Full Course Description

Cervical Spine Certification: Comprehensive Evidence-Based Solutions for Cervical Dysfunction

Neck pain is debilitating. Treating these patients is difficult, so their symptoms often go on and on for years without long term relief. It’s no wonder it is a leading cause of disability worldwide.

These patients present with a wide range of symptoms: from neck pain and headaches, to sensory hypersensitivity, dysfunction in motor performance, TMJD, sleep impairment, and even impaired cognitive function – making diagnosis a tricky puzzle to decipher.

The biomechanics of the cervical joints are unique from each other and complex. You simply cannot treat them all the same. Join Dr. Jerry Hesch as you become a Certified Cervical Spine Specialist in this advanced skills training. You’ll uncover the critical differences you need to know to effectively treat the biomechanically distinct occipitoatlantal and atlantoaxial articulations.

Best of all? This course is completely self-paced! It’s science-based rehabilitation at your fingertips. You’ll walk away with:

Gentle spring testing techniques to quickly pinpoint the restriction
Simple stretch mobilization to gain joint mobility and integrate the nervous system
Evidence-based framework for addressing whiplash, headaches, TMJD, and more!

This course is an integrated model of strategies that incorporate the nervous system to effectively foster sustained patient independence. You’ll learn the perfect blend of manual therapy techniques, self-treatment and self-mobilization strategies for the patient that will undoubtedly boost referrals.

After completion of this comprehensive certification course, you will resolve c-spine issues in just 3 sessions – for good!

Program Information

Objectives

Analyze the unique anatomy of the upper cervical spine.
Investigate the balance and proprioceptive role of the OA, AA.
Investigate the concept of regional interdependence where structures below the neck can have a profound effect on the cervical region; and the top-down phenomenon in which the upper cervical region can have a profound influence on the rest of the body.
Evaluate the top-down phenomenon in which the upper cervical region can have a profound influence on the rest of the body.
Integrate evidence-based evaluation and treatment strategies for the OA and AA joints.
Appraise the utility of a whole-body approach in this population due to reflexogenic effects.
Effectively treat articular movement dysfunction in 1-2 visits, quickly progressing to movement rehabilitation.
Evaluate and effectively address the relationship between joint dysfunction and muscle dysfunction and pain and effectively treat.
Develop effective self-treatment and home exercise programs.
Understand and effectively evaluate and treat anomalous articular development at the OA joint which occurs in at least 30% of the population and does not respond to traditional methods.

Outline

Critical Components of Patient Evaluation

Things often overlooked in the patient history
What we know from pain science and the BPS
Nervous system hierarchy: osteokinematics and arthrokinematics
Red flags and when to refer

Diagnostic Tests and Movement Assessment

Incorporating palpation
Patterns of motion dysfunction and common pathologies
BPPV and vertigo
Identify when the problem originates outside the neck:
- Thoracic outlet
- Temporomandibular joint
- Thoracic spine

Treatment Planning for Specific Diagnoses and Improved Patient Management

Whiplash: Acceleration-Deceleration Injuries
Cervicogenic Headache
Jaw pain/TMJD
Post Concussion Syndrome
Balance and proprioception dysfunction of cervicogenic origin
Hyper/hypomobility

Targeted Techniques for Each Type of Impairment

Articular micromotion
Macromotion
Soft tissue techniques
Removing reflex inhibition of strength and endurance
Joint mobilization
Traction
Strength and endurance rehabilitation
Balance and proprioception

Pain Management Strategies

Postural corrections
Self-mobilization
Self-soft tissue work
HEP

Target Audience

Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants
Chiropractors
Massage Therapists
Other manual therapists

Clinical Effectiveness of Mindfulness, Meditation and Mindful Movement Strategies for Chronic Pain

Experiencing physical pain is part of life. However, for some, this experience becomes extremely debilitating and persistent. When pain becomes severe enough to significantly impact physical function, mobility and quality of life, these individuals ultimately find their way into our clinics as patients and clients.

Patients arrive with the objective of “fix” and “eliminate” pain. Emphasizing direct treatment and elimination of chronic pain often opens a portal to exhaustion, frustration and even increased pain intensity. The paradigm shift exits in recognition we cannot necessarily control the pain which enters our life; however, we do have control over how we relate to pain. Embracing age old principles of mindfulness and meditation, we have the tools to shift our relationship with chronic, somatic pain. Additionally, mindful movement including Tai Chi, Qi Gong and Yoga further enhance active pain management. This experiential session combines proven methods with modern science to provide a multitude of health and wellness benefits. Allow both body and mind to explore the science of pain relief strategies with immediate clinical application for improved outcomes.

Program Information

Objectives

Gain an overview and understanding of mindfulness and meditation practice and recognize ways it can subjectively change how we relate to our life experiences.
Investigate the power of the mind-body connection and its relevance to how our bodies experience sensations of pain.
Analyze the latest scientific literature of the mechanisms by which mindfulness meditation can alter the ways our bodies perceive pain facilitating increased pain tolerance and quality of life.
Develop proficiency with the use of mindfulness meditation techniques to improve chronic pain management.
Construct the primary health and wellness benefits of mindful movement strategies with current supporting research.
Utilize simple Tai Chi, and Qi Gong mindful movements with immediate clinical application.

Outline

Overview of Mindfulness and Meditation
- Mindlessness vs Mindfulness
- Our Normal Default: Going through life on “auto pilot”
  - Focused on the past or the future rather than the present
- How we can easily comeback into the “present moment”
- Forming a definition of mindfulness
The Power of the Mind-Body Connection and its Influence on Our Subjective Pain Experience
- The Interconnected Nature of Mind and Body
- Distinguishing Between “Pain” and “Suffering”
- Ways in Which Humans Historically Respond to Physical Pain
- Experiential Activity: Body Scan Meditation
Understanding the Mechanisms by Which Mindfulness Meditation Can Alter the Ways Our Bodies Perceive Pain
- The History of Pain and Mindfulness Meditation
- Introducing Jon Kabat-Zinn and MBSR: Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
- MBSR Principles and Insights
- Overview of Literature Revealing How Meditation Changes the Ways Our Bodies Experience Pain:
  - Understanding Our “Default Mode Network”
  - Different Mechanisms of Action for Pain Attenuation Through Mindfulness
  - Diagnosis Specific Studies
    - Low Back Pain
    - Fibromyalgia
    - Neuropathic Pain
    - Post-Operative Joint Replacement Pain
  - Significance of Acceptance vs Attention in Achieving Pain Relief
Experiencing “Sitting with Our Pain” in Meditation and Then Gaining an Understanding of Why This Can Be So Beneficial
- Experiential Activity: Meditation on the Sensations of Pain
  - Guided Meditation to Work with Chronic Pain Patients
- Tying the Components of a Pain Mediation Together
- Take Home Lessons:
  - What to Know regarding Achieving Optimal Relief of Pain Using Mindfulness Techniques
Exploring Mindful Movement as Complementary Medicine
- Overview of Yoga, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong
- The Energy of Tai Chi and Qi Gong
- The 3 Common Characteristics Shared by All Complementary Alternative medicines
  - (CAMS) Interventions:
  - Review of the Current Literature
  - Impact of Specific Mindful Movement Interventions on Common Pain
  - Diagnoses:
    - Back Pain, PTSD, Mental Pain (Anxiety and Depression), Arthritis, Fibromyalgia
Experiencing Mindful Movement Firsthand
- Experiential: Sensing Our Own Life Force Energy
  - Experiencing the Graceful Flow of Tai Chi and Qi Gong Movements
- Reasons to Choose Mindful Movements as Treatment
- Final Thoughts on Interconnected Nature of Body and Mind and Importance of Maintaining a Harmonious Balance

Target Audience

Chiropractors
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Other Rehab Health Professionals