Journal of - Spinal Research Foundation

FALL 2012Issue OverviewMarcus M. Martin, PhD and Anne G. Copay, PhDEven in our sedentary society, life demands movement.Those who have suffered from back painknow how restricted life can be when they are not ableto move freely. Movement of the spine, which mayappear simple and easy, relies on the intricate collaborationand coordination of multiple elements. This issueof the Journal of the Spinal Research Foundationexplores the complexity of spinal movement from theperspectives of physical therapists, chiropractors, spinalsurgeons, and, most importantly, through the eyesof those afflicted with spinal disease. We have includedthe stories of two athletes, a Division I collegiate swimmerand a 1 st Degree Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt. Both werestruck by spinal disease and unable to participate intheir athletic endeavors. After proper treatment and recovery,they are successfully competing again.Dr. Banton, a highly skilled physical therapistat the Virginia Therapy & Fitness Center, is the authorof the main review for this issue of the Journalof the Spinal Research Foundation. He provides acomprehensive introduction to spine biomechanicsand draws a picture of the spine as a dynamic unitcomposed of multiple joints, each contributing to itsalignment and function. Dr. Daddio from PurcellvilleFamily Doctors provides an expert chiropractor’sview on the biomechanics of the golf swing, themechanisms of golf injuries, and their avoidance. Heexplores how the manipulation of spinal segmentscan accomplish the goal of improving the structuralintegrity and stability of the spine, facilitating properbiomechanics.Dr. Orndorff, a distinguished orthopedic surgeonwith Spine Colorado, describes the types of forces appliedto the spine and the structures affected by thoseforces. A healthy spine should be able to withstand avariety of forces but may be tested beyond its limits ifproper technique and proper posture are ignored. Dr.Girasole, who practices at The Orthopaedic & SportsMedicine Center, provides excerpts from his book, The7-Minute Back Pain Solution, and gives us the spinesurgeon’s perspective and techniques to maintain ahealthy spine. Dr. Goel, a world-renowned scientist atthe University of Toledo, and his skilled research teamprovide an in-depth review of the effect of aging onthe biomechanics of the spine.Overall, this issue of the journal will help ourreaders understand the complexities and motions ofthe spine. Our readers will gain not only knowledge,but also renewed respect for their spines.Marcus M. Martin, PhDDr. Martin’s research interests includeneuroimmunology, virology, and immunology.He is engaged in collaborativeresearch through the Spinal ResearchFoundation with the Medical Universityof South Carolina Children’s Hospital,geared toward the development of neuroprotectiveand neuroregenerative compoundsfor the treatment of nerve pathology.Dr. Martin’s current research collaborations includeresearch initiatives to apply stem cell therapy for tissue preservation,the development of regenerative therapies for intervertebraldiscs, and the development of novel methods ofenhancing bone fusion.Anne G. Copay, PhDDr. Copay has conducted research andauthored several articles in the areas oforganizational structure, work site healthpromotion, the effect of physical activityon energy expenditure and body weight,and the outcomes of spine fusion surgeries.Dr. Copay has ongoing research projectsconcerning the effectiveness of newspine technologies and the long-term outcomesof surgical and non-surgical treatments.FALL 2012 VOL. 7 No. 2Journal of The Spinal Research Foundation 4