t has often been said that chiropractors are doctors of the nervous system. The brain and spinal cord are what we care for, and this very brain and spinal cord connect via the peripheral nervous system to every muscle and fibre in the body. So, if this is true, then it logically follows that we…
Just in case you hadn’t noticed, case reports have been taking up an increasing amount of space in journals of late, and our very own Foundation is moving to do some exciting work in this space, too. But with traditional thinking arguing that randomised controlled trials are the gold standard in evidence, it’s a good…
A thorough history and examination is always an important aspect of the chiropractic experience. We know what we are looking for, and we know the red flags. But a case report appearing in the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association presents a very compelling case for taking note when the symptoms change, or when something…
When we hear the term “quality of life” it is usually used to describe someone who is ageing, frail or in the grip of illness that affects their ability to engage with life in a healthy and vital way. Rarely do we think about quality of life outside of that construct. But perhaps we should,…
Rheumatoid Arthritis is one of the most common chronic autoinflammatory conditions observed in the human population. It is characterised by joint swelling, pain, and gradual degradation of the joint leading to decreased mobility and quality of life, making it a significant concern for sufferers. As Rheumatoid Arthritis is a complex disease, the genetic background determining…
To a professional or elite athlete, it is vital to have a body that is well-tuned and operating in peak condition. We have read anecdotal accounts of professional athletes, sports teams, and even the odd musical group who have chiropractic care as a part of their pre-event rituals. But do these people turn to chiropractic…
For some years now, the Australian Spinal Research Foundation has been interested in research examining how the brain and nervous system responds when you remove subluxations. In many ways, this is the simplest of causes and yet somehow it is incredibly bold. Research has revealed many exciting possibilities tied up with chiropractic care. Still, debate…
RCT examines Spinal Manipulation for Subacute and Chronic Lumbar Radiculopathy As research advances and as great chiropractic minds delve into the possibilities offered by the adjustment beyond musculoskeletal pain alone, we are discovering more and more about the possibilities tied up in chiropractic care. We now know that chiropractic care can and does have a…
Here we are at the end of what may seem like the longest year in modern memory. While it will go down in the history books as the year of the Covid-19 Pandemic, it has been a time of incredible and almost unprecedented activity here at the Australian Spinal Research Foundation. So here, in the…
A recent study appearing in the newly minted “Asia Pacific Chiropractic Journal” has examined the reliability of a particular muscle analysis used in a common chiropractic technique – the Sacro Occipital Technique. The pilot study took a hard look at the evidence-base around work pioneered by chiropractor, Major Bertrand DeJarnette, as far back as 1962.…
The clothing manufacturing industry is known for its repetitive, time-sensitive nature. Not only are workers responsible for a high amount of product turnover in a small amount of time, it is often repetitive work. Previous research has indicated that this group of people have been “associated with higher salivary cortisol levels.” The level of cortisol…
Chiropractic care across the lifespan is a concept that, to some, is a given but to others is highly controversial. After all, “Why would an infant need chiropractic care?” While research has examined the safety and efficacy of chiropractic care and exposed an incredible safety record, and other research has looked at the ways in…
It is estimated that migraine affects around one in seven people worldwide, making it more prevalent than diabetes, epilepsy and asthma and ranking as the seventh most disabling disease “among all diseases.” [1]. While types of migraine differ, this isn’t a regular headache but rather a neurological event that can create a significant amount of…
The study of pain is a complex area, as pain isn’t just about injury. It’s also about the brain’s response to it. Thus, there is a lot we don’t yet know about things like pain sensitivity, pain habituation and the signals flying around in our brains that relate to all of it. While research continues…
Forward head posture, or Cervical Forward Flexion, has emerged as a significant postural concern over recent years with many people attributing the increase (at least in part) to the uptick in smart phone and device usage, and the subsequent hours spent looking down. However, the increases appear to hark back as early as 2002-2009 during…
The Australian Spinal Research Foundation has announced the appointment of the new President of the Foundation following the completion of Dr Craig Foote’s service on the board. Dr Craig shepherded the foundation through an incredible season of change and his are indeed big shoes to fill. We caught up with long-time board member and new…
The Asia Pacific Chiropractic Journal has carried an intriguing dual case report in which lumbosacral transitional vertebra are discussed as a potential contributing factor to scoliosis. Scoliosis, or abnormal curvature of the spine, is thought to affect 2-3% of the population and the age of onset ranges from 10-15 years of age. While the severity…
In last weeks’ interview, we caught up with Professor Suzanne Snodgrass from the University of Newcastle. She was talking about a recent study, funded by the Australian Spinal Research Foundation, in which three-dimensional head and neck movements in people with neck pain were examined. The study involved chiropractic care and exercise as the interventions in…
