Original Articles Published at ChiroACCESS
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Taking bilateral blood pressure readings is an important part of the routine chiropractic examination could give an indication of several potentially serious conditions.
ChiroACCESS |
May 4, 2012
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
The latest research suggests an increase in the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in both children and adults.
ChiroACCESS |
April 12, 2012
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 33-year-old male reports with chronic low back pain on and off for many years. The patient has been treated by a number of chiropractors and courses of physical therapy with “mixed” results. No history of recent trauma was reported.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
April 10, 2012
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Anthony L. Rosner, Ph.D., LL.D.[Hon.], LLC
Having recently barely avoided an economic meltdown—a repeat of the Great Depression—it’s worth reflecting upon the research accomplishments and directives in both mainstream and alternative medicine...
International College of Applied Kinesiology |
April 4, 2012
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is on track to become the third leading cause of death by 2020. For those millions that have already developed COPD, chiropractors have several opportunities to assist in preventing and controlling the symptoms related to this disease.
ChiroACCESS |
April 3, 2012
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
The current scientific evidence does not support the medical necessity for the surgical intervention of idiopathic juvenile scoliosis, yet these procedures continue to be performed and often reimbursed by the insurance industry.
ChiroACCESS |
March 29, 2012
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Coffee has been characterized as the “leading worldwide beverage” and it is estimated that 1.4 billion cups are consumed daily. With many of the concerns about the adverse effects of coffee having been laid to rest with past research, the picture we currently have regarding caffeinated coffee consumption and health is much clearer. Overall there is good news for coffee drinkers.
ChiroACCESS |
March 22, 2012
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 26-year-old female reports chronic low back and hip pain of two months duration. No recent trauma was reported. The patient’s past medical history was not provided at time of formal reading.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
March 21, 2012
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Anthony L. Rosner, Ph.D., LL.D.[Hon.], LLC
It was no less a personage than Thomas Edison who once opined, “Great ideas originate in the muscles.” Roll the tape forward some 75 years, and one starts to observe an interesting parallel in functional medicine.
No Affiliation |
March 9, 2012
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
As U.S. public continues to set new levels for sedentary lifestyle and obesity, we have the strongest evidence in human history of the critical role of exercise in supporting human health.
ChiroACCESS |
February 21, 2012
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Coconut oil, once thought to be harmful due to elevating cholesterol levels, actually has numerous positive influences on human health.
ChiroACCESS |
February 3, 2012
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 26-year-old male reports SP inversion strain/sprain. The patient is unable to bear weight. Orthopedic evaluation was limited due to pain.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
January 24, 2012
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
While its use is in decline, many chiropractic practices still commonly use Therapeutic Ultrasound in the treatment of patients. Recently, there has been an increase in interest by the research community in evaluating ultrasound.
ChiroACCESS |
January 19, 2012
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
For the first time, lumbar spine osteophyte formation has been linked to levels of carotenoids and vitamin E.
ChiroACCESS |
January 12, 2012
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Anthony L. Rosner, Ph.D., LL.D.[Hon.], LLC
The placebo treatment itself is traditionally defined as inert, assuming that it contains no active components. This inertness remains as long as the patient is totally blinded from what is being given, or whether something has been given at all. But if patient affect should come into play, all bets are off.
No Affiliation |
January 3, 2012
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 36-year-old female reports with neck pain and headaches which have progressively increased for the last month. No history of trauma has been reported. Physical exam findings were not provided at time of formal image reading.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
December 29, 2011
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
There is controversy over the origins of the tradition of kissing under mistletoe at Christmas and similar controversies extend to the use of mistletoe to promote human health. A review of research published the past two years has added a great deal to an understanding of the science related to the therapeutic effects of mistletoe lectins and other plant derivatives.
ChiroACCESS |
December 27, 2011
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
With each passing year, research provides evidence that many natural foods make profound but previously unknown contributions to prevention, treatment and promoting human health. Although the blueberry is small it has the potential to provide huge health benefits. The basic science and clinical science published this year underscores their importance.
ChiroACCESS |
December 14, 2011
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Dwain M. Daniel, D.C.
Two of the most common marketing strategies include “targeting your market” and “separating yourself from the crowd”. This is the first in a series of two articles and will discuss “targeting your market”.
ChiroACCESS |
December 8, 2011
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 41-year-old male reports chronic low back pain on-and-off for the last four months. No history of trauma was reported. Physical exam was essentially unremarkable.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
December 7, 2011
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Diagnosis is a challenging art with often very little scientific evidence to support the process. This appears especially true for the diagnosis of neuromusculoskeletal conditions like low back pain.
ChiroACCESS |
December 5, 2011
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Anthony L. Rosner, Ph.D., LL.D.[Hon.], LLC
There is an anonymous quote which reads, “An archer cannot hit the bullseye if he doesn’t know where the target is.” In the case of some of chiropractic’s detractors, that seems to have been the case when it comes to vertebral arteries.
No Affiliation |
November 10, 2011
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Numerous studies have investigated the possible role of vitamin E in cancer prevention. Early studies cast a favorable light on preventing prostate as well as other forms of cancer. However, the most recent report provided in the October 2011 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association provides unexpected and somewhat astounding findings.
ChiroACCESS |
November 2, 2011
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 58-year-old female reports S/P slip fall on extended hand. Orthopedic exam was limited due to pain and swelling. The patient was splinted and given specific icing instructions. The patient returned two days later for follow-up evaluation. There was little or no diminution of pain or swelling in the interval. At this time, images of the left wrist were taken.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
October 14, 2011
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Dwain M. Daniel, D.C.
Prior to the year 2000 only 180 articles on resveratrol had been indexed in PubMed. Since 2000 an additional 4080+ articles have been indexed. Why the major surge in interest? It could be because preliminary evidence suggests resveratrol may be an effective intervention in the prevention or treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, back pain and the aging process.
ChiroACCESS |
October 13, 2011
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Dust bunnies have some positive attributes as low maintenance pets. There is no need to walk them, no feeding and no vet bills. Unfortunately they do pose a very serious health risk.
ChiroACCESS |
October 11, 2011
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Dwain M. Daniel, D.C.
I have reviewed many topics for ChiroAccess over the past few years and one of the most consistent findings is the lack of prevention studies for most non-life threatening conditions. Migraine headache is an exception.
ChiroACCESS |
October 3, 2011
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Anthony L. Rosner, Ph.D., LL.D.[Hon.], LLC
A recent publication in the Journal of Neurosurgery adds to the debate over the advisability of performing cervical manipulations, in that the procedure is reported to have led to the appearance and description of 13 cases of craniocervical artery dissections.
No Affiliation |
September 30, 2011
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
An 82-year-old male reports with severe lumbar pelvic pain beginning one week prior after falling. Walking is very painful. The patient’s medical history was not provided at the time of formal reading.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
September 29, 2011
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Dwain M. Daniel, D.C.
There is an almost certain eventuality that on several occasions during your practice career a patient with an undiagnosed life threatening condition will present in your office. To better prepare you for these events ChiroACCESS will be publishing a short series of papers on myocardial infarction, deep vein thrombosis, stroke, abdominal aortic aneurysm and subdural hematoma.
ChiroACCESS |
September 28, 2011
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
There is growing concern for research fraud, carelessness and error in biomedical publications. The pressures for academic advancement, marketing objectives, publish or perish policies, and greed all play a role in the escalation of ethics violations.
ChiroACCESS |
September 26, 2011
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Anthony L. Rosner, Ph.D., LL.D.[Hon.], LLC
With all due respect to Robert Pirsig’s classic tome of the 1970s, the book title couldn’t be more appropriately applied to both the state and lack of recognition of chiropractic healthcare.
No Affiliation |
September 23, 2011
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 77-year-old female reports pain and swelling of the right knee. The patient can not bear weight on the right knee. No history of recent trauma was reported. Physical exam was limited due to pain.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
September 21, 2011
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Dwain M. Daniel, D.C.
Comfrey root has been used for centuries in the treatment of wounds and sprains and strains. Yet, in spite of common usage, Medline did not index a clinical trial relating to comfrey until 2002.
