Namibia Chiropractic Continuing Education

History and Background

• Recognize the historical emergence of spinal manipulation (SMT) throughout numerous time periods and among different professions
• Outline the development of the chiropractic profession from the late 1800s to modern day
• Briefly review existing and historical models of spinal manipulative therapy (SMT)

What’s that sound?

• Distinguish cavitation from tribonucleation and explore the relevance of the popping sound with SMT.

 Mechanisms

• Integrate the concept of mechanotransduction into your understanding and appraisal of SMT mechanisms
• Outline different ways methods to provide mechanical stimulation during chiropractic treatment
• Explain what the evidence tells us about joint motion, gapping and location of popping sounds with SMT
• Explore contemporary areas of scientific inquiry into the neurophysiologic mechanism(s) of action for high-velocity spinal manipulation
• Describe how SMT may influence pain modulation
• Critique the evidence relating to the influence of SMT on blood biomarkers and immunity
• Discuss the potential brain and sensorimotor functional impacts of SMT
• Appreciate the relevance of spinal stiffness and the potential impact of SMT on spinal biomechanics
• Summarize existing evidence relating to the SMT and muscle function.

Clinical Considerations

• Describe clinical factors that could influence how SMT exerts its effect(s).
• Discuss existing evidence on the dose-response relationship between SMT and clinical outcomes.
• Recognize the importance of contextual factors, patient expectations and comfort in driving positive clinical outcomes.
• Briefly summarize existing research on studies evaluating SMT for non-spinal conditions.

Course Conclusion

• Propose an integrated, conceptual model of how SMT may exert its effects for our patients.
• Recognize that chiropractic care helps patients via many aspects of the clinical encounter.

• Summarize the following types of medical errors:
  1. medication errors
  2. handoff errors
  3. diagnostic errors
  4. healthcare acquired infections
  5. device associated infections
• List factors that increase the risk of the above medical errors
• Describe strategies to prevent the above medical errors

• Recommend taking Medical Errors 202a and 202b prior to taking this course
• Summarize surgical errors and identify factors that increase the risk of surgical error as well as strategies to prevent them
• Discuss proper reporting of medical errors
• Enumerate the elements that comprise root cause analysis
• Describe strategies patients, providers, systems can use to reduce the risk of medical errors and improve patient health and safety
• Describe what to do when things go wrong

• Cite the rate of physical and mental health disability amongst veterans
• Recognize the incidence and distribution of mental illness in the veteran population
• State the definition of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• List the DSM-5 criteria for PTSD
• Explain the risk factors to developing PTSD
• Summarize the relationship between PTSD and chronic pain
• Outline screening strategies for PTSD
• Explain the Primary Care PTSD Screen (PC-PTSD)
• Describe approaches to the discussion of the results of screening with the patient and Family
• List the effects of PTSD on the family
• Summarize the psychological and pharmacological treatment for PTSD
• Define depression
• List the DMS-5 criteria for depression
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of depression
• Explain “Survivor Guilt”
• Identify the incidence of suicide amongst veterans
• List the risk factors for suicide generally and within the veteran population
• Recall the warning signs of potential suicidal behavior
• Outline the VA Risk Assessment Guide
• Describe the SAD PERSONS instrument
• List local and national resources available to physicians, families and individuals
• Define who is a veteran
• Assess veteran status based on active service, length of service, discharge status, service in war time versus peace time and service in the National Guard and Reserves
• Identify the benefits available for spouses, children and survivors of veterans
• Describe CHAMPVA
• Summarize the Veteran Administration “Caregiver Program”
• List mental health resources available to veterans and their families through the Veterans Administration and official State agencies

• List and define the components of the SINSS classification used for an upper quarter evaluation
• Recall two neurophysiological effects of upper quarter joint mobilizations
• Cite two indications for performing grade 1-2 joint mobilizations to the upper quarter
• Identify two conditions that would warrant performing grad 3-4 joint mobilizations to the upper quarter
• Enumerate 5 contraindications for performing joint mobilizations to the upper quarter State two specific diagnostic or impairment-based indications for performing a cervical distraction mobilization.
• Summarize the purpose for performing a posterior mobilization to the glenohumeral joint
• Paraphrase the clinical prediction rule used to determine the effectiveness of cervico-thoracic mobilizations for patient’s presenting with subacromial impingement.

