tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1250480 %ISSUE_DATE%T09:25:32-07:00 Elder treatment and care. TypePad tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56509 2013-06-01T12:00:32-07:00 2013-06-01T12:00:07-07:00

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women older than age 65 undergo bone-density testing. However, organizations in general have not stated when repeat bone-density testing should be done. It has been mostly left to the treating clinician to determine when it is appropriate to repeat the test.

By Deborah Pate, DC, DACBR The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women older than age 65 undergo bone-density testing. However, organizations in general have not stated when repeat bone-density testing should be done. It has been mostly left to the treating clinician to determine when it is appropriate to repeat the test. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56476 2013-05-15T12:00:32-07:00 2013-05-15T12:00:07-07:00

Even with federal sequestration cuts taking effect in March, including a 2 percent reduction in Medicare reimbursement to health care providers, hope may be on the horizon in the form of a much-anticipated, perpetually suggested overhaul of Medicare's Sustainable Growth Rate formula, which serves as the basis for determining physician reimbursement.

By Editorial Staff Even with federal sequestration cuts taking effect in March, including a 2 percent reduction in Medicare reimbursement to health care providers, hope may be on the horizon in the form of a much-anticipated, perpetually suggested overhaul of Medicare's Sustainable Growth Rate formula, which serves as the basis for determining physician reimbursement. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56444 2013-03-28T12:00:32-07:00 2013-03-28T12:00:07-07:00

The NCMIC Foundation awarded James Whedon, DC, MS, with the Jerome F. McAndrews, D.C., Memorial Research Fund Award on March 15, 2013, at the Association of Chiropractic Colleges Educational Conference and Research Agenda Conference (ACC-RAC).

The NCMIC Foundation awarded James Whedon, DC, MS, with the Jerome F. McAndrews, D.C., Memorial Research Fund Award on March 15, 2013, at the Association of Chiropractic Colleges Educational Conference and Research Agenda Conference (ACC-RAC). tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56408 2013-03-15T12:00:32-07:00 2013-03-15T12:00:07-07:00

Teaching postgraduate seminars has given me the opportunity to travel around the country and see what is happening in our field. It's great seeing what the chiropractic profession is up to nationwide. I am seeing students shift away from making X-ray markings to learning advanced exercises for whole-body movement. Some of the key differences I see in young doctors today is that they use modern technology and keep evolving. Patients want to have a much more active role, a more consistent relationship with good, caring doctors. That's why I believe there's a need for much greater action by chiropractors today in the healthy aging specialty.

By Jeffrey Tucker, DC, DACRB Teaching postgraduate seminars has given me the opportunity to travel around the country and see what is happening in our field. It's great seeing what the chiropractic profession is up to nationwide. I am seeing students shift away from making X-ray markings to learning advanced exercises for whole-body movement. Some of the key differences I see in young doctors today is that they use modern technology and keep evolving. Patients want to have a much more active role, a more consistent relationship with good, caring doctors. That's why I believe there's a need for much greater action by chiropractors today in the healthy aging specialty. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56381 2013-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2013-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

I have been in continuous private practice for more than 30 years, but I am still a student. I am happy to be a part of a profession that is ever-growing on a global scale. Corporations, governments, unions, insurance companies, and individuals want what we offer for pain management, injury risk management, and healthy aging innovations.

By Jeffrey Tucker, DC, DACRB I have been in continuous private practice for more than 30 years, but I am still a student. I am happy to be a part of a profession that is ever-growing on a global scale. Corporations, governments, unions, insurance companies, and individuals want what we offer for pain management, injury risk management, and healthy aging innovations. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56114 2012-09-09T12:00:32-07:00 2012-09-09T12:00:07-07:00

Alzheimer's disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S. and the only cause of death among the top 10 for which medical treatments are unable to prevent or slow its progression. In recent years, many studies suggest specific dietary and supplementation practices influence the development of Alzheimer's. This article continues with the top 10 lifestyle recommendations for baby boomers and young senior patients to help prevent Alzheimer's disease.

