Evidence-Based Examination of the Cervical Spine: An Update

presented by Chad Cook, PT, PhD, MBA, FAPTA, FAAOMPT

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Financial: Chad Cook receives compensation from MedBridge for this course. He also is a research consultant for Hawkins Foundation of the Carolinas. Chad Cook receives royalties from Pearson education, Maitland Australian Physiotherapy Association, AgenceEBP, and is a paid associate editor for JOSPT.

Non-Financial: Chad Cook is a senior associate editor for BJSM and is an editorial board member for J Physiotherapy and JMMT.

Satisfactory completion requirements: All disciplines must complete learning assessments to be awarded credit, no minimum score required unless otherwise specified within the course.

MedBridge is committed to accessibility for all of our subscribers. If you are in need of a disability-related accommodation, please contact [email protected]. We will process requests for reasonable accommodation and will provide reasonable accommodations where appropriate, in a prompt and efficient manner.

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Video Runtime: 90 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 62 Minutes

In this course, users will evaluate the impact and prevalence of cervical dysfunction, understand the imperative patient history elements of a neck examination, and identify which patient history components are affiliated with cervical pathology. The most common forms of self-reported outcome measures for the neck are presented and discussed. Viewers will also identify the most prevalent red flags germane to the cervical spine examination and differentiate the purposes of each diagnostic test for sinister problems. An objective is to synthesize the importance of specific, meaningful clinical findings during the examination process and evaluate the benefit of palpation and manual muscle testing as part of a dedicated clinical examination. Lastly, viewers will identify the most diagnostic cervical-spine-oriented special tests and apply the tests to the appropriate diagnoses. Current research is presented throughout the course to provide learners with the proper tools for evidence-based management of these patients. This course is part of a comprehensive clinical series covering examination and intervention for the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, as well as the upper (shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand) and lower (hip, pelvis, knee, foot, and ankle) quarters.

Meet Your Instructor

Chad Cook, PT, PhD, MBA, FAPTA, FAAOMPT

Dr. Cook is a professor at Duke University with a Category A appointment in the Duke Clinical Research Institute and an adjunct appointment in the Department of Population Health Sciences. He is a clinical researcher, physical therapist, and profession advocate with a long-term history of clinical care excellence and service and academic experience. His passions…

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1. Cervical Spine Dysfunction: Prevalence and Economic Impact

In this chapter, learners will evaluate the economic impact of cervical dysfunction and consider the prevalence/incidence of cervical pain and how this influences clinical practice. The overall burden of cervical pain is discussed in comparison to other musculoskeletal and nonmusculoskeletal conditions worldwide.

2. Patient History and Outcomes Measures

In this chapter, learners will discuss the imperative patient history elements of a neck examination and define which patient history components are affiliated with cervical pathology. Learners will also discuss the most common forms of self-reported patient outcome measures as well as their validity.

3. Observation

In this chapter, learners will identify the link between observation of posture and neck pain or dysfunction. Learners will also identify benefits of general observation of a patient’s expression of fear, anxiety, or distress.

4. Triage and Screening

In this chapter learners will identify the most prevalent red flags, germane during the cervical spine examination. The chapter will compare and contrast the purposes of each diagnostic test for sinister problems. Learners will also analyze the “triggers” that would prompt the use of a test for ruling out a condition and evaluate the benefit of performing these “ruling out” actions first within the examination. Lastly, learners will understand structural differentiation.

5. The Movement Examination

This chapter will synthesize the importance of the movement assessment and will contrast the goals of the three primary phases of the initial examination.

6. Palpation, Muscle Endurance, and Physical Performance Measures

This chapter will evaluate the benefit of palpation as part of a dedicated clinical examination. Learners will also evaluate the benefit and types of manual muscle testing for the cervical spine.

7. Confirmation-Based Special Tests

In this chapter, learners will understand the language of diagnostic accuracy and will identify the most diagnostic cervical-oriented special tests. The purpose of the chapter is to apply the tests to the appropriate diagnoses for better patient management.

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