Van Merkle, DC, CCN, DCBCN, DABCI

Dr. Van D. Merkle, president of Science Based Nutrition, is a diplomate of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition and the American Board of Chiropractic Internists. He is also a diplomate of the recently formed Chiropractic Board of Clinical Nutrition and currently serves as vice president. Dr. Merkle has practiced in the Dayton, Ohio area for more than 25 years, and hosted the call-in radio talk show "Back To Health, Your Guide to Better Living" since 1995.

Previous Articles

Cancer Free for 18 Years
August 1, 2013 (Vol. 31, Issue 15)
Using Nutrition to Overcome Complications of Anal Stenosis
February 1, 2013 (Vol. 31, Issue 03)
Removing Toxins to Treat Teen Arthritis
August 12, 2012 (Vol. 30, Issue 17)
Fiery Feet: Treating Gout With Nutrition
February 12, 2012 (Vol. 30, Issue 04)
Too Many Toxins, Too Few Nutrients
December 2, 2011 (Vol. 29, Issue 25)
Prostate Cancer: The Argument for Conservative Care
August 12, 2011 (Vol. 29, Issue 17)
57 Radiation Treatments Avoided – Why Nutrition Was Essential
June 3, 2011 (Vol. 29, Issue 12)
A Silent Case of Hemochromatosis
May 20, 2011 (Vol. 29, Issue 11)
Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis With More Than an Adjustment
November 4, 2010 (Vol. 28, Issue 23)
Treat an MS Patient? Yes You Can!
August 12, 2010 (Vol. 28, Issue 17)
Parasites: Nutritional Remedies Do Work!
July 1, 2010 (Vol. 28, Issue 14)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Nutritional Considerations
May 20, 2010 (Vol. 28, Issue 11)
Blood Testing: Three Easy Steps
May 20, 2009 (Vol. 27, Issue 11)
Chiropractic Goes to Nepal
May 6, 1994 (Vol. 12, Issue 10)
Mission to China
February 13, 1995 (Vol. 13, Issue 04)
Trending
News / Profession
MAHA Meets Chiropractic: Historic Meeting in Washington, D.C.
MAHA Meets Chiropractic: Historic Meeting in Washington, D.C.

A historic meeting between chiropractic and Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) leadership took place on March 10th, 2026, in Washington, D.C., featuring representatives from chiropractic national organizations, professional associations and policy principals. The collective goal: advancing the role of chiropractic in improving the health of Americans. Meeting participants focused on long-standing issues that have affected the chiropractic profession for decades, including access to care, reimbursement parity, and ensuring DCs have an appropriate role in national health policy discussions.

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Dynamic Chiropractic Staff
Diagnosis & Diagnostic Equip
When Radiculopathy Isn't Radiculopathy: A Clinical Series (Pt. 1)
hen Radiculopathy Isn’t Radiculopathy: A Clinical Series

Radicular-like pain of the upper and lower extremities is among the most common presentations in musculoskeletal and spine-related practice. Traditionally, these symptoms are interpreted through a disc-centric and dermatomal framework, often leading clinicians to attribute limb pain, paresthesia or perceived weakness to spinal nerve-root pathology. While this approach is appropriate in cases of true radiculopathy, it frequently falls short when symptoms fail to follow consistent dermatomal patterns or correlate poorly with imaging findings.

Ken Kaufman, DC
Chronic / Acute Conditions
Chronic Sciatica: Ending the Relapse Cycle
Chronic Sciatica: Ending the Relapse Cycle

A 46-year-old male presented to our clinic with a seven-year history of recurrent low back pain with sciatica. He reported stiffness and discomfort that worsened with prolonged sitting both at his desk job and during evening television time. The patient had seen multiple chiropractors over the years. In every case, spinal manipulation and other passive treatments would bring gradual symptom relief over 2-3 months. However, within another 3-6 months, the symptoms would return. Frustrated – and now considering a spinal injection and possibly surgery if that failed, he came to our office seeking a different approach.

Ronald Feise, DC