ChiroACCESS |
September 19, 2011
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Obesity has long been associated with many pathological processes including low back pain, diabetes, and cancer. During the first half of 2011 we have seen a number of studies that provide a better understanding of obesity as a risk factor and comorbidity to low back pain, sciatica and other musculoskeletal conditions.
ChiroACCESS |
September 8, 2011
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
This past year a substantial number of peer reviewed publications addressing whiplash associated disorders (WAD) have appeared in the scientific literature. These manuscripts examine a broad spectrum of topics including neurologic sequela, psychological issues, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, prognosis and compensation.
ChiroACCESS |
September 1, 2011
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 57-year-old male reports low back pain of one month duration. The patient has not responded to a three week course of chiropractic care. The attending wishes to have a second opinion.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
August 23, 2011
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Anthony L. Rosner, Ph.D., LL.D.[Hon.], LLC
All too long there has been hand-wringing over the fact that a minimum of 116M Americans experience chronic pain every year with a national cost ranging between $560B and $635B. This turns out to be a conservative estimate because children and military personnel have not been included.
No Affiliation |
August 18, 2011
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Every practicing chiropractor has had the experience of helping patients who suffered from failed back surgery. Treating these patients, although common, is only sparsely documented in the scientific literature. Two recent papers have made a significant contribution to this needed area of research.
ChiroACCESS |
August 11, 2011
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
The meta-analysis in the first abstract below coupled with additional research that was not available at the time the analysis was completed provide strong support for the risks associated with television use in the U.S. and other societies. The risks associated with watching television include obesity, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.
ChiroACCESS |
July 22, 2011
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 53-year-old female reports severe low back pain and left hip pain. The patient has great difficulty walking. Orthopedic evaluation was limited due to severe pain.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
July 19, 2011
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
In conducting literature searches for studies completed in the last couple of years supporting chiropractic care for scoliosis, the only published works found were a few case reports. Based upon these very limited studies along with antidotal comments by those that focus their practices on scoliosis, it is regrettable that the profession has not been able to conduct more research in this area.
ChiroACCESS |
July 13, 2011
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Charles L. Blum, DC
S.O.T. or Sacro Occipital Technique was discovered and developed by Major Bertrand DeJarnette.
SOTO-USA |
July 13, 2011
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
It might sound strange but multiple studies now document the morphologic changes in the brain as a result of chronic pain. The brain gets smaller! The morphological changes involve a decrease in cortical grey matter and white matter volume.
ChiroACCESS |
July 6, 2011
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
There are many known adverse effects associated with NSAID use and each year research identifies new dangers. One such paper appeared recently (May 2011) and introduced evidence of an additional serious risk from NSAID use. This risk is associated with hypertension and coronary artery disease.
ChiroACCESS |
June 29, 2011
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 68-year-old female reports with low back pain of one week duration. No recent trauma was reported. The patient’s past medical history was not provided at the time of formal image interpretation.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
June 27, 2011
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
A couple of new studies have appeared in the peer reviewed literature since our review of animals and chiropractic in early 2010. The fist is related to the use of chiropractic to improve the performance of race horses in New Zealand. The second paper is a review that suggests a potential benefit from many forms of manual procedures but notes that there is little supporting research.
ChiroACCESS |
June 24, 2011
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Anthony L. Rosner, Ph.D., LL.D.[Hon.], LLC
Just as Odysseus was forced to pussyfoot his way between Scylla and Charybdis while passing through the Strait of Messina, clinical researchers have had to face their own horns of the storied dilemma by either capturing the Full Monty of healthcare interventions or reducing one or more aspects of their clinical experience to a form of measurement that is entirely objective and impartial.
No Affiliation |
June 22, 2011
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
About 12% of women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer at some point in their life and experts project that about 40,000 women will die in 2011 from breast cancer. There is a strong association between some vitamins and the ability to prevent breast cancer. In addition to prevention, there is also a strong association between nutrition and vitamin intake and the survival rates for those with cancer.
No Affiliation |
June 20, 2011
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 67-year-old male reports with chronic back pain. The patient’s past medical history was not provided at the time of formal reading.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
June 16, 2011
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
A 2011 study estimated the cost of medical errors resulting in harm to U.S. patients to be over 17 billion dollars in 2008. This does not include the cost of errors that did not result in harm to patients.
ChiroACCESS |
June 14, 2011
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Headache is one of the most common conditions seen in chiropractic offices. Over the last decade headache represented 13% of chiropractic patient’s presenting complaints. A new Dutch study of chronic tension type headache (CTTH) compared treatment from medical providers in general practice (GP) to chiropractic. That study concluded that “Manual therapy is more effective than usual GP care in the short- and longer term in reducing symptoms of CTTH.”
ChiroACCESS |
June 9, 2011
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Acute or sub-acute low back pain patients have been the target of the preponderance of past randomized clinical trials of spinal manipulation. Fewer studies have used chronic pain patients. A study published on May 27, 2011 from Northwestern Health Science University randomly assigned 301 chronic low back pain patients to one of three treatment arms consisting of spinal manipulation, home exercise, or supervised exercise. The study found that there was no significant difference in the three groups with respect to pain and several other outcomes. Patients that received the supervised trunk exercises “were most satisfied with care and experienced the greatest gains in trunk muscle endurance and strength”. For a chiropractor who is not engaged in research there would be many questions about this study.
ChiroACCESS |
June 7, 2011
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 63-year-old female reports with moderate to severe low back pain. The patient’s past medical history and physical exam findings were not provided at the time of reading.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
May 25, 2011
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
There have been a dozen or so studies demonstrating the use of comic books as an effective vehicle to educate both adults and children. Comic books have been used for education related to HIV, condom use, diet, pesticides, cancer and other topics. Comic book material has been in use by the chiropractic profession for decades, but there appears that there are no peer reviewed studies related to them.
ChiroACCESS |
May 24, 2011
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Anthony L. Rosner, Ph.D., LL.D.[Hon.], LLC
With the advent of new research paradigms such as comparative effectiveness research and the appearance of such welcome studies addressing the preventive aspects of spinal manipulation, I can’t help but think of a classic parallel from the movies.
ChiroACCESS |
May 12, 2011
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 37-year-old female reports with chronic neck pain. No history of trauma was reported. The patent’s past medical history was not provided.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
April 27, 2011
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Through mutation and horizontal gene transfer harmful bacteria once controlled through antibiotics are now virtually uncontrollable. Years of excessive and indiscriminate use of antibiotics have contributed significantly to fostering the problem. Existing antibiotics are now ineffective. “The absence of new antibiotics has led to a growing reliance on older, more toxic drugs such as colistin, but resistance to these is already arising." French and Chinese researchers both herald this as the "end of the antibiotic era". The excessive use of antibiotics has been discussed and criticized in both medical and chiropractic professional literature for over half a century with little effect.
ChiroACCESS |
April 27, 2011
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Two research studies generated by the medical profession this year add evidence in support of the value of chiropractic maintenance care.
ChiroACCESS |
April 19, 2011
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Subsequent to the development of the gate theory of pain by Melzack and Wall in 1965 followed a new and more positive perspective on the potential value of electrotherapy. There are many devices in use today and the more common include interferential, diathermy, ultrasound, laser, and magnetic therapy. The Job Analysis of Chiropractic suggests that 77% of the chiropractic profession uses electrical stimulation in their patient care. Knowledge of the research supporting the effectiveness of these interventions becomes extremely important in order to deliver the best patient care.
ChiroACCESS |
April 13, 2011
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 28-year-old male reports recently falling and hitting head and neck area. Neck pain has progressed. No radiculopathy was reported. Physical examination was unremarkable.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
April 12, 2011
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Until 2006 there was virtually no mention of table sanitation in chiropractic literature. That has dramatically changed in the last five years. While many doctors, both in private practice and in college clinics, used good sanitation measures other did not. There are several studies that have cultured microbes from chiropractic colleges and identified a variety of pathogens including methicillin-resistant Staph aureus.
ChiroACCESS |
April 5, 2011
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Research from the last year continues to link smoking with numerous types of musculoskeletal pathologies that are commonly seen in chiropractic practice. These studies punctuate the high association between smoking and low back pain especially with individuals that begin smoking in their teens.
ChiroACCESS |
March 31, 2011
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
There is a concerted effort by advocates and medical “experts” to close Melbourne’s RMIT University children’s clinic.
ChiroACCESS |
March 30, 2011
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
The subject of vaccination continues to be a controversial subject for the chiropractic profession. We know that all vaccinations are not alike and the health risks associated with the many types of vaccines vary considerably just as the risk associated with different chiropractic procedures vary. In addition, the potential adverse effects from many vaccinations are not as great as in past decades.
ChiroACCESS |
March 9, 2011
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 39-year-old male reports with progressive headaches and neck pain over the last two months. No history of recent trauma was reported. Physical exam findings were not provided at the time of reading.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
March 8, 2011
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Just as puzzles are completed piece by piece, the evidence for the positive effects of chiropractic care for migraines is slowly filling in and revealing a clearer picture. That picture depicts a more meaningful role for chiropractic care in both the prevention and treatment of migraine headache.
ChiroACCESS |
February 16, 2011
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![Technique Summary: Applied Kinesiology [Updated for 2011]](Images/ArticleItems/LeadImage/AK.jpg "Technique Summary: Applied Kinesiology [Updated for 2011]")
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Anthony L. Rosner, Ph.D., LL.D.[Hon.], LLC
Scott C. Cuthbert, BA, BCAO, DC
Applied Kinesiology (AK) provides an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to health care. George J. Goodheart, D.C., originated AK in 1964. Dr. Goodheart found a technique that could immediately make a muscle that tested weak strong. The technique did not correct all muscles that tested weak but from this initial experience, testing muscles in a precise manner became routine in his examination protocol. The investigation of other causes of muscle weakness and their correction developed into what is currently the practice of AK.
ChiroACCESS |
February 11, 2011
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Health risks associated with cell phones and other radiofrequency electromagnetic fields are not as debated as was the case a few years ago. Each year the adverse effects associated with cell phone use becomes clearer. There are over 4.6 billion cell phones in use today and that number is rapidly growing. Much of the increase finds cell phones in the hands of the children and adolescents who, because their nervous systems are not fully developed, are most vulnerable to brain tumors.
ChiroACCESS |
January 25, 2011
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Cheryl Hawk, DC, PhD, CHES
The Integrated Chiropractic Outcomes Network (ICON) is a new PBRN just initiating its first project. ICON is an interinstitutional collaboration combining the expertise of experienced investigators who have conducted a number of practice-based research studies in other venues. ICON is intended to be an “engine” that can drive projects that require a real-world ambulatory care setting in order to answer a specific research question. ICON’s mission is to conduct collaborative research through a partnership between researchers and practitioners with the ultimate goal of enhancing the health of the public and contributing to the scientific evidence base related to health promotion and disease prevention.
ChiroACCESS |
January 21, 2011
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 39-year-old female reports low back pain after shoveling snow. The patient’s past medical history was not provided. Physical examination was unremarkable.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
January 18, 2011
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Total body vibration has been demonstrated through a large body of scientific evidence to have both positive and negative effects on human health. The positive or negative effects depend upon the nature of the vibration; its type, duration and other characteristics. The early research regarding vibration was focused on the negative effects particularly in relation to adverse effects to the intervertebral disc and as a risk factor in low back pain. However in the 1990s researchers began to investigate the effects lower frequency (e.g. 1-50 Hz) total body vibration in both human and animal studies and found profound positive effects.
ChiroACCESS |
January 12, 2011
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Anthony L. Rosner, Ph.D., LL.D.[Hon.], LLC
History shows us that the research process can be both exhilarating and humbling: Exhilarating in that such breakthrough discoveries as radiation, vulcanization, or penicillin have changed the course of history and reaped countless benefits to mankind; humbling in that a trivial or imperfectly crafted question can sometimes deliver a result that more closely resembles a dope slap than a knockout blow.
ChiroACCESS |
January 4, 2011
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 42-year-old female presents with mid back pain after falling on stairs one week prior. Pain has increased after each chiropractic adjustment. Images were taken and sent for formal interpretation.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
December 28, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Economic cost effectiveness studies are crucial to all health professions and perhaps even more important to the chiropractic profession. In terms of financial cost and for specific conditions there have been several recent studies that support chiropractic treatment. In an article published this month (Dec. 2010) a comparison was made in a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee claims analysis for "common" back pain between medical and chiropractic care.
ChiroACCESS |
December 28, 2010
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Anthony L. Rosner, Ph.D., LL.D.[Hon.], LLC
Back in 1935, the giant chemical manufacturer DuPont proclaimed a new era of discovery and product development with the slogan, “Better Things for Better Living…Through Chemistry.” Shortly afterward, to avoid copyright infringement, the slogan “Better Living Through Chemistry” became so widespread that it quickly overwhelmed its predecessor. It even found its way into the renowned psychedelic poster that burst upon the scene at the zenith of the American psychedelic culture emerging from the Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco in 1967, featuring a group of tripping denizens after they had dropped a sugar cube of acid. More recently, the phrase has been embraced by such rock groups as Queens of the Stone Age, Ademan, and Fear of Music. A second stream of this narrative has to do with the Holy Grail, the famed cauldron endowed with special powers and the quest of which became a key narrative element in the Arthurian cycle relating events in British history in the 5th and 6th century.
ChiroACCESS |
December 8, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
The 2010 Job Analysis of Chiropractic, produced by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, found that 38% of chiropractic assistants perform massage for chiropractic patients. Nearly 70% of chiropractors also perform some form of massage therapy according to the survey. Most of the research related to the effects of massage during the last decade has centered primarily on both cancer patients and those with compromised immune systems due to AIDS. Although the rigor varies and the proverbial caveat is ever present “more rigorous research is still needed” there has emerged a fairly clear and consistent picture that massage bolsters the immune system.
ChiroACCESS |
December 2, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Thanksgiving is a time of gathering, sharing and joy. It is also a time when some health risks may present themselves.
ChiroACCESS |
November 23, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Upper respiratory infectious are the most common condition in the world and for decades over the counter (OTC) medications have been produced and sold for the relief of the associated symptoms. Because these medications are OTC the FDA has not exercised strict control although in 2007 the FDA did recommend that they not be used for children under six. When we look at the evidence a consistent message emerges relative to the effectiveness of OTC medications for adult and children’s coughs. That message is that they are not effective and could potentially cause harm. There are, however, other more natural approaches that appear to be somewhat effective in relieving the associated symptoms of upper respiratory infections.
ChiroACCESS |
November 17, 2010
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 41-year-old male presents with chronic low back and hip pain of two months duration. No history of recent trauma was reported. Neurological and orthopedic evaluations were unremarkable.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
November 16, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Most recognize the adverse effects of carbonated and non-carbonated sweetened drinks but few recognize the extent to which these beverages contribute to ill health and early death. Many are also not aware of the risks associated with consuming artificially sweetened drinks. Let’s review what the recent evidence suggests.
ChiroACCESS |
November 9, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Primary prevention of cancers is a serious challenge but there are numerous studies that provide a reason for optimism. Although factors outside our control like genetics can play a role as a breast cancer risk, women as well as men can actively engage in behaviors that have been demonstrated to be extremely important in preventing breast and other cancers.
ChiroACCESS |
November 8, 2010
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 35-year-old male reports mild low back pain and stiffness. No history of trauma was reported. Physical examination was essentially unremarkable.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
November 4, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
The October 2010 issue of The Spine Journal includes a new review of the scientific evidence supporting spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) for low back pain. The results were quite favorable and reflect a growing body of evidence supporting SMT over medications and other conservative options. SMT research demonstrates “equivalent or superior improvement in pain and function when compared with other commonly used interventions, such as physical modalities, medication, education, or exercise, for short, intermediate, and long-term follow-up.” The authors conclude by recommending that other health care providers consider SMT as a viable option if self care or education fails to provide pain relief.
ChiroACCESS |
October 27, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
One of the arguments used by critics of chiropractic is that the positive outcomes reported for infantile colic are a result of the natural course of a self limiting condition. As the infant ages at a point the crying decreases and ultimately resolves. A September 2010 Danish retrospective study of 276 infants with infantile colic provides evidence that the reduction of crying under chiropractic care is not solely a result of aging. Due to the severe design limitations of retrospective studies we are not able to say with any certainty that the positive results were due to chiropractic management. We are able to question the validity of the assumption that it is only the aging of the infant that is responsible for the positive outcomes.
ChiroACCESS |
October 21, 2010
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 31-year-old male reports with chronic “on and off” low back pain over the past year. The patient has seen a number of chiropractors and a physical therapist with no results. No history of recent trauma has been reported. The physical examination was relatively unremarkable.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
October 12, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Typically physical therapy modalities have had very poor evidence to support their use. Despite the historical lack of evidence 63% of chiropractors use ultrasound for therapy. Positive results account for this significant segment of the profession using ultrasound therapy (UT) but without evidence reimbursement has become a challenge. Fortunately more emphasis is now being placed on examining the efficacy of UT and there have been a significant number of research studies published in 2010 that support its use. Two different papers recommend UT for myofascial pain syndromes. It is characterized as both safe and cost-effective for trigger points. In another small (N=26) single blind trigger point study the conclusion was that “Thermal ultrasound over latent trigger points is comfortable and can decrease stiffness of a trigger point”.
ChiroACCESS |
October 11, 2010
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Anthony L. Rosner, Ph.D., LL.D.[Hon.], LLC
The indomitable and eminently quotable Teddy Roosevelt once declared, “A man who is good enough to shed his blood for the country is good enough to be given a square deal afterwards.” Without too much wordsmithing, I could easily substitute “clinician” for “country” and “diagnosis” for “deal” and wind up with: A man who is good enough to shed his blood for the clinician is good enough to be given a square diagnosis afterwards.
Or:
A physician who is good enough to draw blood from the patient is good enough to give a square deal afterwards.
ChiroACCESS |
October 6, 2010
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Daniel A. Martinez, MA, DC, Research Scientist
Ultrasound (US) has been a widely used and accepted adjunct modality for the management of many musculoskeletal conditions. It was first introduced as a therapeutic modality in the 1950s, when both animal and human studies demonstrated its ability to safely heat tissue several centimeters below the skin. In the late 1960s and 1970s, reports on the non-thermal therapeutic effects of US, primarily in the area of enhanced tissue healing, further bolstered its popularity (1). Despite the years of clinical use, the lack of studies confirming its benefits has led scientists to question the traditional view of its therapeutic benefits (2).
Several papers reviewing the available literature have been published concerning the biophysical effects, application, and efficacy of therapeutic ultrasound, as well as the safety and calibration of ultrasonic equipment (2-7). The purpose of this paper is to present a general overview of these findings.
ChiroACCESS |
October 1, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
There are fewer than 200 published research studies that examine the relationship between nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Alzheimer's dementia (AD). Prior to 2010, most of the published research suggested that NSAIDs were instrumental in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. The first studies appeared as recently as the mid 1990s and the following are two examples of conclusions reached by these publications: “these findings are compatible with a possible protective effect of NSAIDs on the risk for AD” and “these findings support other recent studies suggesting that NSAIDs may serve a protective role in Alzheimer's disease”.
ChiroACCESS |
September 28, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
“A new era in medical science has dawned with the realization of the critical role of the ‘forgotten organ’, the enteric microbiota, in generating a variety of functions which sustain health and, when disrupted, lead to disease.” These helpful microbes, or probiotics, that cohabitate in the human gut are getting a lot of recent attention from the research community.
ChiroACCESS |
September 14, 2010
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 62-year-old female reports low back pain of four weeks. Pain is most intense in the early morning. No history of recent trauma was reported. The patient’s past medical history and physical exam findings were not provided.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
September 10, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a challenging chronic pain disorder that imparts a great deal of disability, cost and comorbidities upon those that suffer from it. Based upon the Job Analysis of Chiropractic, fibromyalgia is commonly seen in chiropractic practice. Although there are accepted diagnostic criteria, the treatment focuses on symptomatic relief rather than cure. The treatment options are varied and include medications, cognitive therapy, exercise, nutrition, chiropractic, physical therapies and other interventions. A 2009 systematic review of chiropractic management of fibromyalgia concluded that "Several nonpharmacologic treatments and manual-type therapies have acceptable evidentiary support in the treatment of FMS."
ChiroACCESS |
September 8, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Over 7 million participate in interscholastic high school sports in the United States in a single year. This number does not include athletic participation in non-scholastic and other competitive sport activities. Participation in formal interscholastic programs has increased over 16% during the last decade and, despite improvement in both equipment and training techniques, sports injuries continue to be a serious issue.
ChiroACCESS |
August 30, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Osseous manipulation is an extremely safe procedure if administered properly but there are circumstances where potential risks could be involved. A study of 3519 spine films identified numerous congenital anomalies that were worth noting and may represent contraindications to spinal manipulative therapy. In the cervical spine films alone (n=2814) 21.3% had posterior ponticles and a total of 28.5% of the cervical films demonstrated some kind of anomalous bone formation. In keeping with the chiropractic profession’s standards for patient safety, these anomalies should be considered carefully.
ChiroACCESS |
August 25, 2010
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 49-year-old African American male reports with chronic low back and hip pain. No history of trauma was reported. Physical exam findings were not provided.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
August 23, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) shows promise in aiding those suffering from premenstrual syndrome. In a recent study from the University of Leeds researchers found that St John’s Wort was “statistically superior to placebo in improving physical and behavioral symptoms of PMS (p<0.05).” Other outcomes of the study including hormonal assessments, anxiety, depression, and other variables did not improve significantly.
ChiroACCESS |
August 17, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Based upon an August 2010 study of California chiropractors, 20 to 25% are leaving practice within ten years of graduation. The authors believe that an oversupply of chiropractors and decreased income are two of the many factors that contribute to the exodus. From 1970 to 1998 there was an increase in the number of active California licenses from 4,274 to 11,637. Supporting the oversupply issue the authors note that “The 170% growth rate in chiropractors during the study far exceeds the 65.1% increase in residential population.”
ChiroACCESS |
August 16, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
A recent study (July 2010) published in Chiropractic and Osteopathy provides additional support for the safety of cervical manipulation. The authors evaluated spinal manipulation, spinal mobilization and instrument assisted manipulation using an Activator instrument. They concluded that although the sample was small “it appears that all three methods of treating mechanical neck pain had a long-term benefit for subacute neck pain, without moderate or serious adverse events associated with any of the treatment methods”.
ChiroACCESS |
August 4, 2010
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 29-year-old male reports low back pain with an occasional right lower extremity radicular component. No history of recent trauma was reported. Physical exam findings were not provided.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
July 30, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
A review of the scientific literature since January 2010 reveals a contribution of over 100 new studies supporting the value of the Mediterranean Diet (MD). The evidence is so compelling for the primary and secondary prevention of a host of common conditions that recommending MD or a similar diet should be considered with all patients as part of a chiropractic “wellness” program.
ChiroACCESS |
July 29, 2010
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Anthony L. Rosner, Ph.D., LL.D.[Hon.], LLC
The title of one of Edzard Ernst’s most recent articles, “Deaths after chiropractic: A review of published cases”, seems to have wasted no time in creating a worst-case scenario, frightening the reader from a profession which has successfully treated patients for 115 years and for which evidence supporting its effectiveness and safety is abundant.
ChiroACCESS |
July 27, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Research demonstrates that obesity is related to the health of the peripheral nervous system. In the July issue of Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise a study documents the positive effects that exercise can make in peripheral nerve function of obese adults.
ChiroACCESS |
July 26, 2010
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 41-year-old male reports with cervical spine pain and stiffness after recent flexion extension injury. The patient’s clinical findings and past medical history were not provided.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
July 23, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
A series of systematic reviews were published this year in the Spine Journal that address multiple possible causes of occupational low back pain. The reviews were conducted by the same Canadian group which used a rigorous standard developed by the epidemiologist Sir Bradford Hill. The conclusions of these reviews may surprise most clinicians.
