Articles tagged with Back Injuries
Scientists have discovered a genetic link to back pain, finding that changes in gene activity can lead to the breakdown of spinal discs. The study suggests that phosphate handling and fat metabolism may hold promise as future drug targets.
A new treatment approach has been developed to treat spinal cord injuries by activating signaling pathways in both injured and uninjured nerve cells. Using the protein hyper-interleukin-6 (hIL-6), the researchers showed consistent improvements in walking ability and coordinated gait patterns in mice with contusion injuries.
Researchers have successfully decoded movement signals from patients' brains using electroencephalography (EEG) devices. However, decoding specific signals for lower limb movements remains challenging due to the limited depth of brain activity detection.
The system uses magnetoelectric power-transfer technology to deliver precise electrical stimulation to organs like the heart and spinal cord. The more devices in the network, the more efficient it is, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional implantable medical devices. This technology has potential for treating conditions s...
The new book Spinal Surgery Biomechanics: Principles for Residents offers a comprehensive exploration of core biomechanical concepts essential for mastering spinal surgical procedures. It bridges the gap between theory and practice, providing a biomechanical framework that supports surgical planning and patient safety.
Researchers at UTA and UT Southwestern Medical School developed an adaptive spine board overlay that redistributes pressure more effectively than traditional evacuation surfaces. The device features sensor-driven pressure modulation and autonomously adjusts air-cell pressure to maintain optimal distribution for each patient.
A new soft wearable robot called WeaRo has been developed to help workers avoid job-related injuries while lifting, lowering, and carrying objects. The robot effectively reduces muscle activation levels by up to 27.0% without constraining users' movements.
Research at the University of Tsukuba found high vertebral instability and diffuse low-signal changes in T2-weighted MRI observations to be risk factors for deteriorated ambulation status following different conservative treatments. These findings could help predict whether a patient's ability to walk will be affected by these treatments.
A new study from the University of Toledo found that individuals with diabetes are nearly three times more likely to experience non-union complications following spinal fusion surgery. Researchers also found that diabetic patients have weaker bone growth and healing, leading to increased degeneration in adjacent segments of the spine.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that most episodes of back pain recover, even after several months. However, those who experience persistent pain have moderate-to-high levels of disability, highlighting the need for new treatment approaches.
Researchers are developing new materials to treat spinal injury, repair, and recovery. A team led by Pitt Engineer Amir Alavi is testing the first
A NSF-funded project, MABLE, is developing a digital app using crowdsensing, AI, and robotics to empower individuals with responsive maps and turn-by-turn instructions. The app aims to improve accessibility and navigation for persons with visual or mobility impairments, such as those with low vision and wheelchair users.
A new open-source software, NMSM Pipeline, enables clinicians and engineers to create personalized computer models of patient movement to optimize treatment designs. The software uses physics-based models to predict and optimize functional outcomes for patients with various mobility impairments.
A world-first trial by the University of Sydney found that opioids do not alleviate acute back and neck pain, but may cause harm. The researchers recommend updating treatment guidelines to advise against opioid use for this purpose.
The Kessler Foundation will evaluate the long-term effects of a myoelectric orthosis on improving hand/wrist/elbow capability in individuals with spinal cord injuries. The goal is to increase muscle strength, joint range of motion, and daily task ability.
A new study by Vanderbilt University has developed Exo-LiFFT, an interactive calculator that helps companies reduce injury risk from work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The tool projects a 20-60% reduction in workplace back injuries for material handling tasks.
A new study published in Applied Ergonomics found that the cognitive demands of wearing a low-back exoskeleton can hinder its mechanical advantages, offsetting benefits in reducing spine loading. The researchers used ambulatory brain imaging and connectivity analysis to demonstrate how increased cognitive response to tasks can cancel o...
A Loyola Medicine sports medicine physician warns that even perfectly executed dives can lead to injuries, with a focus on back, shoulder, and elbow injuries. The athlete's intense training schedule, including frequent dry-land exercises, also contributes to the risk of injury.
A recent study by researchers at Ohio State University found that people often exceed recommended limits when pushing wheelchairs, which can lead to back injuries. The study also revealed that turning a wheelchair is harder on the back than pushing in a straight line.
Three common conditions affecting varsity and professional athletes include symptomatic lumbar disk degeneration, lumbar disk herniation, and spondylolysis. Nonsurgical therapy is recommended as the first-line treatment for lower back conditions in elite athletes, with successful recovery rates reported.
A randomized controlled trial enrolls 350 firefighters from Tampa Bay's three largest fire departments to assess the effectiveness of a worksite exercise regimen. The study aims to reduce low back injury and disability, improving health and preparedness for firefighters.