By James P. Meschino, DC, MS Alzheimer's disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S. and the only cause of death among the top 10 for which medical treatments are unable to prevent or slow its progression. In recent years, many studies suggest specific dietary and supplementation practices influence the development of Alzheimer's. This article continues with the top 10 lifestyle recommendations for baby boomers and young senior patients to help prevent Alzheimer's disease. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56081 2012-08-26T12:00:32-07:00 2012-08-26T12:00:07-07:00

Alzheimer's disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and the only cause of death among the top 10 for which medical treatments are unable to prevent or slow the progression of the disease to any appreciable degree. Currently, an estimated 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease. One in eight older Americans has Alzheimer's and nearly half of all people over 85 years of age are afflicted.

By James P. Meschino, DC, MS Alzheimer's disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and the only cause of death among the top 10 for which medical treatments are unable to prevent or slow the progression of the disease to any appreciable degree. Currently, an estimated 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease. One in eight older Americans has Alzheimer's and nearly half of all people over 85 years of age are afflicted. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56077 2012-09-09T12:00:32-07:00 2012-09-09T12:00:07-07:00

Beginning in 2011, doctors of chiropractic were among the hundreds of thousands of American health care practitioners to received checks of up to $18,000 from the federal government for implementing electronic health records (EHR) in their clinics. These early adopters are eligible for up to $44,000 each. Approximately $2.8 billion has been paid so far to Medicare providers and hospitals that have met the standards for "meaningful use," with $16.5 million of that being paid to DCs.

By Steven Kraus, DC, DIBCN, CCSP, FASA, FICC and Robert Moberg Beginning in 2011, doctors of chiropractic were among the hundreds of thousands of American health care practitioners to received checks of up to $18,000 from the federal government for implementing electronic health records (EHR) in their clinics. These early adopters are eligible for up to $44,000 each. Approximately $2.8 billion has been paid so far to Medicare providers and hospitals that have met the standards for "meaningful use," with $16.5 million of that being paid to DCs. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55994 2012-07-15T12:00:32-07:00 2012-07-15T12:00:07-07:00

Most people are completely ignorant of the impact their health philosophy has on their health; that is, until some aspect of their health reaches a crisis level. And even then, most still don't figure it out. Two recent research papers demonstrate this fact in bold letters, serving as a classic example of how opposing health philosophies ultimate impact patients.

By Donald M. Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h), Publisher Most people are completely ignorant of the impact their health philosophy has on their health; that is, until some aspect of their health reaches a crisis level. And even then, most still don't figure it out. Two recent research papers demonstrate this fact in bold letters, serving as a classic example of how opposing health philosophies ultimate impact patients. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55987 2012-07-15T12:00:32-07:00 2012-07-15T12:00:07-07:00

Over the years, experimental studies have shown that melatonin blocks the build-up of beta-amyloid plaque (a hallmark feature of Alzheimer's disease). Human prospective studies have also shown that Alzheimer's patients tend to have lower melatonin levels than non-Alzheimer's patients. These preliminary studies led to the development of a number of recent clinical trials that have tested the ability of melatonin supplementation to reduce the development of Alzheimer's disease in high-risk patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. Mild cognitive impairment is the stage of memory loss and functional brain capacity decline that is the forerunner to the development of full-blown Alzheimer's disease.

