Full Title: Neck pain and disability outcomes following chiropractic upper cervical care: a retrospective case series.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use of an upper cervical low-force (UCLF) chiropractic procedure, based on a vertebral alignment model, in the management of neck pain and disability by assessing the impact on valid patient outcome measures. DESIGN: A retrospective case series. METHODS: Consecutive patient files at a private chiropractic practice over a 1-year period were reviewed for inclusion. Data for the first visit, pre- and post-adjustment atlas alignment radiographic measurements, baseline and 2-weeks NDI (100 point) and verbal NRS (11 point) were recorded. The data were analyzed in their entirety and by groups comparing <30% vs. >30% post adjustment atlas alignment changes. RESULTS: Statistically significant clinically meaningful improvements in neck pain NRS (P < 0.01) and disability NDI (P < 0.01) after an average of 13.6 days of specific chiropractic care including 5.7 office visits and 2.7 upper cervical adjustments were demonstrated. There were no serious adverse events. Cases with the post-adjustment skull/atlas alignment measurement (atlas laterality) that were changed more than 30% on the first visit toward the orthogonal alignment predicted a statistically and clinically significant better outcome for NDI in 2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: UCLF chiropractic instrument adjustments utilizing a vertebral alignment model are promising for the management of patients with neck pain based on assessment using valid outcome measures.

J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2009 Aug;53(3):173-85. Rochester RP. Chiropractic Spine Center of North Georgia, Inc., 475 S. Washington Street, Suite C, Clarkesville, GA 30523. Society of Chiropractic Orthospinology, Inc. (Non-profit organization) Board of Directors, Co-Author of the text: Orthospinology Procedures, An Evidence-Based Approach to Spinal Care. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2007.

Many patients use chiropractic as a treatment of fibromyalgia, and many chiropractors seem to be convinced that it is effective for that condition. The aim of the study was to conduct a systematic review of randomised clinical trials testing the effectiveness of chiropractic care for fibromyalgia. Six electronic literature searches were conducted. No language restrictions were applied. Data extraction and validation were carried out by two independent reviewers. Three studies met the inclusion criteria. Their methodological quality was poor. They generated no evidence to suggest that chiropractic care is effective for fibromyalgia. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that chiropractic is an effective treatment for fibromyalgia.

Clin Rheumatol. 2009 Oct;28(10):1175-8. Epub 2009 Jun 21. Ernst E. Peninsula Medical School, Universities of Exeter & Plymouth, 25 Victoria Park Road, Exeter, EX2 4NT, UK. Edzard.Ernst@pms.ac.uk

Full Title: Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) detected in a chiropractic office: a case report

OBJECTIVE: To report on a case of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), which is a somewhat rare condition but one that can present in a chiropractic clinic, particularly one with a musculoskeletal scope of practice. CASE: This is a single case report of a 16-year-old adolescent male patient who presented with an 18-month history of hip pain. Radiographs originally ordered by the patient's family physician were read by the medical radiologist as "unremarkable." The family physician diagnosed the patient with tendonitis. TREATMENT: After reviewing the radiographs and examining the patient, the chiropractor suspected a SCFE that was confirmed with a repeat radiographic examination. The patient was referred back to his family physician with a diagnosis of SCFE and recommendation for orthopedic surgical consultation. The patient was subsequently treated successfully with surgical reduction by in situ pinning. CONCLUSION: The prognosis for the SCFE patient when diagnosed early and managed appropriately is good. The consequences of a delay in the diagnosis of SCFE are an increased risk of further slippage and deformity, increased complications such as avascular necrosis and chondrolysis and increased likelihood of degenerative osteoarthritis of the involved hip later in life. The diagnosis and appropriate management of SCFE is where the chiropractor has an important role to play in the management of this condition.

J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2009 Aug;53(3):158-64. Emary P. Private practice: Parkway Back Clinic, 201C Preston Parkway, Cambridge, Ontario, N3H 5E8. E-mail: drpeter@parkwaybackclinic.ca.

Full Title: Pilot study of the effect of a limited and extended course of chiropractic care on balance, chronic pain, and dizziness in older adults

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to collect preliminary information on the effect of a limited and extended course of chiropractic care on balance, chronic pain, and associated dizziness in a sample of older adults with impaired balance. METHODS: The authors conducted a randomized pilot study targeting a sample size of 30, comparing 2 schedules of chiropractic care to a no-treatment group. Group 1 (limited schedule) was treated for 8 weeks, group 2 (extended schedule) was treated for 8 weeks and then once per month for 10 months, and group 3 received no treatment. Assessments were made at baseline and 1, 2, 6, and 12 months later. The primary outcome was changed in the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) from baseline to 1 year. Changes in the Pain Disability Index and Dizziness Handicap Index were also measured. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients were enrolled, 13 in group 1, 15 in group 2, and 6 in group 3. Only 5 had baseline BBS scores less than 45, indicating increased risk for falls. There were no treatment-related adverse events. Nine patients dropped out by 1 year. No significant differences within or between groups in median BBS from baseline to 12 months were observed. Median Pain Disability Index scores improved more from baseline to 1 year in group 2 compared with groups 1 and 3 (P = .06, Kruskal-Wallis test). For the 9 patients with dizziness, a clinically significant improvement in Dizziness Handicap Index scores of groups 1 and 2 was observed at 1 month and remained lower than baseline thereafter; this was not true of group 3. CONCLUSION: Further investigation of the possible benefit of chiropractic maintenance care (extended schedule) for balance and pain-related disability is feasible and warranted, as well as both limited and extended schedules for patients with idiopathic dizziness.

J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2009 Jul-Aug;32(6):438-47. Hawk C, Cambron JA, Pfefer MT. Cleveland Chiropractic College, Kansas City, Mo, USA. cheryl.hawk@cleveland.edu

Full Title: Characterization of health status and modifiable risk behavior among United States adults using chiropractic care as compared with general medical care

OBJECTIVE: The causes of death in the United States have moved from infectious to chronic diseases with modifiable behavioral risk factors. Simultaneously, there has been a paradigm shift in health care provisions with increased emphases on prevention and health promotion. Use of professional complementary and alternative medicine, such as chiropractic care, has increased. The purpose of this study was to characterize typical conditions, modifiable risk behaviors, and perceived changes in overall general health of patients seeing chiropractors as compared with general medical doctors in the United States. METHODS: Secondary analyses of the National Health Interview Survey 2005 adult sample (n = 31,248) were performed. Multiple logistic regression models were applied to assess associations of health conditions/risk behaviors of patients with the doctors (chiropractors vs medical doctors) they saw within the past 12 months. RESULTS: Respondents who saw/talked to chiropractors were 9.3%. Among these, 21.4% did not see a medical doctor. Comparing chiropractor-only with medical doctor-only patients, we found no significant difference in smoking/alcohol consumption status, but chiropractor-only patients were more likely to be physically active (odds ratio [OR], 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-1.8) and less likely to be obese (OR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.6-0.9). Respondents reporting acute neck (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 2.2-3.2) and low back pain (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 2.0-2.8) were more likely to have seen a chiropractor. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these analyses, Americans seem to be using chiropractic care for acute neck and low back pain more so than for other health conditions. However, there is no marked difference in their overall health promotion habits and changes in overall general health based on health care provider types.

