DC2017: 7 Questions for Dr. Carlo Ammendolia

The upcoming DC2017 conference in Washington, D.C., is packed with great educational content and world-class presenters. Here we pose 7 questions to one of the featured speakers:

1. What is your name and the name of your presentation at DC2017?

Carlo Ammendolia, DC, PhD. My presentation is “Going the Distance: The Spinal Stenosis Boot Camp Program Workshop,” available on the “Low Back” track.

2. What makes you an authority on this subject?

I have published three systematic reviews on non-operative treatments for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) including a Cochrane review. I have published an award-winning paper on the effectiveness of the boot camp program and recently completed two randomized controlled trials, one at the University of Toronto and the other the University of Pittsburgh. I conduct workshops worldwide on the Boot Camp program.

3. Why should doctors of chiropractic be interested in learning more about your topic?

Lumbar spinal stenosis is a leading cause of pain, disability and loss of independence in people over the age of 65. With the aging population, and because people are living longer, we are experiencing a soaring rise in the number of people suffering from LSS. It is estimated that more than 20 million Americans will suffer from lumbar spinal stenosis in the next 15 years. Chiropractors can acquire the skills and knowledge to become experts in the non-operative management of lumbar spinal stenosis. The Boot Camp Program has demonstrated effectiveness in clinical trials and is an evidence-based approach to non-operative LSS management.

4. How can the information you share in your presentation directly help chiropractors in practice?

The program can significantly improve walking ability in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. Chiropractors will learn to:

  • differentiate between the clinical syndrome of LLS and the anatomic finding of LSS on diagnostic images
  • perform the required specific manual therapy techniques and understand the rationale for each specific manual therapy technique
  • perform the required patient exercises and understand the rationale and intent for each exercise
  • instruct all necessary patient self-management strategies
  • successfully implement the program in their offices and become an expert on LSS in their communities.

5. What about you or your presentation may surprise people?

The impact LSS can have on patients and practices.

6. What’s one thing you learned during your career that you wished you would have known from the beginning?

Find a niche where you can become the expert.

7. What book should every chiropractor read, and why?

N/A

To learn more about the wide variety of education programs and speakers featured at DC2017 in March, visit www.DC2017.org

To view Q&As with other DC2017 speakers, click here.