Spinal Chat with The PCA

Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Non-Profit

The Spinal Chat – A Service of the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association Welcome to The Spinal Chat, the official podcast of the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association (PCA), your front-row seat to everything shaping Pennsylvania’s $800 million chiropractic industry. Each episode brings you insights from industry luminaries, conversations with PCA’s Strategic Business Partners, and practical guidance to help chiropractors strengthen their practice, elevate patient care, and thrive in today’s evolving healthcare landscape. From study breakdowns and legislative updates to member spotlights and stories that celebrate the power of chiropractic, The Spinal Chat is your trusted source for connection, knowledge, and advocacy in the Commonwealth and beyond. Tune in, stay informed, and be part of the movement advancing chiropractic in Pennsylvania. Contact the PCA Email: pca@pennchiro.org PCA: https://pennchiro.org/

  1. PCA May President's Address with Dr. Kris Arnold

    6d ago

    PCA May President's Address with Dr. Kris Arnold

    PCA May President's Address with Dr. Kris Arnold PCA President Dr. Kris Arnold’s First Address: Unity, Communication, CE, and Advocacy In the first President’s Address on Spinal Chat, Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association President Dr. Kris Arnold outlines goals to strengthen chiropractic in Pennsylvania through greater unity, improved communication, member engagement, and a stronger shared voice. He highlights the sold-out Northeast Chiropractic Summit at Kalahari, encourages members to attend the next Summit on May 1–2, 2027, in Seven Springs, and urges participation via PCA emails, social media, the members-only Facebook page, YouTube, and the Spinal Chat podcast. Dr. Arnold reminds doctors that it is a CE renewal year, requiring 24 credits plus two child abuse credits, and promotes PCA-approved in-person and online options, including PCCI billing/documentation training. He notes upcoming insurance pre-authorization changes affecting United, Highmark, and UPMC, invites members to fill open board seats, recognizes the sports working group’s involvement in the Pittsburgh Marathon, and references upcoming legislative victories in Harrisburg. 00:00 Welcome and Episode Setup 00:51 Meet Dr Kris Arnold 01:25 Unity and Summit Highlights 02:16 Next Summit Save the Date 02:53 Better Member Communication 03:43 CE Credits and Renewal 05:07 Insurance Preauth Changes 05:37 Open Board Seats 06:07 Sports Group Community Outreach 06:53 Legislative Wins and Wrap Up 07:24 PCA Community Call to Action PCA Website: https://pennchiro.org/ PCA Email: pca@pennchiro.org Created and produced by Mike Barba for the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association. AI-assisted tools were used in the production of this content. Final content was reviewed and approved by PCA.

    9 min
  2. PCA Strategic Business Member Spotlight: North Payment Processing with Ryan Moss

    Jun 2

    PCA Strategic Business Member Spotlight: North Payment Processing with Ryan Moss

    PCA Strategic Business Member Spotlight: North Payment Processing with Ryan Moss In this PCA Strategic Business Member Spotlight, Mike Barba of the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association interviews Ryan Moss, Senior Director of Enterprise Sales at North, a payment processing company vetted by PCA to help chiropractors understand and reduce credit card processing costs. North, in payment processing since 1992, specializes in medical merchants, owns its in-house processing platform, and emphasizes dedicated service, integrations with practice management software, and a user-friendly portal for statements, deposits, and transaction visibility. The discussion highlights how hidden “junk fees,” padded interchange, and unclear statements can drive effective rates to 4–5%, while understanding total fees divided by monthly volume helps identify overpaying; North aims for transparent pricing and offers options including traditional pricing and a dual pricing “Edge” program that can pass acceptance costs to patients. Members are encouraged to review agreements, watch for long-term contracts and cancellation fees, and contact Moss for statement-based comparisons; using PCA partners also supports PCA advocacy and education, with a portion of transactions benefiting the association. 00:00 Member Spotlight Intro 00:57 Meet Mike and North 02:09 What North Does 03:11 Why Switch Processors 04:33 Technology and Service 05:49 Hidden Fees Explained 07:18 Reading Your Statement 10:15 Payment Options for Clinics 11:19 Training and Support 12:47 Comparing Providers 15:23 Contracts to Avoid 17:18 How to Get Started 18:21 Partnering Supports PCA 18:54 Final Pitch and Wrap 21:15 Key Takeaways Outro Contact North, Ryan Moss Senior Director, Enterprise Sales P: 818-825-7500 E: ryan.moss@north.com PCA Website: https://pennchiro.org/ PCA Email: pca@pennchiro.org Created and produced by Mike Barba for the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association. AI-assisted tools were used in the production of this content. Final content was reviewed and approved by PCA.

    22 min
  3. PCA Study Review: Shoulder Pain, Rotator Cuff Tears, and the Problem with One Test Thinking

    May 27

    PCA Study Review: Shoulder Pain, Rotator Cuff Tears, and the Problem with One Test Thinking

    PCA Study Review: Shoulder Pain, Rotator Cuff Tears, and the Problem with One Test Thinking In this episode of PCA Study Review, a service of the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association, we review research on shoulder exams, rotator cuff tears, and subacromial impingement. Shoulder exams can get crowded quickly: Neer, Hawkins, Jobe, Drop Arm, Lift Off, Painful Arc, and lag signs. Most doctors know the names. The deeper issue is whether we understand what each test actually tells us. The literature reinforces one clear point: no single shoulder test is perfect. This review focuses on lag signs, particularly the External Rotation Lag Sign at 90 Degrees and the Internal Rotation Lag Sign, to identify full-thickness rotator cuff tears. The larger lesson is not that doctors need one magic test. Better clinical reasoning requires test clusters, context, documentation, and knowing when referral, imaging, or co-management may be appropriate. For chiropractors, this matters because musculoskeletal care depends on skilled examination early in the care pathway. The opportunity is to evaluate carefully, recognize red flags, document clearly, and treat conservatively when appropriate. In This Episode Why one test thinking can weaken the shoulder diagnosisWhy lag signs deserve attention in shoulder evaluationHow high specificity and low sensitivity should affect interpretationWhy familiar tests are not always the strongest testsHow test clusters improve clinical reasoningWhen shoulder findings may require referral, imaging, or co-managementWhy evidence-informed documentation strengthens care and credibilityReference Articles Zhao, Q., Palani, P., Kassab, N. S., Terzic, M., Olejnik, M., Wang, S., Tomassini-Lopez, Y., Dean, C., & Shellenberger, R. A. Evidence-based approach to the shoulder examination for subacromial bursitis and rotator cuff tears: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 25, Article 1028, 2024. Hermans, J., Luime, J. J., Meuffels, D. E., Reijman, M., Simel, D. L., & Bierma-Zeinstra, S. M. A. Does This Patient With Shoulder Pain Have Rotator Cuff Disease? The Rational Clinical Examination Systematic Review. JAMA, 310(8), 837–847, 2013. Castoldi, F., Blonna, D., & Hertel, R. External rotation lag sign revisited: Accuracy for diagnosis of full-thickness supraspinatus tear—Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 18(4), 529–534, 2009. Miller, C. A., Forrester, G. A., & Lewis, J. S. The Validity of the Lag Signs in Diagnosing Full-Thickness Tears of the Rotator Cuff: A Preliminary Investigation. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 89(6), 1162–1168, 2008. The shoulder is complex. Rotator cuff disease is common. Pain provocation tests can mislead when used carelessly. The opportunity is to read the research, revisit the exam, and sharpen the clinical reasoning that protects patients and strengthens the profession. PCA Website: https://pennchiro.org/ PCA Email: pca@pennchiro.org

    9 min
  4. PCA Deep Dive: Pennsylvania’s Chiropractic Scope Fight; Modern Care vs. Outdated Laws

    May 19

    PCA Deep Dive: Pennsylvania’s Chiropractic Scope Fight; Modern Care vs. Outdated Laws

