Page 19 - BackSpace October 2017

Newsletter of the European Chiropractors’ Union
General news
Annual ECU prize awarded at WIOC
Fifty-six new chiropractors graduated from the Welsh Institute of Chiropractic (WIOC) in a glittering dual language ceremony on 14 July. Amongst them was the ECU graduate of the year, David Dickins. David Byfield, Director of WIOC, reports.
Quantitate Fluoroscopy Quantitate Fluoroscopy in extension in flexionR
The future of musculoskeletal imaging Haymo Thiel describes an exciting development
THANKS TO a grant from the UK Chiropractic Research Council the AECC University College is working
in partnership with Exeter University to revolutionise
the way we understand spinal movement and back conditions.
Recognising the limitations of static imaging such as x-rays and MRIs, the University College developed Quantitate Fluoroscopy technology, enabling patients to be observed during motion. This shows stresses on the spine during typical dynamic movement patterns. Although now being used in the USA, including by NASA, this patented technology isn’t available anywhere else in Europe.
Using mathematical capability and specialist mathematical software, which form a
core competency of Exeter University, researchers have developed a Finite Element Model, which produces computer generated 3-D models of an individual’s spine which enable the representation of detailed spinal conditions such as the hardness, weight and viscosity of elements.
Under future collaborations
AECC University College and Exeter University aim to create the most comprehensive spinal replication modelling system in the world. For the first time this revolutionary technology will allow detailed computer generated spinal modelling
of individuals under dynamic motion. Previously this has
only been carried out using animal vertebrae, but this new technology will permit bespoke human data to be produced and analysed.
The benefits to the health care professions are clearly significant when considering back pain, treatment and intervention. This new technology could revolutionise the way we understand the spine, with far reaching benefits to a whole range of health
care disciplines. At present the modelling, in its infancy, takes
a long time to execute, but
in the future the researchers expect the technology to be widely available. This exciting partnership puts both the AECC University College and Exeter University at the forefront
of research and innovation, confirming their reputations as first class education centres and cutting edge research bodies.
THE ECU Graduate of the Year is awarded to the final-year student clinician who demonstrates academic, clinical and leadership skills. David Dickins established himself as an all-rounder and was the clear favourite as voted by his peers and the full-time academic staff, clinic supervisors and clinic administration team.
David came to WIOC from the Barton Peveril Sixth Form College in Eastleigh, Hampshire. He chose chiropractic as a career having seen first-hand, aged 12, what a difference members of the profession can make to leading a fuller life, when his parents were under the care of Kenilworth Chiropractic Clinic founders Cindy and Peter Townsend. Peter remained a mentor during his studies at WIOC and David will shortly be joining the team in Kenilworth as an associate.
Why WIOC? “I was impressed by the open day enthusiasm of
all the staff at the clinic and in the faculty,” said David. “I also
appreciated the mixed campus, which offered the opportunity
for a well-rounded undergraduate experience and the scope for making friends both within and beyond the confines of the profession.”
As the students approached their final year, the realities of patient care became clear; a certain apprehension that now the knowledge and the skills have to be translated into that magic word ‘competence’ – striking the right balance between confidence in your own abilities and the humility to listen actively to the patient. As Gerly Truuvaart writes on page 27, being alive to the scope of your mind as well as the scope of your services.
Looking slightly beyond the first years as an associate, David plans
to undertake the FICS exams and hopes to engage with a wide range of health care professionals, both to learn from them and to represent the best qualities of chiropractic care.
Amen i hunny as they say in Treforest.
Young French chiropractor on the move
ALEXANDRE CHASSAGNE, chiropractor and humanitarian activist from France, contacted BACKspace six months ago to promote his initiative to travel around the world on a bike with chiropractic equipment in tow and offer treatment to disadvantaged people. He started in Greece
and then moved briefly to Turkey where he had to re-route his plans because of difficulties in travelling safely. As of mid-July, he was in Romania, living in what he described
as an alternative commune.
You can follow his journey on Facebook: http://facebook. com/WCBT2017/.
BACKspace www.chiropractic-ecu.org October 2017 19