Chiropractor Named to USBJD Research Initiative
As first declared at the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland six years ago, the years 2000-2010 are officially "The Bone and Joint Decade," part of a global effort to improve prevention of bone and joint disorders such as arthritis, back injuries, and degenerative musculoskeletal conditions.
As part of the initiative, Jerrilyn Cambron, DC, MPH, PhD, faculty member at National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) in Lombard, Ill., has been selected as the only chiropractor to participate in The Bone and Joint Decade's "Young Investigators Initiative." The program is designed to train up-and-coming musculoskeletal investigators, since clinical research is not keeping pace with the increasing burden of these diseases in the U.S.
"I [am] truly honored to be part of this important initiative," said Dr. Cambron, an associate professor in National's research department, "and to represent the chiropractic profession and its contribution to musculoskeletal research."
Ken Heithoff, MD, Receives NUHS President's Award
At Northwestern Health Sciences University's 2006 President's Invitational Golf Tournament on July 31, NHSU President Alfred Traina, DC, bestowed the annual President's Award upon Ken Heithoff, MD. Dr. Heithoff is the founder of the Center for Diagnostic Imaging, which recently partnered with Northwestern to form a limited-liability partnership called "Upright MRI: A Service of Northwestern College of Chiropractic and CDI."
"Dr. Heithoff was the first person to open the door to the chiropractic profession as far as imaging goes," said Dr. Traina. "He realized we had diagnostic needs and was really visionary in that regard."
Dr. Heithoff's relationship with Northwestern began in the mid 1980s, when he invited Northwestern College of Chiropractic radiology residents to participate in case studies at Abbot Northwestern Hospital. Through this invitation and the resulting relationships, a mutual respect of both professions developed. Dr. Heithoff was the first medical radiologist in Minnesota to recognize and understand the diagnostic needs of the chiropractic profession. He welcomed DCs when most other advanced imagery centers refused to accept their referrals.
Chiropractic Fraternity Plans Fall Reunion
Phi Kappa Chi (PKX) alumni will meet this fall at the New Jersey Shore for a reunion. The PKX Alumni Association also has invited current students to the gathering and will provide rooms if given advance notice. The reunion will be held from Sept. 28 to Oct. 1 at the Sheraton Eatontown in Eatontown, N.J.
PKX was founded in 1961 as a professional chiropractic fraternity at Palmer College of Chiropractic. All students must memorize the mantra, Phillips, Marking, Biddle, Ball and Law, in reference to the founding members, which also included David Palmer. PKX has more than 3,500 current and former members, with chapters at Palmer, Logan College of Chiropractic and Texas Chiropractic College.
Indoor Football League Team Attributes Success to Chiropractic
In July, The Port Huron Pirates of the Great Lakes Indoor Football League finished an undefeated season (12-0), becoming the Great Lakes Bowl Champions. Although the Pirates' success can be attributed in part to good fortune and skill, someone was watching their backs - Gary Blackburn, DC, who adjusts many of the team members. Dr. Blackburn has practices in Fort Gratiot and Southfield, Mich., and is a member of HealthQuest, the official chiropractic provider of not only the Pirates, but also the NFL's Detroit Lions. Pirates Coach Brian Hug said having Blackburn has been an invaluable tool for his team.
"You can't beat having a doctor who has worked with athletes, especially at the NFL level," Hug said. "Recovering from injuries is especially important in the minor leagues because of the limited roster sizes and the number of capable back-ups."
Professionals such as the Pirates need more advanced care than college training staff can possibly provide. In a full-contact sport, players need more than ice, heat, injections and muscle relaxers.
"If you're in a collision sport, you're going to get hurt," Blackburn said. "They all get injured and all have problems, and they all need care. It's just a matter of if they are willing to take care of it."
Resource
When sports chiropractors first appeared at the Olympic Games in the 1980s, it was alongside individual athletes who had experienced the benefits of chiropractic care in their training and recovery processes at home. Fast forward to Paris 2024, where chiropractic care was available in the polyclinic for all athletes, and the attitude has now evolved to recognize that “every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic."
It is estimated that 61% of patients with CTS avoid taking surgical options due to postoperative complications and costly surgical procedures. Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, addressing the condition from multiple angles. Recent studies also have unveiled a game-changing adjunct to chiropractic treatments for CTS: nerve flossing.
Some doctors thrive in a personality-based clinic and have a loyal following no matter what services or equipment they offer, but for most chiropractic offices who are trying to grow and expand, new equipment purchases help us stay relevant and continue to service our client base in the best, most up-to-date manner possible. So, regarding equipment purchasing: should you lease, get a bank loan, or pay cash?
