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.
Showing Students the Light at Parker
Parker College of Chiropractic and Erchonia Medical recently announced that all Parker students are now required to take a low-level laser class as part of their core curriculum. The course enables students to learn about laser technology and features an internship component whereby students can treat patients with low-level laser therapy at the Erchonia Laser Healthcare Center on the Parker campus. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the laser center took place on Nov. 2, 2009. The new facility offers the latest Erchonia laser technology in addition to a clinical setting for students to treat patients under the direction of qualified clinicians.
"We want our students to have the best education possible, and that includes being proficient with laser technologies," commented Dr. Ken Thomas, vice president of academics at Parker. "The Erchonia Laser Healthcare Center and the academic class on laser technology provide the environment to explore and master this increasingly important field of study."
Added Erchonia President Charlie Shanks: "Laser technology, more than ever before, has become indispensible for medical professionals. The academic training and the Erchonia Laser Healthcare Center will be significant resources for chiropractic students to get acquainted with our cutting-edge laser equipment and better serve their patients in the future."