Cervical and Lumbar Spine Assessment
Cervical and Lumbar Spine Assessment
This course includes
The instructors
Course Description
Does your patient present with persistent neurogenic arm or leg pain?
Not sure who you should refer for a surgical consult or injection and who will benefit with conservative treatment?
This online physiotherapy course will provide you with a basic understanding of conducting a neurological assessment to rule out radiculopathy and myelopathy. Participants will be guided by a clinical expert through the different components of a neurological assessment that can assist providers to become more confident and proficient when encountering this patient population.
Radiculopathy vs. Myelopathy
Oftentimes, it may be confusing to distinguish between radiculopathy and myelopathy as they both exhibit similar symptoms. However, it is important to understand the clear distinction between these two conditions.
Radiculopathy, frequently called a pinched nerve, occurs when a nerve root or nerve becomes compressed or irritated. Although the location of the cause is often at the nerve root, pain and other symptoms may radiate down the nerve to other parts of the body. For example, with cervical radiculopathy, the nerve root may be compressed in the upper C-spine but the symptoms present themselves in the shoulder or arm. Radiculopathy can be triggered when a nerve root or nerve is compressed, receiving decreased blood flow or damaged as a result of disease.
Myelopathy occurs when the spinal cord is compressed often as a result of trauma, spinal stenosis, degenerative disease or disc herniation. Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the bony passageway through which the spinal cord passes through. Some early signs of cervical myelopathy may include clumsy hands and a decrease in fine motor skill ability. The main difference between these two conditions is that radiculopathy involves compression or injury to the nerve root, whereas myelopathy is compression of the spinal cord. Both of these conditions may present with pain, tingling, weakness and numbness in the arms and legs.
Objectives
In this course, Dr. Aleksa Cenic will guide you to:
- Learn the differential diagnoses of neurogenic pain in the cervical and lumbar regions
- Learn to assess the neurological system and know what to look for in your examination
- Learn specific maneuvers to test for nerve impingement
Outline
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Perform a cervical and lumbar myotome strength test
- Perform a cervical and lumbar dermatome sensation test
- Conduct an upper body reflexes test
- Assess the range of motion in the cervical spine
- Perform special tests to distinguish between myelopathy and radiculopathy in the cervical and lumbar region
Target Audience
This online physiotherapy course is designed for physiotherapists, occupational therapists, chiropractors, naturopathic doctors, athletic therapists, medical doctors, nurses, kinesiologists and those who are licensed or who are eligible to be licensed to practice. This is also a great continuing education course for students or new grads looking to keep on top of their neuro assessment skills.
The instructors
PT, B.Kin (Hons), M.Sc.(PT), M.Cl.Sc.(Manip), FCAMPT
Darryl has been a physical therapist for more than a decade. He is a clinic owner and the Chief Operating Officer for Clinic Accelerator where he supports 500+ clinic owners with their operations, recruitment and clinician performance. He has mentored and helped thousands of Physical Therapists become all-star clinicians, clinic directors, and equity partners. He is past chair of the Private Practice Section of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, co-author of "Diagnosis and Management of Femoroacetabular Impingement", and is a professor of Business and Leadership in Physical Therapy at Western University.
MD, FRCSC, MSc
Material included in this course
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Cervical & Lumbar Spine Assessment
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Part 1
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Part 2
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Part 3
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Part 4
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Part 5
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Part 6
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Quiz
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Feedback
Is a certificate of completion included with this course?
Once you have completed the course, a certificate of completion (including learning hours and course information) will be generated. You can download this certificate at any time. To learn more about course certificates on Embodia please visit this guide.
How can I get this course for free?
This course is free for Embodia Members. You can learn more about the membership options available by visiting the Embodia membership pricing page.