ChiroACCESS |
July 23, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Humans spend nearly one third of their lives sleeping and new research is giving us a better understanding of the value of sleep and its importance to overall health. Despite the crucial need for quality sleep, it is estimated that 70 million people in the United States have sleep problems and many of these sleep problems may involve musculoskeletal conditions. One of the common questions from chiropractic patients involves recommending a quality mattress or suggesting which mattress is "best" for a particular patient. Until this past decade there were very few research studies investigating the relative merits of various sleeping surfaces.
ChiroACCESS |
July 21, 2010
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 28-year-old female reports low back stiffness. No history of trauma was reported. Physical exam was unremarkable.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
July 14, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
It is common to have patients comment that they feel increased pain and stiffness accompanying changes in the weather. Some claim to be virtual weather stations with accuracy surpassing the local meteorologist. But is there any science to support these comments? The answer is “yes”.
ChiroACCESS |
July 14, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Many musculoskeletal conditions represent only symptoms related to a myriad of possible underlying pathologies. For example, due to the many underlying causes of low back pain, no single treatment option including drugs, surgery, exercise or spinal manipulation successfully treats all patients.
ChiroACCESS |
July 13, 2010
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Anthony L. Rosner, Ph.D., LL.D.[Hon.], LLC
Implicit in the term Zeitgeist is the fact that change is inevitable, so that whatever mores [social or scientific] were applied yesterday may not necessarily be the rule today.
ChiroACCESS |
July 12, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
A June 2010 report assessing health care in the United States and other countries reflects just how far behind we are compared to the rest of the world. "Despite having the most costly health system in the world, the United States consistently underperforms on most dimensions of performance, relative to other countries."
ChiroACCESS |
June 29, 2010
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 42-year-old female reports with severe low back and left hip pain of three weeks duration. The patient has difficulty weight bearing. Orthopedic evaluation was equivocal due to pain. Neurological exam was unremarkable. The patient has a history of breast CA with subsequent right mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy in 2007 and 2008.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
June 24, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
A survey of Canadian chiropractors published in June 2010 points out a serious lack of both assessment and documentation. This deficiency likely permeates chiropractic practice in all of North America.
ChiroACCESS |
June 23, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Two studies from the May and June 2010 issues of Spine evaluated past and contemporary methods of school scoliosis screening. The first study was a meta-analysis of previous research.
ChiroACCESS |
June 17, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
New research continues to confirm the importance of a simple flexion rotation test (FRT) in the differential diagnoses of headaches. Many headache cases are often similar in terms of presenting symptom and the FRT has demonstrated in multiple research studies to be highly sensitive to identifying cervicogenic headache from migraine and multiple headache forms.
ChiroACCESS |
June 14, 2010
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 67-year-old male reports with chronic low back and right hip pain of four weeks duration. No history of recent trauma was reported. The physical exam was unremarkable.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
June 10, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
The cost of low back pain is complex. In terms of dollars, there are the obvious costs of health care provider services, including radiology, medications, physical therapy and a host of other possible passive care services.
ChiroACCESS |
June 9, 2010
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Robert A. Leach, DC, MS, FICC, CHES
How much do you know about the controversial concept of subluxation and how familiar are you with some key research concepts? Take a moment to answer the ten question quiz developed by Dr. Robert Leach.
ChiroACCESS |
June 8, 2010
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Dr. Patrick Bodnar
Most chiropractors would agree that they did not choose their career based on the deep need to write novels or short stories. Certainly most chiropractors hold the desire to help people as their foremost reason for doing what they do. So the documentation challenges that today’s healthcare marketplace possess are usually not met with enthusiasm.
ChiroACCESS |
June 7, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Despite the historical use of many physical therapy modalities in health care, most have little evidence supporting their use. Ultrasound is one of the most commonly used of these therapeutic modalities. Based upon the Job Analysis of Chiropractic (NBCE 2005), 66.1% of U.S. chiropractors utilize ultrasound in their practices and nearly a third (31%) of all of their patients received ultrasound therapy.
ChiroACCESS |
June 7, 2010
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 72-year-old male reported with right hand pain and swelling “on and off’ for the past two years. The patient does not have a primary care physician. The patient is diabetic and has hypertension.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
June 4, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Viagra is a widely used medication for erectile dysfunction and there is a growing body of evidence that suggests that one of the adverse effects associated with using sildenafil (Viagra) is hearing loss.
ChiroACCESS |
June 3, 2010
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Anthony L. Rosner, Ph.D., LL.D.[Hon.], LLC
The simplest way to explain a straw man argument is that it is a fallacy which is based upon the misrepresentation of an opponent’s position. Like a marine monster or one in Greek mythology, it can assume many forms.
ChiroACCESS |
May 25, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Low level laser (LLL) therapies pose numerous challenges for research due in part to the many dosage factors that can impact clinical use. Among the variables are wavelengths, wattage, frequency, joules, treatment frequency, treatment area and other factors. Each of these variables could have a potentially profound impact on clinical outcomes. As a result, hundreds of clinical studies on LLL reflect a mix of positive and negative outcomes for the exact same condition.
ChiroACCESS |
May 24, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
The literature provides some limited support for the use of footbaths. Warm footbaths facilitate sleep, especially in the elderly where circulation is often impaired. What about the claims that footbaths, with the use of varying currents and chemicals, can pull toxic substances from the body?
ChiroACCESS |
May 20, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
A series of 2010 scientific publications highlight the cardiovascular risks associated with second hand smoke (SHS) to infants, children, and other adults.
ChiroACCESS |
May 19, 2010
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 77-year-old female reports pain and swelling of the right knee. The patient can not bear weight on the right knee. No history of recent trauma was reported. Physical exam was limited due to pain.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
May 19, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
A (2010) survey responded to by 345 rheumatologists evaluated how beneficial they viewed complementary and alternative medicine and how likely they were to refer patients to CAM providers.
ChiroACCESS |
May 18, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) is one of the top five conditions seen in chiropractic clinics (Job Analysis of Chiropractic 2005). The use of glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM are common in many chiropractic practices to assist with the management of these and other arthritic conditions.
ChiroACCESS |
May 13, 2010
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A Forty-seven-year old male with neck pain and stiffness. The patient reports dizziness and a non-productive cough. No reported trauma. No fever. Orthopedic exam is unremarkable.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
May 13, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Many occupations in modern society require prolonged sitting which has been shown to be a risk factor for low back pain. There are numerous studies that suggest that exercise can play an important role in preventing occupational and non-occupational low back pain.
ChiroACCESS |
May 13, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Taping is frequently used to stabilize and position the patella in order to treat patellofemoral pain. There have been several studies since 2000 that provide evidence supporting the clinical effectiveness of taping.
ChiroACCESS |
May 10, 2010
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Dwain M. Daniel, D.C.
Probiotics, a term coined in 1965 by two veterinarians, has emerged as a major player in the prevention and treatment of many different disease states.
ChiroACCESS |
May 6, 2010
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 24-year-old male reports with chronic low back pain “on and off for years.” No history of significant past trauma was reported. Orthopedic and neurological exams were essentially unremarkable.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
May 3, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
A growing body of evidence has elevated the importance of the sacroiliac joint in low back pain and suggested a reduction in the role of the lumbar spine as likely the most common cause.
ChiroACCESS |
April 29, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Despite great technology, the United States has an infant mortality rate like that of a third world nation. The procedure intensive approach to childbirth in the U.S. is believed to be a significant contributing factor.
ChiroACCESS |
April 26, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
A new Cochrane systematic review of chiropractic treatment for low back pain was published this month (April 2010). The review reflects favorably for chiropractic care and states that “Combined chiropractic interventions slightly improved pain and disability in the short-term and pain in the medium-term for acute and subacute LBP.”
ChiroACCESS |
April 21, 2010
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The National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association
The National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association was founded in 1966 by Dr. Ralph R. Gregory to teach Grostic-based doctors the knowledge of biomechanics that was necessary to work out problem cases. Dr. Gregory’s ongoing clinical investigation of the work was, by 1971, published in The Upper Cervical Monograph, a journal published by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research Association (NUCCRA).
