New Zealand Chiropractors' Association - Media releases

LONG HOT SUMMER IN THE WRONG SHOES COULD SPELL BACK PAIN FOR NEW ZEALANDERS

The New Zealand Chiropractors≠ Association is warning Kiwis that this long hot summer could be putting their health at risk by encouraging them to wear summer shoes which are uncomfortable, don≠t support the foot adequately and encourage poor posture, for longer than normal.

According to the NZCA high heels and jandals are the worst offenders. A new report on behalf of The Vitality Show, in the UK, revealed that, as well as causing bunions and damage to the tendons, high heels can have a dangerous effect on the back, distorting its natural alignment and compressing the spinal nerves resulting in back pain.

It seems that jandals can be just as bad if worn for extensive periods. In a study conducted by Auburn University*, researchers discovered that wearing thong-style jandals can cause postural imbalances, which in turn can lead to long-term health problems of the knees, ankles, hips, back and neck.

Dr. Simon Kelly, spokesman for the New Zealand Chiropractors≠ Association explains:

ŒHigh heel shoes place the heels unnaturally high above the toes. On top of that, the body≠s centre of gravity is thrown forward. Eventually, this poor posture places too much uneven wear the discs, the joints, and the ligaments of the back.

ŒThe fact that jandals can be damaging is usually more of a surprise to people as they associate them with relaxation and comfort. But we≠ve known for some time that when people walk in jandals they alter their stride to compromise for the lack of support the sandal provides. Jandal wearers tend to grip the shoe with their toes while walking, forcing them to take shorter steps. This modification in gait produces muscle imbalances and improper joint mechanics, leading to dysfunction in various parts of the body.≠

Despite the risks associated with wearing particular styles of summer shoes, Dr Kelly emphasises that it is not necessary to give up wearing heels and jandals completely.

ŒIt≠s all about moderation. It≠s been a great summer and naturally people want to look good. High heels and jandals should only be worn for short periods of time and both types of shoe should be reserved for days when you will not be doing a lot of walking. It≠s also a good idea to set aside days where you don≠t wear either style and stick to a supportive trainer or a sandal with ankle support and insoles instead.≠

*Auburn University research team, Justin Shroyer et al, 2008 annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine, Indianapolis

CHIROPRACTORS ISSUE WARNING OVER CHILDREN'S BACKPACKS

School children are being crushed beneath the weight of their backpacks, chiropractors say.

The New Zealand Chiropractors Association (NZCA) has warned against the classic money-saving technique of buying new-entrants one bag to last through to university following a US study which showed how serious the damage to children can be.

"Two key spinal measurements change as the backpack load increases," NZCA spokesman Dr Simon Kelly said.

"Heavier weights cause compression of the intervertebral discs, which act as a cushion between the vertebrae (bones of the spine). In the lower spine, the disc height became smaller (reflecting greater disc compression) at heavier backpack weights. Heavier loads were also associated with increased curvature of the lower spine, either to the right or the left."

Bags should be no more than 10 percent of the child's weight, but a recent survey by the Chiropractors Association of Australia found almost half carried bags well over that mark.

Dr Kelly said parents needed to take responsibility for preserving their children's spines.

"Don't buy a small child a big bag hoping they'll grow into it. They will always try and fit as much in there as they can. "Make sure they carry their backpacks on both shoulders to spread the load and always check that the bag you're buying meets their approval. If it's not cool, they won't wear it!"

TAKE THE PAIN OUT OF RETURNING TO SCHOOL

Parents are being advised to shop wisely for school bags as the new school year approaches.

"Backpacks are best, but make sure they're not too big or too heavy," says Dr Simon Kelly, a spokesperson for the New Zealand Chiropractors' Association.

Carrying heavy bags can cause chronic shoulder, neck and back pain, even in young children.

"Most kids are carrying too much weight in their backpacks. In fact, with large textbooks, sports gear and laptops all in the one bag, the weight kids are carrying often exceeds recommendations for adult weight bearing in the workplace."

Dr Kelly says children need to learn how to pack their bags, lift and wear them properly.

"We recommend parents invest in a good quality, ergonomic backpack with wide shoulder straps. The bag should be no longer than the wearer's torso - from the base of the neck to the hips."

Dr Kelly advises parents to keep an eye on their children's posture when wearing their backpacks.

"If they're leaning forward, the bag is too heavy, poorly fitted or badly packed. Make sure heavier items are at the bottom of the bag, closer to the child's centre of gravity."

Limiting loads to less than 15 percent of the child's body weight can help prevent back pain and buying the right size bag is important.

"Don't buy a small child a big bag hoping they'll grow into it. They will always try and fit as much in there as they can.