J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2009 Jul-Aug;32(6):414-22. Ndetan HT, Bae S, Evans MW Jr, Rupert RL, Singh KP. Parker College Research Institute, Dallas, Tex 75229, USA. hndetan@parkercc.edu

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article was to review the literature on the use of chiropractic for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. METHODS: A literature search was conducted on 4 electronic databases (Medline, Index to Chiropractic Literature, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Allied and Complementary Medicine Database) for clinical research pertaining to chiropractic treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. Retrieved articles were hand searched for relevant references. Inclusion criteria consisted of any clinical study design (including case reports) using chiropractic care on patients with lumbar spinal stenosis published in English in the past 25 years. RESULTS: Six articles on a total of 70 patients met the inclusion criteria for the review. These articles included 4 case studies, a case series, and an observational cohort study. Treatments included spinal manipulation and, most often, flexion-distraction manipulation. Numerous other interventions including exercise, activity of daily living modifications, and various passive care modalities were selectively used in the included studies. CONCLUSIONS: There is a paucity of evidence available with respect to chiropractic treatment of spinal stenosis. The limited evidence that is available points toward chiropractic care being potentially beneficial in the treatment of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, but further clinical investigations are necessary.

J Chiropr Med. 2009 Jun;8(2):77-85. Stuber K, Sajko S, Kristmanson K. Private practice of chiropractic, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Full Title: A cross-sectional analysis of clinical outcomes following chiropractic care in veterans with and without post-traumatic stress disorder

This study was a cross-sectional analysis of clinical outcomes for 130 veteran patients with neck or low back complaints completing a course of care within the chiropractic clinic at the VA of Western New York in 2006. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was utilized, comparing baseline and discharge scores for both the neck and low back regions and for those patients with and without post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Patients with PTSD (n = 21) experienced significantly lower levels of score improvement than those without PTSD (n = 119) on self-reported outcome measures of neck and low back disability. These findings, coupled with the theorized relationships between PTSD and chronic pain, suggest that the success of conservative forms of management for veteran patients with musculoskeletal disorders may be limited by the presence of PTSD. Further research is warranted to examine the potential contributions of PTSD on chiropractic clinical outcomes with this unique patient population.

Mil Med. 2009 Jun;174(6):578-83. Dunn AS, Passmore SR, Burke J, Chicoine D. Chiropractic Service, VA of Western New York Healthcare System, 3495 Bailey Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14215, USA.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify short-term and long-term determinants of costs and pain improvement for care of low back pain (LBP) provided by medical doctors (MDs) and chiropractors (DCs). METHODS: Determinants of office-based costs and pain improvement were modeled for 2872 patients with primary complaint of acute or chronic LBP of mechanical origin enrolled from practices of 111 MDs and 60 DCs using multiple regression analysis. The independent variables were baseline pain intensity (10 cm visual analog scale), chronicity (current episode > or <7 weeks), referred pain above/below the knee, history of LBP, physical health, depression screen, comorbidity, and stress index; age, sex, married, and smoker; pay variables including out-of-pocket, health insurance, auto insurance, Workers' Compensation, and Oregon Health Plan/Medicaid; and a choice of provider indicator based on relative confidence in DC and MD care. RESULTS: Determinants of increased office-based costs for MD care were Workers' Compensation, pain below the knee, and chronic LBP with comorbidity. Predictors of increased cost for DC care were Workers' Compensation, auto and health insurance, LBP chronicity, and baseline pain. Predictors of decreased DC cost were Medicaid and better physical health. Pain improvement was predicted consistently across groups by baseline pain, pain radiating below the knee, physical health, LBP chronicity, and chronicity by baseline pain interaction. There was also a large chronicity by comorbidity interaction at 12 months for both provider types. CONCLUSIONS: Cost predictors were driven by insurance type and pain improvement was driven by LBP complaint characteristics.

J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2009 May;32(4):252-61. Sharma R, Haas M, Stano M, Spegman A, Gehring R. Department of Economics, Portland State University, Portland, OR 97207, USA. sharmar@pdx.edu

Full Title: Risk of vertebrobasilar stroke and chiropractic care: results of a population-based case-control and case-crossover study

STUDY DESIGN: Population-based, case-control and case-crossover study. OBJECTIVE: To investigate associations between chiropractic visits and vertebrobasilar artery (VBA) stroke and to contrast this with primary care physician (PCP) visits and VBA stroke. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Chiropractic care is popular for neck pain and headache, but may increase the risk for VBA dissection and stroke. Neck pain and headache are common symptoms of VBA dissection, which commonly precedes VBA stroke. METHODS: Cases included eligible incident VBA strokes admitted to Ontario hospitals from April 1, 1993 to March 31, 2002. Four controls were age and gender matched to each case. Case and control exposures to chiropractors and PCPs were determined from health billing records in the year before the stroke date. In the case-crossover analysis, cases acted as their own controls. RESULTS: There were 818 VBA strokes hospitalized in a population of more than 100 million person-years. In those aged <45 years, cases were about three times more likely to see a chiropractor or a PCP before their stroke than controls. Results were similar in the case control and case crossover analyses. There was no increased association between chiropractic visits and VBA stroke in those older than 45 years. Positive associations were found between PCP visits and VBA stroke in all age groups. Practitioner visits billed for headache and neck complaints were highly associated with subsequent VBA stroke. CONCLUSION: VBA stroke is a very rare event in the population. The increased risks of VBA stroke associated with chiropractic and PCP visits is likely due to patients with headache and neck pain from VBA dissection seeking care before their stroke. We found no evidence of excess risk of VBA stroke associated chiropractic care compared to primary care.

J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2009 Feb;32(2 Suppl):S201-8. Cassidy JD, Boyle E, Côté P, He Y, Hogg-Johnson S, Silver FL, Bondy SJ. Centre of Research Expertise for Improved Disability Outcomes, University Health Network Rehabilitation Solutions, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada. dcassidy@uhnresearch.ca

Full Title: Running posture and step length changes immediately after chiropractic treatment in a patient with xeroderma pigmentosum

OBJECTIVE: This case study reports on selected measures of locomotion (running) in a 5-year-old patient with xeroderma pigmentosum after chiropractic care. CLINICAL FEATURE: A 5-year-old female patient (16.4 kg, 99.1 cm) with xeroderma pigmentosum (type A) volunteered to participate in the experiment with the consent of her parents. The patient had well-documented signs of delayed fine motor (eg, difficulty with writing, coloring, cutting) and gross motor control (eg, balance and coordination dysfunction and falling while running), and delayed speech. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOMES: Trunk forward lean angles, step lengths, and hip horizontal translations were assessed by video as the participant ran as fast as possible down a laboratory runway. After chiropractic manipulation (adjustments), the patient reduced the trunk forward lean angle to become more vertical (P = .000). In addition, the patient experienced an increase in step length (P = .031). No significant change in lateral translation was observed after the intervention. CONCLUSION: For this patient with xeroderma pigmentosum, chiropractic manipulation (adjustments) resulted in immediate changes in running performance. Further investigation is needed to examine the effect of chiropractic on locomotion in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients.

