Michael Dam, D.C.

Degenerative disk disease (DDD) is a condition where the intervertebral disks gradually break down leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced flexibility in the spine. While DDD is influenced by factors such as aging, mechanical stress, obesity, inflammation, trauma, and genetics, the exact mechanism that triggers the condition is not well understood. In recent years, scientists [..]

Ideally, the head should rest on the neck with the external auditory meatus (ear opening) aligning with the acromion process (bony end of the shoulder) when viewed from the side. When we have good neck posture, it’s hard to believe the head weighs the same as a recreational bowling ball. Unfortunately, most people don’t have [..]

A quick browsing of the internet using the search “What is a Scientific Theory” will quickly find responses such as these: A scientific theory is a principle formed to explain things that have already been shown in data. A scientific theory often uses well-substantiated observations, principles, or facts. Scientific theories are reasonable expectations based on [..]

Patients frequently seek chiropractic care for hip-related conditions—such as femoroacetabular impingement, developmental dysplasia of the hip, labral tears, and cartilage injuries—often in hopes of preventing or delaying surgery. Fortunately, treatment guidelines for these and many musculoskeletal conditions typically recommend non-surgical approaches as the first line of treatment. But which manual therapies provided by chiropractors are [..]

Whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) refer to a range of symptoms—including neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and reduced mobility—that arise from a hyperextension-flexion injury of the cervical spine. This commonly occurs due to sudden acceleration and deceleration forces, most often seen in motor vehicle collisions. Research suggests that up to 50% of the 3 million Americans who [..]

By 2050, the population of adults over age 65 in the United States is expected to grow by more than 40%, reaching over 83.7 million and making up nearly a quarter of the American population. From a societal standpoint, helping older adults stay healthy and independent is crucial not only for maintaining their quality of [..]

While carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a very common condition, controversy still exists among researchers and healthcare professionals regarding best practices for managing the condition. Most studies on musculoskeletal disorders, including CTS, focus on identifying treatments that provide symptom relief rather than exploring the factors influencing patients’ decisions, particularly when choosing between surgical and non-surgical [..]

It’s estimated that 20-40% of older adults suffer from chronic low back pain. While low back pain can occur at any age, it is particularly challenging for the elderly, as it often interferes with daily activities, sleep, and exercise. Left unaddressed, chronic low back pain can increase the risk of depression, irritability, social isolation, and [..]

Chronic neck pain is defined as pain persisting for longer than three months in the area between the base of the skull (occiput) and the upper thoracic region, specifically up to the T3 level of the thoracic spine. For many patients, chronic neck pain arises from the accumulation of microtraumas to the tissues in the [..]

When viewing the spinal column from the front or back, ideally it appears straight. When viewing the spinal column from the side, it has 3 curves: the cervical lordosis, the thoracic kyphosis, and the lumbar lordosis. The curves of the spinal column dictate that some of the vertebral bodies will sit on an inclined plane [..]

The sudden acceleration and deceleration of the head and neck during a whiplash event is most commonly associated with mechanical injury to the soft tissues that support the cervical spine, leading to symptoms like neck pain. Over time, researchers have identified additional whiplash-related symptoms such as dizziness, stress reactivity, heart rate variability issues, visual disturbances, [..]

Shoulder pain is a common complaint that drives patients to a doctor’s office, including  chiropractic clinics. It’s estimated that about one-third of the population will experience shoulder pain at some point, with subacromial pain syndrome accounting for approximately two-thirds of these cases. Subacromial pain syndrome arises from issues in the subacromial space, located between the [..]