In this episode of the Atlas of Chiropractic podcast, Dr. John Stenberg, Dr. Bearder, and Orri Gudmundsson from NeckCare discuss the significant role of technology in chiropractic care, particularly in upper cervical practices. They explore the importance of attending chiropractic events, the long development journey of NeckCare's products, and the integration of data-driven assessments in improving patient care.

Check out the NeckCare technology and research here: https://neckcare.com/

NeckCare on IG: https://www.instagram.com/neckcare_official/

The conversation highlights the need for collaboration across different healthcare disciplines and the continuous feedback loop that drives innovation in chiropractic technology. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of NeckCare, focusing on joint position sense, muscle spindles, and innovative testing methods like the butterfly test. They discuss the importance of understanding the interplay between structural and functional assessments in rehabilitation, emphasizing the need for collaboration across different healthcare professions to enhance patient outcomes. The conversation highlights the potential of technology in advancing neck rehabilitation and the significance of data-driven approaches in clinical practice.

Takeaways

• Netcare has been a strong supporter of the chiropractic profession.

• Upper cervical adjustments show significant efficacy in patient outcomes.

• Investment from customers goes directly into product development.

• The development of Netcare's technology has spanned over 20 years.

• The cervical spine functions as a sensory organ, impacting treatment approaches.

• A common language in assessments can enhance collaboration across disciplines.

• Data-driven insights can transform chiropractic practices.

• Understanding patient movement patterns is crucial for effective treatment.

• Continuous feedback is essential for product improvement.

• The chiropractic field is evolving with technological advancements. Joint position sense is crucial for understanding neck injuries.

• Muscle spindles play a significant role in neck care.

• Identifying neck-related symptoms can lead to better treatment outcomes.

• Error correction is vital for neck functionality.

• The butterfly test provides valuable insights into neck movement.

• Integrating functional and structural assessments enhances patient care.

• Collaboration among healthcare professionals is essential for effective rehabilitation.

• Data-driven approaches can improve clinical decision-making.

• Patient education is key to understanding neck-related issues.

• Technology can revolutionize neck rehabilitation practices.

In this episode, the Dr. John Stenberg, Dr. Cameron Bearder, and Dr. Al Cobb reflect on their experiences in the Diplomate program for Chiropractic Craniosacral Junction Procedures. They discuss the expectations they had entering the program, the realities of the coursework, the dynamics of their cohort, and the significant financial and time investments involved.

The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the value of the program and how it aligns with personal and professional goals in chiropractic practice. In this conversation, the speakers explore the dynamics of learning experiences, particularly in the context of professional development in chiropractic education. They discuss the intrinsic motivations that drive individuals to continue their education, the differences between viewing the experience as a grind versus a sacrifice, and the importance of clinical application in their practices.

The conversation also touches on generational perspectives on education, the value of connections made during the learning process, and the ongoing journey of self-education versus traditional learning methods. In this conversation, the speakers reflect on their experiences in upper cervical chiropractic education, discussing the value of interactions, the state of research, and personal growth. They explore the challenges of continuing education, the importance of setting personal goals, and the need for ongoing learning in their profession. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of community, competition, and the evolving landscape of chiropractic care.

In this episode of the Atlas of Chiropractic podcast, Dr. John Stenberg and Dr. Cameron Bearder engage with Dr. Harrison Vaughan, a physical therapist specializing in cervical dizziness.

Resources:

Cervical Dizziness on Instagram

How to Diagnose Cervical Dizziness Book

How to Treat Cervical Dizziness Book

Online Courses

Takeaways

• Cervical dizziness is poorly understood in musculoskeletal pain science.

• Interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial for effective treatment.

• The neck is often overlooked in physical therapy education.

• A comprehensive approach considers multiple factors in dizziness.

• Understanding the optimal sequence in treatment is essential.

• Single entity diagnoses can be misleading; consider double entity.

• Differential diagnosis is key to effective treatment.

• Patient questionnaires are vital for accurate assessment.

• Education on the neck's role in dizziness is lacking.

• Healthcare providers must be open to various treatment modalities. Clinical diagnosis has evolved significantly over the years.

• Dizziness is often a diagnosis of exclusion, requiring careful consideration of other conditions.