J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2009 Jan;32(1):93-8. Smith DL, Walsh M, Smith JP. Essence of Wellness Chiropractic Center, Eaton, Ohio 45320, USA. drdean@essenceofwellness.com

OBJECTIVE: This case report describes the effect of exercise-based chiropractic treatment on chronic and intractable low back pain complicated by lumbar disk extrusion. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 47-year-old male firefighter experienced chronic, unresponsive low back pain. Pre- and posttreatment outcome analysis was performed on numeric (0-10) pain scale, functional rating index, and the low back pain Oswestry data. Secondary outcome assessments included a 1-rep maximum leg press, balancing times, push-ups and sit-ups the patient performed in 60 seconds, and radiographic analysis. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: The patient was treated with Pettibon manipulative and rehabilitative techniques. At 4 weeks, spinal decompression therapy was incorporated. After 12 weeks of treatment, the patient's self-reported numeric pain scale had reduced from 6 to 1. There was also overall improvement in muscular strength, balance times, self-rated functional status, low back Oswestry scores, and lumbar lordosis using pre- and posttreatment radiographic information. CONCLUSION: Comprehensive, exercise-based chiropractic management may contribute to an improvement of physical fitness and to restoration of function, and may be a protective factor for low back injury. This case suggests promising interventions with otherwise intractable low back pain using a multimodal chiropractic approach that includes isometric strengthening, neuromuscular reeducation, and lumbar spinal decompression therapy.

J Chiropr Med. 2008 Dec;7(4):146-54. Schwab MJ. Private practice, Schwab Chiropractic Clinic, Eau Claire, WI 54701.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of reported adverse events. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the tolerability and safety of chiropractic procedures. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Despite the increasing popularity of chiropractic, there are few properly designed prospective controlled trials, and there is a disproportionate lack of evaluation of its safety profile. The literature reports multiple neurologic complications of spinal manipulation, some of which are clinically relevant and even life threatening. METHODS: We performed an electronic search in 2 databases: Pubmed and the Cochrane Library for the years 1966 to 2007. All articles that reported adverse reactions associated with chiropractic were included irrespective of type of design. The outcome measures were the type of adverse events associated or attributed to chiropractic interventions and their frequency. RESULTS: A total of 376 potential relevant articles were identified, 330 of which were discarded after abstract or complete article analysis. The search identified 46 articles that included data concerning adverse events: 1 randomized controlled trial, 2 case-control studies, 7 prospective studies, 12 surveys, 3 retrospective studies, and 115 case reports. Most of the adverse events reported were benign and transitory, however, there are reports of complications that were life threatening, such as arterial dissection, myelopathy, vertebral disc extrusion, and epidural hematoma. The frequency of adverse events varied between 33% and 60.9%, and the frequency of serious adverse events varied between 5 strokes/100,000 manipulations to 1.46 serious adverse events/10,000,000 manipulations and 2.68 deaths/10,000,000 manipulations. CONCLUSION: There is no robust data concerning the incidence or prevalence of adverse reactions after chiropractic. Further investigations are urgently needed to assess definite conclusions regarding this issue.

Spine. 2009 May 15;34(11):E405-13. Gouveia LO, Castanho P, Ferreira JJ. Department of Neurology, Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisbon, Portugal. lilianafog@gmail.com

We hypothesize that stasis of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) occurs commonly and is detrimental to health. Physiologic factors affecting the normal circulation of CSF include cardiovascular, respiratory, and vasomotor influences. The CSF maintains the electrolytic environment of the central nervous system (CNS), influences systemic acid-base balance, serves as a medium for the supply of nutrients to neuronal and glial cells, functions as a lymphatic system for the CNS by removing the waste products of cellular metabolism, and transports hormones, neurotransmitters, releasing factors, and other neuropeptides throughout the CNS. Physiologic impedance or cessation of CSF flow may occur commonly in the absence of degenerative changes or pathology and may compromise the normal physiologic functions of the CSF. CSF appears to be particularly prone to stasis within the spinal canal. CSF stasis may be associated with adverse mechanical cord tension, vertebral subluxation syndrome, reduced cranial rhythmic impulse, and restricted respiratory function. Increased sympathetic tone, facilitated spinal segments, dural tension, and decreased CSF flow have been described as closely related aspects of an overall pattern of structural and energetic dysfunction in the axial skeleton and CNS. Therapies directed at affecting CSF flow include osteopathic care (especially cranial manipulation), craniosacral therapy, chiropractic adjustment of the spine and cranium, Network Care (formerly Network Chiropractic), massage therapy (including lymphatic drainage techniques), yoga, therapeutic breath-work, and cerebrospinal fluid technique. Further investigation into the nature and causation of CSF stasis, its potential effects upon human health, and effective therapies for its correction is warranted.

Altern Ther Health Med. 2009 May-Jun;15(3):54-60. Whedon JM, Glassey D. The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice in Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA.

There is a need to further our understanding of the neurophysiological effects of chiropractic spinal manipulation on brain activity as it pertains to both musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal complaints. This paper aims to provide a basic overview of the most commonly utilised techniques in the neurosciences for functional imaging the brain (positron emission tomography, single-photon emission computerised tomography, functional magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalography, and magnetoencephalography), and discuss their applicability in future chiropractic research. Functional neuroimaging modalities are used in a wide range of different research and clinical settings, and are powerful tools in the investigation of neuronal activity in the human brain. There are many potential applications for functional neuroimaging in future chiropractic research, but there are some feasibility issues, mainly pertaining to access and funding. We strongly encourage the use of functional neuroimaging in future investigations of the effects of chiropractic spinal manipulation on brain function.

JCCA J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2009 Mar;53(1):59-72. Lystad RP, Pollard H. Postgraduate Student, Department of Health and Chiropractic, Macquarie University.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to evaluate the evidence on the effects of Spinal Manipulative Therapy (SMT) on back pain and other related symptoms during pregnancy. DATA SOURCES: A literature search was conducted using Pubmed, Manual, Alternative and Natural Therapy Index System, Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health, Index to Chiropractic Literature, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. In addition hand searches and reference tracking were also performed, and the citation list was assessed for comprehensiveness by content experts. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: This review was limited to peer-reviewed manuscripts published in English from 1966 until September 2008. The initial search strategy yielded 140 citations of which 12 studies were reviewed for quality. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed independently using quality checklists of the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network and Council on Chiropractic Guidelines and Practice Parameters. The review indicates that the use of SMT during pregnancy to reduce back pain and other related symptoms is supported by limited evidence. CONCLUSION: Overall, this body of evidence is best described as emergent. However, since effective treatments for pregnancy-related back pain are limited, clinicians may want to consider SMT as a treatment option, if no contraindications are present. TARGET AUDIENCE: Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After completion of this article, the reader should be able to describe the concepts of spinal manipulative therapy and types of symptoms for which it might be considered in pregnancy, explain the quality of available research on the use of spinal manipulative therapy, and plan to discuss this therapy with interested pregnant patients.

