32-2 Imaging of the Spine

According the World Health Organization, spinal pain represents the major cause of absenteeism from the workplace, worldwide. Chiropractors manage spinal pain on a daily basis, with some within the profession recognizing the demand for a healthcare specialty such as a primary spine care physician. An essential tool available to licensed chiropractors to triage spinal pain includes access to imaging, along with the diagnostic interpretation of images to determine appropriateness of care.

Based upon the disproportionate incidence of spinal pain along with its extraordinary economic burden, our contributors highlight the role and clinical relevance of imaging for the chiropractor managing spinal pain, with an emphasis on contemporary, evidence-informed best practices. Dr. Daniel Haun’s feature article presents a discussion of the clinical significance of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis as sources of low back pain. In addition, audio lectures presented by Drs. Patrick Battaglia and Tracey Littrell share the impact of chiropractors furthering their understanding of inflammatory spondyloarthropathy and congenital anomalies.

Dr. Brian Gleberzon continues his Juris-Proofing series with a commentary about the relationship chiropractors have with X-rays, while Dr. Yasmeen Khan outlines the importance of imaging for chiropractors with her contemporary abstract highlights.

I trust that as the reader, you will find this issue of D.C. Tracts both informative and interesting, and that it will refine your clinical expertise and patient care.
Best regards,

Bryan M. Bond, BSc, BS, DC, MS, PhD
Editor-in-Chief