Noting the excellent preventative methods of the dental profession in habituating large segments of the world population to care for their teeth on at least a daily basis, the leadership of Life University appointed a multidisciplinary work team to explore and to develop patient active chiropractic public health practices that would promote spinal and neurological health. In January 1996, a work team comprised of representatives from the executive office, the clinical sciences division and the research department began meeting to formulate a set of wellness-based, patient-active, spinal health concepts and practices called spinal hygiene. The work team’s goal was to create a simple spinal health package that would be practiced as universally as patient-active dental-hygienic procedures. After literature review, concerted study, and consultation with experts in the field, the team synthesized a group of wellness-based, best practices for patient-active spinal care. Spinal hygiene includes the study of proper postural habits; exercises to promote spinal flexibility, strength and resiliency; goal setting; stress management; proper spinal ergonomic habits and nutrition for optimal spinal health. The University’s wellness programs and activity challenges incorporated spinal hygienic procedures as a part of the daily health practices recommended to achieve a higher level of fitness. Linkage was achieved at the national and international levels introducing the concept to the ACC, WFC and several international service oriented organizations, the NGO Forum for Health, World Vision International, and the World Health Organization who were designated as potential partners. Spinal hygiene was incorporated in the ACC Position Paper #2.
Learning Objectives: Students involvement, reseach, practice, chiropractors participation, introduction of the program in developing countries.
Keywords: Chiropractic, International Public Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Life University
College of Chiropractic
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Dean,College of Chiropractic