National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association |
April 20, 2010
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 75-year-old male reports clumsiness with bilateral grip weakness and cervical spine stiffness. No history of recent trauma was reported. Neurological exam noted upper extremity hyperreflexia with subtle overall sensory deficits.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
April 20, 2010
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Dwain M. Daniel, D.C.
Prolotherapy is a somewhat controversial intervention for a variety of musculoskeletal complaints. The treatment consists of a series of injections of an irritant, usually a dextrose based compound, into painful soft tissues. In theory the injection begins a controlled inflammatory response. This in turn causes connective tissue growth and collagen tissue formation resulting in a more stable, less painful joint or strengthened tendons or ligaments.
ChiroACCESS |
April 19, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Chiropractors have a longstanding history of treating musculoskeletal sports injuries. There have been few research studies that document the value of chiropractic treatment for sports injuries and nearly no research that has looked at providing evidence that chiropractic care can play a role in preventing those injuries.
ChiroACCESS |
April 15, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
The current issue of The Spine Journal (March 2010) examines the cost of previous conservative care for patients that ultimately elect to have spine surgery. The study consisted of 30,709 patients. The average cost of conservative care in the 90 days period before surgery was $3,445 each.
ChiroACCESS |
April 13, 2010
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 56-year-old male reports left knee pain of two weeks duration. The patient was involved in some type of trauma. The details were not provided. The patient’s physical examination was not included with the images.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
April 13, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
There is a lack of evidence-based support for the efficacy of complex fusion surgeries over conservative surgical decompression for elderly stenosis patients. There is, however, a significant financial incentive to both hospitals and surgeons to perform the complex fusions.
ChiroACCESS |
April 8, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
The evidence supporting the antihypertensive effects of cocoa has been building in recent years and a 2010 systematic review and meta-analysis confirms these therapeutic properties.
ChiroACCESS |
March 31, 2010
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 28-year-old male reports with low back stiffness and left hip pain. The patient had been running twenty to twenty-five miles per week. The patient is unable to run at presentation. The patient also complains of mild pain during walking and experiences hip discomfort at night and when he crosses his legs.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
March 26, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
An article published today (March 22, 2010) in the journal Pediatrics describes the reasons for the measles outbreak in San Diego in 2008. Seventy-five percent of the children involved in this California outbreak were unvaccinated.
ChiroACCESS |
March 22, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
A March 2010 systematic review conducted in Germany underscores the value of neuromuscular training in preventing sports injuries. They concluded that "On the basis of the results of seven high-quality studies, this review showed evidence for the effectiveness of proprioceptive/neuromuscular training in reducing the incidence of certain types of sports injuries among adolescent and young adult athletes during pivoting sports."
ChiroACCESS |
March 17, 2010
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 27-year-old male reports low back pain on and off for the last three years. The patient has seen four different chiropractors and a physical therapist with “mixed results”. Orthopedic and neurological exams were within normal limits.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
March 15, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Prostate cancer is the second leading form of male cancer in the United States and this would seem to indicate the need for vigilant screening. The problem is the serious controversy regarding the safety and effectiveness of current screening methods.
ChiroACCESS |
March 15, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Natural products sometimes have profound properties that are capable of not only treating challenging human ailments but preventing them as well.
ChiroACCESS |
March 11, 2010
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Anthony L. Rosner, Ph.D., LL.D.[Hon.], LLC
But what distinguishes AK is its emphasis upon proprioceptive responses of the muscle rather than the facilitation of the muscle itself. It essentially sees muscle function as a transcript of the central integrative state of the anterior horn motoneurons, summing all excitatory and inhibitory inputs.6 In other words, the locus of dysfunction ultimately rests with the nervous system.
ChiroACCESS |
March 10, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
A study published in the February 2010 issue of The Spine Journal added additional evidence supporting the effectiveness of chiropractic spinal manipulation (SMT) for cervicogenic headache (CGH).
ChiroACCESS |
March 5, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Two recent publications examining the possible relationship between leg length inequality and osteoarthritis have resulted from the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study (MOST).
ChiroACCESS |
March 3, 2010
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Anthony L. Rosner, Ph.D., LL.D.[Hon.], LLC
Until a serious effort is made to crank up our efforts at CER, the United States will remain very much third world in its attempts to deliver efficient and equitable healthcare.
ChiroACCESS |
March 1, 2010
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 17-year-old male reports status post trauma secondary to "mild" flexion/extension type injury. ROM was somewhat limited. Neurological and orthopedic evaluations were unremarkable.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
February 24, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
In a review of past research published in JAMA, the authors concluded that "In the RCTs, pedometer users significantly increased their physical activity by 2491 steps per day more than control participants (95% confidence interval [CI], 1098-3885 steps per day, P < .001). Among the observational studies, pedometer users significantly increased their physical activity by 2183 steps per day over baseline (95% CI, 1571-2796 steps per day, P < .0001)..."
ChiroACCESS |
February 22, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
There have been many favorable articles in the lay literature describing the value of chiropractic care for animals but scientific publications have been sparse. The first article indexed by the National Library of Medicine appeared in the early 1960s and many years passed before the next indexed entry. During the last decade the quantity and quality of the research supporting the value of chiropractic care for animals has improved.
ChiroACCESS |
February 17, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Calcium and dairy foods specifically are being studied for their importance in preventing obesity. They also appear to assists in weight loss for those that are obese.
ChiroACCESS |
February 16, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
A February 2010 study of 3,533 general practice low back pain patients found that many providers are not following their own evidence based guidelines. Guidelines do provide the overall best evidence but are not meant to be a cookbook approach to care. There is also a need for flexibility so the physician can deviate from guidelines when the specific needs and desires of the patient dictate. In addition, the clinical judgment of the physician may override the guidelines when in a particular patient’s case they are inappropriate.
ChiroACCESS |
February 10, 2010
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 14-year-old male reports with chronic headaches, particularly at night. No history of recent or past significant trauma was reported. Neurological and orthopedic exams were essentially unremarkable.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
February 9, 2010
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Gonstead Clinical Studies Society
The Gonstead Technique was originated by Clarence Selmer Gonstead (1898-1978). Dr. Gonstead encountered chiropractic care when severe leg and foot pains, which were resistant to conventional medical care, responded to chiropractic adjustments. This event prompted Dr. Gonstead to seek a chiropractic education.
ChiroACCESS |
February 8, 2010
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Anthony L. Rosner, Ph.D., LL.D.[Hon.], LLC
Now that the second decade of the second millennium is upon us, together with the prospect of Spring Cleaning, it seems entirely appropriate to consider that perhaps the time has arrived to update both our conceptualization and exposition of the subluxation. In terms of how frequently one performs these updates compared to Microsoft, for instance, this shouldn’t be too much of a stretch. Think of it as Subluxation 2.0, 2.2, 2.7, 4.2…or whatever. But the larger picture is that better accessibility of the s-word by various healthcare professions in addition to chiropractic is clearly a necessity.
ChiroACCESS |
February 4, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
According to recent research, obesity has a direct association with the risk of colorectal cancer. A recent study stresses the need for screening and patient education for the modifiable risk factors that can prevent this condition. Other studies have demonstrated a direct relationship between colorectal cancer and obesity.
ChiroACCESS |
February 2, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Over a third of the children in the United States have back pain they associate with wearing backpacks. Recently several studies were published that provide a better picture of the risks associated with the ergonomic loading of backpacks. From this research there is additional information that each chiropractor should be aware of in order to prevent unnecessary backpack related injuries to children.
ChiroACCESS |
January 20, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
In the January 2010 issue of Medical Hypothesis, Becker and Schultz suggest that Tylenol may be implicated in both autism and asthma. The rate of these conditions has risen sharply in recent years but there continues to be controversy over the etiology. Little hard evidence exists but one study describes the significant increase in autism that began at the same time acetaminophen was recommended to take the place of aspirin.
ChiroACCESS |
January 18, 2010
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 65-year-old male reports continued neck pain and stiffness two weeks after MVA. The patient was imaged and treated status post trauma at an emergency room facility. All exams were read as normal and the patient was released. The patient subsequently sought out a local chiropractor for pain relief. The attending was unable to obtain the original ER images. Additional images were taken and sent for formal radiological interpretation. Neurological exam was unremarkable.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
January 14, 2010
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Dr. Arlan W. Fuhr
The Activator Method is part of the tradition of instrument adjusting in chiropractic dating to the first decade of the profession, and even farther back into antiquity. Credit for the origin of the Activator adjusting instrument rests with two rural Minnesota practitioners (Arlan W. Fuhr and Warren C. Lee). Activator Method assessment procedures have multiple conceptual roots, all of which are anchored in various subluxation theories.
