4th Annual Spinal Outcome Assessment & Diagnostic Symposium

TUKWILA, Washington -- About 60 doctors, mostly chiropractors, found their way to this little city tucked just north of Renton, and south of Seattle, for the fourth annual Spinal Outcome Assessment & Diagnostic Symposium June 3-4, held by the Washington State Spinal Health Institute (Institute). The program was co-sponsored by the International Chiropractics Association, and the World Chiropractic Alliance.

The Institute seeks to increase understanding of clinical issues among all practitioners interested in spinal care. The group holds monthly educational meetings for practitioners, and has recently expressed an interest in pursuing clinical research.

The annual convention included presentations from:

• Chris Kent, DC, who reviewed imaging technologies for documentation of the vertebral subluxation complex.

   

• Jim Robinson, MD, PhD, a physiatrist, discussed the legal, social, and clinical considerations of disabilities, and gave a presentation on neuroplastisicty and neurophysiology of the spinal cord and how they impact pain syndromes.

   

• John Fisk, MD, a radiologist and one of the principles of the Institute, presented radiographic methods for evaluation of axial pain and cervical instability.

   

• Connie Klagge, PT, reviewed the value of muscle strength testing in "central facilitation and inhibition."

   

• John Gerhardt, MD, an expert on range of motion measurements who helped write the AMA guidelines for permanent impairment, discussed ways to increase accuracy of range of motion measurement using inclinometers.

   

• Bob Mootz, DC, who works for the Department of Labor and Industries in Washington state, described how laws and policy are developed. He emphasized that clinical outcomes need to focus on measurements that are relevant to patients and society.

   

• Mark van Hemert, DC, discussed measurement of subluxation in clinical examination and assessment of functional status.