Evidence-Inspired Practice: Lumbar Spine Pathology

Course overview

Low back pain is a highly prevalent condition that drives patients to seek treatment. With reliance on modern technology, conditions of the spine are typically evaluated with imaging with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) being the preferred modality. MRIs often lead to one of two diagnostic classifications: discogenic pain or non-specific low back pain. Unfortunately, this omits a host of other structures that can be pain generators: ligaments, muscles, fascia, joint capsules, and others. This course is designed for the rehabilitation clinician to move beyond static imaging to utilizing active and passive movements to identify patterns. After a pattern has been identified, the clinician will perform passive assessment techniques to confirm the suspected tissue impairment. Once the tissue impairment has been confirmed, specific interventions including patient education, manual therapy, and home exercises can be utilized to restore function while decreasing symptoms.