Learn more about Distance Management of Spinal Disorders in the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond

Published in JMIR Public Health and Surveillance, April 2021

Learn about the Organizations

  • World Spine Care

    World Spine Care (WSC) is a multinational not-for-profit, charitable organization. It is a collection of three healthcare-focused charitable entities registered in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

    World Spine Care was founded in 2008 by Scott Haldeman MD, PhD, DC, a leading figure in the assessment and treatment of spinal conditions. It was launched to fill the profound gap in the evidence-based treatment of musculoskeletal and especially spinal conditions found in under-serviced areas around the world.

  • Global Spine Care Initiative

    The Global Spine Care Initiative (GSCI) was created by World Spine Care to reduce the global burden of disease and disability by bringing together leading healthcare providers, scientists, specialists, government agencies, and other stakeholders to transform the delivery of spine care.

    Sixty-eight clinicians, scientists, patients, and policymakers participated in the deliberations and are authors of one or more of the GSCI papers.

    A 4-year process culminated in the publication of 16 articles in a special issue of the European Spine Journal. All papers are available online.

Download the COVID-19 Guides

As a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic, most healthcare providers who commonly treat or advise patients who are experiencing spinal pain (low back, middle back, and neck pain) are unable to see patients. These Primary Spine Care Clinicians include chiropractors, physical therapists, osteopaths, and family/general physicians.

World Spine Care has developed two guides to help patients and clinicians manage spinal pain in these times of social distancing.

COVID-Patient-Guide-Mockup.png

Patient Guide

World Spine Care, in conjunction with the Global Spine Care Initiative, has developed an evidence-based guide that empowers patients to help themselves or be helped by their clinicians – while at the same time avoiding, or markedly limiting the degree of direct contact.

COVID-Clinician-Guide-Mockup.png

Clinician Guide

World Spine Care, in conjunction with the Global Spine Care Initiative, has developed an evidence-based guide to help clinicians managing patients with pain and disability from spinal disorders – while at the same time avoiding, or markedly limiting the degree of direct contact.