AASP OVERVIEW

The American Academy of Spine Physicians

The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) is an organization of neurosurgeons and chiropractic physicians committed to conservative and cooperative spinecare. The AASP is the fastest growing and largest organization of its kind.

Chiropractors have the highest patient satisfaction levels for conservative spinecare. Neurosurgeonsí practices are approximately 80% spinecare, the highest percentage in the medical field. Together chiropractic physicians and neurosurgeons can provide the full spectrum of spinecare.

The AASP Mission

The primary mission of the AASP is to facilitate a cooperative approach to spinecare, cultivate open dialogue and clinical interaction between members, promote continuing education for chiropractic physicians and neurosurgeons and provide educational resources for physicians caring for patients with spinal disorders. The AASP is also committed to educating the public about the spine, spine health and spinecare.

Relevant Statistics and AASP Projections

The prevalence of spine and related disorders has grown to epidemic proportions. The rising level of obesity in children and adults will contribute to a rising incidence of spinal problems.  Back pain has become one of the most common reasons for seeing a doctor. The popularity of chiropractic care has almost tripled in the past decade, with more than 30 million people visiting doctors of chiropractic last year alone. The aging population of baby boomers is interested in prevention, early detection and early intervention; this will increase the number of visits to chiropractic physicians.

It has been estimated that approximately 31 million Americans have low back pain at any given time. Half of all working Americans admit to having back symptoms each year and one third of all Americans over age 18 had a back problem in the past five years severe enough for them to seek professional help. The direct cost of back care is estimated to be a staggering $50 billion annually.  Approximately 80% of the U.S. population will experience a back problem at some time in their lives. The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) is projected to reach millions of consumers/patients with information about spinecare and lifestyle recommendations.

AASP Educational and Promotional Efforts

Educational programs are provided by the AASP for its members, including the opportunity to obtain diplomate status, Diplomate of the American Academy of Spine Physicians (D.A.A.S.P.),

and, with further qualifications, to obtain fellow status, Fellow of the American College of Spine Physicians (F.A.C.S.P.).

The AASP has the National Spinecare Public Awareness Initiative to educate patients and the public about the spine, spine physicians and spinecare. The multimedia campaign provides information to the public through a variety of methods including printed materials, the AASP website and through the linked websites of members.

The AASP is committed to informing the public about the importance of lifestyle modification to reduce the risk for back pain and related disability. Recommended lifestyle modifications include maintaining optimal body weight, receiving adequate exercise, acquiring proper sleep, using efficient body mechanics and utilizing products which support the spine during all activities and positions throughout the day and the night.

Academy Council of the AASP

Nationally and internationally known chiropractic physicians and neurosurgeons are on the Academy Council of the AASP:

Edward C. Benzel, M.D.                                            Stephen Ondra, M.D.

Neurosurgeon                                                               Neurosurgeon

Cleveland Clinic                                                            Northwestern University Medical Center

George J. Dohrmann, M.D., Ph.D.                            John F. Shea, M.D.

Neurosurgeon                                                               Neurosurgeon

University of Chicago Medical Center                            Loyola University Medical Center

David H. Durrant, D.C.                                              Stephen Vanni, D.C., D.O.

Chiropractic Physician                                                   Chiropractic Physician & Neurosurgeon

Chicago Neuroscience Institute                                      University of Miami Medical Center

Barth A. Green, M.D.                                                Wayne M. Whalen, D.C.

Neurosurgeon                                                               Chiropractic Physician

Director, Miami Project to                                              Past President, California

Cure Paralysis                                                               Chiropractic Association

Vincent P. Lucido, D.C.                                              Terry R. Yochum, D.C.

Chiropractic Physician                                                   Chiropractic Physician

President, Foundation for Chiropractic                            University of Colorado

Education and Research                                                            School of Medicine

AASP Scientific Consultants

 Scott Haldeman, D.C., M.D., Ph.D.                          Manohar M. Panjabi, Ph.D., D.Tech.

           Clinical Neuroscience                                                     Clinical Biomechanics

          University of California                                                          Yale University