About Us

2018-2022

Association between Cervical Spinal Manipulation and Cervical Artery Dissection in Older and Younger Medicare Populations
Funding: National Institutes of Health
Key Findings: Among Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older who received cervical spine manipulation (CSM), the association with cervical artery dissection (CeAD) is no greater than that among the control groups, and CSM does not appear to be a significant risk factor for CeAD in this population group.

Published Works:

• Whedon JM, Petersen C, Schoelkop W, Haldeman S, MacKenzie T, Lurie J. The Association between Cervical Artery Dissection and Spinal Manipulation among US Adults. European Spine Journal (under print).
• Whedon JM, Haldeman S, Petersen C, Schoellkopf W, MacKenzie T, Lurie J. Temporal Trends and Geographic Variations in the Supply of Clinicians who Provide Spinal Manipulation to Medicare Beneficiaries: A Serial Cross-Sectional Study. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2021 Apr. PMID: 33849727. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33849727/
• Whedon JM, Petersen CL, Li Z, Schoelkopf WJ, Haldeman S, MacKenzie TA, Lurie JD. Association between Cervical Artery Dissection and Spinal Manipulative Therapy – A Medicare Claims Analysis. BMC Geriatrics. (2022) 22:917. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36447166/

2018-2022

Development of CLARIFY Yoga Research Reporting Guidelines
Funding: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, National Institutes of Health
Purpose: To conduct a Delphi survey of yoga research experts and develop a preliminary guideline to improve the transparency of peer-reviewed yoga research literature.

Published Works:

• Moonaz, S., Nault, D., Cramer, H., & Ward, L. (2021). CLARIFY 2021: explanation and elaboration of the Delphi-based guidelines for the reporting of yoga research. BMJ open, 11(8), e045812. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34353794/
• Moonaz, S., Nault, D., Cramer, H., & Ward, L. (2021). Releasing CLARIFY: A New Guideline for Improving Yoga Research Transparency and Usefulness. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 27(10), 807–809. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2021.29096.hcr
• Ward, L., Nault, D., Cramer, H., & Moonaz, S. (2022). Development of the CLARIFY (CheckList stAndardising the Reporting of Interventions For Yoga) guidelines: a Delphi study. BMJ open, 12(1), e054585. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054585.

2019-2020

Yoga as Adjunctive Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Pilot Study
Funding: iRest Institute
Purpose: To analyze data and publish the foundational research for iRest yoga nidra for PTSD which has supported the widespread integration of iRest into both active military and veteran settings across the US.

Published Works:

• Sullivan, M., Lopez, S., Nault, D., Moonaz, S., & Miller, R. (2021). Yoga Meditation for Active Duty Military Members with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Results and Discussion of a Landmark Initial Study. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 27(6), 522–524. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2020.0466

2018-2020

Spinal Manipulation Services vs. Prescription Drug Therapy for Long-term Care of Aged Medicare Beneficiaries with Chronic Low Back Pain 
Funding: National Institutes of Health
Key Findings: Among Medicare beneficiaries with chronic low back pain, as compared with opioid analgesic therapy, treatment with spinal manipulative therapy is associated with less escalation of care, lower risk of adverse drug events, lower overall costs, and greater satisfaction with care.

Published Works:

• Whedon J, Kizhakkeveettil A, Toler a, et al. Initial Choice of Spinal Manipulative Therapy for Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain Leads to Reduced Long-term Risk of Adverse Drug Events among Older Medicare Beneficiaries. Apr 19. Spine. 2021. PMID: 33882542. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33882542/
• Whedon J, Kizhakkeveettil A, Toler A, Bezdjian S, Rossi D, Uptmor S, MacKenzie T, Lurie J, Hurwitz E, Coulter I, Haldeman S. Initial Choice of Spinal Manipulation Reduces Escalation of Care for Chronic Low Back Pain among Older Medicare Beneficiaries. Spine. 2021. PMID: 34474443. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34474443/
• Whedon J, Kizhakkeveettil A, Toler A, MacKenzie T, Lurie J, Bezdjian S, Haldeman S Hurwitz E, Coulter I. Long-Term Costs under Medicare associated with Opioid Analgesic Therapy vs. Spinal Manipulative Therapy for Care of Older Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Retrospective Observational Study. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2021 Dec 5; S0161-4754(21)00106-8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8923950/
• Kizhakkeveettil A, Bezdjian S, Hurwitz E, Toler A, Rossi D, Uptmor S, Sagester K, Bangash M, MacKenzie T, Lurie J, Coulter I, Haldeman S, Whedon J. Spinal Manipulation vs. Prescription Drug Therapy for Chronic Low Back Pain: Beliefs, Satisfaction with Care, and Qualify of Life among Older Medicare Beneficiaries. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2022 Mar 26: S0161-4754(21)00117-2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35351337/
• Whedon J, Uptmor S; Toler A, Bezdjian S, MacKenzie T, Kazal L. Association between Chiropractic Care and Use of Prescription Opioids Among Older Medicare Beneficiaries with Spinal Pain: A Retrospective Observational Study. Chiropr Man Therap. 2022. 30:5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35101064/

