Topics Covered:

• Epidemiology of back pain
• Acute vs chronic pain models
• Nociceptive vs neuropathic pain
• Biopsychosocial model in spinal pain
• Red and yellow flags in spinal assessment

Learning Outcomes:

• Identify major causes of back pain
• Apply screening tools to identify red flags
• Understand pain mechanisms influencing treatment

Practical Task:
 Analyze a case and identify red/yellow flags

Workbook Questions:

1. What are five common red flags in back pain?
2. Define the biopsychosocial model in relation to chronic pain.

Topics Covered:

• Lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spine anatomy
• Vertebral and disc structure
• Spinal motion kinematics
• Muscular and fascial interactions

Learning Outcomes:

• Describe the spinal segments involved in common dysfunctions
• Identify compensatory movement patterns

Workbook Activity:
 Label diagrams of lumbar vertebrae and identify dysfunction-prone segments

Workbook Questions:

1. Describe three mechanical stressors in the lumbar spine.
2. What is the function of the annulus fibrosus?

Topics Covered:

• Subjective and objective assessment techniques
• Functional movement screens (FMS, SFMA)
• Palpation skills and motion palpation
• Neurological screening and differential diagnosis

Learning Outcomes:

• Perform comprehensive clinical assessments
• Interpret movement restrictions and identify pain generators

Case Study:
 Evaluate a 45-year-old male with LBP post-golf injury using standard assessment tools

Workbook Questions:

1. How would you differentiate radicular pain from referred pain?
2. List three movement assessments for lumbar instability.

Topics Covered:

• Mobilization vs manipulation
• Grading scales of joint mobilization (Maitland Concept)
• Indications and contraindications of HVLA techniques
• Role of manual therapy in pain modulation

Learning Outcomes:

• Differentiate types of manual interventions
• Apply appropriate grading based on patient presentation

Workbook Questions:

1. When is Grade V manipulation contraindicated?
2. What are the neurophysiological effects of spinal manipulation?

Topics Covered:

• Lumbar roll techniques
• Side-lying thrust manipulations
• Prone press manipulations
• Pelvic blocking methods
• Setup, execution, and force vector training

Learning Outcomes:

• Safely perform lumbar HVLA techniques
• Understand force application principles

Hands-On Practice (if live):
 Partner-based lumbar roll and prone thrust with instructor feedback

Workbook Activity:
 Draw a three-step checklist for side-lying lumbar manipulation

Workbook Questions:

1. Describe hand placement for lumbar roll technique.
2. What are the common errors in lumbar HVLA?

Topics Covered:

• Cervical spine precautions (VBI, alar ligament testing)
• Mid-thoracic HVLA thrusts
• Seated and supine cervical manipulation
• Adjusting technique for posture and kyphosis

Learning Outcomes:

• Execute safe thoracic and cervical manipulations
• Screen patients for contraindications

Workbook Scenario:
 Treating cervicogenic headache with thoracic HVLA – Design full plan

Workbook Questions:

1. What screening tests must precede cervical manipulation?
2. How does posture affect thoracic manipulation setup?

Topics Covered:

• Ergonomics and postural education
• Functional movement retraining
• Progressive rehab protocols post-manipulation
• Core stabilization and neural control

Learning Outcomes:

• Build multi-modal treatment plans
• Prescribe stabilization exercises with manipulation

Workbook Activity:
 Design a rehab plan for a 60-year-old with degenerative disc disease

Workbook Questions:

1. What is the progression protocol for core training post-HVLA?
2. List three home care instructions after spinal manipulation.

Topics Covered:

• Informed consent documentation
• Legal and ethical considerations
• Managing adverse effects
• Patient communication and safety protocols

Learning Outcomes:

• Recognize ethical issues in spinal manipulation
• Document and mitigate risk effectively

Workbook Questions:

1. What components are essential in an informed consent form?
2. How do you document a manipulation-related adverse effect?