California Naturopathic Physician Continuing Education

Introduction

• Distinguish the anatomical structures involved in TMJ dysfunction, including the temporomandibular joint, mandible, and associated muscles and the different types of jaw movements and their biomechanical implications.
• Interpret the normal biomechanics of the temporomandibular joint during various jaw movements.
• Identify the key ligaments and soft tissues supporting the temporomandibular joint and the factors that can lead to abnormal biomechanics and dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint.
• Explain the role of muscle imbalances and joint misalignments in TMJ dysfunction.
• Differentiate the relationship between the temporomandibular joint and adjacent anatomical structures.

Examination

• Appraise the various assessment tools used in evaluating TMJ dysfunction, such as patient history, physical examination, and imaging studies.
• Arrange a comprehensive physical examination of the temporomandibular joint, including range of motion assessment, palpation, loading, stressing, and compressing.
• Demonstrate the ability to perform a comprehensive evaluation of TMJ dysfunction and posture, including assessing range of motion, muscle strength, joint stability, and postural alignment.
• Discriminate the indications of differential diagnoses for TMJ dysfunction.
• Analyze the findings from a TMJ dysfunction and posture assessment to formulate an accurate clinical diagnosis.

Mobilization and Adjusting

• Develop a holistic approach to managing TMJ dysfunction, considering both conservative and interventional treatment options.
• Apply specific chiropractic techniques and adjustments aimed at restoring normal joint alignment and function of the temporomandibular joint and about occlusal splints and their use in managing TMJ dysfunction.
• Propose a role of therapeutic exercises and stretching in improving jaw mobility and strengthening supporting muscles and the importance of patient education and lifestyle modifications in the management of TMJ dysfunction.
• Develop a treatment plan for patients with TMJ dysfunction and posture issues, incorporating therapeutic exercises, manual therapy techniques, postural re-education, and other appropriate interventions.
• Evaluate the efficacy of potential benefits and risks associated with various treatment modalities for TMJ dysfunction and posture problems, considering evidence-based practices and patient-specific factors

• Define and classify adverse events associated with manipulation and mobilization
• Review symptoms patients perceive as adverse
• Describe the incidence of severe adverse events among chiropractic recipients
• Outline adverse events in the pregnant and postpartum periods

• Design an effective nutrition treatment program for carpal tunnel syndrome
• Develop a nutritional treatment program for Multiple Sclerosis
• Investigate the role of nutrition and supplements in regards to the treatment of headaches
• Understand how nutrition and nutrition supplements can influence dementia
• Identify appropriate diet and supplement agents in the treatment of dementia

• Explain the relationship between posture and subluxations
• Describe different types of posture
• Explain the benefits of locating subluxations in different postures
• Explain the difference between the concept of the hologram and posture
• Disucss the differences between Empirical Healthcare and Mechanistic Healthcare
• Define the three Cs - challenge, check and correct

• Summarize the concept of a subluxation as recognized by other Doctors of Chiropractic.
• List and discuss the various definitions of the term subluxation.
• Outline the basic premise of the effects of aging, subluxation and the adjustment.
• List and discuss terms used by other health professions for a similar clinical syndrome.
• Define pain, nociception and antalgia.
• Draw the basic nociceptive pathway to consciousness.
• Describe and differentiate antalgic scoliosis.
• List and discuss the various definitions of spinal adjustment, manipulation, and mobilization.
• List the deep paraspinal muscles responsible for subluxation maintenance.
• Compare and contrast paraspinal muscle response to the acute abdomen.
• List and discuss therapies used by other health professions for similar clinical syndromes.
• Describe and summarize the Maintland manipulation classifications.
• Itemize scientific evidence regarding physiologic studies regarding subluxations.
• Explain how and why documentation of a subluxation is so important for Medicare patients in chiropractic practice.
• Define requirements for chiropractic services to be covered by Medicare.
• List and discuss how a subluxation may be properly documented in the medical record for Medicare patients.