DYNAMIC DISK DESIGNS INTRODUCES STENOSIS/DEGENERATIVE MODEL Dynamic Disk Designs introduces its newest model, the LxD (D for degenerated) spine model. This carefully thought-out design will help doctors be even more effective in their clinical practices when the words degeneration/osteoarthritis/stenosis crop up. This new LxD model was carefully chosen and crafted from an abnormal specimen with features of progressive and advanced degeneration in mind. The LxD features: Dynamic soft spinal stenosis – A thickened ligamentum flavum has been designed in line with the literature, demonstrating its presence adjacent more so with the moderate- severe facet arthropathy. You can also see there is a shortened pedicle, further narrowing the lateral recess for the exiting nerve root. With a constructed paracentral disc bulge and the thickened ligamentum flavum the AP diameter narrows even more when the model is dynamically compressed in extension. Patients will finally understand what it means to have nerve compression due to lateral and central stenosis. They will also understand why extension increases symptoms while flexion often decreases symptoms. A compressed and degenerated disc – As discs degenerate, the annulus and nucleus become less distinct. In this model, the disc is stiffer, showcasing significant disc height loss. It has been designed with a blend of properties from the annulus and nucleus. If you already have the LxH model, patients can now see and feel the difference between this degenerated disc and one that has good disc height. Furthermore, they can understand why a healthy disc has better range of motion. Mild, moderate, and severe facet arthropathy – Now one model showcases all levels of degeneration. This is not only convenient for the doctor but also valuable when explaining degenerative wear patterns to the patient. They can clearly see the negative effects of asymmetric spinal alignment in the development of OA. In this L4 and L5 model, the right and left superior articular processes of L4 demonstrate a beautiful comparison. Other bony features include: osteophytes, lateral body wedging of L5, IVF narrowing and a bony canal of about 13 millimetres. For more information, or to purchase the LxD and other spinal models, please visit www.dynamicdiscdesigns.com. PAIN-RELIEVING ICE-O-THERM USES SIMULTANEOUS HEAT AND COLD Canadian medical device manufacturer Saringer Life Science Technologies introduces its pain treatment device, ICE-O-therm. This is a small, handheld, hyper-stimulating device that has been proven effective in temporarily reducing, or eliminating, pain to joints, head, neck and other areas where chronic pain is typically encountered. ICE-O-therm works by applying both heat and cold simultaneously to the affected area, creating maximum stimulation known as the Thermal Grill Illusion and overwhelming the nerves in the area to block out pain. In addition, four LEDs are engineered into the small applicator head to add additional, pointspecific sensory stimulation. The combination of these competing stimuli distracts the brain from the sensation of pain, providing four to eight hours or more of relief. John Saringer, a Canadian engineer and successful inventor of medical devices, began to study the effects of heat and cold for the temporary treatment of pain in the early 1990s. He observed that there were many devices available on the market designed to provide some kind of sensory stimulation that will distract a person from their pain, or will interrupt the pain pattern. Noting that both heat and cold treatment products have been proven to be very effective sensory stimulators, he observed that “contrast therapy,” or the sequential application of heat and cold, was proven to be more effective than heat or cold alone. John Saringer’s contribution to this field of investigation was the enhanced pain relief control that came from the “concurrent” application of heat and cold. Saringer Life Science Technology unveiled the ICE-O-therm at the Practice OpportUNITY 2011 held by CMCC on March 24, 2011, demonstrating its pain treatment capabilities and describing the current evidence to support its effect. For more information, please visit www.iceotherm.com. THE ‘POWER OF ONE’ PROGRAM – DOCTORS ENGAGING PATIENTS IN CHIROPRACTIC RESEARCH For decades, chiropractors across the country have provided consistent support for evidence-based chiropractic research in an effort to broaden acceptance of the profession and, more importantly, have an impact on health outcomes. With the help of the Canadian Chiropractic Research Foundation (CCRF), the British Columbia Chiropractic Association (BCCA) is launching a new public campaign for the purpose of raising awareness of groundbreaking chiropractic research and highlighting the profession’s involvement. The BCCA’s goal was to create a scalable program that could be applied to a national and international audience. At the heart of the initiative are two new public-service announcements (PSAs) featuring CCRF scientists Dr. Kawchuk and Dr. Erwin. Plans are in the works to deploy messaging via online, radio and television channels by fall 2011. The campaign incorporates a “Doctor’s Toolkit,” assisting chiropractors in connecting with their patients through research. Campaign materials, including the PSAs, are available for use upon request to interested parties who wish to increase awareness in their local markets. The campaign provides a win-win for doctors, the CCRF and researchers by encouraging public support of vital research while bringing chiropractic to the forefront. In exchange for support, CCRF-funded studies flourish and pave the way for improved care and prevention from the chiropractic profession. CCRF research programs also afford doctors the opportunity to create dialogue with valuable global partners by way of university connections. The most significant win, of course, is for the general public who, as a result of this research, will receive the greatest benefit. “Research is the foundation” as Dr. Kawchuk puts it. Chiropractors have a duty to continue building on this foundation by engaging the public to ensure the advancement of health care for all Canadians. ENGAGE YOUR PATIENTS IN SUPPORTING RESEARCH Chiropractic doctors in British Columbia are being encouraged to speak to patients who may have experienced excellent outcomes as a result of their care, as well as to local businesses and organizations regarding opportunities to support the advances in research that the profession is funding and/or involved in. Promotional materials and CCRF information, including updates on the latest research, will be made available to Dcs who request donation forms and participate in the program. The program also includes tips on how to collect donations in your clinic (for example, keep donation information at reception, or ask your patients to donate $1 when they pay their fee, etc.) and conversation points to assist Dcs in communicating advances in chiropractic research to their patients who might be interested in making one-time or ongoing donations. All provincial associations are welcome to adopt this program.According to the BCCA, “Each month, if you encourage just one patient to donate to the CCRF, chiropractic research will continue to thrive, contributing to health care for all Canadians.” For more information on the Power of One program, please visit www.bcchiro.com/bcca/news-and-events/news.html.