By James P. Meschino, DC, MS Over the years, experimental studies have shown that melatonin blocks the build-up of beta-amyloid plaque (a hallmark feature of Alzheimer's disease). Human prospective studies have also shown that Alzheimer's patients tend to have lower melatonin levels than non-Alzheimer's patients. These preliminary studies led to the development of a number of recent clinical trials that have tested the ability of melatonin supplementation to reduce the development of Alzheimer's disease in high-risk patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. Mild cognitive impairment is the stage of memory loss and functional brain capacity decline that is the forerunner to the development of full-blown Alzheimer's disease. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55985 2012-07-15T12:00:32-07:00 2012-07-15T12:00:07-07:00

It's my belief that when it comes to treating patients, every case is distinct, requiring a unique treatment plan. But what if you could effectively enhance responses to your chiropractic care in 80 percent of your adult patients? Wouldn't that be a boon to your practice? There is a coordinated interplay between movements of the lower extremity and stability of the pelvis and spine. In fact, because proper vertebral function is intimately related with a coordinated gait,1 foot problems such as excessive or asymmetrical pronation may be the underlying cause of the subluxations you are treating.

By Mark Charrette, DC It's my belief that when it comes to treating patients, every case is distinct, requiring a unique treatment plan. But what if you could effectively enhance responses to your chiropractic care in 80 percent of your adult patients? Wouldn't that be a boon to your practice? There is a coordinated interplay between movements of the lower extremity and stability of the pelvis and spine. In fact, because proper vertebral function is intimately related with a coordinated gait,1 foot problems such as excessive or asymmetrical pronation may be the underlying cause of the subluxations you are treating. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55844 2012-04-09T12:00:32-07:00 2012-04-09T12:00:07-07:00

At present, the chiropractic profession has difficulty being compliant with Medicare documentation requirements. The 2009 report from the Office of the Inspector General reported the following: "Distinct from the undocumented claims, 83 percent of reviewed chiropractic claims failed to meet one or more of the documentation requirements. Concerning treatment, file reviewers reported that only 76 percent contained some form of treatment plan, 43 percent lacked treatment goals, 17 percent lacked objective measures, and 15 percent lacked the recommended level of care."

By David Seaman, DC, MS, DABCN, Albert J. Luce, DC and Anthony Hamm, DC, FACO, DABFP At present, the chiropractic profession has difficulty being compliant with Medicare documentation requirements. The 2009 report from the Office of the Inspector General reported the following: "Distinct from the undocumented claims, 83 percent of reviewed chiropractic claims failed to meet one or more of the documentation requirements. Concerning treatment, file reviewers reported that only 76 percent contained some form of treatment plan, 43 percent lacked treatment goals, 17 percent lacked objective measures, and 15 percent lacked the recommended level of care." tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55837 2012-04-09T12:00:32-07:00 2012-04-09T12:00:07-07:00

The Oxford Project to Investigate Memory and Ageing (OPTIMA) published the results of a key aspect of their study in the online journal Public Library of Science ONE in 2010.1 In this arm of the study, they investigated the effect of B-vitamin supplementation on various parameters of brain aging and associated cognitive function. The study group consisted of 168 individuals over the age of 70 with mild cognitive impairment.

By James P. Meschino, DC, MS The Oxford Project to Investigate Memory and Ageing (OPTIMA) published the results of a key aspect of their study in the online journal Public Library of Science ONE in 2010.1 In this arm of the study, they investigated the effect of B-vitamin supplementation on various parameters of brain aging and associated cognitive function. The study group consisted of 168 individuals over the age of 70 with mild cognitive impairment. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55761 2012-02-12T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-12T12:00:07-07:00

In the normal aging process, the decline in sex hormone levels and number of functioning nerve endings in the genitalia region often contribute to a reduction in sex drive, arousal capabilities, climax and intensity of pleasure-full sensations. This can become a source of frustration and disappointment that affects quality of life for many men and women over the age of 50.

By James P. Meschino, DC, MS In the normal aging process, the decline in sex hormone levels and number of functioning nerve endings in the genitalia region often contribute to a reduction in sex drive, arousal capabilities, climax and intensity of pleasure-full sensations. This can become a source of frustration and disappointment that affects quality of life for many men and women over the age of 50. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55661 2011-12-16T12:00:32-07:00 2011-12-16T12:00:07-07:00

Medicare's increasingly criticized sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula has determined the latest physician fee cut, scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2012, and as usual, it's not pretty: a 27.4 percent reduction in fees for health care providers across all disciplines (which is actually an improvement from the 29.5 percent cut originally projected earlier this year). Rather than waiting until the proverbial 11th hour for Congress to stave off the fee cuts and preserve the current reimbursement rate (perhaps with a slight increase, as has been the case in the past), Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a statement calling for a long-term solution.

