Myo-Logic Diagnostics: Bringing Evidence Based Procedures to Chiropractic

The American Chiropractor (TAC) interviews Dr. Harold McCoy, Founder and Owner of Myo-Logic, about his company’s efforts to “give back” to the chiropractic profession.

TAC: Tell us a little bit about the history of your company.

McCoy: Myo-Logic and Spinal-Logic Diagnostics began 13 years ago, to change the course of the chiropractic profession. There was, back then—as there still is today—a need for chiropractors to become more evidence based. But not just any evidence will do. We need to utilize appropriate outcome assessments that are recognized by all parties involved, whether they are patients, insurance advisers, attorneys or treating physicians.

TAC: How are you giving back to the chiropractic profession?

McCoy: Myo-Logic and Spinal-Logic have donated over a quarter of a million dollars and four years’ time to start the first non-profit chiropractic clinic in Russia. We are currently working with Dr. James Robinson and Dr. Lars Arendt-Nielsen, two top pain researchers in the world, to put together a Ph.D. scholarship program for chiropractors to improve their education as well as do research for the profession.

TAC: Being an insider on the “vendor” side of the profession, what advice do you have for our readers to help them make the best buying decisions?

McCoy: Chiropractors are faced with many decisions, one of which is what tool do I need and which one works best for what I do. Here are three questions you should ask when purchasing any tools for your clinic.

1. Will this help sell my philosophy of chiropractic?
2. Will I get a return on my investment?
3. Will this validate what I do, to my patient and the insurance companies?

TAC: What are the company’s plans for the future?

McCoy: Both Myo-Logic and Spinal-Logic have evolved to meet the needs of the profession, and will continue to do so. We are the leaders in bringing evidence based chiropractic procedures to the chiropractic profession.

TAC: Any closing remarks or advice for our readers?

McCoy: From new Senate bills to insurance companies’ mandates, chiropractic is being forced to become more evidence based. Myo-logic and Spinal-Logic meet these needs and supply you with a universal language that will allow you to speak intelligently to your patients’ insurance companies, local medical personnel, and lawyers. This documentation of evidence based outcome assessment helps you get paid more and more often.

Your income is directly related to your care management! Don’t be forced to negotiate bills that should have been covered by insurance or pay back insurance companies for post payment review because your documentation lacks medical necessity for treatment.

For more information, Dr. McCoy can be reached by phone at 1-800-768-7253, Ext. 2; by e-mail at [email protected]; or visit www.myologic.com, www.spinallogic.com, or www.bulletproofseminars.com.

Validate The Need for Care Before & After

“Being a Chiropractor is a tough job nowadays. Not only do you have to be excellent at what you do, you also have to be ready to defend yourself and your profession from many persons in the medical community and insurance industry that are constantly trying to eliminate or suppress the honorable profession of chiropractic…”

—Brian Roettger, D.C.

For our special feature in this issue focusing on Diagnostics, Electromedicine and X-rays, we asked several companies specializing in technology that “proves the need for care” to demonstrate how their products can effectively help you do just that!

Insight Subluxation UnitInsight Subluxation Station
by Chiropractic Leadership Alliance (CLA)

 

AmberThe Story of Amber

Little Amber, age 6, had a 4-year history of asthma, was taking thirteen different medications daily, had two sets of ear tubes, with three solid weeks of continuous coughing and too numerous antibiotics to count.  After six weeks, Amber’s parents were elated about the results, even though they were nervous about taking her off the drugs completely.

insight.gifFast forward five months: Amber is medication free with not one asthma attack.  She runs, plays and enjoys sports.  Her teachers are always concerned about her breathing, but Amber’s reply is, “I’m fine, really.”  And her Insight scan confirms that! Amber received care 3 times per week in the beginning. As the scans improved, so did her demeanor and positive outlook.  She is a regular visitor to her chiropractor for wellness care.

The Story of Debbie

Debbie was told by medical doctors that she had 6 months to live.
Today she lives a happy and healthy life….and her Insight scan continues to show improvement.

For more information, contact Chiropractic Leadership Alliance at 888-887-7113 or visit www.subluxation.com.

 

 

DXAnalyzer©
by International Diagnostic Technologies (IDT)

Jackson's AngleThis patient was rear ended at approximately 8 mph with minimal automotive damages.  He suffers from headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, neck and shoulder pain, and tingling down both arms and hands.

This patient’s spinal trauma resulted in loss of cervical curve demonstrated by Ruth Jackson’s Angle at 2.32 degrees, interruption of George’s Line throughout the cervical spine, and cervical spondylolisthesis Grade I at C3 and C4.