Obstet Gynecol Surv. 2009 Jun;64(6):416-27. Khorsan R, Hawk C, Lisi AJ, Kizhakkeveettil A. Military Medical Research and Integrative Medicine, Samueli Institute, Corona del Mar, California 92625, USA. rkhorsan@siib.org

Full title: Intentions of Chiropractic Interns Regarding use of Health Promotion in Practice: Applying Theory of Reasoned Action to Identify Attitudes, Beliefs, and Influencing Factors.

PURPOSE: The theory of reasoned action is a health behavioral theory that has been used to predict personal health behaviors and intentions as well as those of providers delivering health care. The purpose of this study was to determine interns' future practices regarding the use of health promotion using this model to develop survey questions and to determine attitudes and perceived influences on their prospective behaviors in general, toward the use of health promotion once in practice. METHODS: Across the course of one year, all graduating interns at a chiropractic college were queried with a 20 question survey designed using the theory of reasoned action. Frequencies and inferential statistics were performed including prediction modeling using logistic regression. RESULTS: A majority (>85%) of interns indicated they would use health promotion in practice. Differences were noted based on perceived skill levels, perception of educational emphasis, various normative beliefs, and gender. CONCLUSION: Most interns will use some form of health promotion in practice. Normative influences including those seen as key influencers are as powerful a predictor as perceived education or skill levels on future practice of health promotion.

J Chiropr Educ. 2009 Spring;23(1):17-27. Evans MW, Ndetan H, Williams RD. Cleveland Chiropractic College.

A computer aided method for closed tibial shaft fracture reduction based on measurements of 12 projection parameters (6 angulations and 6 translations) from an anteroposterior radiograph, a lateral radiograph, and a transverse projection photograph is examined. The development, validation and reliability of the computer aided method are presented. A custom-made unilateral external fixation device consisting of 7 calibrated one-degree-of-freedom joints was employed to execute the reduction. Five tibial fracture phantoms with initial deformities that covered a wide range of misalignments were tested. The mean (standard deviation) resultant rotational and translational errors after the reduction were 3.32 degrees (0.96 degrees ) and 1.65 (0.86) mm, respectively, which indicates good reduction accuracy. Three indFrelendent raters made the measurements of the projection parameters to test inter-rater reliability. The intra-class correlation coefficients were found to range between 0.935 and 1, indicating good reliability. Since ideal patient positioning for AP, lateral and transverse image acquisition is not easily attainable, the effect of patient positioning errors on the measurement of projection parameters was explored using a tibial phantom. The preliminary results revealed that 10 degrees deviations in positioning do not greatly affect the measurement of AP and lateral angulation parameters (<1.7 degrees ). However, a 10 degrees positioning error about the long bone axis may result in a change of as much as 10.7 degrees in the measurements of transverse projection angulation parameters. In addition, a 10 degrees positioning error about an arbitrary anatomical axis may result in translational projection parameter changes of up to 6.8 mm. For these reasons, a previously validated method that allows for accurate positioning of the tibia about its long axis and a two-step reduction strategy to achieve the best possible deformity reduction are proposed. Procedures to facilitate reliable measurement of tibial torsion are also discussed. It appears that the projection-based reduction method exposes the patient to less radiation and allows for simple, quick and accurate reductions, making it an attractive choice for acute clinical applications.

Comput Aided Surg. 2009 Jun 10:1-13. Koo TK Assistant Professor, Papuga MO. Foot Levelers Biomechanics Research Laboratory, Department of Research, New York Chiropractic College, Seneca Falls, New York.

For many years hypothyroid dysfunction has been treated with standard medical approaches yet some seek newer experimental conservative approaches. This paper describes the management of a new conservative approach to management in two individuals who sought treatment from a practitioner specialising in a new integrative mind-body based treatment. The purpose of this study is to present two case studies of the management of hypothyroid dysfunction using the mind-body neuro-emotional technique (NET). METHOD: The study was set in a private practice setting in Sydney, Australia. Two cases had been diagnosed with primary hypothyroidism by independent medical and laboratory based assessment, of which conservative management had not resolved the symptoms. Both cases underwent a schedule of NET as a modality to treat their hypothyroidism. RESULTS: Objective measures such as thyroid stimulating hormone and T(4) levels were reported, along with more subjective measures such as feelings of tiredness and general well being. In both cases, there were improvements in TSH and T(4) levels, both returning to normal levels. CONCLUSIONS: Thyroid dysfunction has been effectively treated by conventional medicine for many years. Changes in thyroid dysfunction after a course of NET have been described. As the standard medical model is associated with some adverse effects such as long-term medication use and potential side effects, all natural, non-invasive approaches to management should be reviewed. Further research into this mind-body therapy is recommended to evaluate its potential effectiveness for this common condition.

Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2009 May;15(2):67-71. Bablis P, Pollard H. Private practice; Macquarie Injury Management Group, Department of Health and Chiropractic, Macquarie University, Sydney 2109, Australia.

Chiropractors are an integral part of the management of musculoskeletal injuries. A considerable communication gap between the chiropractic and medical professions exists. Subsequently referring allopathic practitioners lack confidence in picking a chiropractic practitioner with appropriate management strategies to adequately resolve sporting injuries. Subsequently, the question is often raised: "how do you find a good chiropractor?". DISCUSSION: Best practice guidelines are increasingly suggesting that musculoskeletal injuries should be managed with multimodal active and passive care strategies. Broadly speaking chiropractors may be subdivided into "modern multimodal" or "classical" (unimodal) in nature. The modern multimodal practitioner is better suited to managing sporting injuries by incorporating passive and active care management strategies to address three important phases of care in the continuum of injury from the acute inflammation/pain phase to the chronic/rehabilitation phase to the injury prevention phase. In contrast, the unimodal, manipulation only and typically spine only approach of the classical practitioner seems less suited to the challenges of the injured athlete. Identifying what part of the philosophical management spectrum a chiropractor falls is important as it is clearly not easily evident in most published material such as Yellow Pages advertisements. SUMMARY: Identifying a chiropractic practitioner who uses multimodal treatment of adequate duration, who incorporates active and passive components of therapy including exercise prescription whilst using medical terminology and diagnosis without mandatory x-rays or predetermined treatment schedules or prepaid contracts of care will likely result in selection of a chiropractor with the approach and philosophy suited to appropriately managing athletic conditions. Sporting organizations and associations should consider using similar criteria as a minimum standard to allow participation in health care team selections.

Chiropr Osteopat. 2009 Mar 10;17:3. Hoskins W, Pollard H, Garbutt P. Macquarie Injury Management Group, Department of Health & Chiropractic, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia. waynehoskins@iinet.com.au.

