Chiropractic Specialty Orthospinology Holds Seminars
Orthospinology is a specialty field within chiropractic and focuses on gentle, nonmanipulative procedures. Advanced x-ray analysis techniques are used when looking at diagnostic images of a patient’s spine to determine causes of problems. Orthospinologists mathematically calculate a correction formula that can be used to gently reduce or correct the problem.

The Society of Chiropractic Orthospinology will hold seminars in 2004 at the following times and places: Basic 1 seminars on 1/17–1/18 and 3/6–3/7 in Smyrna, Ga; Basic 2 seminars on 2/21–2/22 and 4/10–4/11 in Smyrna, Ga; and Advanced seminars on 4/30–5/2 in Atlanta, and 6/12–6/13 in Austin, Tex.

The Basic 1 seminar introduces the doctor/student to the x-ray portion of the grostic/orthospinology procedure of adjusting the atlas subluxation. The Basic 2 class reviews the x-ray portion of the Basic 1 class and includes the initial and visit-by-visit assessments of patients’ individual subluxation complex. The Basic 2 class covers x-ray and postural analyses, supine leg check, instrumentation, and palpation; the correction part of the class involves precise table placement with the application of either hand or instrument adjusting.

In addition to reviewing material from the Basic 1 and 2 classes, the Advanced seminar includes material that aids the doctor and student in becoming a more well-rounded upper cervical practitioner by covering risk management, neurology, biomechanics, pediatrics, computerized morphing technology, research reviews, and post x-ray reasoning.

Matthew McCoy, DC, editor of JVSR will make a special appearance at the advanced seminar in Atlanta. CP

ICAK–Australia Promotes $500 Honorarium
ICAK-Australia is offering a $500 honorarium to anyone writing a paper on applied kinesiology (AK) theory or practice for a peer-reviewed publication. Chiropractors use AK theory to find muscles that test weak and then analyze the problem to determine why those weak muscles are not functioning properly. Therapies applied to weak muscles can include specific joint manipulation or mobilization, meridian therapy, various myofascial therapies, cranial techniques, dietary management, and clinical nutrition.

To apply for the honorarium, contact David Sissons, DC, at david.sissons@clear.net.nz. CP

Parker Seminar a Success
Thousands of chiropractors, their staff, and patients attended Parker Seminars Las Vegas 2004 and were treated to educational programs, a showcase of the latest products and services in chiropractic, and entertainment by Dana Carvey, Mariah Carey, Marilu Henner, and Jerry Lewis.

The seminar took place January 15–18 at the Las Vegas Hilton and drew attendees from countries, such as Japan and Australia. Seminar classes included information on new insurance and office procedures for chiropractic assistants, and talks from leading experts and speakers from around nation in the personal and professional growth series classes.

“This was the largest gathering of leadership from chiropractic colleges, national associations, state associations, and international associations,” said Fabrizio Mancini, DC, president of Parker College of Chiropractic, Dallas. “With this event, we set a new standard for the profession. It was a true celebration of our profession and each other.” CP

Physicians See Rise in Vaccine Denial
Chiropractors aren’t the only ones skeptical about vaccines—parents are increasingly refusing some or all of the recommended vaccines for their children because they fear known and suggested negative effects.

According to a new study by University of Michigan researchers, pediatricians and family-practice physicians heard many concerns regarding short-term effects of vaccines, such as pain and fever, as well as serious long-term effects, such as autism and diabetes.

For the study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Gary Freed, MD, MPH, and his colleagues in the Child Health Evaluation and Research (CHEAR) Unit surveyed a national random sample of pediatricians and family physicians. Of the 743 responses, 93% of pediatricians and 60% of family physicians reported facing at least one parent who refused vaccination for their child in the last year. Pediatricians were about twice as likely as family physicians to say that refusals were rising.

Freed stated that physicians and other children’s health providers should help parents understand the benefits of vaccination, the state of knowledge on vaccine safety concerns, and the individual and societal risks of leaving their children unvaccinated. CP

Chiropractic Successful in Treating Infertility
Three reports in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, a peer-reviewed scientific journal, show that chiropractic treatments are beneficial for women fighting infertility.

The first study describes the effects chiropractic care given to a 32-year old woman with a history of infertility. The woman tried to become pregnant naturally for 2 years before seeking chiropractic care. One unsuccessful attempt at in vitro fertilization was made. During the initial evaluation, evidence of other health problems showed, including endometriosis, low back pain, and frequent headaches. Surface EMG showed significant muscle asymmetry, with high muscle tension on the left side in the area of L3.