2018-2020

Expenditures for Chiropractic Services
Funding: Fulcrum Health, Inc.
Key Findings: For patients with acute or subacute low back pain, utilization of a clinical model characterized by a patient-centered clinic approach and standardized, best-practice clinical protocols may offer lower cost when compared to non-standardized clinical approaches to chiropractic care.

Published Works:

• Whedon JM, Bezdjian S, Dennis P. et al. Cost comparison of two approaches to chiropractic care for patients with acute and sub-acute low back pain care episodes: a cohort study. Chiropr Man Therap. 28, 68 (2020). PMCID: PMC7734754. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33308275/

2017-2020

Group Acupuncture Therapy with Modified Yoga for chronic neck, low back and OA pain in safety net setting for an underserved population (GAPYOGA)
Funding: Blavatnik Family Foundation
Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of combining group acupuncture and yoga therapy in hospital-based clinics for underserved chronic pain patient populations.

Published Works:

• Nielsen, A., Teets, R., Moonaz, S., Anderson, B. J., Walter, E., Milanes, M., Mah, D. M., Diane McKee, M., & Kligler, B. (2020). Group Acupuncture Therapy With Yoga Therapy for Chronic Neck, Low Back, and Osteoarthritis Pain in Safety Net Setting for an Underserved Population: Design and Rationale for a Feasibility Pilot. Global advances in health and medicine, 9, 2164956120964716. https://doi.org/10.1177/2164956120964716
• Anderson, B. J., Meissner, P., Mah, D. M., Nielsen, A., Moonaz, S., McKee, M. D., Kligler, B., Milanes, M., Guerra, H., & Teets, R. (2021). Barriers and Facilitators to Implementing Bundled Acupuncture and Yoga Therapy to Treat Chronic Pain in Community Healthcare Settings: A Feasibility Pilot. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 27(6), 496–505. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2020.0394
• Jyung, H., Mah, D. M., Moonaz, S., Rai, M., Bhandiwad, A., Nielsen, A., & Teets, R. (2022). “The Pain Left, I Was Off and Running”: A Qualitative Analysis of Group Acupuncture and Yoga Therapy for Chronic Pain in a Low-Income and Ethnically Diverse Population. Journal of integrative and complementary medicine, 28(4), 328–338. https://doi.org/10.1089/jicm.2021.0192
• Moonaz, S., Whitehead, A. M., Lawrence, L., Natividad, D., Kindred, D., Nielsen, A., & Teets, R. (2022). Yoga therapy DYADS: A novel approach to chronic pain management in underserved populations. Explore (New York, N.Y.), 18(2), 195–199. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2020.12.002

2017-2018

Cristo Rey Jesuit High School Well-being Partnership – Engaging Teachers in Mind-Body Techniques for Well-Being
Funding: Mental Insight Foundation
Purpose: To implement and evaluate a multi-modality mind-body stress management program for faculty and staff at an urban, underserved, and predominantly African American high school in Baltimore.

2018-2019

Association between Utilization of Chiropractic Services and Use of Prescription Opioid Analgesics among Medicare Beneficiaries with Chronic Low Back Pain
Funding: The Anton B. Burg Foundation
Key Findings: Among older Medicare beneficiaries with spinal pain, the risk of filling an opioid prescription within 365 days of initial visit was 56% lower among recipients of chiropractic care as compared to non-recipients.