"Make sure they carry their backpacks on both shoulders to spread the load and always check that the bag you're buying meets their approval. If it's not cool, they won't wear it!"

10 Golden rules for backpacks

1. Buy backpacks with wide, padded and adjustable shoulder straps. Padded straps help absorb the load while narrow straps can dig painfully into shoulders.
2. Look for a backpack with "S" shaped shoulder straps. These will ergonomically contour to a child's body.
3. Choose a backpack with a moulded frame and/or adjustable hip strap so the weight of the full backpack will rest on the child's pelvis rather than their shoulders or spines.
4. Be sure the backpack is the right size. It should not be wider or longer than your child's torso, (i.e. from the bony bump at the base of the neck down to the top of the hips.)
5. Pack heavy items so they are closest to the child's back and make sure they can't move around. It is important to be balanced in the natural centre of gravity.
6. Make sure the child understands that carrying a backpack over one shoulder will cause back pain and possible injury.
7. Consider the weight of the backpack when empty. Canvas bags are lighter than leather.
8. Suggest to children that they use lockers to store unneeded books and sports equipment.
9. Don't try to save money by buying the biggest pack 'to last through college' - buy one that is appropriate to the child's size, and one they approve of.
10. Chiropractic care can help. If you or your child experiences any pain or discomfort resulting from backpack use, call your chiropractor (visit www.chiropractic.org.nz for a list of NZCA members). They are licensed and trained to diagnose, treat patients of all ages and will use a gentler type of treatment for children. They can also prescribe exercises to strengthen muscles and advise on posture.

The chiropractic profession in both Australia and New Zealand has been so concerned about the availability of suitable backpacks that both have endorsed Chiropak Schoolbags made by Spartan Bags. The bags, which were developed at the Macquarie University's Department of Health and Chiropractic, are ergonomically designed and reduce muscle fatigue and stress on the spine.

They have an internal spine which can be adjusted to mould to the carrier's back, contoured adjustable shoulder and chest straps, waist straps with hip pads, split compartments and compression straps to centre the contents of the pack and extra padding for comfort.

STRAIGHTEN UP NEW ZEALAND LAUNCHES

New Zealanders should perform simple exercises every day to avoid back and neck pain.

That's the message from the New Zealand Chiropractors' Association (NZCA), as they launch Straighten Up New Zealand, ahead of World Spine Day on Thursday 16 October.

"Straighten Up New Zealand is a simple, engaging spinal exercise programme, designed to promote spinal health," says NZCA vice president, Dr Simon Kelly.

"Looking after our spines should be something we work on every day - just like brushing our teeth."

The programme will be launched in primary schools across the country this week.

"We want to target children because good habits are formed at an early age," says Dr Kelly. "If we can get them into a programme of regular spinal exercises now, we can help them avoid back and neck problems later in life."

He says the association is keen to promote the programme because members see many patients with back and neck pain caused by bad posture.

"A lot of the people we see have forward-head and rounded-protracted-shoulder postures."

Research has shown an increase in slouched posture and related musculoskeletal disorders in countries with rising levels of computer usage. Rises in obesity and an increasingly sedentary lifestyle are also contributing factors.

"Studies indicate this trend is not limited to adults. It has also been identified in adolescents."

Dr Kelly says back and neck pain cause a great deal of suffering and cost taxpayers millions of dollars, but a regular stretching programme can help improve posture and prevent pain.

"The Straighten Up campaign was developed in the US. It's been very popular and is now being adopted by countries all over the world."

The association has produced brochures and posters, and developed a website, www.straightenup.org.nz to support the campaign.

"I'd encourage every New Zealander to get online or pick up a brochure from their local NZCA chiropractor and take just a few minutes each day to promote better spinal health and improve their quality of life."

visit http://www.straightenup.org.nz for more information and to download the exercises.

NZCA AUGUST EZINE

Right to Title
August 2008

A recent "turf war" played out in the country's medical publications has seen acting president of the New Zealand Chiropractors Association (NZCA), Simon Roughan, taking the media spotlight.

"Chiropractors are highly trained, primary contact healthcare professionals with the legal right to use the courtesy title Doctor on the proviso they distinguish themselves as a chiropractor in order to differentiate themselves from a medical doctor" said Simon.

The New Zealand Medical Journal and NZDoctor have both published research by Massey researcher Andrew Gilbey, which accuses chiropractors of misleading the public by using the title Doctor.

"Both articles contained false and unfounded statements which are pretty insulting to the chiropractic profession" Simon said.

Chiropractic is the third largest health care profession in the world, following medicine and dentistry. In New Zealand, chiropractic is an independent health profession with statutory rights legislated in the 1960s.