• Technology plays a crucial role in enhancing patient care and education.

• Motion guidance technology helps in analyzing neck movements effectively.

• Physical therapy practices are evolving to include specialized treatment centers.

• Patients are becoming more informed and proactive in their healthcare decisions.

• Understanding cervicogenic dizziness requires a comprehensive approach.

• The integration of technology can improve treatment outcomes for patients.

• There is a growing concern about the impact of technology on sensory experiences.

• Ongoing education and discussion about these topics are essential for future advancements. Cairo is guilty of perpetuating ineffective treatments.

• Historical context shows a shift in understanding neck pain.

• Imaging can provide crucial insights into neck issues.

• Collaboration among PTs, OTs, and chiropractors is essential.

• SNAG techniques are effective for neck treatment.

• Understanding the sensory experience of the spine is vital.

• Listening to patients is key to effective treatment.

• The future of neck care involves integrated approaches.

• Specificity in treatment can lead to better outcomes.

• Continuous learning is crucial for practitioners.

This conversation between Dr. John Stenberg, Dr. Cameron Bearder, Dr. Jacob Lane, and Dr. Kylie LoPorto explores the transition from chiropractic school to practice, highlighting the challenges and realities faced by new practitioners. The speakers share their personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, understanding patient care, and the disconnect between education and real-world practice. They discuss the misconceptions about practice, the need for self-awareness, and the significance of being prepared for the entrepreneurial aspects of being a chiropractor. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of refining care in chiropractic practice, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and humility in the face of challenging cases. They explore the value of negative experiences as powerful teachers and the necessity of understanding patient needs through various techniques. The conversation also highlights the significance of effective communication, especially when transferring care between practitioners, and the importance of lifelong learning in the chiropractic field. Ultimately, they stress the need for adaptability and resilience in practice, recognizing that challenges are part of the journey. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the challenges and experiences of starting a chiropractic practice. They emphasize the importance of self-awareness, the difficulties of patient acquisition, and the need for creative solutions in managing overhead and financing. The conversation highlights the unique paths taken by each speaker, the significance of networking, and the lessons learned from navigating early practice stages.

Takeaways

• Transitioning from school to practice is challenging.

• Many students are unaware of the realities of practice.

• Mentorship plays a crucial role in navigating early career challenges.

• Self-awareness is essential for personal and professional growth.

• Education in chiropractic is what you make of it.

• Understanding patient care goes beyond just addressing misalignments.

• The disconnect between academic training and real-world practice is significant.

• Experience is the best teacher in the chiropractic field.

• Practitioners must be prepared for the entrepreneurial aspects of their careers.

• Communication with patients is key to successful outcomes. Continuous learning is essential for effective patient care.

• Negative experiences can provide valuable lessons for future practice.

• Humility is crucial when facing challenging cases in chiropractic.

• Effective communication is key when transferring patient care.

• Understanding patient needs requires a broad knowledge of techniques.

• Lifelong learning is a responsibility for all healthcare providers.

• Chiropractic identity can influence patient care decisions.

• Navigating patient expectations requires careful consideration and communication.

• Effort is required to achieve proficiency in any area of practice.

• Recognizing the natural cycles of practice can reduce stress and anxiety. Self-awareness is crucial in making decisions.

• Starting a practice can be very challenging.

• Building a practice requires careful planning and flexibility.

• Managing overhead is essential for sustainability.

• Networking with other practitioners is vital for referrals.

• Creative problem-solving is necessary in practice management.

• Patient acquisition takes time and consistent effort.

• Every practice journey is unique and may not follow a set path.

• Understanding financial needs is key to practice success.

• Learning from experiences can guide future decisions.

Check out Refuge Upper Cervical Chiropractic Online here: https://refugeucc.com/

In this conversation, Dr. Cameron Bearder provides a detailed recap of the Fall 2024 NUCCA conference held in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He shares insights from various training levels, discusses the importance of advanced adjusting techniques, and highlights the need for collaboration and unification within the upper cervical chiropractic community. Dr. Bearder emphasizes the significance of using cone beam technology in practice and the necessity of checking one's work through post-adjustment imaging. He also reflects on the challenges faced by upper cervical practitioners and the importance of forming personal opinions through experience.

