JVSR research report spurs widespread interest

When Dr. Erin Elster wrote her report for the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research (JVSR), she knew it would be of interest to the chiropractic profession. After all, it was the first to show that correction of upper neck injuries may reverse the progression of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Yet, no one was prepared for the tremendous response it generated among medical scientists and reporters.

Shortly after the report was published, the World Chiropractic Alliance (WCA) issued a press release about the study, and submitted it to major science news services.

Among the services used to disseminate the news was Newswise, the most comprehensive Internet-based outlet for research news. More than 400 leading research institutions use the service to distribute press releases and media advisories. Reporters, researchers and scientists use the service to obtain information on a wide variety of medical, health and scientific topics.

The press release on Dr. Elster's report was submitted on June 26, and by the end of July -- just five weeks later -- it had been accessed 1,853 times!

According to Newswise, the average medical news story during this period generated only 141 "hits." Their statistical report showed that the JVSR report generated nearly five times as much interest as the next most accessed report.

The top 10 stories for the time period (showing the number of time accessed and the contributing organization) were:

Even more astounding is the fact that the Newswise response was merely the tip of the iceberg. According to JVSR Editor Matthew McCoy, D.C., both he and Dr. Elster -- whose names and e-mail addresses were listed as contacts on the press release -- received a great deal of direct response.

"In my opinion, this is a clear signal this the possible affect of subluxation correction on M.S. is a topic that must be researched in more depth," he stated. "There is an enormous amount of interest from the public and the scientific community."

Dr. McCoy noted as well that the research also indicates a hunger for information on non-medical approaches to health.

"Clearly the interest in chiropractic goes far beyond its effectiveness in relieving back pain," he added. "When we publish research showing how subluxations affect the nervous system, and how chiropractic adjustments may help the body function better, we get their attention."

Terry A. Rondberg, D.C., WCA president and publisher of JVSR, echoed Dr. McCoy's sentiments. "Chiropractic research -- and by that I mean research into the effect of the vertebral subluxation on health -- can have a tremendous positive impact on chiropractic's role in modern health care. We will, once and for all, put to rest the absurd criticism that chiropractic is not scientific."

Since chiropractic research benefits all doctors of chiropractic, it is important for all D.C.s to support it, either by direct involvement (conducting research and/or writing research articles) or by financial support (subscribing to JVSR).

To read more about Dr. Elster's article and how you can help support chiropractic research, visit the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research website (http://www.jvsr.com).