Spine disorders account for tens of millions of patient visits each year in the United States. The prevalence of spine and related disorders has grown to epidemic proportions. As people survive longer they develop and suffer form degenerative diseases of the spine. Back pain has become one of the most common reasons for seeing a physician. The growing elderly population will lead to a greater incidence of degenerative spine disorders and related complications. Degenerative disorders include spinal stenosis, hypertrophic arthropathy, intervertebral disc disease, sarcopenia, and osteoporosis. The rising occurrence and complexity of spine disorders will place unprecedented burdens on families, society, and healthcare system. The growing incidence of disorders such as diabetes and obesity will also contribute to the back pain epidemic.
One of the fastest growing concerns in healthcare is the provision of a timely diagnosis and adequate care for individuals with back pain and other spine disorders. Spinecare currently represents one of the more inefficient specialties of healthcare. The rising incidence of back pain and spinal disorders has no geographic boundaries, thus afflicting people of all nations. It is rapidly becoming a healthcare priority with significant personal, social and industrial ramifications. The increased demands will tax regional and world healthcare systems. A comprehensive solution will include the coordinated efforts of an International Spine Organization to help educate and integrate healthcare providers, other organizations, and the public. This parallels the path taken in other fields such as the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association, but with a global reach. There will be greater reliance on international databases for physican and public education.
The spine is intricate and complex and therefore often requires the care of one or more spine physicians or specialists. Expanding insights on spinal tissue repair, adaptation, remodeling, and plasticity will continue to influence the type of spinecare provided in the future. A growing appreciation for molecular mechanisms will facilitate an ongoing search for biological solutions. The spinecare of the future will be more predictive, preventive and personalized than it is today. Spinecare will be implemented earlier in the course of dysfunction and/or disease leading to better outcomes. Scientific and technological advances will redefine "early stage disease" and promote conservative intervention during "pre-disease" states.
Welcome to the Inform a Colleague area of the Academy Website. The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) strives to implement new and more efficient methods for members to communicate with other healthcare professionals. One of the most effective tools is the online "Inform a Colleague" function. This function can be used to expand and educate your spinecare referral network. It also represents a resource to conveniently inform others about trends in spinecare and about offers of organizations such as the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP), the International Spine Association (ISA). The link library also contains an application for membership with the AASP.
The online "Inform a Colleague" feature provides an invaluable time-saving service for keeping spinecare professionalsup-to-date, expanding the spinecare network, stimulating interdisciplinary referrals and for inviting colleagues to join the AASP. The library of links is always being updated with useful information and resources. The linked messages can be used to
**Edit and/or add text where appropriate** (Inform one or more colleagues)
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Member:
This level of membership is for physicians (MD, DC, DO) whose practice/interest includes patients with spinal disorders. ($250)
Affiliate Member:
This level of membership is for allied healthcare professionals involved in spinecare and/or spine research. This includes physical therapists, massage therapists, exercise physiologists, nurse practitioners, nurses, physician's assistants, diagnostic technicians, surgical technicians, exercise instructors, personal trainers and individuals who hold a PhD and work in the field of spinecare. ($150)
Candidate Member:
This level of membership is for residents, fellows and students who have an interest in spinecare. ($35)
Membership will automatically renew each calendar year starting from the date of membership renewal or membership acceptance unless the AASP is specifically notified in writing by the member at least 30 days prior to their renewal date. Please address all correspondence to the AASP Office of Member Services.
Review the accuracy of your contact information and practice profile information including your email address. To update your profile online go to spinephysicians.org and login using your unique member ID and PIN as noted below.
Please notify the AASP if you no longer meet membership criteria. This includes maintaining an active license to practice.
Welcome to the Inform a Colleague area of the Academy Website. The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) strives to implement new and more efficient methods for members to communicate with other healthcare professionals. One of the most effective tools is the online "Inform a Colleague" function. This function can be used to expand and educate your spinecare referral network. It also represents a resource to conveniently inform others about trends in spinecare and about offers of organizations such as the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP), the International Spine Association (ISA). The link library also contains an application for membership with the AASP.