Published Works:

• Whedon J, Toler A, Kazal L, Bezdjian S, Goehl J, Greenstein J. Impact of Chiropractic Care on Use of Prescription Opioids in Patients with Spinal Pain. Pain Medicine. Mar; 2020. naa014. https://doi.org/10.1093/pm/pnaa014

2016-2019

Impact of Chiropractic Care on Use of High-Risk Drugs and Risk of Adverse Drug Events
Funding: Council on Chiropractic Guidelines & Practice Parameters
Key Findings: Patients with spinal pain who saw a chiropractor had half the risk of filling an opioid prescription. Among those who saw a chiropractor within 30 days of diagnosis, the reduction in risk was greater as compared with those with their first visit after the acute phase. In New Hampshire, among adults with low back pain, the adjusted likelihood of an adverse drug event was significantly lower for recipients of chiropractic services as compared to nonrecipients.

Published Works:

• Whedon J, Tosteson T, Kizhakkeveettil A, Kimura M. Insurance Reimbursement for Complementary Healthcare Services. J Altern Complement Med. 2017 Apr;23(4):264-267. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28304182/
• Whedon J, Goehl J, Toler, A, Kazal L. Association between Utilization of Chiropractic Services for Treatment of Low Back Pain and Use of Prescription Opioids. J Altern Complement Med. 2018 Jun; 24 (6):552-556. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29470104/
• Whedon J, Goehl J, Toler, A, Kazal L. Association between Utilization of Chiropractic Services for Treatment of Low Back Pain and Risk of Adverse Drug Events. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2018 Jun; 41(5):383-388. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29470104/
• Whedon J. RE: Insurance Reimbursement for Complementary Healthcare Services. [Invited Commentary] JEBIM. 2018 Vol XX: 1-3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30032639/
• Whedon JM, Bezdjian S, Goehl JM, Kazal LA. Trends in Insurance Coverage for Complementary   Healthcare Services. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Therapies. Published Online:7 Jul 2020. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32640831/

2014-2017

Primary Spine Clinician
Funding: NCMIC Foundation
Key Findings: Patients who received Primary Spine Care (PSC) experienced significantly less escalation of care within 6 months of their initial visit. The PSC model may offer a more efficient approach to the primary care of spine problems, as compared to usual primary care.

Published Works:

• Whedon JM, Toler A, Bezdjian S, Goehl J, Russell R, Kazal L, Nagare M. Implementation of the Primary Spine Care Model in a Multi-Clinician Primary Care Setting: An Observational Cohort Study. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2020 Sep ;43(7) :667-674. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32883531/
• Bezdjian S, Whedon JM, Goehl J. Kazal L. Experiences and Attitudes about Chiropractic Care and Prescription Drug Therapy among Patients with Back Pain. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine. March 2021. PMID: 33882542. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34025299/   
• Kazal L, Whedon JM. Academic Primary Care Clinic Adopts New Paradigm for First-Line Treatment of Low Back Pain. J Altern Complement Med. 2021 Mar; 27(3): 282-284. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33347785/
• Bezdjian S, Whedon J, Russel R, Goehl J, Kazal L. Efficiency of Primary Spine Care as Compared to Conventional Primary Care: A Retrospective Observational Study at an Academic Medical Center. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies. Chiropr Man Therap. 2022 Jan 6;30(1):1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34991627/

2011-2013

Another Look at the Budget Neutrality of the Medicare Chiropractic Services Demonstration
Funding: NCMIC Foundation
Key Findings: Medicare might reduce the risk of accelerated costs associated with the introduction of expanded chiropractic coverage by applying appropriate limits to the frequency of use and overall costs of those benefits.

Published Works:

• Weeks, W. B., Whedon, J. M., Toler, A., & Goertz, C. M. (2013). Medicare’s demonstration of expanded coverage for chiropractic services: limitations of the demonstration and an alternative direct cost estimate. , (8), 468–481. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2013.07.003
• Whedon, J. M., Goertz, C. M., Lurie, J. D., & Stason, W. B. (2013). Beyond spinal manipulation: should Medicare expand coverage for chiropractic services? A review and commentary on the challenges for policy makers. , (1), 9–18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.echu.2013.07.001

2010-2017

Pilot Study of Yoga as Self-Care for Underrepresented Communities
Funding: Nursing Research and Translational Services
Purpose: To determine the feasibility and acceptability of providing yoga to an urban, underrepresented population with arthritis.

