JAOA • Vol 106 • No 3 • March 2006 • 118-
Keeping Connected to Osteopathic Principles
Gilbert E. D'Alonzo, Jr, DO, Editor in Chief
We hope that physicians, basic scientists, students, and others in the
osteopathic medical community will find valuable and useful information in
"The Somatic Connection," a new section in JAOA—The
Journal of the American Osteopathic Association. "The Somatic
Connection," beginning on this page, offers readers brief summaries of
important research on the musculoskeletal system that has recently been
published in other peer-reviewed journals, including publications based
outside the United States.
Summaries of three research articles are featured this month. The summaries
were all written by JAOA Associate Editor Felix J. Rogers, DO. Dr
Rogers describes a systematic review of the literature that evaluated the
efficacy of spinal manipulation and mobilization for patients with low back
and neck pain. He also describes studies examining the reliability of spinal
palpatory diagnostic procedures and the efficacy of shoulder girdle
manipulation in patient recovery.
"The Somatic Connection," which will be published every 3 to 4
months in the JAOA, focuses on research related to the principles of
osteopathic medicine. As such, "The Somatic Connection" will also
serve as a way to advance the goals advocated by Norman Gevitz, PhD, in his
essay in this issue of the JAOA ("Center or Periphery? The
Future of Osteopathic Principles and Practices."
2006;106:121–129). Dr Gevitz presents several arguments urging college
administrators, faculty members, researchers, and preceptors to restore and
anchor osteopathic principles and practice to the center of our
profession.