"We have a registration licensing board, scope of practice, code of ethics, and a professional association. New Zealand chiropractors are required to pass Board Competency Examinations and hold an Annual Practicing Certificate."

Chiropractors undergo a minimum of five years full-time tertiary education with over 4,200 hours of instruction. The curriculum, includes training in anatomy, biomechanics, biochemistry, neurology, philosophy, psychology, physics, physiology, radiography, radiology, as well as spinal analysis and adjusting procedures.

"Chriopractic training has a lot in common with medical training. Students have similar overall course hours and study many of the same basic subjects. Many chiropractors also hold an additional Bachelors degree in a related health field, and some hold a PhD."

Simon said Andrew Gilbey's research was perfunctory at best and the findings flawed.

"Gilbey claimed the confusion of title could be prevented by adopting stricter UK Yellow Pages advertising guidelines. In fact, the UK Yellow Pages lists chiropractors with their Doctor title."

The UK Yellow Pages guidelines specify that the title "Doctor" or "Dr" may be used provided the Advertiser is a qualified medical practitioner and that advertisers qualified in other doctorates are also entitled to call themselves "Doctor" or "Dr" but must specify the subject so that users are aware if the qualification is non-medical. The guidelines state that abbreviations may be used, e.g. "D.Ch." (Doctor of Chiropractic).

"The use of the title Doctor by chiropractors has never been intended to mislead the public into thinking the individual is a practitioner of medicine. In a recent Radio New Zealand interview Ministry of Health official, Dr John Marwick, said the courtesy title Doctor for medical practitioners, dentists, vets and chiropractors was acceptable."

Click here < http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/national/ntn/2008/08/15/doctor> to listen to Dr Simon Roughan's Radio New Zealand interview with Kathryn Ryan, Dr Simon Robb from the Medical Council and Dr John Marwick.

Task force research backs chiropractic

A report by the Bone and Joint Decade Task Force on Neck Pain has found the manipulation and mobilisation techniques used by chiropractors are safe, effective and appropriate.

The report, which involved seven years work from more than 50 researchers over nine countries and 19 different clinical and scientific disciplines, including chiropractic, has been described as a major milestone for musculoskeletal science.

The project began in 2000. Its findings will have a significant impact on the way neck pain is perceived, treated and studied around the world.

As well as supporting the techniques used by chiropractors, the report also discredited any link between stroke and chiropractic. It said the risk of vertebrobasilar artery stroke is exactly the same for neck patients, whether they see a doctor of chiropractic or a primary care physician.

In fact, the report says 80 percent of stroke patients have neck pain in the days before their stroke, which leads them to seek medical or chiropractic care. This leads the stroke to be associated with 'not caused by' the chiropractic or medical care.

In The News

Prayers paid off for Willis <http://www.stuff.co.nz/4663235a27896.html> Nick Willis slapped his face and legs so hard they turned red as he stood on the Bird's Nest Stadium start line. He'd had his "back cracked" by his chiropractor, listened to mood music on his iPod and had his regular pre-race prayer with his brother and assistant-coach Stephen.

Hundreds treated at free clinic <http://www.ciherald.co.ck/articles/h419k.htm> Students and tutors from the New Zealand Chiropractor College spent a week in the Cook Islands recently. The purpose and mission of their trip was to educate, check and adjust as many families in the Cook Islands as possible with natural chiropractic care. The spinal checks were not restricted to adults only and patient's ages ranged from new born babies to the very elderly. Expectant mothers also attended the clinic.

Olympian credits chiropractic < http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS243622+13-Aug-2008+BW20080813> Pole vaulter Jeff Hartwig, the oldest member of the 2008 Olympic U.S. Track and Field at 40, attributes much of his athletic success to chiropractic care.

"The first time I was treated by a chiropractor was akin to a miracle -- a much better option than simply using conventional medicine because my injuries healed faster and my whole body felt better."

Chiropractor off to games < http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatustandard/4592316a6502.html> Palmerston North's chiropractor to the Olympic athletes Greg Oke has shipped his treatment table off to Beijing.

Chiropractic has been a core part of New Zealand's Olympic medical team since Seoul in 1988, when gold medal-winning kayakers Ian Ferguson and Paul MacDonald made it part of their performance enhancement regime.

Lifting Olympic spirits <http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=78&objectid=10525883> Greg Oke, the only chiropractor on the NZ Olympic medical team, gave our athletes a lift at a ceremony to name the flag bearer, by singing a song he had written for the team.

NEWS ARCHIVE

25/08/08 - Setting the record straight

A recent issue of the New Zealand Medical Journal (July 2008) published false and unfounded remarks regarding the chiropractic profession which has sparked some heated debate with academic, and not-so-academic exchange taking place around the world.

