The developmental, gross and functional anatomy of the human nervous system is presented with a focus on the brain, brain stem and spinal cord. Particular emphasis is placed on the functional relationships between structures along with the clinical significance of these structures to a practicing chiropractor.
Gross anatomy is explored with a focus on thorax, abdomen and pelvis. A regional approach is used with emphasis on the functional relationships between structures, in particular the musculoskeletal system and its joints, along with the clinical significance of these structures to a practicing chiropractor.
History taking skills are developed and physical examination techniques of the neurological, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory and genitourinary systems are explored.
The relevant clinical anatomy, pathology, lesions and pathogenesis, diagnostic categories, current diagnostic tests and methods, and treatment strategies for the upper and lower limb and tempero-mandibular joint are reviewed. The response to injury of normal musculoskeletal tissues in the extremities is discussed. Differential diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal pain syndromes, and an understanding of the role of chiropractic diagnostics and therapeutics in a variety of musculoskeletal disorders are developed.
Utilizing a case based approach, learning from across the program is integrated as clinical reasoning skills are applied to current clinical and practical issues in chiropractic. An enhanced appreciation for evidence based care within a biopsychosocial model is encouraged.
The existing evidence for theoretical models by which spinal manipulative therapy [SMT] exerts its clinical effects, and the biological mechanisms underpinning this model are investigated with the support of current literature. Strengths, weaknesses and knowledge gaps in the research, and the potential future directions of research in order to explain other effects of manual therapy with a primary emphasis on SMT are discussed. The conceptualization of the CMCC Model of Care for various professional and lay audiences and the entrepreneurial skills necessary to operate a chiropractic clinic continue to be developed.
The skills associated with conducting a comprehensive examination (postural assessment, joint challenge, motion palpation, joint pain provocation) of the spine, pelvis and extremities continue to be honed. The adjustive procedures taught in the previous year are reinforced and a substantive number of additional procedures are introduced. Joint mobilization and soft tissue procedures are taught for each region of the musculoskeletal system. The approach used to correlate examination findings, arrive at a diagnosis and formulate a treatment protocol is introduced.
The contemporary use of exercise for the rehabilitation and functional restoration of the musculoskeletal system, and the indications for therapeutic exercise prescription and concepts of exercise progression are presented. In a case-based format, practical information is explored toward the planning, prescribing, and monitoring of exercise programs. These concepts are solidified through two 2 hour laboratory sessions focusing on upper and lower limb rehabilitation assessment and prescription.
A comprehensive introduction to radiographic interpretation of pathological states and skeletal dysplasias is provided. Specific disease processes including tumours and tumour-like lesions, infections of bone, metabolic/endocrine disorders and vascular conditions are explored. Advanced imaging procedures, as appropriate, along with film quality assessment and radiation dose are considered.
The role of innate and acquired immunity in maintaining health is discussed through topics including immunoregulation, infections, vaccination and neuroendocrine immunology. The basic pathological mechanisms involved in cell death, necrosis, inflammation, tissue repair, immunologic disorders and neoplasia are presented. The relationship between these processes, clinical presentation and rationale for treatment are discussed.
The fundamental concepts of bacteriology, virology, parasitology and mycology are introduced. The classification and characteristics of infectious organisms are described and the concepts of virulence, pathogenicity, disease transmission, and the principles of prevention including immunization are discussed. Pathogenic microorganisms are introduced and discussed in the context of the mechanism of disease production as well as clinical consequences. The course ends with a series of case presentations designed to integrate information learned about various pathogens with a focus on overlapping signs and symptoms of disease, differential diagnoses, and management strategies. Microbial morphology and, where appropriate, culture characteristics are studied in the laboratory and case presentations are used to highlight clinical applications.
The general principles of molecular and clinical pharmacology, with emphasis on pharmacokinetics, pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacodynamics, receptor pharmacology and the quantification of drug action are introduced. Key topics of toxicology are related to the clinical setting and exposure to the pharmacology and toxicology of drugs likely to be encountered in the chiropractic clinic are presented.
Aspects of human physiology which are most relevant to chiropractic practice are discussed within the context of case studies with particular emphasis on the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Neural regulation of human function is a theme which runs throughout the course, as well as the physiology of the digestive, renal, endocrine and reproductive systems.
Chemical, anatomical and physiological components of the sensory, motor and autonomic nervous systems are discussed and integrated with chiropractic principles where applicable. Cranial nerves, development and aging of the nervous system, the cerebral cortex and higher cortical function, and diseases of the central nervous system are presented.
Basic nutrients and their roles within the body, and the importance of supplements in the prevention and treatment of a variety of conditions seen in chiropractic practice are presented.
