Tools to Guide Patient Management

PCCR unveils new diagnostic tools in Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics

The team at the Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research has
spent the last decade studying pain management in a variety of patient populations including active-duty military personnel, veterans, older adults, and inpatients at a rehabilitation hospital. In addition to its focus on clinical research studies, the PCCR team is developing practical tools for chiropractors in the field.

Three recently published, free-to-download papers from the Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research will offer chiropractors everywhere new tools to guide diagnoses and standardize terminology.

“Back pain is often complex, with sometimes overlapping causes,” said Robert Vining, D.C., D.H.Sc., associate dean of clinical research, Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research. “Few good diagnostic tests are available, making diagnosis difficult. People suffering similar symptoms can have completely different conditions. Also, research findings are sometimes difficult for practitioners to interpret and use. These new tools will help address these common challenges.”

The articles, and corresponding synopsis videos, are available online in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics.

Development of a Clinical Decision Aid for Chiropractic Management of Common Conditions Causing Low Back Pain in Veterans: Result of a Consensus Process
A new, practical tool that will assist in clinical decision-making. This decision aid is a four-page tool summarizing evidence-based clinical management and treatments for conditions that cause low-back pain.

View Development of a Clinical Decision Aid for Chiropractic Management of Common Conditions Causing Low Back Pain in Veterans as a PDF.

Development of an Evidence-Based Practical Diagnostic Checklist and Corresponding Clinical Exam for Low Back Pain
This evidence-based diagnostic checklist and exam are designed to help streamline examination and develop evidence-based working diagnoses for low back pain.

View Evidence-Based Practical Diagnostic Checklist and Corresponding Clinical Exam for Low Back Pain as a PDF.

Current Evidence for Diagnosis of Common Conditions Causing Low Back Pain: Systematic Review and Standardized Terminology Recommendations
Standardized terminology that will help chiropractors and other health-care providers communicate more effectively.

We invite you to share these tools with your colleagues through social media, association and other professional meetings.