Current Clinical Chiropractic Research Projects:
The role of central sensitization and neurogenic inflammation in the pathophysiology of chronic myofascial pain
Lead: Dr. John Srbely, DC, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Guelph
His research program adopts a broad and integrative approach to the study of chronic Musculoskeletal pain, incorporating both basic and clinical sciences. A major arm to his research program is investigating the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms using both animal and human models. His research also aims to advance reliable diagnostic criteria (imaging, biomarkers) and physical assessment techniques (quantitative sensory testing, electromyography). It focuses on criteria and techniques that enable effective and reliable treatment and management strategies. By emphasizing transdisciplinary and multi-institutional collaborations, his research program will continue to inform future clinical and experimental initiatives in the field of chronic musculoskeletal pain.
“Dr. Srbely knows what’s important to chiropractors in the field because he knows what chiropractors observe in practice. His research is looking at a problem that chiropractors see a lot of with their patients – trigger points. I think his research is really worth the profession getting behind. I think he’s going to answer some of the big questions.”
Background: Dr. Srbely’s research focuses on the study of the neurophysiologic phenomenon called ‘central sensitization,’ which is a neuroadaptive state associated with chronic pain. He has a specific interest in the study of chronic pain and joint function associated with aging and chronic musculoskeletal (spine, muscle and joint) diseases, such as osteoarthritis, myofascial pain and fibromyalgia.
Through his research, Dr. Srbely aims to develop novel and/or enhance existing treatment approaches in clinical pain management (diagnosis and treatment), as well as musculoskeletal (spine, muscle and joint) biomechanics/pathomechanics associated with chronic disease and aging.
Study III Good life with osteoarthritis in Denmark: prevalence and outcomes of patients with co-occurring degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis, and hip and knee osteoarthritis
Lead: Dr. James J. Young, DC, MSc, PhD Research Fellow, University of Southern Denmark (USD) and Clinical Sciences Resident and Adjunct Professor, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC)
Background: Dr. Young is currently conducting research at SDU before his return to Ontario. He published Skou ST, Koes BW, Grønne DT, Young JJ, Roos EM.
Thesis Advisor: Dr. Carlo Ammendolia, DC, PhD, Assistant Professor, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Department of Surgery and the Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto
Background: As Director of the Spine Clinic and the Spinal Stenosis Program at the Rebecca MacDonald Centre for Arthritis and Autoimmune Diseases, at Mount Sinai Hospital, Dr. Ammendolia combines research, clinical practice and teaching. His specialty clinic treats about 70 to 100 patients every week and is a training facility for chiropractic and medical residents.
Dr. Ammendolia is actively engaged in clinical research studies of non-operative treatments for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis, including this study, as well as ankylosing spondylitis and mechanical neck and back pain.