By Editorial Staff Medicare's increasingly criticized sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula has determined the latest physician fee cut, scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2012, and as usual, it's not pretty: a 27.4 percent reduction in fees for health care providers across all disciplines (which is actually an improvement from the 29.5 percent cut originally projected earlier this year). Rather than waiting until the proverbial 11th hour for Congress to stave off the fee cuts and preserve the current reimbursement rate (perhaps with a slight increase, as has been the case in the past), Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a statement calling for a long-term solution. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55640 2011-12-02T12:00:32-07:00 2011-12-02T12:00:07-07:00

A study published recently in The Lancet should be causing surgeons and hospital administrators some serious concerns. The study examined the percentage of Medicare beneficiaries who undergo surgery in their last year of life.

By Donald M. Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h), Publisher A study published recently in The Lancet should be causing surgeons and hospital administrators some serious concerns. The study examined the percentage of Medicare beneficiaries who undergo surgery in their last year of life. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55634 2011-12-02T12:00:32-07:00 2011-12-02T12:00:07-07:00

Are you ready to network with other health care providers across disciplines to coordinate and optimize the delivery of health care? If your response is that you're already doing so, then here's another question: Are you ready to do all that - and share in the cost savings?

By Peter W. Crownfield, Executive Editor Are you ready to network with other health care providers across disciplines to coordinate and optimize the delivery of health care? If your response is that you're already doing so, then here's another question: Are you ready to do all that - and share in the cost savings? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55554 2011-09-23T12:00:32-07:00 2011-09-23T12:00:07-07:00

Primary osteoarthritis of the hip appears to have a structural basis. It was hypothesized that acetabular retroversion could be associated with osteoarthritis of the hip by Murray and Stulberg in the mid '60s and early '70s. They were the first to describe this association between abnormal hip anatomy and its possible role in the development of osteoarthritis (OA).

By Deborah Pate, DC, DACBR Primary osteoarthritis of the hip appears to have a structural basis. It was hypothesized that acetabular retroversion could be associated with osteoarthritis of the hip by Murray and Stulberg in the mid '60s and early '70s. They were the first to describe this association between abnormal hip anatomy and its possible role in the development of osteoarthritis (OA). tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55468 2011-08-12T12:00:32-07:00 2011-08-12T12:00:07-07:00

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, osteoarthritis of the knee is one of five leading causes of disability among elderly men and women, and the risk for disability from osteoarthritis of the knee is as great as that from cardiovascular disease. Currently, 21 million Americans are affected by osteoarthritis and an estimated 10 million suffer from knee osteoarthritis, making it one of the most common causes of disability in the U.S.

By Meridel I. Gatterman, MA, DC, MEd According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, osteoarthritis of the knee is one of five leading causes of disability among elderly men and women, and the risk for disability from osteoarthritis of the knee is as great as that from cardiovascular disease. Currently, 21 million Americans are affected by osteoarthritis and an estimated 10 million suffer from knee osteoarthritis, making it one of the most common causes of disability in the U.S. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55433 2011-07-15T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-15T12:00:07-07:00

In many cases of autoimmune disease, especially those affecting the joints (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), the patient is seldom provided with evidence-based nutrition and supplementation practices from their medical practitioner. Studies show, however, that specific dietary and supplementation measures can play a significant role in long-term management of these conditions with respect to preserving joint integrity, reducing pain and inflammation, improving quality of life and extending years of functional living.

