{"title":"Thoracic spondylodiscitis following acupuncture in an immunocompetent middle-aged male: a case report.","authors":"Andrew Bigness, Kiana Ragagnin","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We present the case of a 43-year-old male with progressive thoracic spine pain and bilateral intercostal referral who was ultimately diagnosed with spondylodiscitis. Despite red flag features such as night pain, functional decline, and significant unintentional weight loss, the patient lacked traditional risk factors for spinal infection. He had previously received acupuncture for lumbar radiculopathy, which had since resolved. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed vertebral body involvement and disc space destruction at the T8-T9 level, consistent with spondylodiscitis. The patient underwent surgical decompression, washout, and fusion, followed by a course of intravenous and oral antibiotics. He achieved full symptomatic resolution at follow-up. This case underscores the importance of early imaging and diagnostic suspicion in patients with spinal pain and red flags, even in the absence of conventional risk factors, and highlights the potential infectious risks of acupuncture performed outside clinical settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":38036,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association","volume":"70 1","pages":"132-136"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13229141/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148158569","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Charles W Penza, Casey J Rogers, Michael R Cole, Samuel M Schut, Alexis M Cornelius, Matthew J Bair
{"title":"Distribution of prognostic subgroups, assessed by STarT Back Screening Tool, in Veterans with low back pain receiving on-site chiropractic care: a cross-sectional chart review.","authors":"Charles W Penza, Casey J Rogers, Michael R Cole, Samuel M Schut, Alexis M Cornelius, Matthew J Bair","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The primary aim of this study was to report the distribution of prognostic subgroups, as determined by The Keele (STarT) Back Screening Tool (SBT) in Veterans with low back pain presenting for consultation at a chiropractic clinic within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A chart review was conducted on all Veterans completing an initial consultation at a single VHA chiropractic clinic between April 15th, 2021 and January 31st, 2023. STarT Back Screening Tool scores and PROs were collected from the medical record corresponding to the date of consultation available in the VHA's electronic healthcare record (EHR) system. The proportion of each SBT subgroup (i.e., \"low-risk\", \"medium-risk\", and \"high-risk\") was calculated and subgroup differences across patient reported outcomes (PROs) were assessed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 458 completed consultations, 386 (84.3%) sought care for low back pain and 251 (54.8%) had SBT data collected; 51 (20.3%) scored low-risk, 107 (42.6%) medium-risk, and 93 (37.1%) high-risk for persistent disability. As expected, the subgroups differed across baseline PRO.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In this chiropractic clinic, the percentage of Veterans with a favorable prognosis suggested by SBT was low.</p>","PeriodicalId":38036,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association","volume":"70 1","pages":"68-80"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13229144/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148158456","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Value propositions of chiropractic specialties: a national survey of regulators and specialists, informed by practicing chiropractors in Ontario and Quebec.","authors":"François Hains, Marc-André Blanchette","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Canadian chiropractic specialties have evolved over five decades with varied provincial recognition. This study assesses how regulators, specialists, and chiropractors perceive the value and future development of chiropractic specialties.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a bilingual, cross-sectional online survey. Respondents rated agreement with 12 value propositions (5-point Likert), and open-ended comments were analyzed thematically.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>248 respondents completed our survey (response rate of 5%): 12 regulators from 9 provinces, 58 specialists from 7 provinces, and 178 chiropractors from Ontario and Quebec. Agreement was consistently high (58.5-91.1%), with no significant differences between groups (F=1.85, p=0.160). Top future priorities: Paediatrics and Neurology (71%), Chronic Pain Management (65%), Geriatrics (56%). Qualitative analysis identified barriers (limited recognition, restricted scope, underutilization) alongside strong support for specialization.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Despite reported consensus on specialization's value among respondents, structural barriers appear to limit integration within the healthcare system. Proposed solutions for advancing chiropractic specialties included national accreditation standards for postgraduate specialty programs, harmonized provincial recognition, and strengthened visibility.</p>","PeriodicalId":38036,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association","volume":"70 1","pages":"94-106"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13229147/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148158497","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Chiropractic management of L5-S1 disc protrusion in an elite speed skater: a case report.","authors":"Yeewon Chong, Henry Pollard","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To describe clinical outcomes and return-to-play following multimodal chiropractic management of an elite speed skater with acute L5-S1 disc protrusion and S1 radiculopathy.</p><p><strong>Clinical features: </strong>A 20-year-old male elite speed skater presented with sudden-onset severe lumbosacral pain and S1 dermatomal symptoms during ice training. Assessment revealed positive straight leg raise at 40 degrees, diminished reflexes, and motor weakness consistent with S1 radiculopathy. Day 3 MRI confirmed mild L5-S1 disc protrusion with S1 nerve root impingement.</p><p><strong>Intervention: </strong>McKenzie-based directional preference exercises with lumbar extension movements demonstrating centralization phenomenon. Treatment included progressive loading rehabilitation with sport-specific movement patterns through structured phases, McKenzie exercises performed 3-4 times daily (3-5 sets of 10-12 repetitions), and coordinated multidisciplinary care with physiotherapy, massage therapy, and strength coaching.