ChiroACCESS |
January 12, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
This new randomized controlled clinical trial, conducted in Great Britain, examined the possible benefits of magnetic and copper bracelets on multiple symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. The strong research design used a wrist worn device resembling a wrist watch, where the internal contents were not visible to the research subjects.
ChiroACCESS |
January 11, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
From Harvard Medical School in the U.S. to medical schools in Europe, medical education related to musculoskeletal conditions is inadequate. A 2009 survey tested physician’s knowledge related to simple low back pain management. The average survey score of family practitioners was 69.7 and the average score of orthopedists was far less at 44.3. Orthopedists were less likely to make the proper radiological referral and appropriate pharmacological prescription based upon the literature.
ChiroACCESS |
January 6, 2010
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 26-year-old male complains of low back pain and stiffness after physical activities such as running. Rest alleviates the symptoms. No radicular component was reported. Orthopedic and neurological exams were unremarkable.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
January 5, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Watching the Olympic Games and other international sports venues demonstrates the global use of pre-competition warm-up and stretching exercises by athletes. Athletic trainers often assist athletes in their stretching routines. The expected benefits of stretching include increased flexibility and injury prevention. Often common beliefs and practices conflict with the scientific evidence and this is true to some extent with stretching. Although the use of stretching does provide some temporary increase in flexibility, the literature suggests that overall it does not help prevent sports injuries. As stated in a 2008 systematic review of the literature, “There is moderate to strong evidence that routine application of static stretching does not reduce overall injury rates.”
ChiroACCESS |
January 4, 2010
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
The literature continues to draw a strong association with increased mortality and the Holiday Season. A significant association exists for cardiac deaths and both Christmas and New Years day. In the United States, the days of the year with the highest rate of noncardiac deaths are December 26th with the highest rate, the next highest death rate falls on December 25th, and the third, January 1st.
ChiroACCESS |
December 28, 2009
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
There are many health and other myths surrounding the popular Holiday use of mistletoe. It has been associated with anything from a romantic unexpected kiss to a dangerous poisonous substance to avoid. The ancient Celts believed mistletoe held the soul of the host tree. However, there is another side to mistletoe. It is a very well established aid to improve the immune system and is used for the care of many forms of cancer. The 2009 scientific publications supporting the clinical use of mistletoe have been numerous.
ChiroACCESS |
December 16, 2009
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
There is a great deal of consistency in the recommendations to provide only breast milk during the first four to six months of infant feeding. There has been some controversy regarding when to introduce solid food and what foods are appropriate to minimize allergies later in life. There have been several studies published this year that provide more evidence to guide feeding recommendations.
ChiroACCESS |
December 10, 2009
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Marion Willard Evans, Jr., DC, PhD, MCHES, CWP
Physical activity (PA) is critical for the health of humans. The lack of PA leads to increased risks for a variety of diseases and is associated with overall premature mortality as well. As of 2009, rates of obesity in the United States (US) have increased 129% since 1990. This is partially due to lack of PA by many Americans. Unfortunately, the US is in the middle of an escalating pandemic of obesity and sedentary lifestyle leading to unprecedented challenges for health care providers who want to see patients they treat reach a stable level of better health. All health care professionals should do what they can to encourage regular PA in all of the patients they treat and when possible, directly cue those patients to take action. They must not only recognize those at high risk for disease related to little or no PA but must also prepare to assess and recommend regular PA to all patients whether they look like they need activity or not.
Parker College of Chiropractic Research Institute |
December 1, 2009
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Dr. Dennis Leduc, a McGill University pediatrician recently stated that “There are no physical ailments in childhood, whether they be ear infections, asthma, or other physical problems, that have ever been shown to be amenable to chiropractic manipulation or therapy.” The story released Friday by The StarPhoenix reports that the concern is over 5,297 chiropractic pediatric treatments at the cost of $80,921 paid in Saskatchewan this last year. The Health Ministry is considering if it will continue to subsidize chiropractic pediatric care in Saskatchewan.
ChiroACCESS |
November 30, 2009
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Avocado soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) is a largely ignored supplement in the popular media and in doctor’s offices. In spite of a lack of recognition it has possibly the highest level of evidence supporting its effectiveness of all the herbal or nutritional supplements.
ChiroACCESS |
November 23, 2009
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Several surveys of the medical community suggest that collegial interaction and education of other health providers can translate into an effective means of ethically building your practice. The results of a survey of orthopedic surgeons, published and released today by Spine, indicate that opinions about chiropractic vary significantly.
ChiroACCESS |
November 17, 2009
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Cold prevention research was the emphasis of several studies in 2009. This work included both new clinical trials and additional reviews of past literature. The status of Vitamin C remains the same. It may decrease the duration of common colds but the evidence does not support a role in prevention.
ChiroACCESS |
November 17, 2009
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
The average income of chiropractors is difficult to identify precisely but several sources give at least a ballpark estimation. One important factor to keep in mind with most of these surveys is that they do not take into account the fact that many doctors do not work full time. This is especially true of doctors in their later years of practice. The primary sources of information about income, like the U.S. Department of Labor, don’t take these part time numbers into consideration. This could have the effect of underestimating the earning potential of those in full time practice.
ChiroACCESS |
November 11, 2009
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
During the past year numerous epidemiological studies have increased the concern over cell phone use. Although some researchers suggest that it could be a number of years before we know the full extent of the problem. The early research was equivocal and the majority concluded that cell phones could be a concern but there was not enough evidence. The recent studies seem to be painting a more reliable picture with strong evidence of male sperm DNA damage and growing confirmation that cell phones contribute to ipsilateral brain tumors. Some researchers note that some of tumors are slow developing and for this reason it could be a decade or more before we know the full risks associated with cell phone use.
ChiroACCESS |
October 21, 2009
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Dwain M. Daniel, D.C.
As the chiropractic profession moves into the 21st century a renewed emphasis is being placed on the concept of the wellness practice. This paper addresses the evidence relating to vitamin D (ViD) in the prevention of many serious health conditions as well as its role in conditions which confront the chiropractic physician on a daily basis.
Parker College of Chiropractic Research Institute |
October 12, 2009
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Marion Willard Evans, Jr., DC, PhD, MCHES, CWP
Michael Ramcharan, DC, MPH, MUA-C
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of Staph bacteria that resists an entire family of antibiotic therapies. Infection with MRSA is becoming more and more prevalent and is also surfacing more outside of a health care or hospital environments. Two categories are noted with one being community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) and the other hospital-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA). MRSA can be isolated from the surfaces of various treatment equipment and instruments including stethoscopes and otoscopes, clothing or gowns, gym training surfaces, and recently, chiropractic treatment tables.
ChiroACCESS |
September 14, 2009
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Jack Henry, DC, DACBR
A 37-year-old female reports with low back pain. No history of trauma was reported. Physical exam was equivocal.
Radiology Diagnostics, LLC |
September 8, 2009
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Orthopedic testing plays an important role in physical diagnosis yet little research has been conducted to establish the reliability and validity of these tests. For the majority of tests we still have no support for their sensitivity or specificity and many are being evaluated for the very first time. When research is conducted, many tests are being shown to be useless or at least not useful unless if used in conjunction with other tests. The following is a brief update of some of the research from the last year related to the diagnosis of sciatica.
ChiroACCESS |
August 12, 2009
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Marion Willard Evans, Jr., DC, PhD, MCHES, CWP
Every clinician communicates with their patients. Some are good at it and some are not so good. Believe it or not, there are studies that indicate what one should do if they are to be successful in communicating health messages to patients. How does a patient prefer to be greeted by the doctor? Do you state, “I’m Dr. So-and-so…pleased to meet you?” If so, you may not be starting off on the right foot. A study in the Archives of Internal Medicine in 2007 found patients prefer to be greeted by their doctor by first and last name and to be called by their first name rather than Mr. or Mrs. They also preferred a handshake upon introduction. In about 50% of opportunities, physicians did not call the patient by name at all but offered a hand shake in about 83% of encounters. These actions represent non-verbal cues that may set the patient up to hear or fail to hear what is said next.
