World Spine Day 2026
Where Spine Care Leaders Learn, Connect, and Collaborate
October 8th | 4 CE Hours | FREE Event
Celebrating World Spine Day with a powerful event dedicated to advancing spine and nervous system health education.
Medical Providers and General Public
...Interested In Options for The Best Care?
Location & Time
Surbeck Center at SD School of Mines
DOORS OPEN: 3:15pm (VENDOR BOOTHS)
PRESENTATIONS: 4pm-8pm
FREE FOOD - RAFFLES
Research. Results. Referrals.
Rapid City - The Future of Spine Care.
1. Research — Stay Ahead of the Curve
Spine and nervous system care is evolving every month. At World Spine Day 2026, you’ll discover the latest evidence-based research on back pain, sciatica, surgical spondylolisthesis, and pain management.
Learn directly from leading experts presenting cutting-edge findings
Understand how to apply new studies to your daily clinical practice
Experience live demonstrations of breakthrough technologies like laser therapy, decompression systems, foot scanning, and posture analysis
The knowledge you’ll gain will help you deliver better care immediately.
2. Results — Transform Your Patient Outcomes
Knowledge is only powerful when applied. This event is built to translate research into results.
Gain clinical confidence in managing back pain, sciatica, and pain management with whiplash patients.
Discover integrative strategies to reduce pain and accelerate recovery
Learn practical approaches from experts who treat patients every day
Your patients deserve the very best. World Spine Day helps you deliver it.
3. Referrals — Expand Your Professional Network
Better care doesn’t happen in silos. It happens when providers trust and collaborate.
Connect with MDs, DCs, DOs, PTs, massage therapists, NPs, PAs, and Attorneys
Build a trusted referral community to expand your practice reach
Create ongoing partnerships that benefit both your patients and your business
When you grow your referral network, everyone wins — especially your patients.
Featured Presenters
Dr. Tyler A. Ptacek, M.D. is a board-certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain physician specializing in advanced spine and nerve care. Originally from Nebraska, he earned his B.A. in Chemistry, magna cum laude, from Wayne State College before completing his medical degree at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He pursued residency training in anesthesiology at the University of Nebraska and interventional pain fellowship at Wake Forest.
Pain Management: New Approaches for Integrative Care
Dr. Ptacek Take Aways:
Understanding pathophysiology of persistent pain after traumatic injury.
Appropriate timing for surgical referral. Review of evidence for management of pain after spine surgery
Proper selection of spinal cord stimulator candidates and management
Dr. Kilby Rech, DC brings extensive expertise in chiropractic care and conservative spinal treatment approaches to this collaborative presentation on the mechanisms of Whiplash Injuries.
Non-surgical Treatment for Traumatic Whiplash
Key Points:
Traumatic Evaluation and Diagnosis
Ligamentous Evaluation - New Technology
Collaborative Care
Spinal Ligament Instabilities are impairments
Dr. Miles O. Fortner, DC is a structural spine rehabilitation specialist focused on correcting spinal biomechanics and postural deformities to eliminate chronic pain and restore optimal function. His expertise lies in utilizing advanced Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) protocols to achieve measurable structural improvements in patients with complex spinal conditions, degenerative disc disease, and post-traumatic spine disorders.
As an Advanced CBP Fellow and published researcher with over 20 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Fortner combines evidence-based structural rehabilitation techniques with innovative treatment approaches to address conditions ranging from cervical kyphosis and scoliosis to failed back surgery syndrome. His clinical focus emphasizes the restoration of normal spinal curves and alignment as the foundation for long-term pain relief and improved quality of life in patients who have often exhausted traditional treatment options.
Injury to the spine
Key Points:
Chiropractic Evaluation and Diagnosis
Chiropractic BioPhysics Evaluation
New Technology
Published Case Studies
Devoted to helping patients with back and neck problems return to their active, healthy lifestyles, Dr. Christian Gaffney offers the highest level of specialized spine care. As a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon, Dr. Gaffney has extensive experience in treating spine conditions in adults, adolescents, and children. Dr. Gaffney recognizes that spine disorders are best managed with a team approach.
Traumatic Spine Injury: When to Refer and When to Collaborate
Key Points:
Surgical indications for Orthopedic Evaluation
Appropriate timing for surgical referral
Collaborative care approaches between surgical and non-surgical providers
Minimally invasive surgical options
Patient selection criteria for surgical intervention
Dr. Bob McIntosh is a healthcare collaboration specialist focused on building effective interdisciplinary relationships that improve patient outcomes in spine care. His expertise lies in creating synergistic partnerships between healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive, coordinated care for patients with complex spinal conditions.
The Power of Collaborating with Other Health Providers
Key Points:
Why collaboration is key in today's health care environment
How to find the right health providers to collaborate with
Toolbox Talk: Knowing what's in the toolbox for Spine Care
OUR SPONSORS
Who Should Attend?
Primary audience: MDs, DCs, DOs, PTs, massage therapists, NPs, PAs, and nurses
Collaborating Providers
Open to the Public: Seeking more options for spine care? Meet the Doctors!
Reserve Your Spot Today!
Your Registration Includes:
All educational sessions
4 CE hours for (DC and LMT currently)
Hands-on technology demonstrations
Goodie bag of resources
What Past Attendees Say
💬 “The speakers were outstanding. I walked away with new knowledge and practical strategies I could use with patients immediately.”
💬 “Finally, an event where MDs, DCs, and PTs learn side by side. The exchange of research and referrals was invaluable.”