What You Need to Know: Orthopedic Reasoning/Pathology/Rehab- Module 1: Cervical Spine

Course Description:

This course utilizes the text: Orthopedic Clinical Advisor by Derrick Sueki, PT, DPT, GCPT, OCS and Jacklyn Brechter, PhD, PT.  This course will help you access the information you need to confidently handle multiple orthopedic conditions.  Essential clinical reference information provides up-to-date diagnostic and therapeutic information on common conditions in a bulleted, quick-reference format ideal for both students and practitioners. Content is written entirely by orthopedic therapists and is logically organized to promote accurate, efficient differential diagnosis and intervention. 

Module 1: Cervical Spine covers:

• Chapter 2b: Orthopedic Reasoning- Upper Cervical Spine
• Chapter 3b: Orthopedic Reasoning- Cervical Spine
• Chapter 1c: Orthopedic Pathology- Upper Cervical Spine
• Chapter 2c: Orthopedic Pathology- Cervical Spine
• Chapter 1d: Rehab & Common Questions- Cervical Spine 

Diagnoses covered are:

• Alar and Transverse Ligament Injury
• Headaches
• Odontoid Fractures
• Trigeminal Neuralgia
• Cervical Disc Pathology
• Cervical Facet Syndrome
• Cervical Muscle Strain
• Cervical Myelopathy
• Cervical Radiculopathy
• Degenerative Joint Disease (Cervical)
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (Cervical)
• Torticollis
• Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency
• Whiplash 

Methods of Instruction:

Online course available via internet 

Target Audience:

Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapist Assistants and Athletic Trainers 

Educational Level:

Intermediate 

Prerequisites:

None 

Course Goals and Objectives:

At the completion of this course, participants should be able to:

1. Recognize the prevalence of neck pain
2. Identify structures that can refer symptoms into the upper cervical spine
3. Recognize what role the patient's past medical history may play in the differential diagnosis of pathology
4. Recognize red flags accompanying cervical pathology that warrant referral to a medical physician
5. Differentiate between cervical pathology mechanisms of injury and the influence it has on the clinical decision-making process
6. Identify the myotomal distribution of the upper extremity peripheral nerves
7. Recognize what influence the depth of symptoms has on the cervical pathology clinical decision-making process
8. Identify biomechanical abnormalities that can affect cervical pathology
9. Differentiate between the signs/symptoms of common types of headaches
10. Recognize the demographics of Trigeminal Neuralgia
11. Differentiate between the groups of HNP classes
12. Recognize the "easing activities" for Cervical Facet Dysfunction
13. Identify possible differential diagnoses for Cervical Myelopathy
14. Differentiate between important objectives tests in diagnosing Degenerative Joint Disease (Cervical)
15. Recognize the common signs/symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis (Cervical)
16. Recognize the common signs/symptoms of Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency
17. Identify physical examination signs of Whiplash
18. Recognize which interventions have been proven most successful in treating patients with cervical pain
19. Identify cervical motion restrictions and their appropriate mobilizations
20. Identify which intervention, depending upon phase, is most appropriate for a patient with cervical pain 

Criteria for Obtaining Continuing Education Credits:

A score of 70% or greater on the post-test