National University was well represented at the 2013 Association of Chiropractic Colleges and Research Agenda Conference (ACC-RAC) in Washington, DC. March 14-16.

Gregory Cramer, DC, PhD, dean of research at NUHS, gave a platform presentation covering the final results of an NIH/NCCAM grant project entitled, “Zygapophyseal Joint Space Gapping in Low Back Pain Patients following Spinal Manipulation.”

Chiropractic physicians have always asserted that spinal adjustments create “therapeutic gapping” in the joints of the spine, allowing the break up of adhesions. Adhesions are considered a source of reduced mobility and dysfunction. This, as well as Dr. Cramer’s other research projects related to this topic, provides evidence to demonstrate that this gapping of the Z joints actually occurs after adjustment, along with other therapeutic benefits (e.g. pain reduction).

Dr. Cramer also participated in a workshop on establishing evidence-based practice (EBP) curricula in all chiropractic programs. NUHS and several other schools have developed comprehensive EBP curricula through NIH grants. Dr. Cramer covered what EBP topics are taught by NUHS in each trimester, and shared resources developed by the NUHS EBP team.

In addition, Bruce Hodges, DC, MS, associate professor at National University, gave a poster presentation on his research on primary care education at NUHS. The study, which was recently accepted for publication in the Journal of Chiropractic Education, is titled: “The Prevalence of Non-Musculoskeletal Versus Musculoskeletal Cases in a Chiropractic Student Clinic.”

Dr. Hodges’ research is a retrospective case review of conditions treated in National University’s student clinic. The study compared the number of musculoskeletal vs. non-musculoskeletal cases treated by the students. “The purpose was to find out whether we are training our students to become primary care providers,” says Dr. Hodges.

The study found that the student interns in the NUHS student clinic are treating an almost equal number of both musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal cases, furthering National’s institutional goal of preparing primary care providers. “Training our students as primary care providers will prepare our students to fill the growing shortage of primary care physicians in the current health care system,” says Dr. Hodges.

Dr. Hodges completed this research as a capstone project for his successful completion of the master of science degree in advanced clinical practice (MSACP) offered at National’s Lincoln College of Postprofessional, Graduate and Continuing Education.

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1.) Cramer, G.D.; Cambron, J.A.; Cantu, J.A.; Dexheimer, J.; Pocius, J.D.; Gregerson, D.; Fergus, M.; McKinnis, R.A.; Grieve, T.J. 2013 Zygapophyseal joint space gapping in low back pain patients following spinal manipulation.

2.) Tepe, R.; Cramer, G.D.; Linaker, K.; Augat, D.; Long, C.; 2013 Chiropractic colleges’ research coursework and curricula:  Implications for evidence based education (EBE) and evidence based practice (EBP).

3.) Hodges, B; Cambron, J.A.; Klein, R.; Madigan, D.; Prevalence of treatment of non-musculoskeletal cases in a chiropractic student clinic.