Exposing Spinal Pain Imposters: Differential Diagnosis Spine

Understanding Spinal Pathologies: A Comprehensive Seminar

Delaying appropriate treatment for nonmusculoskeletal conditions can significantly impact patient well-being. Early and accurate referral to the correct healthcare professional is crucial for optimal patient outcomes. This dynamic four-part seminar, led by experienced practitioner Debra Dent, BPT, Dip Manip PT, OCS (Emeritus), FCAMPT (Retired), draws upon over 40 years of expertise to explore serious pathologies and diseases affecting the trunk and spine.

This course delves into the latest evidence-based screening and physical testing methods, enhancing your ability to identify differential diagnoses and interpret test results performed by other healthcare professionals. Gain a thorough understanding of appropriate screenings for patients presenting with musculoskeletal issues.

Important: CEU credit requires individual application to your licensing board.

Part 1: Differential Diagnosis of the Spine

This initial session (1 hour) focuses on critical aspects of spinal health. You'll explore:

• Statistics & Clinical Prediction Rules: Learn to utilize evidence-based practice with five key statistical references.
• Red & Yellow Flags: Identify four crucial red flags to consider during patient evaluation.
• Systemic Diseases: Understand five categories of diseases that can manifest as spinal pain and referred pain, including neurogenic, vasculogenic, spondylogenic, psychogenic, and viscerogenic conditions.
• Metabolic Diseases: Describe the characteristics of two metabolic diseases impacting the spine.

Learning Objectives:

1. List five statistical references that relate to evidence-based practice.
2. List four Red flags pertinent to the evaluation component of treatment.
3. Identify the five categories pertaining to possible spinal pain and referred pain.
4. Describe the characteristics of two metabolic diseases that can affect the spine.

Part 2: Cervical, Cranial & Upper Extremity

This hour focuses on the cervical spine and cranial regions, covering:

• Mandatory Questions & Red Flags: Review specific mandatory questions, red flags, and charts detailing signs and symptoms of diseases and conditions in this region.
• Headache Classifications: Explore various headache classifications.
• Upper Quadrant Diseases: Detailed examination of diseases of the upper quadrant, including their signs and symptoms.
• Evidence-Based CPRs: Learn and apply evidence-based Clinical Prediction Rules (CPRs) like the Canadian C Spine Rule, CPR for Myelopathy and Radiculopathy, and specific screening tools.
• BPPV Screening: Understand how to screen for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV).

Learning Objectives:

1. Recognize and list four red flags for the cervical and shoulder girdle.
2. Identify three medical conditions that may refer to the cervical spine but are non-musculoskeletal in origin and require physician intervention.
3. Name and describe two CPRs for the Cervical Spine.
4. List one dural test used for the nervous system in the Cervical region.

Part 3: Thoracic & Thorax

This session (1 hour) examines the thoracic spine and associated conditions:

• Thoracic Spine Diseases: Detailed exploration of diseases and conditions affecting the thoracic spine, including Viscerogenic, Vasculogenic, and Spondylogenic issues.
• CPR for Ankylosing Spondylitis & Vertebral Fractures: Discuss evidence-based CPRs for Ankylosing Spondylitis and Vertebral Fractures.
• Abdominal Palpation & Chest Expansion: Learn to perform and interpret abdominal palpation and chest expansion measurements.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify and describe two musculoskeletal issues of the thoracic region.
2. List one dural test used to evaluate the thoracic region, assisting in determining normal neuromeningeal pathway mobility.
3. List two CPRs of the spine in the thoracic region with good reliability and effectiveness.
4. List and describe two vascular diagnoses that may relate to Thoracic Spine referred pain.

Part 4: Lumbar Spine, Pelvis & Hip

This final session (1 hour) covers the lumbar spine, pelvis, and hip regions:

• Lumbar Spine, Pelvis & Hip Pathologies: Detailed examination of diseases and conditions affecting these regions, including Viscerogenic, Vasculogenic, and Spondylogenic conditions.
• Screening Tools & CPRs: Learn and apply screening tools and CPRs for the Lumbar Spine, Pelvis, and Hip regions, along with their supporting evidence.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify two serious pathologies that appear to be related to the lumbar spine but are not.
2. Describe three categories of pelvic fractures that may occur.
3. Describe the objective differences between vascular claudication and neurogenic claud