The objective of this study was to evaluate resistance training (RES) and RES combined with chiropractic treatment (RES-C) on fibromyalgia (FM) impact and functionality in women with FM. DESIGN: The design of the study was a randomized control trial. SETTING: Testing and training were completed at the university and chiropractic treatment was completed at chiropractic clinics. PARTICIPANTS: Participants (48 +/- 9 years; mean +/- standard deviation) were randomly assigned to RES (n = 10) or RES-C (n = 11). INTERVENTION: Both groups completed 16 weeks of RES consisting of 10 exercises performed two times per week. RES-C received RES plus chiropractic treatment two times per week. OUTCOME MEASURES: Strength was assessed using one repetition maximum for the chest press and leg extension. FM impact was measured using the FM impact questionnaire, myalgic score, and the number of active tender points. Functionality was assessed using the 10-item Continuous Scale Physical Functional Performance test. Analyses of variance with repeated measures compared groups before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Six (6) participants discontinued the study: 5 from RES and 1 from RES-C. Adherence to training was significantly higher in RES-C (92.0 +/- 7.5%) than in RES (82.8 +/- 7.5%). Both groups increased (p < or = 0.05) upper and lower body strength. There were similar improvements in FM impact in both groups. There were no group interactions for the functionality measures. Both groups improved in the strength domains; however, only RES-C significantly improved in the pre- to postfunctional domains of flexibility, balance and coordination, and endurance. CONCLUSIONS: In women with FM, resistance training improves strength, FM impact, and strength domains of functionality. The addition of chiropractic treatment improved adherence and dropout rates to the resistance training and facilitated greater improvements in the domains of functionality.

J Altern Complement Med. 2009 Mar;15(3):321-8. Panton LB, Figueroa A, Kingsley JD, Hornbuckle L, Wilson J, St John N, Abood D, Mathis R, VanTassel J, McMillan V. Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA. lpanton@fsu.edu

The objective of this study was to describe the profile of a cohort of patients who presented to a Neuro-Emotional Technique (NET) clinic. This study investigated the change in the Distress and Risk Assessment Method (DRAM) outcome measure score after a 3-month course of NET was administered to participants. Design and setting: This was an uncontrolled cohort study in private practice. Subjects: One hundred and eighty-eight (188) consecutive new patients presented to a NET clinic. Intervention: The intervention was a 3-month course of NET, which incorporates elements of muscle testing, general semantics, Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, and chiropractic principles to manage patients' conditions. Outcome measures: Scoring on the DRAM questionnaire was the outcome measure. Results: Of the participants, 55.9% had musculoskeletal complaints, 34.6% had nonmusculoskeletal complaints, and 9.6% reported no presenting complaint. Strongly significant differences in the mean DRAM scores and the mean individual component scores were found between pre- and post-treatment. There was strong evidence to suggest that the Modified Somatic Perceptions Questionnaire and the Modified Zung Depression Index scores were correlated (p < 0.001), and that the allocation of subjects in any pretest category to categories on the basis of post-test scores changed from category to category. Conclusions: NET is different from traditionally described chiropractic practice, and appears, based on this one clinic, to have far more nonmusculoskeletal presentations. This profile, if consistent with other practices, has strong implications for scope of practice for this form of chiropractic practitioners. Many participant presentations were "at risk" of, or were clinically depressed, according to the DRAM. The DRAM status of the patient cohort significantly and clinically improved with the NET treatment. As this study was nonrandomized and uncontrolled, the results should be viewed with caution. We recommend that larger-scale randomized controlled trials be commenced to investigate the preliminary findings of this report.

J Altern Complement Med. 2009 Feb;15(2):121-7. Bablis P, Pollard H. Macquarie Injury Management Group, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Twenty healthy adults were randomly assigned to a moderate pressure or a light pressure massage therapy group, and EKGs were recorded during a 3-min baseline, during the 15-min massage period and during a 3-min postmassage period. EKG data were then used to derive the high frequency (HF), low frequency (LF) components of heart rate variability and the low to high frequency ratio (LF/HF) as noninvasive markers of autonomic nervous system activity. The participants who received the moderate pressure massage exhibited a parasympathetic nervous system response characterized by an increase in HF, suggesting increased vagal efferent activity and a decrease in the LF/HF ratio, suggesting a shift from sympathetic to parasympathetic activity that peaked during the first half of the massage period. On the other hand, those who received the light pressure massage exhibited a sympathetic nervous system response characterized by decreased HF and increased LF/HF.

Int J Neurosci. 2009;119(5):630-8. Diego MA, Field T. Touch Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA. mdiego@med.miami.edu

Population-based, case-control and case-crossover study. OBJECTIVE: To investigate associations between chiropractic visits and vertebrobasilar artery (VBA) stroke and to contrast this with primary care physician (PCP) visits and VBA stroke. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Chiropractic care is popular for neck pain and headache, but may increase the risk for VBA dissection and stroke. Neck pain and headache are common symptoms of VBA dissection, which commonly precedes VBA stroke. METHODS: Cases included eligible incident VBA strokes admitted to Ontario hospitals from April 1, 1993 to March 31, 2002. Four controls were age and gender matched to each case. Case and control exposures to chiropractors and PCPs were determined from health billing records in the year before the stroke date. In the case-crossover analysis, cases acted as their own controls. RESULTS: There were 818 VBA strokes hospitalized in a population of more than 100 million person-years. In those aged <45 years, cases were about three times more likely to see a chiropractor or a PCP before their stroke than controls. Results were similar in the case control and case crossover analyses. There was no increased association between chiropractic visits and VBA stroke in those older than 45 years. Positive associations were found between PCP visits and VBA stroke in all age groups. Practitioner visits billed for headache and neck complaints were highly associated with subsequent VBA stroke. CONCLUSION: VBA stroke is a very rare event in the population. The increased risks of VBA stroke associated with chiropractic and PCP visits is likely due to patients with headache and neck pain from VBA dissection seeking care before their stroke. We found no evidence of excess risk of VBA stroke associated chiropractic care compared to primary care.

J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2009 Feb;32(2 Suppl):S201-8. Republished from: Spine. 2008 Feb 15;33(4 Suppl):S176-83. Cassidy JD, Boyle E, Côté P, He Y, Hogg-Johnson S, Silver FL, Bondy SJ. Centre of Research Expertise for Improved Disability Outcomes, University Health Network Rehabilitation Solutions, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada. dcassidy@uhnresearch.ca

Chronic tendon pathology is a soft tissue condition commonly seen in chiropractic practice. Tendonitis, tendinosis, and tendinopathy are terms used to describe this clinical entity. The purpose of this article is to review interventions commonly used by doctors of chiropractic when treating tendinopathy. METHODS: The Scientific Commission of the Council on Chiropractic Guidelines and Practice Parameters (CCGPP) was charged with developing literature syntheses, organized by anatomical region, to evaluate and report on the evidence base for chiropractic care. This article is the outcome of this charge. As part of the CCGPP process, preliminary drafts of these articles were posted on the CCGPP Web site www.ccgpp.org (2006-8) to allow for an open process and the broadest possible mechanism for stakeholder input. A literature search was performed using the PubMed; Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature; Index to Chiropractic Literature; Manual, Alternative, and Natural Therapy Index System; National Guidelines Clearinghouse; Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects; and Turning Research Into Practice databases. The inclusion criteria were manual therapies, spinal manipulation, mobilization, tendonitis, tendinopathy, tendinosis, cryotherapy, bracing, orthotics, massage, friction massage, transverse friction massage, electrical stimulation, acupuncture, exercise, eccentric exercise, laser, and therapeutic ultrasound. RESULTS: There is evidence that ultrasound therapy provides clinically important improvement in the treatment of calcific tendonitis. There is limited evidence of the benefit of manipulation and mobilization in the treatment of tendinopathy. Limited evidence exists to support the use of supervised exercise, eccentric exercise, friction massage, acupuncture, laser therapy, use of bracing, orthotics, and cryotherapy in the treatment of tendinopathy. CONCLUSION: Chiropractors often provide a number of conservative interventions commonly used to treat tendinopathy.

