The Interplay of Muscle and the Neuraxis in Spine Pain 2024

In most spine centers, muscle pain and other soft tissue conditions are neither well understood nor part of the usual course of diagnosis and treatment. Soft tissue’s role in the etiology of spine-related pain remains poorly understood. The pathophysiology and clinical evaluation of soft tissue is lacking in the heuristic model, contributing to suboptimal outcomes.  The goal of this conference is to explore basic science and clinical approaches in the field of muscle pain management and discuss potential areas for future research and improvement.

The seminar will educate attendees about the various types of muscle pain, their causes, and associated co-morbidities. Diagnostic and treatment protocols will be discussed.  The intended audience will be healthcare practitioners including Physicians, PA/NPs, house staff, physical therapists, acupuncturists, and chiropractors.

The course involves basic science, pathophysiology, diagnostic modalities, treatment including medication, hands-on treatment, and interventional techniques. The latest in research and new surgical techniques will also be shared.

Most importantly, we will conduct post-conference surveys to understand impressions and beliefs after the conference, as our hope is to increase awareness of soft tissue causes of pain both locally and globally.

TARGET AUDIENCE

This course is intended for physicians in pain management, neurosurgery, internal medicine, family medicine, and general medicine, as well as physician assistants, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, acupuncturists, chiropractors, medical students, interns, residents, fellows, and other sub-specialists and allied health professionals who desire to update their medical knowledge in pain management.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Education and Awareness: To raise awareness and educate attendees about the various types of muscle pain, their causes, and associated risk factors.
• Scientific Advancements: To present the latest scientific research, studies, and discoveries related to the mechanisms and pathophysiology of muscle pain.
• Diagnosis and Assessment: To discuss effective methods for accurately diagnosing and assessing different types of muscle pain, including imaging techniques, physical examination, and patient history assessment.
• Multidisciplinary Approaches: To promote a multidisciplinary approach to managing muscle pain, involving experts from various fields such as pain medicine, physiotherapy, orthopedics, neurology, and psychology.