</p><p><strong>Outcome: </strong>Complete return to competitive speed skating within 4.8 months with sustained participation without symptom recurrence at 12-month follow-up. Notable 5-second personal best improvement in week 9 of rehabilitation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Conservative chiropractic management utilizing McKenzie-based protocols within a coordinated multidisciplinary framework achieved excellent outcomes in this elite athlete with lumbar disc herniation and radiculopathy, including successful return to competitive performance with enhanced outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":38036,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association","volume":"69 4","pages":"425-433"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12871890/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146126966","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"JCCA December 2025 Sports Chiropractic Special Issue: 17th Edition.","authors":"Mohsen Kazemi","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":38036,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association","volume":"69 4","pages":"379-380"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12871884/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146126923","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Multiligament knee injury and dislocation in a 17-year old football player: clinical focus on rehabilitation exercise and return to sport.","authors":"Noah Lane, George Austin Rees, Kevin D'Angelo","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To highlight the rehabilitation exercises of a football player following surgical reconstruction of a multi-ligament knee injury (MLKI) with vascular compromise.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>A 17-year-old male high school football player sustained a traumatic MLKI requiring immediate limb saving surgery and subsequent tissue repair. Post-operatively, he engaged in an interdisciplinary phased and structured rehabilitation program with an emphasis on progressive loading, neuromuscular control and return-to-sport (RTS) readiness. At eight months post-op the athlete returned to a United States prepatory school where he transitioned to an external strength and conditioning program.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>This case report illustrates the complexities and value of an interdisciplinary and individualized rehabilitation program in the early stages of MLKI recovery. Outcomes were positive through eight months, but there were limitations related to the continuity of care that prevented long-term follow up.</p>","PeriodicalId":38036,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association","volume":"69 4","pages":"396-413"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12871894/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146126939","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)/stem-cell therapy for a partial torn ulnar collateral ligament in a professional football player: case report.","authors":"Noah Lane, George Austin Rees, Kevin D'Angelo","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Present a unique case of non-operative management of a partial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tear where the athlete was able to return to performance-based training in a brief six-week period.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>A 29-year-old male running back presented to a sports specialist chiropractor for post-injection management of a grade 2 partial tear of the right UCL treated with ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell injections. Physical exam testing found limitations in elbow range of motion (ROM) as well as positive orthopedic tests confirming a UCL injury including the milking maneuver, and dynamic valgus stress test.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Management consisted of multimodal chiropractic care including active release therapy (ART), electroacupuncture and rehabilitation exercises. This patient's improved strength and function without surgical intervention highlights the possible role of biologic injections as a form of non-operative management when combined with multimodal care to accelerate recovery from UCL injuries in elite athletes.</p>","PeriodicalId":38036,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association","volume":"69 4","pages":"414-424"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12871895/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146126898","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Patricia Tavares, Jennifer Ward, Steven Passmore, Melissa Atkinson-Graham, Randall Smolinski, Muriel Scott, Jean Moss, Deborah Kopansky-Giles, Jacqueline C Ladwig, Jordan Myers, Cheryl M Glazebrook, David A Monias, Helga Hamilton, Donald Z Mckay, Scott Haldeman, Sheilah Hogg-Johnson, André Bussières
{"title":"Routine medical care for adults with musculoskeletal disorders in the Indigenous community of Pimicikamak, northern Manitoba before and after implementing the Global Spine Care Initiative model: a retrospective chart review with a 10-month post-implementation window: A collaborative research project between World Spine Care Canada (WSCC), Pimicikamack Okimawin, and Cross Lake Nursing Station.","authors":"Patricia Tavares, Jennifer Ward, Steven Passmore, Melissa Atkinson-Graham, Randall Smolinski, Muriel Scott, Jean Moss, Deborah Kopansky-Giles, Jacqueline C Ladwig, Jordan Myers, Cheryl M Glazebrook, David A Monias, Helga Hamilton, Donald Z Mckay, Scott Haldeman, Sheilah Hogg-Johnson, André Bussières","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Indigenous communities in northern Manitoba face a high burden of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions and limited access to care. In October 2023, a new chiropractic service was launched in Cross Lake, Manitoba, aiming to improve MSK care access. This study explored: (1) the nature of MSK-related care provided at the Cross Lake Nursing Station, and (2) changes in clinical management during the first 10 months post-implementation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a retrospective chart review (standardized 14-item form) for two periods: December 2021-2022 (pre-implementation) and October 2023-August 2024 (post-implementation). Data on presentations, imaging, treatments, and referrals were analyzed descriptively.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Post-implementation, imaging use declined (63.4% to 44.9%), as did prescription of NSAIDs (80.5% to 53.1%), acetaminophen (63.4% to 32.7%), and opioids (21.9% to 8.2%). Muscle relaxant prescriptions increased, while pregabalin/gabapentin remained stable.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The new chiropractic service may be associated with reduced use of imaging and common medications for MSK conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":38036,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association","volume":"69 4","pages":"348-364"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12871887/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146126956","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Abstracts of the Scientific Poster Award Competition of the 2025 Royal College of Chiropractic Sports Sciences (Canada) Conference (RCCSS(C)).","authors":"Alexander Dennis Lee","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":38036,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association","volume":"69 4","pages":"444-446"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12871892/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146126960","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The bi-directional adjustment?","authors":"Jordan A Gliedt","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":38036,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association","volume":"69 4","pages":"441-443"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12871885/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146127060","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}