Thoracic Spine Online Bundle

You will receive access to four online courses, equalling 10.6 Contact Hours.

Diagnosis and Management of the Thoracic Spine – 7 Contact Hours – This online course takes an in-depth look at primary and secondary pathoanatomy, biomechanics, basic and specific clinical examination and interpretation, management suggestions, and specific approaches to diagnose and treat thoracic and rib-related disorders.

Clinical Application of Thoracic Spine Imaging – 0.6 Contact Hours – The course will cover basic imaging interpretation principles, discerning a “normal” image from a “clinically relevant” image, clinical correlation of findings, and indications for referral in a direct patient care setting.

Using Disc Hydration Principles to Heal the Intervertebral Disc – 1.5 Contact Hours – This presentation will address intervertebral disc pathophysiology, degeneration processes, and the healing potential, and which positions, movements, and lifestyle could help strengthen the disc and preserve its health. Some strategies to limit the effects of spinal stenosis will be discussed, as well as in the treatment of people with back pain and nerve root compression syndrome.

Thoracic-Specific Management – Introduction to Scoliosis – 1.5 Contact Hours – This is an introduction to thoracic-specific scoliosis designed to help clinicians identify common presentations and assist with building a proper plan of care.

Diagnosis and Management of the Thoracic Spine 

• Integrate the pathoanatomy, altered physiology, and biomechanics into a report on differential diagnosis including at least one of the most common musculoskeletal pathologies of the Thoracic Spine and their consequent, common clinical dysfunctions (degenerative internal disc disruption (IDD) T1-T12, zygapophyseal joint dysfunction and degeneration, spondylosis/spondylolisthesis, functional instability, nerve root compression or more severe conditions such as fracture, tumor or systemic-inflammatory diseases).
• Identify at least one common clinical dysfunction of the Thoracic spine and ribs in 3 different patient scenarios.
• Identify three effective treatment interventions for acute, recurrent, and chronic thoracic spine and rib dysfunctions and related pathologies through an accurate understanding of the consequent tissue physiology of the thoracic spine.
• Design a treatment plan for a patient suffering from acute dysfunction of the thoracic spine and ribs.
• Design a treatment plan for a patient suffering from recurrent or chronic thoracic spine and ribs.

Clinical Application of Thoracic Spine Imaging

• Learn and apply a systematic approach to viewing radiological imaging.
• Identify common radiographic and MRI views utilized for the thoracic spine.
• Identify normal thoracic anatomy on spine radiographs & MRI.
• Clinically correlate radiological imaging to common thoracic musculoskeletal conditions.
• Review indications for referral for imaging based on clinical exam

Using Disc Hydration Principles to Heal the Intervertebral Disc

• Explain intervertebral disc pathophysiology and degeneration processes
• Identify strategies to preserve disc health
• Determine appropriate postures and movements to preserve disc health
• Develop strategies to strengthen the disc
• Identify when to hydrate/dehydrate the disc based on pain patterns and patients’ characteristics.
• Provide example of management of patients with nerve root compression syndrome

Thoracic-Specific Management – Introduction to Scoliosis

• Explain how scoliosis typically presents
• Recognize the 3D orientation of scoliosis
• Prioritize aspects of treatment and arrange the order of exercises
• Organize a plan of care for the most common type of thoracic scoliosis

• Financial: The instructor(s) receive an honorarium for presenting this course.
• Non-financial: The instructor(s) have no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
• Partial credit is not available. For online courses, passing module assessments and completing the course evaluation is required to earn continuing education credit. For live courses, attendance is confirmed by signing the attendance sheet at the course; ensure name and professional license number are accurate, and initial both morning and afternoon attendance.