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The Influence of Curricular and Extracurricular Learning Activities on Students’ Choice of Chiropractic Technique

By Frank M. Painter|May 6, 2016|Technique|

The Influence of Curricular and Extracurricular Learning Activities on Students’ Choice of Chiropractic Technique

SOURCE: J Chiropractic Education 2016 (Mar); 30 (1): 30-36

David M. Sikorski , DC, Anupama KizhakkeVeettil , MAOM and
Gene S. Tobias , PhD, DC

Professor
Southern California University of Health Sciences
16200 E. Amber Valley Dr.
Whittier, CA 90604

Objective: Surveys for the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners indicate that diversified chiropractic technique is the most commonly used chiropractic manipulation method. The study objective was to investigate the influences of our diversified core technique curriculum, a technique survey course, and extracurricular technique activities on students’ future practice technique preferences.

Methods: We conducted an anonymous, voluntary survey of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year chiropractic students at our institution. Surveys were pretested for face validity, and data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: We had 164 students (78% response rate) participate in the survey. Diversified was the most preferred technique for future practice by students, and more than half who completed the chiropractic technique survey course reported changing their future practice technique choice as a result. The students surveyed agreed that the chiropractic technique curriculum and their experiences with chiropractic practitioners were the two greatest bases for their current practice technique preference, and that their participation in extracurricular technique clubs and seminars was less influential.

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Pathological Burst Fracture in the Cervical Spine With Negative Red Flags

By Frank M. Painter|May 4, 2016|Multiple Myeloma|

Pathological Burst Fracture in the Cervical Spine
With Negative Red Flags: A Case Report

The Chiro.Org Blog

SOURCE: J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2016 (Mar); 60 (1): 81–87

Jocelyn Cox, DC, Chris DeGraauw, DC FRCCSS(C), and Erik Klein, DC

Department of Graduate Education and Research Program,
Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College,
6100 Leslie Street,
North York, ON, M2H 3J1

OBJECTIVE: To report on a case of a pathological burst fracture in the cervical spine where typical core red flag tests failed to identify a significant lesion, and to remind chiropractors to be vigilant in the recognition of subtle signs and symptoms of disease processes.

CLINICAL FEATURES: A 61-year-old man presented to a chiropractic clinic with neck pain that began earlier that morning. After a physical exam that was relatively unremarkable, imaging identified a burst fracture in the cervical spine.

INTERVENTION & OUTCOMES: The patient was sent by ambulance to the hospital where he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. No medical intervention was performed on the fracture.

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On The Origin of Atraumatic Neuromusculoskeletal Pain

By Frank M. Painter|May 3, 2016|Pain Relief|

On The Origin of Atraumatic Neuromusculoskeletal Pain

The Chiro.Org Blog

SOURCE: Chiropractic J of Australia 2016 (Jan); 44 (1): 1–8

Joe Evans, PhD

CEO, Sense Technology Inc.
1052 Corporate Lane,
Export, PA

The purpose of this study was to examine the possible origins of non-specific or atraumatic back pain by applying the Gate Theory of pain and current physiologic concepts. I present a theory that accounts for the initiation and potential consequences of neuromusculoskeletal pain incorporating failure of the mechanism of muscle relaxation and resulting in pain and compromise of the lymphatic system. The theory provides an alternative to current theories and hypotheses of the cause and consequences of neuromusculoskeletal pain.

Keywords: Pain; Muscular System; Muscle Relaxation

From the FULL TEXT Article:

INTRODUCTION

The incidence of low back and other neuromusculoskeletal pain continues to increase, with low back pain being the leading cause of disability in the world. [1, 2] In addition to the loss of quality of life for those experiencing musculoskeletal pain, the cost to both patients and society is significant and increasing:

The annual cost of chronic pain in the United States, including healthcare expenses (direct medical costs), lost income, and lost productivity, is estimated to be $635 billion. This is significantly higher than the estimated annual costs in 2010, dollars of heart disease ($309 billion), cancer ($243 billion), and diabetes ($188 billion).
Total estimated medical costs associated with back and neck pain, two of the commonest presentations of patients with chronic pain, increased by 65% between 1997 and 2005, to about $86 billion a year. Overall, pharmaceutical expenditures related to back and neck pain increased by 188% between 1997 and 2005, but costs associated with prescription narcotics rose by an astounding 423%.

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Exploring the Definition of Acute Low Back Pain

By Frank M. Painter|May 2, 2016|Low Back Pain, Pain Relief|

Exploring the Definition of Acute Low Back Pain: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study Comparing Outcomes of Chiropractic Patients With 0-2, 2-4, and 4-12 Weeks of Symptoms

The Chiro.Org Blog

SOURCE: J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2016 (Mar); 39 (3): 141–149

Karin E. Mantel, MChiroMed,
Cynthia K. Peterson, RN, DC, MMedEd, and
B. Kim Humphreys, DC, PhD

Chiropractic Medicine Doctoral Student,
Chiropractic Medicine Department,
Faculty of Medicine,
University of Zürich, Switzerland.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare improvement rates in patients with low back pain (LBP) undergoing chiropractic treatment with 0-2 weeks vs 2-4 and 4-12 weeks of symptoms.

