JAOA -- Table of Contents (September 2007, 107 [9])

CLINICAL PRACTICE:

Overactive Bladder: Treatment Options in Primary Care Medicine: David O. Sussman
J Am Osteopath Assoc 2007 107:379-385. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Patient-physician communication is the key to addressing overactive bladder, a condition that can dramatically affect patient quality of life. The author discusses nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapies for use in primary care.

Role of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment in Altering Pain Biomarkers: A Pilot Study: Brian F. Degenhardt, Nissar A. Darmani, Jane C. Johnson, Lex C. Towns, Diana C. J. Rhodes, Chung Trinh, Bryan McClanahan, and Vincenzo DiMarzo
J Am Osteopath Assoc 2007 107:387-400. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
The effects of osteopathic manipulative treatment were studied in a prospective, blinded assessment that analyzed pre- and posttreatment serum levels of {beta}-endorphin, serotonin, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, anandamide, and N-palmitoylethanolamide in a sample of 20 subjects. The degree and duration of changes to these circulatory pain biomarkers were greater in subjects with chronic low back pain than in control subjects without that disorder.

Gender Differences and Alcohol Use in the US Army: R. Gregory Lande, Barbara A. Marin, Audrey S. Chang, and Galen R. Lande
J Am Osteopath Assoc 2007 107:401-407. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
This survey-based study found several gender-specific differences in alcohol-consumption patterns, including the surprising result that women exceeded established guidelines for safe alcohol consumption at a risk-adjusted rate nearly twice that of men.

Trauma-Induced Pneumothorax After "Bear-Hug Back Crack" Home Remedy: Attempted Spinal Manipulation by a Layperson: David A. Masneri, Jeremy S. Helphenstine, Shannon M. Masneri, Michael A. Miller, and Marc E. Levsky
J Am Osteopath Assoc 2007 107:411-413. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
The authors describe an improvised, at-home manual treatment used by the patient's boyfriend to relieve her back pain. Unfortunately, this adapted "thrust technique" as used by a layperson resulted in a trauma-induced pneumothorax. Better patient education regarding all at-home treatment options is recommended. Osteopathic physicians are encouraged to consider patient risk factors for pneumothorax as a contraindication for the use of thoracic thrust techniques.

Chronic Psoas Syndrome Caused by the Inappropriate Use of a Heel Lift: Christopher M. Rancont
J Am Osteopath Assoc 2007 107:415-418. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
The long-term consequences of compensating for an inappropriately prescribed orthotic device can become deleterious and even disabling. The author reports that the inappropriate use of a heel lift may be a plausible, underlying factor in the occurrence of chronic psoas syndrome.