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Neuromusculoskeletal System 2: Spinal Disorders - #36140


 

 
Zachary J. Zachman, D.C.
4.5
75.0
4.0
1.0

Discussion of the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of spinal and para spinal conditions and complaints. Students practice diagnostic and treatment procedures, and discuss how doctors of chiropractic can participate in the management of patients who have spinal and para spinal disorders.

Please select from the list on the right.

The Institution-wide learning goals define the common ground that unites the programs within the university. They are purposefully broad so that the various colleges and schools can continue to develop their unique identities through varying ways in which the goals are met.

  1. Effective Communication
    Graduates will demonstrate effective verbal, non-verbal, and written communication skills in a wide variety of contexts, including collaborative activities.
  2. Self Directed and Lifelong Learning
    Graduates will be aware of the limits of one’s personal knowledge and experience and have an intellectual interest in scholarly and creative endeavors. Graduates will actively set appropriate learning goals, pursue them, and apply the knowledge gained.
  3. Ethical Reasoning
    Graduates will demonstrate a willingness to recognize the values of others while maintaining one’s own integrity, and act ethically and professionally in all endeavors.
  4. Individuals, Communities and Cultures
    Graduates will demonstrate awareness and sensitivity to the cultural and health practices of individuals and communities. Graduates will be able to identify appropriate health related resources.
  5. Service to the Community
    Graduates will understand and value the benefits of service to the community.
  6. Influence of Mind, Body and Spirit on Health
    Graduates will recognize the inter-relationship of the mind, body and spirit and the influence of extrinsic factors on an individual’s health.
  7. Critical Thought and Knowledge Acquisition
    Graduates will acquire, appraise and apply scientific information. Graduates will contextually organize and synthesize relevant information to address an issue or problem.
  8. Competence in one's Discipline
    Graduates will demonstrate competence of appropriate depth and scope for one's discipline.

Course Objectives
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  1. Describe the manifestations and diagnosis of the neuromusculoskeletal system that affect the spine or are related to spinal function via history, examination and appropriate laboratory and x-ray findings.
  2. Describe the pathophysiology and natural history of the neuromusculoskeletal diseases that affect the human spine.
  3. Utilize appropriate physical maneuvers and techniques to assess the neuromusculoskeletal system and functioning of the spine to identify those specific conditions which may be amenable to conservative care.
  4. Describe the common high technology and/or non-conservative measures used by other providers used to diagnose and treat the neuromusculoskeletal conditions.
Materials
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A. Required Text(s):
  1. The Lecture Notes

B. Recommended Text(s):
  1. Low Back and Neck Pain,Comprehensive Diagnosis and Management,David G. Borenstein, Sam W. Wiesel, Scott D. Boden
  2. llustrated Essentials in Orthopedic Physical Assessment. Ronald C. Evans.
  3. Photographic Manual of Regional Orthopedic and Neurological Tests. Cipriano.
  4. Chiropractic Management of Spine-related Disorders. Gatterman.
  5. Instant Access to Chiropractic Guidelines and Protocols. Lew Huff, David M. Bradley.

C. Required Materials for Lab:
  1. The equipment that the student already has for Physical Diagnosis will be adequate for the lab in this course.
Assignments
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A. Reading handout materials
B. Lecture and lab materials
Attendance
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Attendance is required.
Attendance credit for labs will be 1 point per lab.
Grading Criteria
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  1. Examination: 2 tests will be given consisting of a 50 question midterm; and a 75 question final. Attendance in lab will be credited as 1 point per lab.
  2. This curve may be lowered, but it will not be raised.