    PCA Deep Dive: Pennsylvania’s Chiropractic Scope Fight; Modern Care vs. Outdated Laws In this episode of PCA Deep Dive, we examine one of the most important questions facing chiropractic in Pennsylvania: What happens when modern chiropractic education, modern patient needs, and conservative care collide with an outdated scope-of-practice law built for another era? Pennsylvania’s chiropractic scope of practice is nearly 50 years old. While the profession, patient expectations, education standards, and healthcare delivery models have changed dramatically, Pennsylvania law has not kept pace. This episode explores the real-world impact of that mismatch, including restricted practice authority, rural access challenges, workforce pressure, delegation barriers, insurance friction, and the hidden cost of limiting conservative, non-pharmacological care. We also discuss research from West Virginia University showing that Pennsylvania ranks among the most restrictive states in the country for chiropractic scope of practice. The result is a paradox: highly trained doctors operating under low autonomy. But this is bigger than one bill. This is the scope fight. It is about whether Pennsylvania’s chiropractic law will finally reflect modern education, modern patient needs, and modern conservative care. In This Episode Why Pennsylvania’s chiropractic scope of practice is nearly 50 years oldHow outdated scope laws affect access, efficiency, and patient choiceWhy does Pennsylvania rank among the most restrictive states for chiropractic scopeHow regulatory ambiguity can function like a practical banWhy rural communities feel these restrictions more sharplyHow workforce shortages and limited training pipelines affect accessWhy HB 1106 matters for delegation and clinic efficiencyHow scope modernization connects to non-opioid care and the future of chiropractic in PennsylvaniaGet Involved Policy does not change from the sidelines. PCA’s Lobby Day is June 9 in Harrisburg, and we need chiropractors from across Pennsylvania to show up, meet with elected officials, and help tell the story of this profession. We know it is a practice day. But this is one of the most important opportunities we have to show the strength, seriousness, and unity of chiropractic in Pennsylvania. If you cannot attend, please consider supporting the PCA PAC. One hundred percent of PCA PAC donations go directly toward supporting chiropractic advocacy and the future of the profession in Pennsylvania. WVU study on Pennsylvania’s outdated scope of practice: Register for PCA Lobby Day on June 9: Support the PCA PAC: Learn more about HB 1106 and delegation restoration: PCA: https://pennchiro.org/ Email the PCA: pca@pennchiro.org

    24 min
  5. PCA Study Spotlight: The Hidden Circuit of Chronic Pain

    Apr 16

    PCA Study Spotlight: The Hidden Circuit of Chronic Pain

    PCA Study Spotlight: The Hidden Circuit of Chronic Pain Stanford’s Hidden Chronic Pain Circuit: A Better Framework for Explaining Persistent Mechanical Pain This episode of PCA Study Spotlight reviews a Stanford Nature study describing a “hidden” looping circuit between the spinal cord and brain that appears to selectively drive chronic mechanical pain in mice while remaining distinct from pathways involved in acute, protective pain and normal touch. In mouse models, silencing nodes in the loop reduced injury-induced mechanical hypersensitivity due to inflammation or nerve injury, whereas repeated activation could create lasting hypersensitivity in healthy mice. The host emphasizes this is basic science, not a chiropractic or manipulation study, but argues it offers chiropractors a clearer framework for communicating chronic pain: persistent pain may reflect altered nervous system processing and sensitization rather than ongoing tissue damage, supporting more accurate, respectful patient conversations and reinforcing the value of conservative care without overclaiming mechanisms. 00:00 Series Purpose 00:25 Study Overview 01:09 Important Caveats 01:40 Why Pain Persists 02:22 Mapping The Loop 03:52 Clinical Communication 04:45 Fear And Function 05:34 Beyond Structural Stories 06:00 Touch Versus Pain 06:55 Layered Pain Biology 07:31 Practical Takeaways 08:16 Read And Reflect 08:47 Closing Thoughts Study Citation Wang, Q., Lee, J. H., Nachtrab, G., Yuan, Y., Yuan, L., Qi, W., Mohr, M. A., Xiong, J., Horowitz, M. A., & Chen, X. (2026). Deconstruction of a spino-brain–spinal cord circuit that drives chronic pain. Nature. Published online April 1, 2026. DOI: 10.1038/s41586-026-10296-y. Official article: Suggested Show Notes Format Study discussed in this episode: Wang, Q., Lee, J. H., Nachtrab, G., Yuan, Y., Yuan, L., Qi, W., Mohr, M. A., Xiong, J., Horowitz, M. A., & Chen, X. (2026). Deconstruction of a spino-brain–spinal cord circuit that drives chronic pain. Nature. Published online April 1, 2026. DOI: 10.1038/s41586-026-10296-y. Read the study here: Optional Short Version Wang Q, Lee JH, Nachtrab G, et al. Deconstruction of a spino-brain–spinal cord circuit that drives chronic pain. Nature. Published online April 1, 2026. DOI: 10.1038/s41586-026-10296-y. PCA Contact information: PCA Website: https://pennchiro.org/ PCA Email: pca@pennchiro.org PCA Study Spotlight, Chiropractic Research, Chronic Pain, Pain Science, Central Sensitization, Neuroscience, Musculoskeletal Care, Conservative Care, Patient Communication, Spine Care