• List and define the components of the SINSS classification used for a lower quarter evaluation
• Recall two neurophysiological effects of joint mobilizations as applied to the lower quarter
• Cite two indications for performing grade 1-2 joint mobilizations for the lower quarter
• Identify two conditions that would warrant performing grad 3-4 joint mobilizations for the lower quarter
• Enumerate 5 contraindications for performing joint mobilizations as applied to the lower quarter
• State two specific diagnostic or impairment-based indications for performing a lateral to caudal hip joint mobilization.
• Explain the purpose for performing a posterior to anterior proximal tibiofibular glide
• Provide two common indications for performing a medial patella mobilization technique

• Discuss the history behind the discovery of and development of releasing somatic dysfunction via positional release techniques via the work of Lawrence Jones, DO, George Goodheart, DC and others
• Discuss the basic concepts of how the body responds to stress and trauma  according to Irvin Korr and how slackening the dysfunctional muscle and joint tissues works to restore normal function.
• Apply anatomy and kinesiology as a means of finding and unwinding somatic dysfunction.
• Include the learned techniques into your practice.
• Compare and contrast the rapid thrust vs. positional release modes of releasing subluxations or somatic dysfunction. 

• Summarize the muscle spindle, specifically, the anatomy and physiology of the spindle subcomponents and how it regulates function of skeletal muscle.
• Breakdown the neural reflex mechanisms of the muscle spindle and appreciate how these mechanisms operate in both somatic function and dysfunction.
• Explain the hypothesis of the “facilitated segment” aka somatic dysfunction, explained both in terms of neurology and by analogies so as to be clear to both the doctor and the patient
• Identify somatic dysfunction via locating tender points and learn the mechanism of slackening in order to relieve the tender point reactivity and restore normal function to the muscle and joint.
• Identify and correct tender point locations and positional releases.

• Describe the fundamental principles of MRI physics and the key cervical spine imaging sequences (T1, T2, STIR) relevant to chiropractic practice.
• Identify normal cervical spine anatomy and recognize common pathological MRI findings such as disc herniation, stenosis, and myelomalacia.
• Interpret MRI findings in correlation with clinical symptoms to guide safe chiropractic decision-making and patient management.
• Differentiate between MRI indications, contraindications, and safety considerations to determine when referral for MRI is appropriate.
• Communicate effectively with radiologists, patients, and insurers using MRI-based terminology and objective evidence to support clinical and medico-legal documentation.

• Describe the fundamental principles of MRI physics and the key cervical spine imaging sequences (T1, T2, STIR) relevant to chiropractic practice.
• Identify normal cervical spine anatomy and recognize common pathological MRI findings such as disc herniation, stenosis, and myelomalacia.
• Interpret MRI findings in correlation with clinical symptoms to guide safe chiropractic decision-making and patient management.
• Differentiate between MRI indications, contraindications, and safety considerations to determine when referral for MRI is appropriate.
• Communicate effectively with radiologists, patients, and insurers using MRI-based terminology and objective evidence to support clinical and medico-legal documentation.

• Recognize normal thoracic spine MRI anatomy and accurately distinguish it from common pathological findings relevant to chiropractic practice.
• Discuss the fundamental principles of MRI image acquisition, interpretation, and signal characteristics (T1, T2, STIR) as they apply to the thoracic spine.
• Identify common thoracic spine pathologies—including degenerative disc disease, herniations, stenosis, fractures, and myelopathy—on MRI and relate them to patient presentation.
• Apply MRI findings to develop safe, evidence-based chiropractic treatment plans and determine when imaging results warrant modification of care or referral to another provider.
• Integrate MRI knowledge into clinical communication by effectively discussing imaging results with radiologists, other healthcare professionals, and patients to support interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Discuss essential MRI sequence behavior (T1, T2, STIR) and standard lumbar MRI protocols to confidently navigate images.
• Identify and interpret normal lumbar anatomy, common variants, and core pathologies (disc pathology using nomenclature, stenosis grading, Modic changes).
• Integrate findings into chiropractic decision-making—including indications/contraindications to manipulation, documentation, and clear referral communication.

• Discuss neuro-musculoskeletal imaging relationships by identifying how brain and extremity MRI findings correlate with neurological, postural, and biomechanical dysfunction.
• Differentiate MRI sequence interpretation for neurologic and orthopedic regions, emphasizing pattern recognition of soft-tissue vs. neural signal changes.
• Recognize early degenerative and inflammatory changes in peripheral joints and associated neural structures using MRI analysis.
• Apply MRI findings to evidence-based chiropractic case management, including safe referral, patient education, and interdisciplinary communication.
• Document MRI utilization ethically and effectively to meet clinical, legal, and CE compliance standards.

