Objective Biomechanics: Upper cervical, TMD, vestibular disorders & headache syndromes

Objective Biomechanics: TMJ, atlas joints & migraines is a class that will address several complex pathologies that are often considered to be of unknown aetiology. The attendee will learn to assess and treat the above-mentioned elements, by addressing both the underlying causes as well as their consequent symptoms.

An adequate level of palpatory skills, as well as anatomical knowledge is absolutely required in order to attend this class

You will learn to objectively assess atlanto-occipital and atlantoaxial alignment, based on landmark criteria. A-O and A-A alignment may be realigned using specific exercises, and these will be taught in detail. No joint-cracking (manipulative techniques) will be performed or taught. The regional relevant anatomy will be mentioned, such as regions of potential nerve entrapment, joint shearing, etc.

With regards to temporomandibular disorder, you will learn how to detect the cause of this often debilitating pathology. Several co-existing pain syndromes are associated with TMD, such as trigeminal neuralgia, tinnitus, sinus pain, and more. Kinematic assessments along with provocative testing will aid in the detection and severity of each problematic area. Furthermore, exercises and structural correctives will be taught in detail.

As for headaches originating from musculoskeletal dysfunction, there are numerous causes of these; mostly, vascular, neurogenic and muscular. Knowledge of provocative testing is in my opinion an invaluable asset, because it allows the therapist to identify the cause of the respective symptom with a high precision. Thus, by learning to identify the cause of each headache by utilizing provocative testing, one may confidently treat the issue, trusting the treatment plan.

You will also learn how to evaluate the patient’s progress, not only by his or her symptoms, as these may come and go until they’re considerably better, but rather by evaluating the strength, thickness and irritability of the structures. Levels of pain alone are extremely unreliable markers of treatment effect, unless the symptoms have been completely gone for longer periods with no relapse.

For further reference, please view the following articles:

• Larsen K. Occult intracranial hypertension as a sequela of biomechanical internal jugular vein stenosis: A case report. Anaesth Pain & Intensive Care 2018;22(2):238-242
• Treningogrehab.no/vestibular-impairment-and-its-association-to-the-neck-and-tmj/
• Treningogrehab.no/atlas-joint-instability-causes-consequences-solutions/
• Treningogrehab.no/true-cause-solution-temporomandibular-dysfunction-tmd/
• Treningogrehab.no/treating-migraine-headaches-addressing-atlas-thoracic-outlet/
• Treningogrehab.no/multifactorial-causes-solutions-chronic-neck-pain/
• Treningogrehab.no/association-tinnitus-neck-tmj/