The Aging Spine
Presented by Stefany Shaibi
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What are the best evaluative techniques for spinal pain in the elderly? What are the best interventions? Spinal pain is a common problem among the elderly and it is important to understand the effect of aging on the spine. This course emphasizes evidence-based evaluation and treatment of the aging spine. After completing this course, the learner will be more prepared to safely treat this population.
Meet your instructor
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Stefany Shaibi
Stefany Shaibi, PT, DPT, EdD Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy (emeritus) Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy (emeritus) Stefany Shaibi is an associate professor in the department of physical therapy at Creighton University. She is a board-certified clinical…
Chapters & learning objectives
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1. The Aging Spine
This chapter is an overview of normal aging versus pathology of the spine in the elderly. A discussion of the incidence and prevalence of spinal pain is included. Regardless of setting, a physical therapist will interact with patients that have spinal pain.
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2. Pathophysiology of the Spine
This chapter will cover the pathophysiology of spinal pain in the elderly. The impairments associated with each condition will be discussed. Even with imaging and a thorough evaluation, there may not be a definitive pathoanatomical diagnosis. Interventions may be aimed at improving impairments as opposed to treating a specific diagnosis.
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3. Evidence-Based Examination and Evaluation
This chapter discusses the examination and evaluation of spinal pain in an elderly patient. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based techniques for differential diagnosis of spinal pain. This is important to determine appropriateness of physical therapy, as well as differential diagnosis.
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4. Evidence-Based Interventions
This chapter will discuss physical therapy interventions that have been shown in the literature to be beneficial for spinal pain in the elderly. As a clinician it is important to implement safe and effective interventions for this population.
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5. Prognosis
This chapter discusses the prognosis of spinal pain in the elderly with regards to specific diagnoses as well as non-specific spinal pain.