Dr. Greg Kawchuk DC, PhD, Canada Research Chair in Spinal Function University of Alberta
The chiropractic profession is about to take one big step forward. This fall, a new laboratory will open that will be dedicated to solving the types of problems seen by chiropractors everyday – The Common Spinal Disorders Laboratory.
Everything about the CSDL is based on innovation. Each of the investigators in the group are clinician-scientists representing the major professions that see back pain patients. This has never been done before – ever. The facility itself will move past traditional walled laboratories to create dynamic spaces that can be reconfigured to allow collaboration between basic and clinical researchers. Again, never been done before. Not only is there innovation in research, the facility has been designed to act as a “community hall” for spine care professionals to hold their seminars and workshops. Another first. Already, the CSDL is having success. The lab has been granted over 1 million dollars through agencies such as the Canadian Foundation for Innovation.
The lab members hold two Canada Research Chairs and numerous Volvo Awards for back pain research. There will be more to come as the CSDL is housed at the University of Alberta, consistently ranked within the top three universities in Canada and ranked second in the world by The Scientist. One of the members of the CSDL team is Dr. Greg Kawchuk, a chiropractor and PhD in bioengineering who holds the Canada Research Chair in Spinal Function.
Dr. Kawchuk’s work has already created the only model in the world able to study the mechanisms of how the vertebral artery may or may not be injured by manipulation. He has developed several new devices to measure spinal stiffness which are now undergoing clinical trials. His future work will look at the link between mechanical back pain and the role of environment and genetics.
The CSDL will be an important part of the spine research landscape. It is critical that the chiropractic profession be involved and be seen as involved with this facility and its team. While the Canadian Chiropractic Association provides direct funding, you can be part of this success story by making a financial contribution to the opening through the Canadian Chiropractic Research Foundation. Your contribution will presented at the grand opening of the lab this fall and can be dedicated directly to the projects which interest you the most.