Guaranteed grades are as follows:

A = 92 - 100% of Total Possible Points
B = 84 - 91% of Total Possible Points
C = 70 - 83% of Total Possible Points
D = 60 - 69% of Total Possible Points
F = Failure to accrue at least 60% of the Total
Course Competencies
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COGNITIVE DOMAIN


Students will be able to construct and follow a rational diagnostic process in evaluating patients who present with the following neuromusculoskeletal diagnosis
  1. Pain
    1. cervical, thoracic, lumbar, lumbo sacral
  2. Headache
  3. Restricted range-of-motion
  4. Altered sensation related to the cervical, thoracic or lumbar nerve roots
  5. Radiating pain
  6. Generalized muscle ache

    In addition, students will be familiar with the following symptoms, which sometimes accompany certain neuromusculoskeletal conditions as well as conditions related to other body systems:
  1. altered mental status
  2. weight loss
  3. fever, chills, night sweats
  4. skin changes
Students will be able to explain the clinical utility and indications for the following laboratory, imaging and other physical diagnostic tests in patients with suspected neuromusculoskeletal disease:
  1. vital signs
  2. visual inspection
  3. range-of-motion
  4. neurologic
  5. orthopedic or other manual procedures
  6. x-rays


Conditions:
--

PSYCHOMOTOR DOMAIN


Students will be able to conduct, in a patient presenting with neuromusculoskeletal disease manifestations, an appropriate physical examination using the following procedures:
  1. vital signs
  2. postural analysis
  3. range-of-motion
  4. neurologic tests
  5. orthopedic procedures
  6. palpatory skills


AFFECTIVE DOMAIN


Students will demonstrate integrity, sensitivity, respect, courtesy, compassion and professionalism at all times, both in lectures and labs, and will be able to apply the history, physical examination and treatment techniques learned in this course to any patient while demonstrating those same qualities.
Weekly Calendar of Learning Objectives
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Week Dates Topics/Learning objectives
Week 1 -- Lec: Introduction: review of course syllabus, conduct and goals, review of pertinent neuromusculoskeletal anatomy, physiology concepts and terminology. Definition of health and disease as it pertains to the neuromusculoskeletal system in its relationship to the spine or conditions extending from this region. Introduction to comprehensive examination of the spine and related regions.
Lab: Orientation to lab, equipment and tables
Week 2 -- Lec: Completion of the comprehensive spinal examination as well as appropriate discussion of postural findings, common variants and treatment options.
Lab: Postural applications and appliances of posture, supports, orthotics, heel lifts.
Week 3 -- Lec: Discussion of normal anticipated gait and neurologic gaits
Lab:Soft tissue techniques/reflex stimulation therapies.
Week 4 -- Lec: Mechanical conditions - soft tissue
Lab: Manual care options - soft tissue techniques/reflex stimulation.
Week 5 -- Lec:Mechanical conditions - soft tissue
Lab:Manual care option - soft tissue, stretches, exercises.
Week 6 -- Lec: Mechanical conditions - Joint
Lab: Manual care options - joint techniques, distraction, mobilization, TMJ.
Week 7 --

MIDTERMS WEEK
Week 8 -- Lec:Mechanical conditions - Joint
Lab: Manual care options - Joint techniques continued. Exercises.
Week 9 -- Lec: Mechanical conditions - Nerve
Lab: Manual care options - Nerve techniques, limb tension upper extremity and exercises.
Week 10 -- Lec: Mechanical conditions - Nerve, Rheumatologic
Lab: Manual care options - Nerve techniques, limb tension lower extremity and exercises,
Week 11 -- Lec: Rheumatologic conditions
Lab: Flow examination - cases
Week 12 -- Lec:Endrocrine disorders
Lab:Flow examination - cases
Week 13 -- Lec: Tumorous and infiltrative disorders, Miscellaneous.
Lab: Wrap up.
Week 14 --
--		 FINAL EXAMS AS SCHEDULED 
Week 15 --
 FINAL EXAMS AS SCHEDULED 
Please Note
This schedule of lecture and lab topics and quizzes and exams may be changed during the course of the trimester as circumstances require. Whenever possible, such changes will be announced in class before the date and time in question. You are responsible for anything that transpires during lectures and labs, even when you are unable to attend. In the event that you miss a class session, make sure you check with a classmate about any announcements or schedule changes which may have been made. Makeup exams are allowed only according to the policies described in the current student handbook, which is available in the Student Affairs office.
Maintained by Northwestern College of Chiropractic
Last updated:27 December, 2005
 

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