By James P. Meschino, DC, MS In many cases of autoimmune disease, especially those affecting the joints (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), the patient is seldom provided with evidence-based nutrition and supplementation practices from their medical practitioner. Studies show, however, that specific dietary and supplementation measures can play a significant role in long-term management of these conditions with respect to preserving joint integrity, reducing pain and inflammation, improving quality of life and extending years of functional living. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55428 2011-07-15T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-15T12:00:07-07:00

If you treat Medicare beneficiaries, you will in all likelihood eventually meet one of Medicare's Recovery Audit Contractors, otherwise known as RACs Recovery Audit Contractors are Medicare third-party contractors engaged for the sole purpose of identifying services provided by doctors that do not meet the many documentation requirements now required by Medicare for reimbursement.

By Jennifer Kirschenbaum, Esq. and Rachel Weinrib, Esq. If you treat Medicare beneficiaries, you will in all likelihood eventually meet one of Medicare's Recovery Audit Contractors, otherwise known as RACs Recovery Audit Contractors are Medicare third-party contractors engaged for the sole purpose of identifying services provided by doctors that do not meet the many documentation requirements now required by Medicare for reimbursement. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55328 2011-05-20T12:00:32-07:00 2011-05-20T12:00:07-07:00

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting approximately 27 million Americans. Causative factors are thought to be overweight, aging, joint injury or stress, and muscle weakness, among others. Clearly there are many theories of causation, but still no definitive etiologies.

By Warren Hammer, MS, DC, DABCO Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting approximately 27 million Americans. Causative factors are thought to be overweight, aging, joint injury or stress, and muscle weakness, among others. Clearly there are many theories of causation, but still no definitive etiologies. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55312 2011-05-06T12:00:32-07:00 2011-05-06T12:00:07-07:00

Twelve percent of the U.S. population ages 25 to 75 years has symptoms and signs of osteoarthritis (OA). There are three major risk factors associated with the development of OA: body-mass index, trauma and heredity. We can't do much at this point about our genetic makeup, but the other two risk factors we can control.

By Deborah Pate, DC, DACBR Twelve percent of the U.S. population ages 25 to 75 years has symptoms and signs of osteoarthritis (OA). There are three major risk factors associated with the development of OA: body-mass index, trauma and heredity. We can't do much at this point about our genetic makeup, but the other two risk factors we can control. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55309 2011-05-06T12:00:32-07:00 2011-05-06T12:00:07-07:00

Falling down on your face is no longer just for the clumsy. Preventing falls, especially among the elderly, is now one of the hottest topics in public health. Chiropractic literature has begun to reflect the role that DCs can play in educating our patients and the public about preventing falling accidents.

By John Hanks, DC Falling down on your face is no longer just for the clumsy. Preventing falls, especially among the elderly, is now one of the hottest topics in public health. Chiropractic literature has begun to reflect the role that DCs can play in educating our patients and the public about preventing falling accidents. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55161 2011-02-12T12:00:32-07:00 2011-02-12T12:00:07-07:00

Falls are a common cause of morbidity and the leading cause of nonfatal injuries and trauma-related hospitalizations in the United States. In a recent study, fall-related injuries accounted for 6 percent of all medical expenditures for people age 65 and older in the U.S. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the year 2000, falls among older adults cost the U.S. health care system more than $19 billion. With the population aging, the number of falls and the costs to treat fall-related injuries are both expected to increase.

By Meridel I. Gatterman, MA, DC, MEd Falls are a common cause of morbidity and the leading cause of nonfatal injuries and trauma-related hospitalizations in the United States. In a recent study, fall-related injuries accounted for 6 percent of all medical expenditures for people age 65 and older in the U.S. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the year 2000, falls among older adults cost the U.S. health care system more than $19 billion. With the population aging, the number of falls and the costs to treat fall-related injuries are both expected to increase. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54924 2010-10-07T12:00:32-07:00 2010-10-07T12:00:07-07:00