METHODS: This was a prospective cohort outcome study with 1-year follow-up including adult acute (symptoms 0-4 weeks) LBP patients. The numerical rating scale for pain (NRS) and Oswestry questionnaire were completed at baseline, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after starting treatment. The Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) scale was completed at all follow-up time points. At 6 months and 1 year, NRS and PGIC data were collected. The proportion of patients reporting relevant “improvement” (PGIC scale) was compared between patients having 0-2 and 2-4 weeks of symptoms using the χ² test at all data collection time points. The unpaired t test compared NRS and Oswestry change scores between these 2 groups.

RESULTS: Patients with 0-2 weeks of symptoms were significantly more likely to “improve” at 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months compared with those with 2-4 weeks of symptoms (P < .015). Patients with 0-2 weeks of symptoms reported significantly higher NRS and Oswestry change scores at all data collection time points. Outcomes for patients with 2-4 weeks of symptoms were similar to patients having 4-12 weeks of symptoms.

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Vertebral Artery Dissection as a Cause of Cervical Radiculopathy

By Frank M. Painter|April 19, 2016|Stroke|

Vertebral Artery Dissection as a Cause of Cervical Radiculopathy

The Chiro.Org Blog

SOURCE: Asian Spine J. 2013 (Dec); 7 (4): 335–338

Benjamin Isaac Silbert, Mark Khangure, and
Peter Linton Silbert

Department of Neurology,
Royal Perth Hospital,
Perth, Australia.

The acute onset of neck pain and arm weakness is most commonly due to cervical radiculopathy or inflammatory brachial plexopathy. Rarely, extracranial vertebral artery dissection may cause radiculopathy in the absence of brainstem ischemia. We describe a case of vertebral artery dissection presenting as cervical radiculopathy in a previously healthy 43-year-old woman who presented with proximal left arm weakness and neck pain aggravated by movement. Cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and angiography revealed dissection of the left vertebral artery with an intramural hematoma compressing the left C5 and C6 nerve roots. Antiplatelet treatment was commenced, and full power returned after 2 months. Recognition of vertebral artery dissection on cervical MRI as a possible cause of cervical radiculopathy is important to avoid interventions within the intervertebral foramen such as surgery or nerve root sleeve injection. Treatment with antithrombotic agents is important to prevent secondary ischemic events.

KEYWORDS: Cervical spine; Neck pain; Radiculopathy; Vertebral artery dissection

From the FULL TEXT Article:

Introduction

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Chiropractic Response to a Spontaneous Vertebral Artery Dissection

By Frank M. Painter|April 18, 2016|Stroke|

Chiropractic Response to a Spontaneous Vertebral Artery Dissection

The Chiro.Org Blog

SOURCE: J Chiro Med 2015 (Sep); 14 (3): 183–190 ~ FULL TEXT

Gary Tarola, DC, and Reed B. Phillips, DC

Private Practice,
Lehigh Valley Medical Network,
Allentown, PA.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this case report is to describe a case in which early detection and proper follow-up of spontaneous vertebral artery dissection led to satisfactory outcomes.

CLINICAL FEATURES: A 34-year old white woman reported to a chiropractic clinic with a constant burning pain at the right side of her neck and shoulder with a limited ability to turn her head from side to side, periods of blurred vision, and muffled hearing. Dizziness, visual and auditory disturbances, and balance difficulty abated within 1 hour of onset and were not present at the time of evaluation. A pain drawing indicated burning pain in the suboccipital area, neck, and upper shoulder on the right and a pins and needles sensation on the dorsal surface of both forearms. Turning her head from side-to-side aggravated the pain, and the application of heat brought temporary relief. The Neck Disability Index score of 44 placed the patient’s pain in the most severe category.

INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: The patient was not treated on the initial visit but was advised of the possibility of a vertebral artery or carotid artery dissection and was recommended to the emergency department for immediate evaluation. The patient declined but later was convinced by her chiropractor to present to the emergency department. A magnetic resonance angiogram of the neck and carotid arteries was performed showing that the left vertebral artery was hypoplastic and appeared to terminate at the left posterior inferior cerebellar artery. There was an abrupt moderately long segment of narrowing involving the right vertebral artery beginning near the junction of the V1 and V2 segments. The radiologist noted a concern regarding right vertebral artery dissection. Symptoms resolved and the patient was cleared of any medications but advised that if symptoms reoccurred she was to go for emergency care immediately.

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The Influence of Curricular and Extracurricular Learning Activities on Students’ Choice of Chiropractic Technique

The Influence of Curricular and Extracurricular Learning Activities on Students’ Choice of Chiropractic Technique

Pathological Burst Fracture in the Cervical Spine With Negative Red Flags

Pathological Burst Fracture in the Cervical Spine With Negative Red Flags: A Case Report

On The Origin of Atraumatic Neuromusculoskeletal Pain

On The Origin of Atraumatic Neuromusculoskeletal Pain

Exploring the Definition of Acute Low Back Pain

Exploring the Definition of Acute Low Back Pain: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study Comparing Outcomes of Chiropractic Patients With 0-2, 2-4, and 4-12 Weeks of Symptoms

Vertebral Artery Dissection as a Cause of Cervical Radiculopathy

Vertebral Artery Dissection as a Cause of Cervical Radiculopathy

Chiropractic Response to a Spontaneous Vertebral Artery Dissection

Chiropractic Response to a Spontaneous Vertebral Artery Dissection

Pathological Burst Fracture in the Cervical Spine
With Negative Red Flags: A Case Report