• Recognize normal thoracic spine MRI anatomy and accurately distinguish it from common pathological findings relevant to chiropractic practice.
• Discuss the fundamental principles of MRI image acquisition, interpretation, and signal characteristics (T1, T2, STIR) as they apply to the thoracic spine.
• Identify common thoracic spine pathologies—including degenerative disc disease, herniations, stenosis, fractures, and myelopathy—on MRI and relate them to patient presentation.
• Apply MRI findings to develop safe, evidence-based chiropractic treatment plans and determine when imaging results warrant modification of care or referral to another provider.
• Integrate MRI knowledge into clinical communication by effectively discussing imaging results with radiologists, other healthcare professionals, and patients to support interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Discuss essential MRI sequence behavior (T1, T2, STIR) and standard lumbar MRI protocols to confidently navigate images.
• Identify and interpret normal lumbar anatomy, common variants, and core pathologies (disc pathology using nomenclature, stenosis grading, Modic changes).
• Integrate findings into chiropractic decision-making—including indications/contraindications to manipulation, documentation, and clear referral communication.

• Discuss neuro-musculoskeletal imaging relationships by identifying how brain and extremity MRI findings correlate with neurological, postural, and biomechanical dysfunction.
• Differentiate MRI sequence interpretation for neurologic and orthopedic regions, emphasizing pattern recognition of soft-tissue vs. neural signal changes.
• Recognize early degenerative and inflammatory changes in peripheral joints and associated neural structures using MRI analysis.
• Apply MRI findings to evidence-based chiropractic case management, including safe referral, patient education, and interdisciplinary communication.
• Document MRI utilization ethically and effectively to meet clinical, legal, and CE compliance standards.

Hour 1:

• Describe the tensegrity model as it relates to biomechanics from a cellular to organism level.
• Define fascia, including anatomical lines and physical properties.
• Describe the Dural Fascial Kinetic Chain and its relationship to Adverse Mechanical Tension (AMT) on the spine and CNS.
• Describe the clinical relevance of biotensegrity, and how to apply these updated architectural and biomechanical principles to the delivery of chiropractic adjustments.

Hour 2:

• Explain the impact of chronic stress
• Recognize common signs and symptoms of sympatheticotonia during initial patient presentation.
• Outline the diagnostic process for sympatheticotonia, including both testing and interpretation.
• Summarize clinical considerations for the patient with sympatheticotonia.

Hour 3:

• Recognize and describe the common signs and symptoms of imbalance during initial patient presentation.
• Outline and demonstrate testing procedures for imbalance.
• Describe clinical interpretation of test results for imbalance.
• Make referral for imbalance when appropriate.

Hour 4:

• Describe statistical incidence and association with head and neck trauma
• Be able to recognize in clinical practice the common signs and symptoms of head and neck trauma
• Outline the diagnostic process for head and neck trauma, including both testing and interpretation.
• Summarize clinical considerations for the patient with head and neck trauma

• This contains all courses with the educational objectives listed for NeuroFascial Integration 201 - 203

Hour 1:

• Describe layered components of restrictions including updated osseous, muscular, and fascial relational anatomy.
• Describe how to palpate muscle tension versus fascial adhesion versus fascial tension lines.
• Differentiate between osseous restriction, muscular tension, and fascial restriction as they relate to spinal motion restriction.
• Use palpatory findings to select technique application for adjustments that last longer by addressing mechanical root cause and encourage parasympathetic dominance at rest.

Hour 2:

• Describe the difference between static misalignments and dynamic spinal restrictions (joints incapable of full range of motion).
• Differentiate with palpation both static and dynamic spinal restrictions.
• Describe neurological information gathered from palpation, including dysesthesia, hyperesthesia, reactive erythema, temperature differentials, and other signs.
• Palpate the patient with chronic pain, trauma history, and/or sympatheticotonia without triggering sympathetic bracing.

Hour 3:

• Describe the Oxford Grading Scale for manual muscle testing.
• Describe interpretation of manual muscle testing findings, including differentials for clinical significance of findings other than normal.
• Demonstrate manual muscle testing of major postural muscles.
• Apply manual muscle testing as pre- and post-clinical intervention measures during adjustment visits and to track change during review examination.

Hour 4:

• Describe the relevance of clinical history as it relates to chronic stress and trauma.
• List specific questions to assess for sympatheticotonia.
• List specific questions to assess for indications of head and neck trauma
• Determine appropriate individualized examination procedures based on history answers.

Hour 1:

• List the relevant indications to assess using cross-crawl patterning.
• Describe testing procedures to determine specific cross-crawl pattern issues
• Describe testing procedures to assess for signs of sympatheticotonia.
• Describe testing procedures to assess for signs of imbalance.

