TEXAS BACK INSTITUTE ANNOUNCES ADDITION OF NEW PHYSICIAN

DALLAS, TEXAS – September 23, 2005 – Texas Back Institute (TBI) today announced the addition of a new staff member: chiropractor Ralph “Chip” Stokes, D.C., F.I.A.C.A. to their Garland and Denton offices.

“We are thrilled about the addition of this talented doctor to our staff,” said Scott L. Blumenthal, M.D., spine surgeon and president of Texas Back Institute. “Dr. Stokes brings valued experience and perspective to our team of professionals including physicians, surgeons, and chiropractors.”

Stokes specializes in the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of spine disorders, especially those related to work and sports injuries. He has owned and operated Natural Health Chiropractic Clinic for the past 11 years in Richardson, Texas, a private family practice consisting of Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Physiotherapy, Myofascial Release and Nutritional Analysis.

Stokes attended Trinity University where he received both a bachelors of arts and science in Biology and Chemistry, and the Parker College of Chiropractic in Dallas where he received his Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.). He holds a postgraduate certification in acupuncture and a Fellowship Accreditation in Medical Acupuncture from the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture. He is a designated doctor with the Texas Worker’s Compensation Commission and is certified in Impairment Ratings. Stokes performs post-hire, pre-employment physical assessments for area businesses and serves as a spine consultant for area businesses, hospitals and sports organizations. Stokes is a member of the American Chiropractic Association, the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture, Texas Chiropractic Association and the Texas Back Institute Research Foundation.

Texas Back Institute

Texas Back Institute (TBI) is one of the largest freestanding spine specialty clinics in the United States. The Institute, based in Plano, Texas, was established in 1978 and provides comprehensive medical care for individuals with back and neck pain. TBI is a back care leader specializing in spinal arthroplasty minimally invasive spine surgery, spinal deformation and spinal oncology care. As an academic health care organization, TBI has trained hundreds of physicians, scientists and allied health professionals. Its research institution employs state-of-the-art technology and research to treat patients and is involved in the most clinical trials of artificial discs. TBI’s professional staff includes board-certified spine surgeons, general surgeons, internists, chiropractors, physiatrists, pain specialists, exercise physiologists and a team of physical and occupational therapists. Texas Back Institute’s main office is located in Plano, with offices in Denton, Fort Worth, Greenville, Garland, Hurst, Midland, TX and Phoenix, AZ. For more information, visit www.texasback.com.

MEDIA CONTACT
For more information, contact Meredith Falke, (214) 891-7795 meredith_falke@richards.com

Consumer phone number: 1-800-247-BACK