American Osteopathic Association Advocates for Graduate Training Funds

Dr. Dan Kendall, a board-certified osteopath and anesthesiologist, treats patients at National Spine & Pain Centers in Arlington, Virginia. A frequent lecturer on best practices in spinal cord stimulation technology, Dr. Dan Kendall is a member of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).

With a reputation for high-quality medical education and postgraduate training, AOA represents more than 130,000 osteopaths. The association is a regular presence on Capitol Hill and organizes lobbying efforts on issues important to osteopaths. One current initiative for which AOA advocates is the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) program. 

Currently, more than 730 resident physicians are training in the THCGME program. These physicians provide vital services to patients in rural and underserved areas. However, funding for the physician training program will expire on December 31, 2017. AOA is calling on members of the House of Representatives and Senate to reauthorize the program as part of the CHAMPION Act to ensure rural patients continue to receive the care they need.

Nonsurgical Disc Decompression - Addressing Chronic Back Pain Issues

At National Spine & Pain Centers, Dr. Dan Kendall emphasizes therapies that provide relief for chronic back pain. Areas in which Dr. Dan Kendall has extensive experience include nonsurgical disc decompression.

A noninvasive approach to care, disc decompression centers either on the spinal cord or on nerve roots surrounding the spinal column, which can become painfully compressed. The therapy involves application of a gentle, carefully calibrated traction force on the spine, as well as on surrounding stone structures.

This approach serves to create slight separation, or negative pressure, between the vertebrae, which in turn causes the herniated or bulging discs to retract back into their natural positions. This decreases overall pressure on the nerve root and alleviates pain. In addition, the discs are better able to access needed oxygen, water, and nutrients, which expedites the healing process. 

The benefits of nonsurgical disc decompression have been studied extensively, with one Mayo Clinic study pointing to nearly 90 percent efficacy in addressing chronic back pain. Within a treatment period of 14 days, pain was reduced in patients by approximately 50 percent. 

Dr. Daniel Kendall maintains membership in the American Society of Anesthesiologists and American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians.