Updated Neck Pain & Whiplash Guideline
If you're not up to date on current neck pain and whiplash guidelines, then it's high time to read the Bussières, et al., clinical practice guideline: "The Treatment of Neck Pain–Associated Disorders and Whiplash-Associated Disorders." Published in the October 2016 issue of JMPT, the guideline (available free here) "replaces two prior chiropractic guidelines on NADs and WADs."
Commenting on the paper, JMPT Editor in Chief, Dr. Claire Johnson, stated: "Understanding the evidence and which treatments are best for neck pain and whiplash-associated disorders can be daunting. Thankfully, an outstanding team of authors has provided the map to help providers deliver best care to these patients ... You will see a plethora of information in this guide that you can begin using immediately in your clinical care."
Attention, IHS DCs
Dr. Ryan Kain, a doctor of chiropractic working for a tribe with Indian Health Service (IHS), has created a Listserv to allow DCs working with different tribes to communicate and share information. Dr. Kain, who works at Benewah Medical Center on the Coeur d'Alene Indian Reservation in Plummer, Idaho, encourages DCs to email him at rykain@bmc.portland.ihs.gov with their tribal affiliation to be placed on the Listserv.
New VP of Institutional Advancement At Palmer
Barbara Melbourne, JD, is the new vice chancellor for institutional advancement at Palmer College of Chiropractic. Melbourne, who assumed the position Nov. 28, 2016, graduated from the University of Kansas School of Law following undergraduate work at Creighton University.
"We're thrilled to secure Barbara for this ground-breaking administrative position," said Trevor Ireland, DC, chairman of the Palmer Board of Trustees. "Her background makes her a powerful addition to Palmer's executive administrative team."
N.J. DC Interns At U.S. Olympic Training Center
Dr. Anthony DeLuca recently completed a two-week internship at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif. Dr. DeLuca has participated as a DC in several high-level athletic events, including the 4th Annual International Workers and Amateurs in Sports Confederation World Sports Games in Lignano, Italy (2015); 2012 World Figure Skating Championships in Nice, France; and the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico, among others.
"This was a tremendous opportunity that not only provided the ability to work with some of the best athletes in the country, but also share and gain valued knowledge with many of the nation's finest trainers, coaches, and medical professionals," said Dr. DeLuca, director of DeLuca Family Chiropractic in Old Bridge, N.J.
Chiropractic Society Of R.I. On The Front Lines
Covered chiropractic care and opioid addiction are front and center on the Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island's agenda. The society has initiated a grassroots information campaign to promote the value of chiropractic care as an alternative to prescription pain relievers. The campaign includes distribution of educational information to patients and consumers, as well as a speaker's bureau through which DCs will speak to local businesses and organizations.
On the insurance front, in late 2016 the society announced it had launched a petition drive requesting that the Rhode Island health commissioner enforce the "any willing provider" provision of the act and cover chiropractic care "without restrictions on visits and phantom co-pays."
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?