Hour 2:

• Perform seated functional range of motion testing with segmental and curve analysis.
• Perform standing functional range of motion testing with segmental and curve analysis.
• Describe fascial considerations to modify common orthopedic tests (including straight leg raise, supine apparent arm length inequality, bilateral prone knee flexion, and soto hall).
• List the orthopedic exam procedures specifically relevant to Fascial Kinetic Chain tension.

Hour 3:

• Describe clinical considerations in terms of safety of providing care (knowing when to adjust and when NOT to adjust).
• Define what is “primary” (including considerations of “cause” as well as “least stressful point of access” to determine what to adjust or otherwise apply therapeutic input).
• Recognize patterns of and describe gestalt clinical interpretation for sympatheticotonia.
• Recognize patterns of and describe gestalt clinical interpretation for adverse mechanical tension in the Fascial Kinetic Chain
• Describe patterns of peripheral nerve interference found through synthesis of clinical history and exam procedures.

Hour 4:

• Summarize the concept of an initial Therapeutic Trial of care, including reasoning behind it and how to complete this extension of initial assessment in order to customize patient care.
• Describe considerations for technique selection (including where to start, how intensely to adjust, and how to adjust).
• Explain reasoning behind initial frequency of care, and how/when/why to modify this frequency.
• Describe the considerations for projecting response to care and prognosis.
• Summarize guidelines for patient home care recommendations, including considerations for movement and rest, ergonomics, nutrition, and referrals when appropriate.

• Demonstrate skills to properly perform a patient interview
• Properly record a chief complaint
• Perform a neurological examination of the head and neck
• Perform a mental status examination

• This course contains all content from Neurological Exam 101 through 107. Please see educational objectives for those courses

• Cite anatomy and function of the cranial nerves
• Examine the twelve cranial nerves during a clinical examination
• Discuss disorders of cranial nerves

• Perform and chart a neurological examination of the voluntary motor system and the somatic sensory system
• Apply results of the examination findings in the differential diagnosis of patients
• Describe the three neuron pathway involved with sensorineural innervation
• Discuss multimodal sensations

• Perform an appropriate examination of the reflexes, including deep tendon, superficial, visceral and pathological reflexes
• Describe the anatomy associated with reflexes
• Properly grade and record reflexes
• Interpret the Results of Reflex Testing

• Perform an examination of the systems involved with Movement and Coordination
• Discuss cerebellar anatomy
• Differentially Diagnose by applying clinical signs of cerebellar dysfunction
• Recognize cerebellar syndromes by their anatomical areas
• Apply specific principles of examination to improve the Chiropractic Spinal Examination
• Describe specific procedures of the spinal examination

• Perform a clinical assessment of pain and function
• Explain the psychophysiological profile of pain patients
• Discuss the treatment of pain

• Maintain proper records of neurological examination in the SOAP format
• Write narrative reports reflecting the neurological examination
• Apply an outline of fundamental procedures in performing a complete chiropractic neurological examination

• Identify the neurological aspects of manipulation
• Review the basics of cellular physiology as it relates to manipulation
• Discuss action potentials and synapses
• Evolve an understanding of receptors
• Describe nociception and effects of manipulation

• Further elucidate the neurological aspects of manipulation
• Discuss nociceptive input to the spinal cord
• Review mechanoreceptors and their fibers
• Identify the relationship of mechanoreceptors with endorphin/enkephalin
• Analyze the history of referred pain patterns

• Describe axonal degeneration in inflammatory neuropathy
• Construct criteria for diagnosis of multiple sclerosis
• Discuss the use of antioxidant therapy in neurologic disease
• Review the sensory innervation of the SI joint
• Identify mechanoreceptor control of shoulder musculature

• Describe the effect of chiropractic on motor control
• Discuss theories of how movements are chosen
• Discuss how movements are sequenced, and skills are learned
• Develop a motor control examination for your practice
• Distinguish components of the motor assessment

• Describe an approach to the assessment and diagnosis of functional symptoms in neurology
• Outline an approach to the management of functional symptoms in neurology
• Discuss concepts in neuropathic pain

• Explore current understanding of pain concepts, physiology and theories behind neuropathic pain
• Discuss in detail the relevant neurological anatomy and functional neurology
• Describe the anatomy and physiology of relevant components of human nervous system as it relates to pain receptors and neural integration
• Describe the anatomy and physiology of relevant components of human nervous system as it relates to neural plasticity, articular neurology, and mechanisms of pain