J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2009 Jan;32(1):41-52. Pfefer MT, Cooper SR, Uhl NL. Cleveland Chiropractic College, Overland Park, Kansas 66210, USA. mark.pfefer@cleveland.edu

This survey investigated the demographic characteristics of the responding practitioners, the prevalence of shoulder pain symptoms seen in weekly chiropractic practice, the sources of shoulder pain, the chiropractor-diagnosed prevalence of shoulder clinical syndromes, and the management strategies for Australian chiropractors. METHODS: A survey was created by the authors consisting of questions seeking demographic information from the respondents, shoulder syndrome, and shoulder management information. The survey was mailed to every chiropractic practitioner based in the Australian state of New South Wales (general population 6.8 million in 2005). Contact details were derived from Yellow Pages online listings. RESULTS: One thousand thirty-seven surveys were mailed to New South Wales-based chiropractors, with 192 (21%) returning a completed survey. The prevalence of shoulder pain symptoms as reported by the practitioners was 12% of the total weekly patients, with the major cause of symptoms related to overuse (32%). The most prevalent working diagnosis of shoulder pain was shoulder impingement syndrome (13%), followed by impingement syndrome with rotator cuff tendinosis (17%), impingement syndrome without rotator cuff tendinosis (14%), and chiropractic shoulder subluxation (12%). Shoulder pain is managed with a combination of manipulation, mainly diversified technique (81%), peripheral joint manipulation (82%), and various soft tissue strategies used by 92% of practitioners. Rehabilitation strategies were also used by 89% of practitioners with a main emphasis placed on rotator cuff strengthening. CONCLUSION: The results suggest a moderate prevalence of shoulder pain in clinical practice with the most prevalent structure involved being the rotator cuff tendon. Most practitioners use a multimodal therapeutic treatment approach in managing disorders of the shoulder.

J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2009 Feb;32(2):107-17. Pribicevic M, Pollard H, Bonello R. Private practice of chiropractic, Harbord NSW, Australia.

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is one of the most commonly diagnosed nonarticular soft tissue conditions in all fields of musculoskeletal medicine, including chiropractic. The purpose of this study was to perform a comprehensive review of the literature for the most commonly used treatment procedures in chiropractic for FMS and to provide evidence ratings for these procedures. The emphasis of this literature review was on conservative and nonpharmaceutical therapies. METHODS: The Scientific Commission of the Council on Chiropractic Guidelines and Practice Parameters (CCGPP) was charged with developing literature syntheses, organized by anatomical region, to evaluate and report on the evidence base for chiropractic care. This article is the outcome of this charge. As part of the CCGPP process, preliminary drafts of these articles were posted on the CCGPP Web site www.ccgpp.org (2006-8) to allow for an open process and the broadest possible mechanism for stakeholder input. Online comprehensive literature searches were performed of the following databases: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; National Guidelines Clearinghouse; Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; Manual, Alternative, and Natural Therapy Index System; Index to Chiropractic Literature, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature; Allied and Complementary Medicine; and PubMed up to June 2006. RESULTS: Our search yielded the following results: 8 systematic reviews, 3 meta-analyses, 5 published guidelines, and 1 consensus document. Our direct search of the databases for additional randomized trials did not find any chiropractic randomized clinical trials that were not already included in one or more of the systematic reviews/guidelines. The review of the Manual, Alternative, and Natural Therapy Index System and Index to Chiropractic Literature databases yielded an additional 38 articles regarding various nonpharmacologic therapies such as chiropractic, acupuncture, nutritional/herbal supplements, massage, etc. Review of these articles resulted in the following recommendations regarding nonpharmaceutical treatments of FMS. Strong evidence supports aerobic exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy. Moderate evidence supports massage, muscle strength training, acupuncture, and spa therapy (balneotherapy). Limited evidence supports spinal manipulation, movement/body awareness, vitamins, herbs, and dietary modification. CONCLUSIONS: Several nonpharmacologic treatments and manual-type therapies have acceptable evidentiary support in the treatment of FMS.

J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2009 Jan;32(1):25-40. Schneider M, Vernon H, Ko G, Lawson G, Perera J.

School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa, USA. drmike@city-net.com

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) and myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are important aspects of musculoskeletal medicine, including chiropractic. The purpose of this study was to review the most commonly used treatment procedures in chiropractic for MPS and MTrPs. METHODS: The Scientific Commission of the Council on Chiropractic Guidelines and Practice Parameters (CCGPP) was charged with developing literature syntheses, organized by anatomical region, to evaluate and report on the evidence base for chiropractic care. This article is the outcome of this charge. As part of the CCGPP process, preliminary drafts of these articles were posted on the CCGPP Web site www.ccgpp.org (2006-8) to allow for an open process and the broadest possible mechanism for stakeholder input. PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and databases for systematic reviews and clinical guidelines were searched. Separate searches were conducted for (1) manual palpation and algometry, (2) chiropractic and other manual therapies, and (3) other conservative and complementary/alternative therapies. Studies were screened for relevance and rated using the Oxford Scale and Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network rating system. RESULTS: A total of 112 articles were identified. Review of these articles resulted in the following recommendations regarding treatment: Moderately strong evidence supports manipulation and ischemic pressure for immediate pain relief at MTrPs, but only limited evidence exists for long-term pain relief at MTrPs. Evidence supports laser therapy (strong), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, acupuncture, and magnet therapy (all moderate) for MTrPs and MPS, although the duration of relief varies among therapies. Limited evidence supports electrical muscle stimulation, high-voltage galvanic stimulation, interferential current, and frequency modulated neural stimulation in the treatment of MTrPs and MPS. Evidence is weak for ultrasound therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Manual-type therapies and some physiologic therapeutic modalities have acceptable evidentiary support in the treatment of MPS and TrPs.

