Cleveland Chiropractic College News
Feb. 08, 2012Dr. Strunk presents findings to Research Journal Club
The Cleveland Chiropractic College (CCC) Research Journal Club (RJC) gathered in the Private Dining Room Jan. 31 for a presentation by CCC Research Clinician, Dr. Richard Strunk. The group enjoyed lunch while Strunk shared the results of a pain intensity study titled, “Spinal Manipulation, Medication, or Home Exercise With Advice for Acute and Subacute Neck Pain.” The group then discussed the research and analyzed the results.
According to Strunk, who is also the advisor for RJC, the results revealed some interesting information regarding the benefits of chiropractic care.
“Patients who received spinal manipulation had a statistically significant advantage in terms of pain intensity over patients who received medication after 8, 12, 26 and 52 weeks post treatment.” Strunk said. “The home exercise and advice group also did better than the medication group but to a lesser extent.”
Calling the study “well-designed,” Strunk indicated that the information gleaned could be helpful for any health care providers who deal with patients experiencing neck pain. Moreover, Strunk said the study indicated that “spinal manipulation and or home exercise and advice should be tried first before medication.”
Although he noted that the study did possess some limitations, Strunk said the information was valuable, especially relating to chiropractic.
“A really interesting aspect of this study which should be emphasized is that the beneficial effects of spinal manipulation over medication lasted for up to a year after treatment was completed,” Strunk said.
Research Journal Club is just one of the many extracurricular offerings at the College. Chris Bantock, club president, said the group seeks to broaden the minds of its members.
“The purpose of Research Journal Club is to inform students and faculty of new research that is being conducted in the field,” Bantock said. “It is difficult to keep up with new published research, so the couple of times we meet each trimester helps to minimize that. We can discuss the article, challenge our thinking, and analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the article.”
Bantock went on to say that the club’s activities allow members to become more knowledgeable about patient treatment by familiarizing themselves with the most current research available. When combined with what is gained in the classroom, this supplemental information allows the members to explore treatment options.
“It is important that you help your patient in the best and quickest way possible,” Bantock said. “Without a background of any research it’s difficult to know what you can treat, how you can treat it, and what the best prognosis of the patient could be. When someone challenges you about your treatment, you have evidence to show effectiveness.”
Contact Strunk at richard.strunk@cleveland.edu for more information about Research Journal Club and how to become a member.