Essential fatty acids for premenstrual syndrome

SOURCE: NHI OnDemand

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the journal Reproductive Health evaluated the effectiveness and safety of a supplement containing essential fatty acids and vitamins for the treatment of PMS and to assess effectiveness on prolactin and total cholesterol levels.

The researchers recruited 120 women with PMS and were divided into 3 groups that received either 1 or 2 grams of the supplement or placebo for six months using the Prospective Record of the Impact and Severity of Menstruation (PRISM) calendar. The actual dosage per one-gram serving included 210 mg of gamma linolenic acid, 175 mg of oleic acid, 345 mg of linoleic acid, 250 mg of other polyunsaturated acids, and 20 mg of vitamin E.

The results were the group treated with 2 grams of supplement experienced the most significant reduction in the PRISM score the next significant reduction was in the group taking 1 gram of supplement. The placebo group experienced the least reduction in PRISM score. There were no statistically significant differences in prolactin or total cholesterol levels after six months of treatment.

In conclusion the authors stated “The difference between the groups using the supplements and the placebo group with respect to the improvement in symptomatology appears to indicate the effectiveness of the supplement mixture. Improvement in symptoms was higher when the 2-gram dose was used. This medication was not associated with any changes in prolactin or total cholesterol levels in these women.” (2)

REFERENCES:

1. Essential fatty acids for premenstrual syndrome and their effect on prolactin and total cholesterol levels: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study.
Reproductive Health 2011 (Jan 17); 8 (1): 2 ~ FULL TEXT
2. Chiro.org

A Hospital-Based Standardized Spine Care Pathway: Report of a Multidisciplinary, Evidence-Based Process

A Hospital-Based Standardized Spine Care Pathway: Report of a Multidisciplinary, Evidence-Based Process

Ian Paskowski, DCaCorresponding Author Informationemail address, Michael Schneider, DC, PhDb, Joel Stevans, DCc, John M. Ventura, DCd, Brian D. Justice, DCe

Received 6 April 2010; received in revised form 15 September 2010
Abstract
Objective

A health care facility (Jordan Hospital) implemented a multidimensional spine care pathway (SCP) using the National Center for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Back Pain Recognition Program (BPRP) as its foundation. The purpose of this report is to describe the implementation and results of a multidisciplinary, evidence-based, standardized process to improve clinical outcomes and reduce costs associated with treatment and diagnostic testing.
Methods

A standardized SCP was developed to improve the quality of back pain care. The NCQA BPRP provided the framework for the SCP to determine the standard of quality care delivered. Patients were triaged, and suitable patients were categorized into 1 of 5 classifications based upon history and examination, directional exercise flexion or “extension biases,” spinal manipulation, traction, or spinal stabilization exercises.
Results

The findings for 518 consecutive patients were included. One hundred sixteen patients were seen once and triaged to specialty care; 7% of patients received magnetic resonance imagings. Four hundred thirty-two patients (83%) were classified and treated by doctors of chiropractic and/or physical therapists. Results for the patients treated by doctors of chiropractic were mean of 5.2 visits, mean cost per case of $302, mean intake pain rating score of 6.2 of 10, and mean discharge score of 1.9 of 10; 95% of patients rated their care as “excellent.”
Conclusions

By adopting the NCQA BPRP as an SCP, training physicians in this SCP, and using a back pain classification, Jordan Hospital Spine Care demonstrated the quality and value of care rendered to a population of patients. This was accomplished with a relatively low cost and with high patient satisfaction.
Key Indexing Terms: Low Back Pain, Health Care Quality Assurance, Chiropractic, Physical Therapy

American Chiropractic Association and Laz-z-boy have teamed up

The American Chiropractic Association and La-z Boy furniture have become business partners. According to an article on multiple sources La-Z boy will be introducing a marketing campaign that the ACA will endorse. La-Z Boy offers recliners with customizable options to help give needed comfort to back pain sufferers. Doug Collier, chief marketing officer for La-Z-Boy stated “We are proud to have the endorsement of the American Chiropractic Association, which represents the highest standard of quality in chiropractic care.”

http://www.la-z-boy.com/

http://www.acatoday.org/

Management of Neck Pain in Royal Australian Air Force Fast Jet Aircrew

Published in the January 2011 Military Medicine Journal.

In this study, therapists at the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences in Victoria, Australia designed an 18-question survey to determine type and effectiveness of various strategies used by Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) fast jet (FJ) aircrew in self-referral and management of flight-related neck pain.

They provided this questionnaire to 86 eligible RAAF aircrew to determine aircrew demographics, their incidence of flight-related neck pain, and their self-referral strategies to manage these neck injuries. The results are quite dramatic:
1. Ninety-five percent of the respondents experienced flight-related neck pain.
2. The most commonly sought treatment modalities were on-base medical and physiotherapy services.
3. Many respondents reported using on-base treatment and ancillary services such as chiropractic care.


This same group reported that chiropractic care was the most effective in alleviating their symptoms.


1. Congress Moves to Expand Chiropractic Services to Veterans and Military Beneficiaries
Chiro.Org Blog ~ February 4th, 2011
http://www.chiro.org/wordpress/?p=4491

2. Management of Neck Pain in Royal Australian Air Force Fast Jet Aircrew
Military Medicine 2011 (Jan); 176 (1): 106–109
http://www.chiro.org/research/ABSTRACTS/Management_of_Neck_Pain_in_Royal.shtml

Welcome

It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you bounce back after the game. Dr. Susan Mackey does more than focus on where you hurt. Her specialty is finding out why you hurt and applying hands-on effective care that will get to the root of the problem.
Let Dr. Susan Mackey help you get back into the game this year.

Call For Your Appointment Today!

(631) 689-0049