DNFT chiropractic analysis and correction were performed over a 6-week period and the patient’s low back pain and headaches had improved drastically. Fertility specialists reported a rise in estrogen levels. A successful attempt of in vitro fertilization occurred. In another report, researchers worked with a female who suffered from serious low back pain and sever lumbar degeneration. Her history showed she experienced a severe fall at the age of 13 and a cessation of her menses at 18.

The Stucky-Thompson Terminal Point Technique was used on the patient, with an initial care schedule of six times for 2 weeks, followed by three times per week for 6 weeks. A radiological study of the patient showed advanced phase 3 lumbar degeneration at the L5-S1 segmental level, and sEMG and thermography data showed considerable reflex muscular hypertonicity. Vertebral subluxations were noted at L3, L4, and L5, including the sacrum. The study concluded that the patient’s severe fall at the age of 13 produced a vertebral subluxation complex, which caused severe disc and osseous remodeling and affected reproductive functions.

The third case study showed how the Sacro Occipital Technique helped a 34-year old woman battle a history of infertility. The patient had one child through in vitro fertilization, but could not get pregnant again. Her clinical history showed numerous gymnastic injuries, minor car accidents, and chronic back pain. She committed to a 6-week intensive care program after the Sacro Occipital Technique evaluation determined a primary category 2 sacro-iliac joint instability complex.

The adjustments that the patient received included category 2 blocking procedures for a left short leg, corrections of psoas muscle imbalance, and cervical cavitation. Results after 6 weeks showed stabilization of her category 2 subluxation complex and resolution of her low back and neck pain. CP

Parker to Offer Prerequisite College Courses
Beginning April 14, 2004, Parker College of Chiropractic, Dallas, will begin offering prerequisite courses to ease students into the chiropractic program. The courses will be part of the Bachelor of Science undergraduate program that leads into the doctorate program.

The benefits of enrolling in this program include quicker acclimation to the Parker College campus and professors, and receiving quality education at the undergraduate level.

“One of the biggest advantages of this program is the fact that the Parker College faculty who teach our chiropractic program teach most of the preprofessional courses,” said Tricia Young, director of admissions at Parker. “These students will be taking the courses required for entrance into the doctor of chiropractic program at Parker right here on campus.”

The courses that the students can take include anatomy and physiology, organic chemistry, and physics. The sessions will last for 8 weeks, with the second level of some courses offered in the next 8-week session. Students enrolled in the prerequisite courses will receive the same privileges of all Parker College students, such as participation in all student activities and organizations on campus, as well as free admission to Parker Seminars. Financial aid will be available to those students who apply and qualify, and there will be no separate application fee for students who want to enroll in Parker College.

“Students can have a seamless transition between undergraduate studies and the chiropractic college, because these courses are taught in the same way as the rest of the courses here,” said Fabrizio Mancini, DC, president of Parker College of Chiropractic. CP

ACA Among the Top 25 Lobbying Groups
According to a list of the most influential advocacy groups in Washington, DC, compiled by the American Political Science Association and reported in the Washington Times on November 26, 2003, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) is ranked number 19.

“This ranking confirms that the ACA and the chiropractic profession has a place at the table when health care policy decisions are made in Washington, DC,” said Donald Krippendorf, DC, president of the ACA. “Very simply, elected officials know that the ACA is a force to be reckoned with. When our members speak on health care issues, they’re listened to and heeded.”

The top 25 groups were recognized for being successful in building connections with Congress on a wide geographical basis. Some of the other groups include the American Medical Association (#2), AARP (#3), Blue Cross and Blue Shield (#6), American Nurses Association (#15), US Chamber of Commerce (#21), and the American Physical Therapy Association (#24).

Michael T. Heaney, a research fellow with the American Political Science Association, is the author of the ranking. He conducted anonymous interviews with 77 health care aides to US Senators and congressmen/women between April and July 2003, during the time Congress was considering modernization of the Medicare program. About the top 25, he stated that “other organizations have members throughout the United States, but may not be as effective in making their voices heard in Congress on health issues.”

The ACA has captured many legislative victories due to their strong presence on Capitol Hill, the most recent being the inclusion of a Medicare Chiropractic Demonstration Project in the recent revision of the Medicare program that is awaiting final approval by President Bush. CP