Cervicogenic disorders (neck pain, headaches, tinnitus, dizziness) are a common reason for patients to see a therapist. This course aims to deepen osteopaths’ knowledge of cervicogenic disorders. Participants should be enabled to treat patients with complex courses of disease who have previously been treated by various therapists without success. The current literature on chronic neck pain, cervicogenic headaches and cervicogenic dizziness is presented and practical references are made. The pathophysiology, epidemiology, semiology and differential diagnosis of these disorders are also discussed. From a clinical perspective, the course teaches how this knowledge can be applied in practice preventively, curatively and palliatively – taking into account the limited scope of practice of osteopaths.

Advanced volumetric techniques:

The advanced volumetric techniques describe the “know-how” developed by Joseph Gill-Lussier D.O. for complex cases. The techniques are based on the principles of Robert Rousse and show influences from Becker, Hoover and Arbuckle. The clinical approach requires a tissue dialogue and the involvement of the whole person with the aim of normalizing the cervical neurological problem. On the one hand, neuromechanical aspects such as the modifying influence of peripheral manipulations on the activity of the central nervous system are considered. On the other hand, treatment in this approach is characterized by patient education, self-efficacy and the biopsychosocial model. This approach is known to treat complex cases better in the clinic.

Lessons:

• Theory
  8 hours (in 4 days): Introduction to cervicogenic disorders. Relevant structures identified in the literature. Pathophysiology, epidemiology, semiology and differential diagnosis in connection with cervicogenic disorders. Common benign and dangerous etiologies of dizziness, headache, neck pain and tinnitus – pathology and pathophysiology. Tensegrity model. Chronobiology. Treatment principles: Fixation point and osteopathic lesion, torsions, cross work, the interdependence of the local with the global. Cranial and intracranial tensegrity system. System of columns and arches. Cranial cavity and cranial compartments.
• Practice
  24 hours: Advanced volumetric approach: the clinical approach. Cervical techniques in compression, in distraction. Work on the anterior cervical spine sheath with inverted levers, cranial work, thoracic, lumbar and spiral techniques.

Aim of the course:

• Raising osteopaths’ awareness of the relevance of identifying the root causes of imbalance, headaches, tinnitus and pain as well as considering possible comorbidities and interdisciplinary collaboration
• Develop a correct and accurate lexical set
• Learning the osteopathic examination and treatment of patients with cervicogenic disorders using the advanced volumetric approach
• Understand the pathology and pathophysiology of cervicogenic disorders associated with dizziness, headaches, tinnitus and neck pain.
  Knowledge of the most important “dangerous mimics” (transient ischemic attack, arrhythmia, stroke, etc.)
• Understanding the limited scope of osteopathy and the importance of referrals in the treatment of various vestibular, central or vascular pathologies
• Application of the advanced volumetric approach
• “Know-how” to treat proprioceptive cervicogenic vertigo, cervicogenic headaches, tinnitus and chronic neck pain
• Development of the mental attitude necessary for therapeutic contact with the patient and the technical procedures
• Establish a logical connection between structures, anxiety, fatigue and function in cervicogenic disorders
• Knowledge of the key structures of the various systems that should be considered for relevant and effective osteopathic intervention in patients with cervical neurological problems