In a paper first presented at the 2008 American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting in Chicago and subsequently published in the journal Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders researchers showed that Alzheimer's patients who supplemented their diet with 2,000 IU per day of vitamin E had a 26 percent lower mortality rate. As explained by lead researcher Dr Valory Pavlik, from the Baylor College of Medicine's Alzheimer's Disease and Memory Disorders Center, many previous studies have shown that vitamin E supplementation can slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

By James P. Meschino, DC, MS In a paper first presented at the 2008 American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting in Chicago and subsequently published in the journal Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders researchers showed that Alzheimer's patients who supplemented their diet with 2,000 IU per day of vitamin E had a 26 percent lower mortality rate. As explained by lead researcher Dr Valory Pavlik, from the Baylor College of Medicine's Alzheimer's Disease and Memory Disorders Center, many previous studies have shown that vitamin E supplementation can slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54900 2010-09-23T12:00:32-07:00 2010-09-23T12:00:07-07:00

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of inflammatory degenerative joint disease and the second most common cause of long-term disability among middle-aged and older adults in the United States. More than 40 percent of arthritis sufferers in the U.S. report using complementary and alternative medicine, including dietary supplements. The use of alternative remedies has increased since the FDA issued health warnings about anti-inflammatory drugs such as Celebrex.

By John Maher, DC, DCBCN, BCIM Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of inflammatory degenerative joint disease and the second most common cause of long-term disability among middle-aged and older adults in the United States. More than 40 percent of arthritis sufferers in the U.S. report using complementary and alternative medicine, including dietary supplements. The use of alternative remedies has increased since the FDA issued health warnings about anti-inflammatory drugs such as Celebrex. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54895 2010-09-23T12:00:32-07:00 2010-09-23T12:00:07-07:00

The radiographic diagnosis is a hip fracture. Many clinicians would assume that this fracture is due to postmenopausal osteoporosis because the patient is 48 years old and female. In this case, the patient is not presently menopausal, but she has been taking Prilosec for five years for "indigestion."

By Deborah Pate, DC, DACBR The radiographic diagnosis is a hip fracture. Many clinicians would assume that this fracture is due to postmenopausal osteoporosis because the patient is 48 years old and female. In this case, the patient is not presently menopausal, but she has been taking Prilosec for five years for "indigestion." tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54841 2010-08-26T12:00:32-07:00 2010-08-26T12:00:07-07:00

Degenerative joint disease (osteoarthrosis) increases in frequency as we age. As society gets older, therefore, chiropractors will encounter more patients afflicted with painful joint conditions. Whenever degenerative changes affect weight-bearing joints, especially in the spine and lower extremities, methods to reduce the damaging effects of heel-strike shock on the musculoskeletal system should be implemented. The use of custom-made, flexible orthotics can help alleviate present symptoms in these patients while also reducing the potential for future injury.

By Mark Charrette, DC Degenerative joint disease (osteoarthrosis) increases in frequency as we age. As society gets older, therefore, chiropractors will encounter more patients afflicted with painful joint conditions. Whenever degenerative changes affect weight-bearing joints, especially in the spine and lower extremities, methods to reduce the damaging effects of heel-strike shock on the musculoskeletal system should be implemented. The use of custom-made, flexible orthotics can help alleviate present symptoms in these patients while also reducing the potential for future injury. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54748 2010-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

Osteoporosis vertebral fractures are a common cause of pain, disability and increased mortality. Approximately 750,000 new vertebral fractures occur in the United States each year. Among adults over the age of 50, up to a quarter will have at least one vertebral fracture in their lifetime. Every year, about 1.4 million vertebral compression fractures come to clinical attention worldwide.

By Nancy Martin-Molina, DC, QME, MBA, CCSP Osteoporosis vertebral fractures are a common cause of pain, disability and increased mortality. Approximately 750,000 new vertebral fractures occur in the United States each year. Among adults over the age of 50, up to a quarter will have at least one vertebral fracture in their lifetime. Every year, about 1.4 million vertebral compression fractures come to clinical attention worldwide.