October 3, Toronto – The World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) has announced that World Spine Day is right around the corner.  DCs are invited to participate through initiatives that raise awareness of the issues surrounding spine health.

Created by Dr. Ron Kirk, the “Straighten Up…and Move” program has been endorsed, and adopted, by the WFC, and translated into several languages.  Chiropractors can use this program to teach their patients simple and quick exercises that will help improve posture, stabilize core muscle groups, prevent spinal disability and enhance health. Visit the WFC website (www.wfc.org) for free downloadable materials and more information about this program.

Communicate, teach, support

World Spine Day is a great way for chiropractors to leverage their position as primary health care practitioners to bring awareness of spine and overall health issues to their communities.

By making information and literature available, chiropractors can teach their patients, staff, families and neighbourhoods about spinal disability prevention and maintenance of good health.

Chiropractors are well positioned to initiate and support community efforts dealing with nutritional habits, the importance of exercise and movement, smoking cessation and a host of other health promotion issues.

But, fundamentally, chiropractors can become recognized as “the source” when it comes to issues dealing with spinal health in people of all ages. Educating the public on spinal safety and injury prevention in sports, back-pack and other load-bearing activities, gardening techniques and many other daily actions should be a priority for all DCs.

The various provincial chiropractic associations across Canada, as well as the Canadian Chiropractic Association, make materials available to their members to assist DCs in their public education and outreach efforts. Members are encouraged to visit the websites of their associations.  The WFC also has a host of programs available through their website.

Many Canadian DCs have been quite creative in building their own community outreach programs.  Initiatives have involved visiting schools, partnering with local businesses to organize seminars, networking and talking to other local practitioners (for example, MDs, physiotherapists, naturopaths, massage therapists, etc.) to name a few.

With each new effort, the chiropractor emerges as an indispensable expert in spinal health, and a knowledgeable source on overall wellness. As well, more members of communities across Canada will come to benefit from the training, evidence-based body of knowledge, and experience that DCs  have.

Chiropractic public outreach and support for spinal health initiatives is a win-win situation!   On this October 16, DCs across Canada are invited to participate in raising awareness in their communities on the importance of  spinal health, injury prevention and safety.