Making Sense of Low Back Pain:
A systematic, simplistic & evidence-based approach to successful examination & treatment of low back disorders

May 3-4, 2013 CANCELLED

8 a.m.–5 p.m., Friday, May 3
8 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Saturday, May 4
Health Science Center, UW-La Crosse
$385, includes materials, lunch and refreshments
$355, student/alumni
11.5 contact hours
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Printable Agenda (2 page PDF)

Managing patients with low back pain can be confusing and frustrating for clinicians of all experience levels. In this seminar, Dr. Durall will provide a systematic and integrative approach to low back disorders that demystifies the examination and treatment process, reduces frustration, and most importantly leads to superior outcomes. Treatment-based classification is used as the course framework to streamline clinical decision making and care planning. Examination techniques and strategies are introduced that are straightforward and supported by research and clinical experience. Numerous intervention strategies will be covered including high velocity thrust manipulation, therapeutic exercise to improve dynamic stabilization, and directionally-specific exercise. Treatment strategies for patients with leg symptoms and/or chronic pain are also included. Recent advances in lumbopelvic spine research are integrated throughout the course to provide clinicians with new insights and rationale for decision making. Several contentious topics will be covered including the relative importance of the transversus abdominus, "deep" versus "superficial" trunk muscle exercise programs, and the SI joints as a source of low back pain. Participants can expect to refine and advance their clinical skills in a supportive and relaxed learning environment. Lab attire is required.

Course Overview:

This seminar is designed to help clinicians achieve superior outcomes when managing lumbopelvic disorders. Current best evidence is incorporated throughout the course to help participants diagnose and manage lumbopelvic disorders with greater confidence and cutting-edge proficiency. Considerable time is devoted to refining and improving the clinician’s ability to examine the lumbar spine and pelvis using evidence-based assessment techniques. Disorders of the disc, facet, spinal nerve roots, and sacro-iliac joints are reviewed. Current treatment-based classification schemes and an algorithm are presented to help guide care planning. The second half of the course is devoted to intervention strategies, with an emphasis on evidence-based therapeutic exercise strategies and manual therapy techniques. Various treatment approaches and recent advances in lumbopelvic spine research are integrated to provide the clinician with a diverse array of options to help optimize biomechanical function and functional ability. This course is intended to facilitate immediate and confident clinical application and hands-on lab time is liberally incorporated during the course to promote deep learning.

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Identify signs and symptoms that warrant immediate referral to another healthcare provider.
  • Recognize behaviors & beliefs that are associated with an increased risk of chronicity and long-term disability.
  • Select appropriate tests and measures based on the patient interview.
  • Perform a thorough and systematic examination of the lumbopelvic spine region using evidence-based assessment techniques.
  • Classify lumbopelvic spine disorders, based on examination findings, for purposes of care planning and intervention decision-making.
  • Competently perform high velocity thrust techniques to treat lumbopelvic spine disorders.
  • Formulate evidence-based therapeutic exercise programs to improve dynamic stabilization of the lumbopelvic spine.
  • Formulate therapeutic exercise programs to manage patients with sub-acute or chronic low back pain.
  • Select and implement appropriate intervention techniques for patients with leg symptoms in association with low back pain.
  • Integrate current evidence on the lumbopelvic spine with clinical experience to improve one’s ability to solve complex patient problems.
  • Measure patient outcome success using standardized functional performance instruments.

Instructor:

Chris Durall, PT, DPT, MS, SCS, LAT, CSC, is the Director of the Student Health Center Physical Therapy Department and a graduate faculty member at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. A practicing outpatient orthopedic/sports clinician since 1993, Dr. Durall earned Baccalaureate and Advanced Masters degrees in Physical Therapy from UW-La Crosse, and a Doctorate in physical therapy from Creighton University. He is a graduate of the yearlong Gundersen-Lutheran Sports Physical Therapy Residency program, a board-certified sports physical therapist, a licensed athletic trainer, and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist since 1997. Dr. Durall has authored and co-authored numerous textbook chapters and published research and review articles in PT Magazine, Physiotherapy, the Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, the Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, Isokinetics and Exercise Science, the Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, the Strength and Conditioning Journal, Critical Reviews in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and the Journal of Athletic Training.