Civilians injured by law enforcement officers have longer hospital stays and more injuries compared to those who were treated for altercations with other civilians. These findings are based on 10 years of Illinois hospitalization data.
Researchers accelerate wound healing using electrical pulses, significantly reducing recovery time. The technology has potential to be applied to various situations where faster healing is desired.
A study presented by Loyola University Medical Center sports medicine physician Neeru Jayanthi found that lower back injuries are the third most common injury suffered by young athletes under age 18. The study included over 1,200 athletes who suffered 843 injuries, with serious cases putting them at risk for long-term back problems.
New research from Northwestern University predicts chronic back pain after lower back injuries based on abnormalities in brain structure connections. The study found that specific irregularities in the axons of the brain's white matter can trigger chronic pain with high accuracy, offering new hope for early treatment and prevention.
Researchers from the University of Bristol found that a flash of calcium is the initial trigger in the body's response to healing. This calcium signal activates an enzyme that synthesizes hydrogen peroxide, attracting white blood cells to the wound and initiating the inflammatory response.
The US Department of Defense has awarded the University of South Florida $1.59 million to conduct two major studies on preventing low back injury and improving prosthetics for wounded warriors. The studies will test high-intensity exercise training programs and prosthetic foot technologies in military populations.
A new study finds that workers who receive settlements for painful on-the-job back injuries experience worsening financial and domestic problems over time. Younger workers and those with lower incomes are particularly affected, with significant increases in financial difficulties and legal actions.
Researchers analyzed golf swings of 10 professionals and 5 amateurs, finding consistent rotational-biomechanic elements among pros. Key findings include highly consistent peak X-factor and free moment, essential to power generation in professional golfers.
A study by the University of Michigan found that teriparatide, a drug marketed for osteoporosis, can also heal bone wounds in gum disease patients. The treatment showed a 29% improvement in bone-level measurements on x-rays, compared to a 3% improvement in the placebo group.
A new study found that Major League pitchers are 34% more likely to be injured than fielders, with most injuries occurring before the All-Star break. The study analyzed data from 2002-2008 and found that pitchers suffered from a higher proportion of upper extremity injuries.
Researchers have reconstructed the chronology of Oetzi's injuries, finding evidence of a short-lived arrow wound and a blow to the back before his death. The study suggests that Oetzi endured at least two injuring events, which could indicate two separate attacks.
A new study reveals that approximately 10% of EMTs and paramedics in the US miss work because of job-related injuries and illnesses. The study found that responding to high call volumes, working in urban areas, and having a history of back problems increase the risk of injury.
Researchers at Cornell University found that vibrating mice can signal users to take breaks, but may not change behavior. Ergonomic products like undulating chairs and movable arms for monitors show promise in reducing workplace injuries and improving comfort.
A new study from Ohio State University found that workers who lift for a living need to take longer or more frequent breaks than they now do to avoid back injury. Taking regular breaks helps muscles recover and reduces the risk of fatigue-related back injuries.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that stress and hostility can significantly slow the healing process, taking up to two days longer for wounds to heal. Cytokine levels also increased in highly stressed couples, leading to chronic inflammation and age-related illnesses.
A joint study by University of Alberta and Napier University of Scotland found bartending has the highest potential for injury in pubs, with workers at risk of back pain and shoulder strain. The study recommends changes such as reducing bar height, installing slip-free floors, and using dollys to move heavy loads to prevent injuries.
A UK study found that football players are most at risk of injury, with over half sustaining an injury between 1990 and 2000. Elite young athletes competing at international levels had the highest rate of injuries, highlighting the need for proper training and prevention measures.
Research found African-Americans had lower medical care expenditures, excused time from work, and smaller financial settlements than Caucasians. Differences were also seen with socioeconomic status, with those of lower education and income receiving less.
A study of 45 male identical twin pairs found no difference in disc degeneration between occupational drivers and their non-driving twin brothers. The researchers suggest shifting attention from degenerative changes to other explanations for the link between driving and back problems.
Researchers found that people with back injuries use many unnecessary muscles to compensate for hurt areas, increasing twisting and compressive forces on the spine. A new rehabilitation strategy that emphasizes learning to use back muscles naturally could reduce the likelihood of repeat injuries.
A study at Ohio State University linked job stress to back pain in introverted individuals and those who dislike repetitive tasks. The researchers tested how students reacted to critical supervision while lifting boxes, finding that stressed individuals used their muscles differently, leading to increased spinal forces.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that lifting patients by caregivers in hospitals and nursing homes poses a high risk of back injury, with even two-person lifts similar to high-risk jobs. Mechanical devices, such as those suspending patients by straps from mechanical arms, may be necessary to mitigate the risk.