The real concern may be the cumulative effect of repetitive head impacts over a lifetime.
Researchers studying deceased former NFL players found striking evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive neurodegenerative disease associated with repetitive head trauma.
By Treatment #5, Her Radicular Symptoms Were Gone
A recently published 2026 case study provides an exciting look at what happened when researchers used cervical non-surgical spinal decompression in a patient with a significant cervical disc herniation. The results included improvements not only in symptoms, but also in neurological examination findings and MRI measurements.
After approximately 2½ weeks and only five treatments, the patient reported that her radicular symptoms had disappeared and she had returned to normal activities of daily living.
She could once again carry grocery bags with both arms without pain.
A March 2006 biomechanical study published in Spine provides an important piece of that puzzle. Researchers Manohar Panjabi, Travis Maak, Paul Ivancic, and Shigeki Ito investigated what happens to the cervical intervertebral foramina during a simulated rear impact. These openings are critically important because cervical nerve roots and associated neural structures pass through them.
This enormous 2025 study found that patients with sciatica who initially received chiropractic spinal manipulation had a 32% lower relative risk of receiving an oral opioid prescription and a 71% lower relative risk of an opioid-related adverse drug event during the following year compared with matched patients receiving usual medical care.
If you’ve ever experienced sciatica, you know it isn’t simply “a sore back.” The burning, shooting, electric pain traveling from your lower back into your
For people dealing with a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, or chronic low back pain, ordinary activities can become exhausting. Fortunately, research suggests that non-surgical spinal decompression may offer relief for carefully selected patients—and your spinal discs may appreciate the extra space.
A July 2010 study published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders examined whether increased lumbar disc height following non-surgical spinal decompression was associated with reduced disc-related low back pain. The results were encouraging, although the researchers emphasized that larger randomized studies are still needed.
This article documents several factors in a case that increase the incidence of chronic neck pain after whiplash, including:
Age and Sex: Those over 41 years old and/or female are at high risk of chronic pain.
High Initial Pain Intensity: Pain levels 6 or above on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Reduced Cervical Range of Motion
Dizziness
Functional Impairment: Rating of 50 or higher on the Neck Disability Index
A September 2025 study published in Military Medicine examined the effectiveness of non-surgical spinal decompression for patients suffering from chronic low back pain. The findings suggest that this conservative treatment may significantly reduce pain and improve function for many patients, offering hope before considering more invasive procedures.
A March 2025 study in the Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic examined another conservative option—non-surgical spinal decompression—and the results are encouraging for patients looking to avoid surgery.
What Is Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression? Non-surgical spinal decompression is a targeted, computerized treatment that gently stretches the spine using precise, controlled forces. Unlike traditional traction, advanced decompression systems are designed to reduce pressure within damaged spinal discs while minimizing muscle guarding.
The goal is to:
Reduce pressure on irritated spinal nerves
Improve the flow of nutrients and oxygen into damaged discs
Encourage the body’s natural healing processes
Reduce pain and inflammation
Improve spinal mobility and function
For many patients suffering from lumbar disc injuries, this treatment offers a conservative alternative before considering injections or surgery.
Recurring headaches are often caused by triggers most people overlook. Discover the common causes and how chiropractic care in Boston can help you find lasting relief.
Desk work is silently damaging your posture. Learn the warning signs and expert-backed fixes to protect your spine and feel better at work.
Key Finding: Long-Term Health Complaints Are More Common
The study found that individuals involved in rear-end collisions were more likely to report future health complaints, including:
Chronic neck pain
Persistent headaches
Musculoskeletal discomfort
General health issues
Importantly, these were not always immediate. Many individuals developed or continued to experience symptoms well after the initial event.
For attorneys handling cases in Boston and throughout the Greater Boston Area, this finding necessitates that you account for this fact in your settlement discussions. Your clients are getting a settlement to compensate for a lifetime of potential health problems.
Get started on your path to optimal health today.
