The investigators from the three colleges will work to evaluate the biomechanical, neurophysiological, biochemical, light microscopic, and scanning/transmission of electron microscopic characteristics of spinal and paraspinal tissues following simulation of spinal fixation. By studying the vertebral subluxation complex, the investigators seek to determine one or more of the mechanisms of action for chiropractic treatment, and develop a deeper understanding of the therapeutic effects of chiropractic adjusting.
The co-principal investigators for the study are Greg Cramer, DC, PhD, the dean of research at National, and Chuck Henderson, DC, PhD, an associate professor of research at Palmer. Among the other investigators working on the project are Barclay Bakkum, DC, PhD; Robert Frystak, PhD, and Steve Kirstukas, PhD (from National); Jim De Vought, DC, PhD, and Se-Pyo Hong, PhD (from Palmer); and Vijay Goel, PhD; James Martin, PhD, and Malcom Pope, PhD (from the University of Iowa).
Dr. McCown Goes to Washington
Nancy McCown, DC, a resident of Kelso, Washington, had the chance recently to reminisce with an old family friend, Bob Dole, the former six-term Senate Republican leader, and the 1996 GOP presidential candidate. Both Mr. Dole and Dr. McCown are natives of Russell, Kansas.
Dr. McCown met with Mr. Dole at his office at the law firm of Verner, Liipfert, et al. "It was a very enjoyable visit," Dr. McCown reported. "We had not seen each other since he was in Kelso a few years ago."
Dr. McCown was selected by the Washington State Chiropractic Association to attend the National Chiropractic Legislative Conference this past March in Washington, D.C. While at the conference, she visited several legislators to help build support for the Patient Access to Responsible Care Act (PARCA).
On the Road Again
On August 14, five students from New York Chiropractic College will begin the 14-day, 1,200 mile Tour de Spine, a cycling journey through nine states. The NYCC group will depart from Brunswick, New Jersey (after several ceremonial departures, including one at NYCC's Levittown Clinic), with a final destination of Orlando, Florida. Along the way, 40 other students from chiropractic colleges across the U.S. will join in on the ride.
The goal of the Tour de Spine is to raise money for the American Spinal Research Foundation (ASRF), a nonprofit organization that funds research to identify effective treatment for back pain, headache pain and other spine-related problems.
This is the second annual Tour de Spine. Last year's trip involved students from Logan College of Chiropractic cycling from St. Louis to Orlando (DC, Aug. 25, 1997).
The NYCC bicycling team will be backed up by a five-member support team, who will accompany the group to the Florida Chiropractic Association's summer convention in Orlando. Once there, they will present a check to the ASRF for the amount of the promotional funds raised.
According to NYCC's recreational services director Anthony Petroccia, financial sponsorships have been set up to support the team of riders and the Tour de Spine. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, contact Mr. Petroccia at (315) 568-3000.
Palmer Clinics Provide Care at Mountain Bike Event
On April 5, a small group of doctors and students from the Palmer chiropractic clinics provided care for participants at a mountain bike race held in Prophetstown, Illinois. This was the first time that members of the Palmer team had provided chiropractic care at a bike race. Several members from the Palmer Sports Council attended the event, which consisted of a series of mountain bike and motocross races. Dr. Robert Illingworth and three students spent four hours at the competition evaluating and adjusting 50 participants. Of the 200 people who took part in the race, approximately 25 percent were adjusted by the Palmer team.
While most of the competitors at the race had not been adjusted before, Dr. Illingworth said they were receptive to the treatment, and some were interested in becoming Palmer clinics patients.
"Everybody was really happy that we were there, because usually they don't have any first aid or medical care there. This was the first time anyone was on hand to look at minor injuries or give advice," reported Dr. Illingworth. "We saw a wider variety of injuries, and more ankles and knees that are acute. There were some crashes but nothing really serious."
The Palmer Sports Council will provide care at other bicycle competitions this summer.
Chiropractors Present Program at West Virginia Hospital
Three chiropractors from Oak Hill, West Virginia (Drs. Eddie Mullins, Michael Kominsky and Kay Dales) presented a seminar on the benefits of chiropractic care to a group of doctors at Appalachian Regional Hospital in nearby Beckley. The seminar, "Chiropractic's Role in Today's Health Care System," accented the growth of the chiropractic profession. Approximately 25 medical doctors attended the seminar, which also served as a course for continuing medical education.
Dr. Dales presented the historical and philosophical aspects of chiropractic, and its educational requirements. Dr. Kominsky addressed the topics of vertebral subluxation, adjusting techniques and patient procedures. Dr. Mullins explained computerized range of motion, and muscle testing procedures, nerve conduction and EMG studies, and videofluoroscopy. The DCs then participated in a question and answer session.
The fees awarded the chiropractors by the Appalachian Regional Hospital were donated to the Women's Resource Shelter of Raleigh County in Beckley.
Dynamic Chiropractic editorial staff members research, investigate and write articles for the publication on an ongoing basis. To contact the Editorial Department or submit an article of your own for consideration, email
.