J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2009 Jan;32(1):14-24. Vernon H, Schneider M. Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Ontario, Canada. hvernon@cmcc.ca

The chiropractic profession has succeeded to remain in existence for over 110 years despite the fact that many other professions which had their start at around the same time as chiropractic have disappeared. Despite chiropractic's longevity, the profession has not succeeded in establishing cultural authority and respect within mainstream society, and its market share is dwindling. In the meantime, the podiatric medical profession, during approximately the same time period, has been far more successful in developing itself into a respected profession that is well integrated into mainstream health care and society. OBJECTIVE: To present a perspective on the current state of the chiropractic profession and to make recommendations as to how the profession can look to the podiatric medical profession as a model for how a non-allopathic healthcare profession can establish mainstream integration and cultural authority. DISCUSSION: There are several key areas in which the podiatric medical profession has succeeded and in which the chiropractic profession has not. The authors contend that it is in these key areas that changes must be made in order for our profession to overcome its shrinking market share and its present low status amongst healthcare professions. These areas include public health, education, identity and professionalism. CONCLUSION: The chiropractic profession has great promise in terms of its potential contribution to society and the potential for its members to realize the benefits that come from being involved in a mainstream, respected and highly utilized professional group. However, there are several changes that must be made within the profession if it is going to fulfill this promise. Several lessons can be learned from the podiatric medical profession in this effort.

Chiropr Osteopat. 2008 Aug 29;16:10. Murphy DR, Schneider MJ, Seaman DR, Perle SM, Nelson CF. Rhode Island Spine Center Pawtucket, RI, USA. rispine@aol.com.

Our purpose was to review the biomedical literature from January 2004 to June 2007 inclusive to determine the extent of new evidence related to the therapeutic application of manipulation for pediatric health conditions. This updates a previous systematic review published in 2005. No critical appraisal of the evidence is undertaken. DATA SOURCES: We searched both the indexed and non-indexed biomedical manual therapy literature. This included PubMed, MANTIS, CINAHL, ICL, as well as reference tracking. Other resources included the Cochrane Library, CCOHTA, PEDro, WHO ICTRP, AMED, EMBASE and AHRQ databases, as well as research conferences and symposium proceedings. RESULTS: The search identified 1275 citations of which 57 discrete citations met the eligibility criteria determined by three reviewers who then determined by consensus, each citation's appropriate level on the strength of evidence scale. The new evidence from the relevant time period was 1 systematic review, 1 RCT, 2 observational studies, 36 descriptive case studies and 17 conference abstracts. When this additional evidence is combined with the previous systematic review undertaken up to 2003, there are now in total, 2 systematic reviews, 10 RCT's, 3 observational studies, 177 descriptive studies, and 31 conference abstracts defining this body of knowledge. SUMMARY: There has been no substantive shift in this body of knowledge during the past 3 1/2 years. The health claims made by chiropractors with respect to the application of manipulation as a health care intervention for pediatric health conditions continue to be supported by only low levels of scientific evidence. Chiropractors continue to treat a wide variety of pediatric health conditions. The evidence rests primarily with clinical experience, descriptive case studies and very few observational and experimental studies. The health interests of pediatric patients would be advanced if more rigorous scientific inquiry was undertaken to examine the value of manipulative therapy in the treatment of pediatric conditions.

Chiropr Osteopat. 2008 Sep 12;16:11. Gotlib A, Rupert R. Canadian Chiropractic Association, CMCC Homewood Professor, 30 St, Patrick St, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 3A3, Canada. algotlib@ccachiro.org.

Patient satisfaction is important to payers, clinicians, and patients. The concept of satisfaction is multifactorial and measurement is challenging. Our objective was to explore the use of a mixed-methods design to examine patient satisfaction with chiropractic care for low back pain.

METHODS: Patients were treated 3 times per week for 3 weeks. Outcomes were collected at week 3 and week 4. Qualitative interviews were conducted by the treating clinician and a nontreating staff member. Outcome measures were the Roland Morris Back Pain Disability Questionnaire, the visual analog scale for pain, and the Patient Satisfaction Scale. Interviews were recorded and transcribed and analyzed for themes and constructs of satisfaction. We compared qualitative interview data with quantitative outcomes, and qualitative data from 2 different interviewers.

RESULTS: All patients reported high levels of satisfaction. Clinical outcomes were unremarkable with little change noted on visual analog scale and Roland Morris Back Pain Disability Questionnaire scores. We categorized patient comments into the same constructs of satisfaction as those identified for the Patient Satisfaction Scale: Information, Effectiveness, and Caring. An additional construct (Quality of Care) and additional subcategories were identified. Satisfaction with care is not explained by outcome alone. The qualitative data collected from 2 different interviewers had few differences.

CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that it is feasible to use a mixed-methods design to examine patient satisfaction. We were able to refine data collection and analysis procedures for the outcome measures and qualitative interview data. We identified limitations and offer recommendations for the next step: the implementation of a larger study.

J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2008 Oct;31(8):602-10. Rowell RM, Polipnick J. Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport, Iowa 52803, USA. robert.rowell@palmer.edu

As human tissue pathology slides become increasingly difficult to obtain, other methods of teaching microscopy in educational laboratories must be considered. The purpose of this study was to evaluate our students' satisfaction with newly implemented computer imagery based laboratory instruction and to obtain input from their perspective on the advantages and disadvantages of computerized vs. traditional microscope laboratories. METHODS: This undertaking involved the creation of a new computer laboratory. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 7(th)ed, was chosen as the required text which gave students access to the Robbins Pathology website, including complete content of text, Interactive Case Study Companion, and Virtual Microscope. Students had experience with traditional microscopes in their histology and microbiology laboratory courses. Student satisfaction with computer based learning was assessed using a 28 question survey which was administered to three successive trimesters of pathology students (n=193) using the computer survey website Zoomerang. Answers were given on a scale of 1-5 and statistically analyzed using weighted averages. RESULTS: The survey data indicated that students were satisfied with computer based learning activities during pathology laboratory instruction. The most favorable aspect to computer imagery was 24-7 availability (weighted avg. 4.16), followed by clarification offered by accompanying text and captions (weighted avg. 4.08). CONCLUSION: Although advantages and disadvantages exist in using conventional microscopy and computer imagery, current pathology teaching environments warrant investigation of replacing traditional microscope exercises with computer applications. Chiropractic students supported the adoption of computer-assisted instruction in pathology laboratories.

J Chiropr Educ. 2008 Fall;22(2):138-44. Cunningham CM, Larzelere ED, Arar I. Basic Sciences Department, New York Chiropractic College.

This article provides an overview of primary chiropractic issues as they relate to public health. This collaborative summary documents the chiropractic profession's current involvement in public health, reflects on past barriers that may have prevented full participation within the public health movement, and summarizes the relationship of current chiropractic and public health topics. Topics discussed include how the chiropractic profession participates in preventive health services, health promotion, immunization, geriatrics, health care in a military environment, and interdisciplinary care.

J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2008 Jul-Aug;31(6):397-410. Johnson C, Baird R, Dougherty PE, Globe G, Green BN, Haneline M, Hawk C, Injeyan HS, Killinger L, Kopansky-Giles D, Lisi AJ, Mior SA, Smith M.