Cleveland Chiropractic College |
August 4, 2009
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Anthony L. Rosner, Ph.D., LL.D.[Hon.], LLC
As everyone knows, this is a period of a major economic downturn and bailouts to major economic institutions, including our banks. With obsessions as to how safe our funds are, some have even gone so far as to revive interest in such storied bank robbers of the Depression Era, such as John Dillinger or Willie Sutton. So with apologies to Willie Sutton's infamous remark as to why he robbed banks ["Because that's where the money is"], it may be useful to reconsider the cost-effectiveness-in-healthcare delivery issue from another perspective which may tell us exactly what Mr. Sutton was driving at. In other words, where are the real mother lodes when it comes to locating healthcare dollar expenditures? And how would this relate to chiropractic care?
ChiroACCESS |
July 6, 2009
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Dwain M. Daniel, D.C.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin D is set at 200 IU per day for individuals up to age 50 in the United States. These recommendations were developed in the 1940’s and were based on levels necessary to prevent rickets. No consideration was given at that time to the possible long term effects that dosing at a low level may produce over a lifetime.
Parker College of Chiropractic Research Institute |
June 23, 2009
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Anthony L. Rosner, Ph.D., LL.D.[Hon.], LLC
The situation is just as absurd if we take a hard look at unblinded randomized clinical trials, which in most cases is what we are stuck with when it comes to comparing chiropractic intervention with either a placebo or alternative treatment. Think for a moment how a patient would react knowing which arm of a clinical trial he or she were assigned to in an unblinded randomized trial. Given the choice of things, being ordered to the conventional treatment might appear to some to be equivalent to drawing the short straw, if a crossover design were not employed.
Parker College of Chiropractic Research Institute |
May 5, 2009
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
In a systematic review of high quality clinical trials, exercise was demonstrated to be the most successful strategy for preventing low back pain in working age adults. In addition to exercise, the interventions evaluated included lumbar supports, shoe orthotics, lifting techniques, education programs, back schools and stress management.
ChiroACCESS |
April 20, 2009
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Anthony L. Rosner, Ph.D., LL.D.[Hon.], LLC
Evidence-based medicine, to which all clinical researchers strive and all third party payors genuflect, is anything but the immutable Gold Standard of medical decision-making in recent years. Rather than being viewed as a Rock of Gibraltar, EBM almost appears more like a sand castle subject to the shifting sands of changing public sentiment as well as the updated scientific findings themselves.
Parker College of Chiropractic Research Institute |
March 5, 2009
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Dwain M. Daniel, D.C.
Driven by remarkable health claims and aggressive marketing, acai berry products sales have soared from $435,000 in the 52 weeks prior to October 2003 to $13,800,000 annual sales just two years later. Touted as one of the most potent anti-inflammatory foods available this small purplish berry from the rain forests of Brazil has captured the imagination of a health conscious world.
Parker College of Chiropractic Research Institute |
February 23, 2009
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
Disc degeneration has historically been believed to play a key role in a low back pain and sciatica. Research studies during the last few years give us reason to take another look at our previous model of disc degeneration. Until very recently, “Wear and tear” was believed to be the major cause of disc degeneration. However, a growing body of contemporary research is suggesting that this is not the case. It appears from many studies including some interesting epidemiological investigations, that the major factor in disc degeneration is genetics.
ChiroACCESS |
February 5, 2009
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Marion Willard Evans, Jr., DC, PhD, MCHES, CWP
Smoking is on the decline in the United States with about 20% of American adults reporting that they currently smoke and although it has declined in adults, it is increasing in certain groups including adolescents and females. Still, tobacco use in general remains the most preventable cause of death in the United States leading to over 400,000 deaths and billions of dollars in medical expenses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that it should be the goal of every health care provider to ascertain the use status of their patients and advise them to make a quit attempt.
Cleveland Chiropractic College |
April 23, 2008
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Harrison Ndetan, MSc, MPH, DrPH
The chiropractic profession relies largely upon specialized manual therapy procedures (adjustment/manipulation) as a means of patient care. The methods of delivering chiropractic adjustments are not homogeneous and often require complex motor skills. These manipulative procedures involve biomechanical variables such as velocity, amplitude and the line of drive of force. Consideration of these variables is important in order to render them therapeutically safe and functionally effective. Learning these techniques in private practice or in chiropractic colleges is a process that involves significant repetition. These teaching methods have potentially damaging effects. Doctors or students learning new manipulative procedures are initially at greater risk in the skill acquisition phase, when the neuromuscular system is adapting to the new skills associated with the manipulative procedure. Epidemiological studies demonstrate that work related musculoskeletal disorders are common among health providers. Chiropractors also risk injuries of various types related to their work. Some DC's are forced to leave practice due to injury sustained in practice. Thus, an emphasis needs to be placed upon safety to ensure practice longevity.
Parker College of Chiropractic Research Institute |
February 5, 2008
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Daniel A. Martinez, MA, DC, Research Scientist
Cold application (cryotherapy) is the simplest and most commonly used method for treatment of acute musculoskeletal injury. Among chiropractic practitioners it is the most often utilized (94.5%) passive adjunctive therapy. The pathophysiological effects of cold have been well documented. Studies have shown that cold applications can reduce the metabolic rate of a tissue, decrease pain and swelling, and reduce muscle spasm. Most health care practitioners are taught to use ice therapy for treatment of bruises, strains, sprains, or muscle tears and most are familiar with the rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) principle following acute soft tissue injury, yet there is little agreement in the literature on the optimum application technique for such care.
Parker College of Chiropractic Research Institute |
February 4, 2008
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Stephen M. Perle, D.C., M.S., FICC
Evidence-based practice is a combination of the judicious use of the best external evidence, doctor's expertise and patient's wishes and desires. External evidence means retrieving and evaluating published scientific studies. The first part in finding the evidence is to formulate a searchable question that one will use when searching an appropriate database.
University of Bridgeport College of Chiropractic |
December 18, 2007
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Cheryl Hawk, DC, PhD, CHES
Falls in older adults are becoming an increasingly important issue for the public, for health care providers, and for society in general. Each year, approximately one-third of community-dwelling adults aged 65 or older experience a fall. Falls cause two thirds of all unintentional injury deaths in older adults. Of those older adults hospitalized due to falls, 40-50% lose their independence and enter a nursing home as a result. According to a 2005 study, the direct medical costs of falls are estimated to be $6-8 billion per year. Furthermore, not only is the population of older adults growing rapidly, but fall death rates are on the rise for both men and women.
Cleveland Chiropractic College |
November 11, 2007
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Dwain M. Daniel, D.C.
Traction as a therapeutic intervention in the treatment of low back pain has existed for many years. Its use has progressed from simple static traction to intermittent motorized traction. A recent systematic review found only seven randomized controlled trials for intermittent motorized traction and six reported no difference between the traction groups and the control groups. The most recent incarnation of traction has been a form of intermittent motorized traction commonly referred to as spinal decompression therapy. Developers and manufacturers of the equipment and often physicians as well consider it to be a unique form of traction.
Parker College of Chiropractic Research Institute |
June 1, 2007
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ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
This series of reviews of the scientific literature explores Wellness risk factors, diagnostic strategies and treatment options for a variety of conditions. Data was gathered from the MEDLINE, MANTIS and CINAHL databases with an effective date listed on each review as the "as of" date. A variety of search strategies were used such as "prevention AND condition", "diagnosis AND condition", "therapy AND condition" as well as searching the specific condition under review.
Parker College of Chiropractic Research Institute |
May 28, 2007
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Marion Willard Evans, Jr., DC, PhD, MCHES, CWP
According to the new 2006 US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines clinicians should discuss the potential benefits and risks associated with aspirin therapy with patients who have an increased risk of cardio-vascular disease (CVD).
Cleveland Chiropractic College |
May 15, 2007
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