Describing reports of back pain or discomfort and correlating self-reports to patterns of physical activity. Describing potential risk factors that may predispose a pregnant female to experience back pain during pregnancy. Demonstrating the applicability of selected pain scales used in the general population in the pregnant population. 2003 NeuroGrant Recipient

Assess one application of intraoperative monitoring and its efficacy in prevention of post-operative C5 palsies. 2004 NeuroGrant Recipient

Describing variables that may predict the QOL of patients who have undergone various types of spinal surgery for nonmalignant spinal disease. Identifying potential risk factors of a poor QOL outcome in the surgical spine population. 2003 NeuroGrant Recipient

A three-part series that educates physicians, therapists, nurses and chiropractors on the new options available to treat chronic back pain sufferers.

Determining the effect of a multifidus exercise program on the cross sectional area of the multifidus muscle. 2005 NeuroGrant Recipient

Identifying if musculoskeletal ultrasound can be used in the clinic to assist patients in relieving low back pain by fine tuning their exercise program and providing objective feedback. 2003 NeuroGrant Recipient

Describing the QOL of spinal surgery patients preoperatively and three months following surgery. Identifying changes in QOL of spinal surgery patients from the preoperative to the postoperative period. Examining the relationship between symptom status (pain and mood), functional status, perceived health status, optimism, social support, expectations, response shift and perceived QOL. Read: Health-related quality of life of patients following selected types of lumbar spinal surgery: A pilot study

Investigating the efficacy of percutaneous facet joint synovial cyst aspiration, a seldom used and relatively novel treatment for decompressing synovial cysts of the lumbar spine. 2005 NeuroGrant Recipient

Training program for Occupational Medicine Physicians and Work Injury/Nurse Case Managers on the best approach to help the musculoskeletal injured patient return to work.

Distribution of an educational videotape designed to prevent headfirst tackling that leads to cervical injuries to Illinois high school athletes.

1) To produce a working protocol for culturing spinal cord progenitor cells from the spinal cords of mammalian embryos and human cadavers, 2.) to investigate simulated stress environments in vitro on spinal cord progenitor cells, and efficacy of methylprednisolone as a neuroprotective agent. 2004 NeuroGrant Recipient

A training course for operating room nurses on spinal instrumentation techniques.

Symposium presented to primary care and general practice physicians regarding diagnosis and treatment of low back pain.

A quarterly forum presented to Neurosurgeons, Physiatrists, Orthopedists, Neurologists, Chiropractors and Allied Health Professionals.

An educational symposium to help ensure allied health professionals are fully educated as to the signs, symptoms and treatment options available for back and neck pain. 2006 NeuroGrant Recipient

A head and spinal cord injury prevention DVD for Tunisian school children. 2007 NeuroGrant Recipient

Video designed to provide an overview of the various types of conditions contributing to back pain and the available treatment options. 2007 NeuroGrant Recipient

To examine how accurately a surgeon can predict how well a patient will do after surgery for mechanical pain. 2006 NeuroGrant Recipient

Seminars for golfers who want to play at their best while avoiding back pain and injury.

A spine care and treatment options health reference booklet

Physicians provide a comprehensive review of neck pain and available treatments.