    9 min
  6. PCA March President’s Address with Dr. Andrew Heck |

    Apr 14

    PCA March President’s Address with Dr. Andrew Heck |

    PCA March President’s Address with Dr. Andrew Heck | Legislative Progress, Advocacy & Northeast Chiro Summit In this special Spinal Chat episode from the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association, PCA President Dr. Andrew Heck shares the March President’s Address with updates on spring momentum and ongoing legislative, regulatory, and reimbursement challenges. He reports progress on delegation restoration through House Bill 1106, scope modernization, copay reform, and the sports working group’s efforts on return-to-play physicals and sideline care, as well as continued Capitol meetings led by PCA leadership and staff. Dr. Heck thanks nearly 70 members and non-members for supporting the postcard campaign and emphasizes that engagement from doctors, staff, patients, and communities strengthens chiropractic’s voice. He also previews the Northeast Chiro Summit (May 1–3) at the Kalahari Resort, noting record attendance and encouraging participation, membership, PAC support, and advocacy involvement. 00:00 Welcome and Setup 00:39 Springtime Reflection 01:13 Legislative Progress 01:56 Member Advocacy Push 02:27 Northeast Summit Preview 03:08 Conference Details 03:25 Closing Thanks 03:33 Get Involved Call 04:11 Final Sendoff PCA Contact information: PCA Website: https://pennchiro.org/ PCA Email: pca@pennchiro.org Spinal Chat, Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association, Dr. Andrew Heck, President’s Address, Chiropractic Advocacy, HB1106, Scope Modernization, Copay Reform, Sports Chiropractic, PCA PAC, Northeast Chiro Summit, Pennsylvania Chiropractors

    4 min
  7. PCA Deep Dive: Covered but Not Accessible, The Chiropractic Copay Crisis in Pennsylvania

    Apr 7

    PCA Deep Dive: Covered but Not Accessible, The Chiropractic Copay Crisis in Pennsylvania

    PCA Deep Dive: Covered but Not Accessible. The Chiropractic Copay Crisis in Pennsylvania This episode argues that rising deductibles, copays, visit caps, and administrative barriers are pricing patients out of conservative musculoskeletal care, reshaping treatment choices, and increasing downstream costs. Citing the RAND Health Insurance Experiment, it notes chiropractic use drops about 50% with 25%+ cost sharing and that chiropractic demand is more price-sensitive than general medical care. Studies on high-deductible health plans show patients reduce spending largely by skipping care, disproportionately harming lower-wage workers. In contrast,e a Johns Hopkins study links higher out-of-pocket costs to reduced non-pharmacologic care without reducing opioid use. Evidence shows that removing copays reduces downstream physician services, surgeries, and injections, and that chiropractic coverage correlates with lower total spending. The script highlights Pennsylvania billing data, federal Medicare parity bills (HR 539/S 106), DOJ comments on ERISA misuse, Massachusetts’ prior-authorization ban for non-opioid pain care, and Pennsylvania’s proposed 20% cost-sharing cap and Medicare fee payment floor, concluding with a call to action. 00:00 Why Care Costs More 00:51 The Bill Fear Factor 01:59 Rand Experiment Lessons 04:35 Smart Shopper Myth 06:25 Deductibles And Visit Caps 08:31 Maintenance Care Gap 10:06 When Patients Switch To Pills 11:05 Proof Reform Saves Money 14:02 Pennsylvania Billing Shock 14:59 Medicare Parity Fight 16:48 State Reforms In Motion 17:44 Pennsylvania Copay Blueprint 19:35 What You Can Do Now 20:35 Final Call To Action References Baicker, K., & Chandra, A. (2015). JAMA Internal Medicine. Johns Hopkins University study evaluating the impact of high deductible health plan enrollment on nonpharmacologic treatments. (2023). Legorreta, A. P., et al. (2004). JAMA Internal Medicine. Also referenced as: Comparative Analysis of Individuals With and Without Chiropractic Coverage. Lentz, T. A., et al.; ATI Physical Therapy and Duke Clinical Research Institute. (October 2025). Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal. RAND Health Insurance Experiment. (1974–1982). Findings later analyzed in: Shekelle, P. G., Rogers, W. H., & Newhouse, J. P. (1996). Medical Care. Smith, M., & Stano, M. (1997). Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. Swedish randomized controlled trial on maintenance care. (2018). Texas A&M study evaluating employee behavior in high deductible health plans. University of California, Berkeley, and Harvard study on high deductible health plans. USC Schaeffer Center study on the financial burden of high deductible health plans. (2023). Whedon, J. M., et al. (2024). Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine. JAMA Network Open clinical trial analyzing the addition of chiropractic care to standard military medical care. Government, Legislative, and Policy Documents American Chiropractic Association. Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act Talking Points. (2025). Chiropractic Future. Comments submitted to the Department of Justice Anticompetitive Regulations Task Force. (June 2025). Massachusetts Session Law, Chapter 285. (2024). Medicare. 2025 Physician Fee Schedule. PCA Website: https://pennchiro.org/ PCA Email: pca@pennchiro.org