Published Works:

• Middleton, K. R., Ward, M. M., Haaz, S., Velummylum, S., Fike, A., Acevedo, A. T., Tataw-Ayuketah, G., Dietz, L., Mittleman, B. B., & Wallen, G. R. (2013). A pilot study of yoga as self-care for arthritis in minority communities. Health and quality of life outcomes, 11, 55. https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7525-11-55
• Middleton, K. R., Magaña López, M., Haaz Moonaz, S., Tataw-Ayuketah, G., Ward, M. M., & Wallen, G. R. (2017). A qualitative approach exploring the acceptability of yoga for minorities living with arthritis: ‘Where are the people who look like me?’. Complementary therapies in medicine, 31, 82–89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2017.02.006
• Middleton, K. R., Andrade, R., Moonaz, S. H., Muhammad, C., & Wallen, G. R. (2015). Yoga Research and Spirituality: A Case Study Discussion. International journal of yoga therapy, 25(1), 33–35. https://doi.org/10.17761/1531-2054-25.1.33
• Middleton, K. R., Ward, M. M., Haaz Moonaz, S., Magaña López, M., Tataw-Ayuketah, G., Yang, L., Acevedo, A. T., Brandon, Z., & Wallen, G. R. (2018). Feasibility and assessment of outcome measures for yoga as self-care for minorities with arthritis: a pilot study. Pilot and feasibility studies, 4, 53. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40814-018-0248-x
• Middleton, K. R., Haaz Moonaz, S., Hasni, S. A., Magaña López, M., Tataw-Ayuketah, G., Farmer, N., & Wallen, G. R. (2018). Yoga for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): Clinician experiences and qualitative perspectives from students and yoga instructors living with SLE. Complementary therapies in medicine, 41, 111–117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2018.09.001

2009-2014

Utilization and Safety of Chiropractic Care in Older Adults
Funding: National Institutes of Health
Key Findings: Under Medicare, geographic variation in the utilization of chiropractic care is highly correlated with the supply of chiropractors. For Medicare patients who received chiropractic care, the risk of stroke or injury to the head, neck or trunk was no greater than those who received conventional primary care.

Published Works:

• Whedon JM, Davis MA. (2010). Medicare part B claims for chiropractic spinal manipulation, 1998 to 2004. , 33 (8), 558-61. PMID: 210362774. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21036277/
• Whedon JM, Song Y. (2012). Geographic variations in availability, use and cost of chiropractic under Medicare., 35(2), 101-109. PMCID: PMC3278567. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22257945/
• Whedon JM, Song Y, Davis MA, Lurie JD. (2012). Use of chiropractic spinal manipulation in older adults is strongly correlated with supply. , 37(20), 1771-1777. PMCID: PMC3414681. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3414681/
• Whedon JM and Song Y. (2012). Racial disparities in the use of chiropractic care under Medicare., 18(6), 20-26. PMCID: PMC3590798. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3590798/
• Whedon JM, Song Y, Davis MA. (2013). Trends in the use and cost of chiropractic spinal manipulation under Medicare Part B.., 13(11), 1449–1454. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23773429/
• Whedon J, Mackenzie T, Phillips R, Lurie J. (2014). Risk of Traumatic Injury Associated with Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation in Medicare Part B Beneficiaries Aged 66-99. , 40(4), 264-270. PMCID: PMC4326543. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25494315/
• Whedon J, Song Y, Mackenzie T, Phillips R, Lukovits T, Lurie J. (2015 ). Risk of Stroke Following Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation in Medicare B Beneficiaries Aged 65-99 with Neck Pain., 38(2), 93-101. PMCID: PMC4336806. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25494315/
• Whedon JM, Kimura, MN, Phillips, RB. (2015). Racial Disparities in Use of Chiropractic Services under Medicare in Los Angeles County. , 21(2), 131-137. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26350244/