Cervical SpondylolisthesisThis software technology also demonstrated that this patient’s digital analysis revealed “Loss of Motion Integrity” at C4=5.13 mm posterior, yielding an impairment based on X-ray forensics at 25% whole person (AMA Guides, Fifth Edition).

For more information, contact Donn Bauer at International Diagnostic Technologies, 888-926-2774; email [email protected], or visit www.dxanalyzer.com.

PulStarFRASTM
by Sense Technology, Inc.

The PulStar bar graphs represent the relative stiffness of locations along the spine. The graph on the right represents the stiffness prior to treatment (pre-analysis). The bar graph on the left represents stiffness after treatment. The pre-analysis is used along with patient history, complaint and other analyses—such as X-ray, CT (computed tomgraphy) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)—to formulate a diagnosis of joint dysfunction which leads to the site chosen for treatment. The post-analysis is used to confirm that the expected result of the treatment has been achieved.

Pre-analysis / post-analysis

For more information, contact Sense Technology, Inc.; 4241 William Penn Hwy., 1st Floor; Murrysville, PA 15668.  Call 800-628-9416; email [email protected].

The Tytron C-3000
by Titronics

A 35-year-old female presented for chiropractic care one week after being involved in a motor vehicle accident. Her symptoms included neck, mid back, and low back pain, along with a history of chronic asthma. The pre-treatment image shows multiple areas of spinal neuropathophysiology. Combined with other physical evidence, this image demonstrated the need for chiropractic care in this case.

Pre/post treatment images

Tytron C-300 UnitThe post-treatment image shows resolution of the patient’s presenting spinal condition. At this time, her spinal complaints had resolved along with all evidence of the asthmatic condition.

For more information, contact Titronics Research and Development, 800-705-2307/319-683-2702, or visit www.titronics.com.

MyoVision 8000 SEMG
by MyoVision

MyoVision 8000 sEMG UnitTesting performed with MyoVision 8000 SEMG:  Shown with Static, Dynamic Thermography and Dual Inclinometers.

The patient was injured in a bar fight.  In the fight the patient was hit over the head with a heavy object and presented with soft tissue injuries. Symptoms included headaches and neck pain with tingling down the right arm. The patient displayed a decrease in cervical range of motion in all planes, positive foramina compression test on the right, and an increase in sensitivity of the C-6 dermatome on the right. The patient was treated over the following four months with a treatment plan of 3x a week for 6 weeks, then 2x a week for 6 weeks, followed by 1x a week for 4 weeks. The adjustments were delivered using an instrument-adjusting device by Dr. Larry Miggins of Bainbridge Island, Washington.

Static Test

Static Testing Interpretation:

In this case, the static test shows very high levels of muscle tension in the cervical spine.  There is bilateral bracing as the patient is most likely experiencing pain or joint restriction due to the injury.  Also, muscle tension of the lumber spine on the left is very low, indicating a possible secondary effect of the injury.  Areas where muscle tension is low may be indicative of long-term muscle spasm, as the muscles tend to “shut down, and bulk” in response to constant firing.  This phenomenon, where muscles appear tense to the touch, but are low (yellow readings) is known as “contracture”.  

Dynamic TestDynamic Testing Explanation:

With Dynamic SEMG, electrodes are attached to the skin, and muscle activity is measured as the patient moves.  As an analogy, the Static SEMG is “static” like an X-ray, and Dynamic SEMG is like video fluoroscopy.

Dynamic Test Interpretation:

The top half of the graph is the left (blue) and right (red) cervical paraspinals, with the bottom half of the graph the left (blue) and right (red) SCM’s. The patient is performing two rotations beginning with a left rotation.  Marker 1 is maximum left rotation.  Marker 2 is the patient stopped at neutral.  Marker 3 is maximum right rotation. Marker 4 is neutral.  Marker 5, 6, 7, and 8 repeat the same motions as in marker’s 1, 2, 3, and 4.

For more information, contact David Marcarian at 800-969-6961, or via email at [email protected].

Radiographic Biomechanical Reports
by Spinal Logic Diagnostics, Inc.

This report is based upon biomechanical analysis and protocols that have been established for roentgenological computerized digitization printouts of the spine.  This evaluation does not include or constitute a pathological report.  Radiographs used were of acceptable quality and in compliance with normal protocols for X-ray digitization.