The original article questioned NZ chiropractor's rights to use the courtesy title 'Dr' and implied that chiropractors are using this title illegally to pretend they are medical practitioners. An accompanying letter by a retired UK professor cast wider aspersions as to the safety and efficacy of the profession.

Unfortunately, some journalists and a number of internet blog sites have taken the assertions published in the NZMJ at face value without delving into the true facts of the matter and have parroted the derogatory statements.

After legal advice, the New Zealand Chiropractors' Association asked the NZMJ to retract the original articles and for the right to a reply on the basis that the information was false, defamatory and misleading to the public.

We are pleased that this issue has come to light so that we can publicly redress many of the misconceptions that abound about chiropractic.

Some key points from the responses to the NZMJ from the New Zealand Chiropractors' Association and the New Zealand College of Chiropractic are listed below:

From the New Zealand Chiropractors' Association:

* Chiropractors are highly trained, primary contact healthcare professionals with the legal right to use the courtesy title 'doctor' on the proviso they distinguish themselves as a chiropractor in order to differentiate themselves from a medical doctor.

* The use of the courtesy title 'Dr' for medical practitioners, dentists, vets and chiropractors was also publicly declared acceptable by the NZ Ministry of Health official, Dr John Marwick, on national radio recently http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon).

* Chiropractors undergo a minimum 5 year full-time tertiary education comprising no less than 4,200 hours instruction. The extensive curriculum, specialising in chiropractic, includes diverse subjects such as; anatomy, biomechanics, biochemistry, neurology, philosophy, psychology, physics, physiology, radiography, radiology, along with spinal analysis and adjusting procedures. Many chiropractors also hold an additional Bachelors degree in a related health field, and some hold a PhD.

* The education to become a chiropractor compares favourably with medical training with similar overall course hours and many of the same basic subjects. In fact, in many areas chiropractors excel in comparison to their medical counterparts (such as neuro-musculo-skeletal anatomy and diagnosis, radiology, and manual spinal correction) as documented in several peer reviewed journals and other publications.

From the NZ College of Chiropractic:

* The New Zealand College of Chiropractic (the 'College') is the only chiropractic training institution in this country. Our primary responsibility is excellence in undergraduate education and research. Public safety is a major focus and chiropractors worldwide maintain an impressive safety record.

* Contrary to Colquhoun's assertions, chiropractic undergraduate education is a five year degree that meets the accreditation standards of both the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), and the international chiropractic accrediting body, the Council on Chiropractic Education Australasia Inc. (CCEA). This latter body also accredits chiropractic undergraduate programmes in the three Universities where chiropractic is taught in Australia.

* The College's current research programme, in the area of neurophysiology, involves collaborative projects with the University of Auckland, the University of Newcastle and the University of Calgary. This research is aimed towards better understanding the clinical results chiropractors have experienced for over 110 years, and strives to improve patient outcomes.

* ...the high utilization of CAM in NZ. Rates as high as 70% in 2007 indicate the public are looking for health care answers in addition to those provided by traditional medical care. Research in NZ in 2004 found that 33% of adults who visit a CAM provider had also seen a GP for the same condition and 12% were actually referred by a medical doctor. No one profession holds all the answers. Rather than rehashing 20th century turf battles, let us continue to work together for the best interests of patients.

A further note:

Chiropractic is the third largest health care profession in the world, following medicine and dentistry and is at the cross roads of 'mainstream and alternative'. As the largest group of so-called CAM providers, chiropractors are often subjected to biased ridicule from closed minded skeptics that conveniently ignore or twist many of the facts.

The NZCA is very serious about protecting the good name of chiropractic, which was robustly defended in a twenty-one month Royal Commission of Inquiry into Chiropractic in New Zealand in the 1970's. The commission was triggered by a public citizen petition of 97,000 signatures to the parliament of New Zealand and asked that New Zealander's who choose to seek their health care from chiropractors, be afforded the same government funded health benefits that people who choose to visit medical practitioners receive.

The 1979 Report concluded that chiropractic was remarkably safe, and effective, in spite of a concerted attack against the efficacy of chiropractic by organised medicine. The Report also concluded that people who attend chiropractors should indeed receive the same financial government funding as is gifted for all medical visits, a disparity that is yet to be addressed.

Chiropractic has advanced significantly in the past 30 years through published research and a growing integrated approach to health care. The utilisation of chiropractic continues to increase as more people seek natural health care options. The focus of health care should always be for the good of the patient and the right to informed choice.

If you require further information about this issue or chiropractic in general please contact the Association.