While cervical disc pathology can unquestionably produce radiculopathy, many patients presenting with arm pain, paresthesia or perceived weakness do not exhibit the clinical behavior of true nerve-root compromise. In these cases, failure to differentiate the primary pain generator may lead to unnecessary spinal injections, nerve ablation procedures or surgical consultation despite limited likelihood of benefit.
Chiropractic College Graduates Continue High Practice Rates
The Association of Chiropractic Colleges (ACC) member institutions' 2012 recent alumni surveys have just been completed. Institutions survey their recent grads each year to assess their graduates' entry into practice and to evaluate their educational outcomes. In the just-completed alumni survey, 92 percent of 638 respondents from 14 Doctor of Chiropractic programs report that they are currently in practice. Another 1 percent are using their chiropractic education in some other way (teaching, in a residency, etc.) This included graduation years 2005, 2007 and 2009.
The 2012 results reflect the 638 respondents and are the most complete results available. The results from the self-selected reporters are very consistent when reviewed over a several-year timeline of the annual surveys. New York Chiropractic College has facilitated the annual surveys, which provide information that assists programs in evaluating their teaching strengths and opportunities for improvements.
The United States Department of Education is interested in outcomes assessments of educational effectiveness. The trend in higher education and accreditation is to focus more on the educational outcomes, rather than the previous focus on the incoming scores and prerequisites.
Source: Association of Chiropractic Colleges