Patient’s Name: Jane Q. Public
BEFORE
Date of Films: 2/24/04
Report: 2/26/04

Before

Lateral Cervical Spine: FINDINGS:
Occiput Angle = 20.6° (normal = 16.1°).
George’s appears to be relatively continuous and without interruption in the neutral lateral view.
Jackson’s Angle = 7.7°  (normal = 39.9°).
Atlas/Skull Angle = 9.4°  (normal = 5.6°).
Vertebral baselines are abnormally divergent.
Atlas Angle = 11.1° (normal = 21.7°).
Atlas/Axis Angle = 24.6°  (normal = 0.2°).
Motion Segment Integrity, Angular variation is abnormal at    C2 = 10.8°, C3 = 11.3°, C5 = 12.8° and C6 = 9.8° (normal<7.0°).
Motion Segment Integrity, Translation is abnormal at C3 = 2.2mm, C4 = 4.4mm, C5 = 2.4mm and C6 = 1.7mm. (normal<1mm).

Lateral Cervical Spine: IMPRESSION:

1. The decreased Jackson’s Angle corroborates substantial hypolordosis of the cervical spine.

2. Compensation for the abnormal Jackson’s Angle appears to have taken place in the upper cervical spine as evidenced by the significant variances from normal in the Atlas Angle and the Atlas/Axis Angle.

3. Abnormal motion segment integrity values are indicated for both angular variation and translation as listed above.  These findings are highly suggestive of ligament and connective tissue damage. *

4. Ratable motion segment integrity loss is measured at C3 and C5 for angular variation values in excess of 11° and at C4 for translation values greater than or equal to 3.5mm.  By definition these findings confirm damage resulting in spinal segmental instability. **

AFTER
Date of Films: 7/28/04
Report: 7/29/04

After

Lateral Cervical Spine: FINDINGS:
Occiput Angle = 20.9° (normal = 16.1°).
George’s appears to be relatively continuous and without interruption in the neutral lateral view.
Jackson’s Angle = 20.1°  (normal = 39.9°).
Atlas/Skull Angle = 1.8°  (normal = 5.6°).
Vertebral baselines are abnormally divergent.
Atlas Angle = 19.1° (normal = 21.7°).
Atlas/Axis Angle = 25.6°  (normal = 0.2°).
Motion Segment Integrity, Angular variation is abnormal at C2= 9.0°, C3= 11.1°, C5= 10.8° and C6= 7.0° (normal<7.0°).
Motion Segment Integrity, Translation is abnormal at C3 = 2.3mm, C4 = 2.9mm, C5 = 1.9mm and C6 = 1.4mm. (normal<1mm).

Lateral Cervical Spine: IMPRESSION:

1. The decreased Jackson’s Angle corroborates substantial hypolordosis of the cervical spine.

2. Compensation for the abnormal Jackson’s Angle appears to have taken place in the upper cervical spine as evidenced by the significant variances from normal in the Atlas/Axis Angle.

3. Abnormal motion segment integrity values are indicated for both angular variation and translation as listed above.  These findings are highly suggestive of ligament and connective tissue damage. *

4. Ratable motion segment integrity loss is measured at C3 for an angular variation value in excess of 11°.  By definition this finding confirms damage resulting in spinal segmental instability. **

Recommendation:  Correlate the structural findings with functional examination findings, i.e., spinal range of motion, computerized muscle testing, nerve conduction velocity (NCV) testing, etc., to determine levels of vertebral subluxation and formulate a treatment plan.

For more information, contact Spinal-Logic Diagnostics, Inc.; 11417 124th Ave NE, Ste.102; Kirkland, WA  98033. Phone 800-768-7253 Ext 2 or visit www.spinallogic.com.

Planning for the Future

A report from the Occupational Outlook Program of the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), states, “Marking informed career decisions requires reliable information about opportunities in the future. Opportunities result from the relationships between the population, labor force, and the demand for goods and services.”

The projections from the research and statistics, for the ten-year period from 2002-2012, show the U.S. population growing, but at a slower rate than both of the two previous ten-year periods. The 16-to-24 age group is expected to grow by 7%, and baby boomers – the group aged 55 to 64 – is expectred to increase the most – over 43%, representing over 11 million persons. But, do you realize that the age group from 35 to 44 will decrease in size?

An increase in total employment is expected, but women’s share of the labor force is projected to increase faster than men. (With more women in the workforce, there will be an increased need for childcare.) By 2012, almost 20% of the labor force in the U.S. is projected to be workers 55 and older.

Of the new wage and salary jobs expected during this current 10-year period, over 96% are expected to be in service-providing industries. Education and health services jobs lead the group and healthcare support occupations are expected to grow the fastest. 10 of the 20 fastest growing occupations are in healthcare. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists healthcare occupations as the 20 with the highest number of increased jobs as well as the 20 fastest growing. Home health aides and personal/home care aides are projected as two categories included in both top 20’s.

These statistics, so diligently acquired, analyzed and made available to us all by the bean counters at BLS, cover a ten-year time period that is now almosst one-third completed. These numbers represent their expectations for what will have happened by 2012, and it is already 2005.

