Dr. Peter Reeves is a pioneer in
research for Osteopathic Surgical Specialties in MSU’s College of Osteopathic
Medicine. He researches on how the various parts of the complex spinal system
of the human body can affect and influence a person who is suffering from lower
back pain. This particular method of
studying the human body using a systems approach gained prominence in the
twentieth century. It is important to gain a comprehensive understanding of the
spine to understand and devise a cure for some of the serious problems of lower
back pain in patients. This kind of a wholesome research is very important and
the collated results can be used to provide much relief and possibly even a
permanent cure for patients enduring traumatic pain.This research can help residents in New
Jersey as well; much hope and relief are offered by back specialists New Jersey.
Review of the Brisbane conference
Most of the current modules in
research are based on the ‘reductionist method’. Here, the analysis is
structured in a way that the problem is broken down into smaller models and
then studied. The system approach, on
the other hand, looks at each system as a whole.
The medical conference at Brisbane,
Australia convened by several eminent doctors and researchers has shown new
hope for people with back pain. Dr. Reeves’ presentation was greatly
appreciated and free discussions were encouraged with the specialized opinion
of many other doctors to understand problems of the spine and other related
areas. Each researcher was given the
podium to present his model so that a clinical approach of long-term value
could be derived.
Lower back pain can hinder your
routine but great care is assured by trained backspecialists. New Jersey residents can now benefit from the Brisbane
conference where the motive was to reach a common ground in order to have a probable cure.
Value additions to the research
Dr. Reeves, along with his colleague
Jacek Cholewicki from Osteopathic Surgical Specialties, presented the models in
Australia. Using modern ideas, new equipments are being engineered at the MSU's
College of Engineering to provide better solutions to treat lower back pain.
Dr. Reeves prefers the systems science approach and believes that the research
is now at crossroads. With the keen participation of leading doctors, the
outcome will be positive as several facets are discussed and addressed. A
proper consensus will lead to positive results. Dr. Reeves is also establishing
a dedicated hub as a Center for Spine System-Science at MSU. People suffering
from backaches in NJ need not worry. The MSU research will help doctors adevise
an improved treatment plan.
Current approach and evaluation
Current research based on cadavers is showing how the spine
and muscle control are related. The next phase is to give the spine a dedicated
study and assign it as a system. This can be used to evaluate and predict a
change that can cause disc degeneration or even a muscle-wasting syndrome,
which is commonly related to back pain. Akin to airplane parts, which need to
be well integrated to get the plane going, the spine too has to be studied as
an integral part with many sub parts that helps it work. The troika team
comprising of Reeves, Cholewicki and Laboratory Assistant Angela Lee are
involving more people to test MSU's Center for Orthopedic Research at Ingham
Regional Medical Center in Lansing. They
plan to learn from patients who are in the range of 34 to 65 years and never
had a back surgery despite having a low back pain for two months and more.
