S. but fewer than 10,000 belonging to major national associations, the profession lacks the influence needed to secure reimbursement parity and full inclusion in Medicare. The path forward requires collaboration or merger between the ICA and ACA to present a united front to the federal administration, which currently shows openness to rethinking healthcare. Ultimately, the survival of the profession depends on recruiting students earlier—starting in high schools—and ensuring that graduates have the business acumen to thrive, not just survive, in a challenging economic landscape.

    6 min

  6. 3D AGO

    Severe Post-MVA Injuries That Can Be Challenging to Diagnose (Pt. 1)

    This article, the first in a series, explores the often-overlooked psychiatric injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents (MVAs), focusing specifically on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Defined as the somatic and cognitive effects of psychological trauma, PTSD can manifest in anyone who has experienced or witnessed threatened death or serious injury. Statistics show that 11% to 33% of MVA survivors meet the criteria for PTSD, yet symptoms may not fully develop until the fourth week following the incident. The sources identify four primary symptom clusters: intrusion, avoidance, negative mood alterations, and changes in arousal. Furthermore, certain physical conditions like concussions and post-concussion syndrome significantly increase the likelihood of a patient developing PTSD. To aid in early identification, the article recommends that chiropractors implement a standardized, downloadable questionnaire starting at the four-week mark post-accident. By recognizing both the physical and psychophysiological impacts of an MVA—including dissociative symptoms like depersonalization—chiropractors can better manage the comprehensive recovery needs of their patients and refer for psychiatric care when necessary.

    6 min

  7. 3D AGO

    Late Whiplash Syndrome Complicated by Ehlers-Danlos

    This case study illustrates the clinical complexity of managing a whiplash patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), a condition characterized by joint hypermobility. A young male presented with severe headaches (8-9/10) following a rear-end collision. Despite only minor initial symptoms, he developed an unsteady gait, positive Romberg sign, and Hoffman’s sign—indicators of an upper motor neuron lesion. Testing on the Beighton scale confirmed hypermobility in his elbows and fingers, which significantly increases the risk of post-traumatic complications. The sources highlight a critical diagnostic suspicion: cervical artery dissection (CAD). Patients with EDS are more prone to CAD following trauma, and the patient’s neurological deficits and severe "aching" headache were classic red flags. The treating chiropractor correctly deferred spinal manipulation—which is contraindicated in the presence of an unstable spine or suspected dissection—and referred the patient to the emergency department for specialized imaging. This article serves as a vital reminder for chiropractors to perform thorough histories and physical exams following cervical injuries, specifically screening for hypermobility and neurological signs that suggest life-threatening vascular or structural instability.

    6 min

  8. 3D AGO

    Should You Adjust Your Fees This Year?

    The 2026 landscape for chiropractic billing is shifting, making it essential for practitioners to review and adjust their fee schedules to avoid leaving revenue on the table. While Relative Value Units (RVUs) for standard chiropractic services are slightly reduced, a 3.26% increase in the Medicare conversion value ensures that most reimbursements remain flat or see a slight increase. The most significant "good news" for 2026 involves Evaluation & Management (E/M) services, which experienced an approximate 7% RVU increase, leading to a substantial boost in overall reimbursement value. Furthermore, clinics offering acupuncture should take note of a staggering 20% increase in RVU value since 2024. These updates are critical because many commercial plans, Veterans Affairs, and state workers’ compensation programs—such as those in Michigan, California, and North Carolina—benchmark their payment rates against Medicare’s RVU system. Expert Samuel A. Collins emphasizes that you must bill a higher rate to receive these increased payments. Because payers will only pay up to the billed amount, even if the allowable rate is higher, failing to update your fee schedule effectively results in lost revenue. Staying aligned with these 2026 updates is vital for maximizing practice reimbursement.

    5 min
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About

For 40+ years, Dynamic Chiropractic has been the standard on reliable, comprehensive information about the chiropractic profession. DC reaches 50,000+ doctors and students of chiropractic through our print and online editions each month making it the most-read publication in the profession. DC is the preferred source for the latest chiropractic news, research, and clinical information.

Information

  • Creator
    Dynamic Chiropractic
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    142
  • Rating
    Clean
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    ©2025 Dynamic Chiropractic™ All Rights Reserved
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