This study systematically reviewed the published evidence regarding chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation, for pregnancy-related low back pain (LBP). METHODS: A multimodal search strategy was conducted, including multiple database searches along with reference and journal hand searching. Studies were limited to those published in English and in a peer-reviewed journal or conference proceeding between January 1982 and July 2007. All study designs were considered except single case reports, personal narratives, and qualitative designs. Retrieved articles that met the inclusion criteria were rated for quality by using a validated and reliable checklist. RESULTS: Six studies met the review's inclusion criteria in the form of 1 quasi-experimental single-group pretest-posttest design, 4 case series, and 1 cross-sectional case series study; their quality scores ranged from 5 to 14 of 27. All of the included studies reported positive results for chiropractic care of LBP during pregnancy. Outcome measure use between the studies was inconsistent as were descriptions of patients, treatments, and treatment schedules. CONCLUSIONS: Results from the 6 included studies showed that chiropractic care is associated with improved outcomes in pregnancy-related LBP. However, the low-to-moderate quality of evidence of the included studies preclude any definitive statement as to the efficacy of such care because all studies lacked both randomization and control groups. Given the relatively common use of chiropractic care during pregnancy, there is need for higher quality observational studies and controlled trials to determine efficacy.

J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2008 Jul-Aug;31(6):447-54. Stuber KJ, Smith DL. School of Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK. kjstuber@hotmail.com

This synopsis provides an overview of the benign and serious risks associated with chiropractic care for subjects with neck or low-back pain. Most adverse events associated with spinal manipulation are benign and self-limiting. The incidence of severe complications following chiropractic care and manipulation is extremely low. The best evidence suggests that chiropractic care is a useful therapy for subjects with neck or low-back pain for which the risks of serious adverse events should be considered negligible.

J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2008 Jul-Aug;31(6):461-4. Rubinstein SM. Institute for Research in Extramural Medicine, EMGO-Institute, VU University Medical Center, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands. sm.rubinstein@vumc.nl

Social communication skills are critical in the health professions. The aim of this study was to measure and identify professional practice predictors of social communication skills of practicing chiropractors. METHODS: The study population was derived from a group of doctors of chiropractic who participated in a practice-based research program. Participating chiropractors agreed to complete a survey detailing the chiropractor's sex, years in practice, practice type, size of the practice community, typical weekly practice volume, and an instrument to measure skills of social communication. Regression analysis was applied to identify associations between independent variables and responses to the social skills instrument.

RESULTS: Results suggested that selected characteristics of clinical practice may be associated with clinician's social skills of communication. The weekly volume of patients to the practice emerged as a salient explanatory factor of overall social communication skills and as a factor individually for dimensions of social expressivity and social control. The practice arrangement (solo vs group) proved important in terms of respondent emotional control scores. Similarly, the solo vs group practice variable was associated with higher levels of emotional sensitivity; however, this association was mediated by the sex of the doctor of chiropractic; men reported lower levels of emotional sensitivity than women.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest associations between dimensions of social communication skills, practice characteristics, practice arrangements, and sex that may inform the efforts of educators as they endeavor to better prepare health professionals for practice in a wide spectrum of settings.

J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2008 Nov-Dec;31(9):682-9. Marchiori DM, Henkin AB, Hawk C. Academic Affairs, Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport, Iowa 52803, USA. marchiori_d@palmer.edu

A prospective cohort study on chiropractic patients with neck pain. OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between self-reported benign adverse events after chiropractic care for neck pain and the outcome measures namely, perceived recovery, neck pain, and neck disability.

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Prolonged use of computers during daily work activities and recreation is often cited as a cause of neck pain. This review of the literature identifies public health aspects of neck pain as associated with computer use. While some retrospective studies support the hypothesis that frequent computer operation is associated with neck pain, few prospective studies reveal causal relationships. Many risk factors are identified in the literature. Primary prevention strategies have largely been confined to addressing environmental exposure to ergonomic risk factors, since to date, no clear cause for this work-related neck pain has been acknowledged. Future research should include identifying causes of work related neck pain so that appropriate primary prevention strategies may be developed and to make policy recommendations pertaining to prevention.

JCCA J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2008 Aug;52(3):161-7. Green BN. Chiropractic Division, Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, CA.

The mother of a 3-month old girl presented her daughter for chiropractic care with a medical diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Her complaints included frequently interrupted sleep, excessive intestinal gas, frequent vomiting, excessive crying, difficulty breastfeeding, plagiocephaly and torticollis. Previous medical care consisted of Prilosec prescription medication. Notable improvement in the patient's symptoms was observed within four visits and total resolution of symptoms within three months of care. This case study suggests that patients with complaints associated with both musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal origin may benefit from chiropractic care.

JCCA J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2008 Dec;52(4):248-55. Alcantara J, Anderson R. Research Director, International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, Media, Pa and Private Practice of Chiropractic, San Jose, CA, USA.

This study explores the extent to which consumers seek wellness care when choosing chiropractors whose practice methods are known to include periodic evaluative and interventional methods to maintain wellness and prevent illness. METHODS: Using an international convenience sample of Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) practitioners, 1316 consecutive patients attending 27 different chiropractic clinics in the USA, Europe and Australia completed a one-page survey on intake to assess reason for seeking care. A forced choice response was obtained characterizing the patient's reason for seeking chiropractic care. RESULTS: More than 40% of chiropractic patient visits were initiated for the purposes of health enhancement and/or disease prevention. CONCLUSION: Although prudence dictates great caution when generalizing from this study, if confirmed by subsequent research among other similar cohorts, the present results may lend support to continued arguments of consumer demand for a more comprehensive paradigm of chiropractic care, beyond routine musculoskeletal complaints, that conceptualizes the systemic, nonspecific effects of the chiropractic encounter in much broader terms.

JCCA J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2008 Aug;52(3):175-84. Blum C, Globe G, Terre L, Mirtz TA, Greene L, Globe D. Sacro Occipital Technique Organization - USA.

The manual muscle test (MMT) has been offered as a chiropractic assessment tool that may help diagnose neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction. We contend that due to the number of manipulative practitioners using this test as part of the assessment of patients, clinical guidelines for the MMT are required to heighten the accuracy in the use of this tool. OBJECTIVE: To present essential operational definitions of the MMT for chiropractors and other clinicians that should improve the reliability of the MMT as a diagnostic test. Controversy about the usefulness and reliability of the MMT for chiropractic diagnosis is ongoing, and clinical guidelines about the MMT are needed to resolve confusion regarding the MMT as used in clinical practice as well as the evaluation of experimental evidence concerning its use. DISCUSSION: We expect that the resistance to accept the MMT as a reliable and valid diagnostic tool will continue within some portions of the manipulative professions if clinical guidelines for the use of MMT methods are not established and accepted. Unreliable assessments of this method of diagnosis will continue when non-standard MMT research papers are considered representative of the methods used by properly trained clinicians. CONCLUSION: Practitioners who employ the MMT should use these clinical guidelines for improving their use of the MMT in their assessments of muscle dysfunction in patients with musculoskeletal pain.

Chiropr Osteopat. 2008 Dec 19;16(1):16. Schmitt WH Jr, Cuthbert SC.