    21 min
  8. PCA Deep Dive: Beyond the Adjustment, Why Functional Nutrition Matters in Modern Conservative Care

    Mar 24

    PCA Deep Dive: Beyond the Adjustment, Why Functional Nutrition Matters in Modern Conservative Care

    PCA Deep Dive: Beyond the Adjustment, Why Functional Nutrition Matters in Modern Conservative Care This episode of PCA Deep Dive introduces the Functional Nutrition Working Group 100-Hour Certification in Functional Nutrition, developed by the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association in academic partnership with the University of Bridgeport. The conversation makes the case that today’s patients are more inflamed, more metabolically compromised, and more clinically complex, making chronic disease and dietary inflammation central to musculoskeletal recovery and recurrence. Using Pennsylvania obesity data and the concept of cytokine-driven “chemical casts,” the episode explains why a technically sound adjustment may not hold when biology is working against healing. The episode also highlights a profession-wide gap in nutrition counseling. Nearly 90% of chiropractors already provide some form of nutrition guidance, yet 65% of respondents in a New York survey said they did not feel adequately prepared for in-depth nutritional counseling. This program is presented as structured, academically grounded education, not as scope expansion or a supplement sales model. Topics include systems biology, functional blood chemistry trends, gut-immune pathways, cardiometabolic risk, herb-drug interactions, referral awareness, and the program’s two-part design, Phase I foundations and Phase II clinical integration. Episode Timeline 00:00 Welcome and Mission 00:20 Modern Patient Complexity 01:23 Why Mechanics Fail 02:09 Metabolic Dysfunction Explained 04:10 Four Pillars Framework 04:25 Inflammation Locks Joints 06:30 Training Gap in Nutrition 08:35 Not Scope Expansion 11:23 Program Structure and Rigor 12:26 Deep Curriculum Highlights 14:36 Future of Conservative Care 16:25 How to Get Involved Functional Nutrition Working Group 100 Hour Certification in Functional Nutrition: https://fnwg-functional-nutritio-drmknx5.gamma.site/ PCA Website: https://pennchiro.org/ PCA Email: pca@pennchiro.org

    17 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Spinal Chat – A Service of the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association Welcome to The Spinal Chat, the official podcast of the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association (PCA), your front-row seat to everything shaping Pennsylvania’s $800 million chiropractic industry. Each episode brings you insights from industry luminaries, conversations with PCA’s Strategic Business Partners, and practical guidance to help chiropractors strengthen their practice, elevate patient care, and thrive in today’s evolving healthcare landscape. From study breakdowns and legislative updates to member spotlights and stories that celebrate the power of chiropractic, The Spinal Chat is your trusted source for connection, knowledge, and advocacy in the Commonwealth and beyond. Tune in, stay informed, and be part of the movement advancing chiropractic in Pennsylvania. Contact the PCA Email: pca@pennchiro.org PCA: https://pennchiro.org/

Information

  • Creator
    Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © PCA 2025
  • Show Website
    Spinal Chat with The PCA