Takeaways

• NUCCA is well-organized and has a strong member support system.

• Advanced adjusting techniques are crucial for effective practice.

• Cone beam technology is revolutionizing chiropractic care.

• There is a need for unification among upper cervical techniques.

• Post-adjustment imaging is essential for verifying results.

• Structural asymmetries are a common focus in upper cervical care.

• Networking at conferences fosters collaboration and learning.

• Research is vital for the advancement of chiropractic techniques.

• Challenging cases provide opportunities for growth and learning.

• Personal experience is key to forming informed opinions in practice.

Check out NUCCA online here: https://nucca.org/

Connect with Dr. Bearder on IG: @drbearder

This research review covers the topic of the "therapeutic alliance" and how person-centered care impacts outcomes in MSK care. Dr. John Stenberg defines the term "therapeutic alliance", details the three main components of the TA and how they relate to upper cervical care, and ends with 5 actionable steps to maximize outcomes and the therapeutic alliance in upper cervical practice.

Access the full text PDF for the research article reviewed in this episode here:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39151365/

Previous Episodes referenced:

Data Driven Chiropractic and the Anti-Fragile Approach with Dr. Jacob Coffman

Mastering the Message: The Neuroscience of Nocebos with Dr. Jonathan Chung

In this "upper cervical unplugged" style episode, Dr. Cameron Bearder and Dr. Chad Billiris recap their experience at the 2024 NORA Conference in Orlando Fl.

Takeaways

• The NORA conference was a multi-disciplinary event with diverse practitioners.

• Networking with other professionals is crucial for building relationships.

• Understanding legal considerations in practice is essential for practitioners.

• Billing and coding practices can significantly impact practice success.

• Nutrition plays a vital role in brain health and recovery.

• Optometry is increasingly recognized in concussion care.

• Visual snow syndrome is an important area for further exploration.

• Collaboration between chiropractors and optometrists can enhance patient care.

• Presentations at the conference provided valuable insights into various topics.

• Chiropractors should attend conferences outside their field to broaden their understanding.

Check out NORA online here to learn more about the organization and to find a NeuroOptometrist near your practice:

https://noravisionrehab.org/

Dr. John Stenberg and Dr. Cameron Bearder sit down to recap their experience at the ASAP Conference 2024. The hosts recap their experience at the ASAP conference, which focuses on Chiari malformations and related conditions.

They discuss the unique format of the conference, where patients can learn from top experts and ask questions. They emphasize the importance of understanding the different types of Chiari malformations and the need for clear communication when discussing these conditions.

They also highlight the need for a thorough diagnosis, as Chiari malformations are a radiographic diagnosis that must be correlated with signs and symptoms. The hosts discuss the complexity of these cases, including the potential involvement of connective tissue disorders, inflammatory conditions, and genetics. They stress the importance of being aware of the interconnections between these conditions and considering co-management with other healthcare professionals. They also mention the need for further research and learning in this area.

The conversation explores the philosophy of health from a functional perspective, emphasizing the importance of understanding why the body is not functioning properly. It delves into the chronic neuroinflammatory processes and how they remodel tissues, particularly in the cervical spine and lumbosacral spine. The discussion highlights the need for a methodical approach in treating patients with acquired hypermobility and managing their symptoms.

The conversation also emphasizes the importance of imaging, particularly CBCT and MRI, in identifying structural abnormalities and CSF flow issues. It concludes with a discussion on CSF leaks and the various factors that can contribute to them. In this final part of the conversation, the speakers discuss various topics related to cranio-cervical instability, Chiari malformation, and scoliosis.

They talk about the potential causes and symptoms of CSF leaks, the radiographic signs of CSF leaks on MRIs, and the importance of considering the entire spine and all the tissues when assessing CSF flow obstructions. They also touch on the challenges of conducting research in this field and the need for multidisciplinary approaches to patient care. The speakers emphasize the importance of being knowledgeable, humble, and collaborative in order to provide the best possible care for patients.

Resources from this episode:

ASAP YouTube Channel

Comprehensive Chiari Care with Haley Fitzgerald of Global Neurosciences Institute

What Happens When Two Upper Cervical Chiropractors Attend a Neurosurgery Conference