Now, I am sure many of you are wondering what any of this information has to do with diagnostics, or even with you and your practice. To paraphrase the BLS quote in the opening, making informed business decision requires reliable information about opportunities in the future. Are you positioning your practice and your use of diagnostics for the future?

It can be determined, using just a few of the limited statistics given here, that there will be many, many more people employed as home health or personal and home care aides. These can be physically demanding occupations that can require pulling, pushing, bending, reaching and lifting. Does your extended diagnostic repertoire include procedures such as muscle testing, functional capacity evaluations, digital X-ray and biomechanical analysis, musculoskeletal ultrasound or neurodiagnostic testing?

The baby boomer generation, coming of age mostly in the 1960’s, as a group, seem to be more receptive to the options offered by chiropractic and alternative health care. Some disease processes become more prevalent with age, diabetes, hypertension and coronary disease in particular. Do you offer or recommend blood or nutritional testing that could provide early diagnosis to help them avoid additional damage to their health?

It is well known that mechanical and structural problems increase with aging. At least 31 million of the boomers are estimated to still be working in 2012, thus increasing the likelihood they will need your care and the benefits of your extended range of diagnostics to help them maintain their health and to experience optimum recovery.

These are just a few of the projected shifts and transitions that are already taking place in the U.S. population and workforce. Have you positioned your practice and use of diagnostics for the future? The future is now!

Ms. Plank has an extensive background in medical and facilities management. During the past 15 years, Ms. Plank has provided technical and management services to healthcare providers, specializing in radiology and neurology. She is currently the Vice President of Corporate Services for Practice Perfect. Contact here at [email protected], or visit www.dahan.com.

Diagnosing & Treating Obesity

Nutrition, in a broad physiologic sense, is defined as the process by which a living organism assimilates food and uses it for growth and for replacement of tissues.  One definition includes the limitation that nutrition is to maintain the organism “in its normal condition….” 
 
What is considered normal?

Normal, biologically, is a lack of observable abnormalities or deficiencies.  A mathematical or statistical perspective of normal is “average”.  Reports state 60% of Americans are now either overweight or obese.  Studies continue to indicate that obesity is now a statistically “normal condition” in the US, UK and even China.  The rate of Chinese obesity, along with their economy, is growing at a faster rate than ours!  The same reasons are given in China as here in the US for this growing problem—less physical labor, a more sedentary lifestyle and “fast food”.
 
Obesity and its implications

The negative effects of unhealthy diets and lifestyles are well documented; hypertension, diabetes and cancer are at the top of the short list.  More links of overweight and obesity to disease continue to be made.  A study by RAND Corporation researchers, published in January 2004, credits obesity with the sharp increase in disability rates over the past twenty years.  The RAND group reported disability cases stemming from musculoskeletal problems (noted as low back and chronic back pain) and diabetes as growing faster than any others.  They drew a direct link from accelerating obesity levels to the increased disability rates from these causes.

The increase in obesity could be seen as a positive development for the practice of chiropractic. Just think how many more people will now be experiencing musculoskeletal problems!  That, of course, is not the philosophy or mindset of chiropractic and holistic care practitioners. 
 
Diagnosing obesity

When reviewing exam notes and documentation from patient files, it is not often that I see the doctor has noted any counsel, direction, recommendation or referrals made to patients whose weight could be a factor in their current condition and overall health.  Therapy, exercise and strength building regimens are certainly documented…but weight loss, rarely.  Granted, obesity and overweight can be sensitive and difficult issues to discuss, particularly with those who are most in need of the discussion.  Difficult or not, it is a function of a true healthcare provider.
 
Nutritional support

Many patients who suffer from degenerative joint disease or fibromyalgia can benefit from nutritional supplements formulated for these conditions.  With proper supplementation and your encouragement and guidance, their mobility and activity levels can begin to increase as they suffer less pain and restriction.  Increased activity, while helping to build overall fitness, is a necessary component to effective weight loss.

There are many, many more physical and metabolic conditions and deficiencies that contribute to weight gain or make it more difficult for your patients to control their weight.  You do not have to be a “nutrition geek” to implement nutritional testing or supplementation in your practice.  Now, more than ever before, you have the availability of the very best nutritional companies to enable you to make the testing and any necessary supplementation available to your patients.  You can then utilize these resources as an entry point to weight loss discussions with your patients.

Many people resolve at the beginning of the year to embark on weight loss and fitness programs.  Will you resolve to help them reach their goal? 

Ms. Plank has an extensive background in medical and facilities management.  During the past 15 years, Ms. Plank has provided technical and management services to healthcare providers, specializing in radiology and neurology.  She is currently the Vice President of Corporate Services for Practice Perfect.  Contact her at [email protected], or visit www.dahan.com.