A comprehensive guide to lumbar spine assessment and management — from disc herniation to spinal stenosis, with evidence-based exercise programming and pain neuroscience education.
4.8
Rating
165+
Students
4.5h
Content
29
Lessons
Afonso Vera
MSc Physiotherapy (MMU) · BSc Sport Rehab (Salford) · 5yr MSK · 8yr Rugby
Lumbar Spine and Low Back Pain
Evidence-based physiotherapy education
£42
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Understand the functional anatomy and biomechanics of the lumbar spine
Conduct a systematic biopsychosocial assessment of low back pain
Assess and manage lumbar disc herniation and radiculopathy
Identify and manage facet joint syndrome and spinal stenosis
Apply evidence-based exercise programmes for low back pain
Use pain neuroscience education to improve patient outcomes
7 modules · 29 lessons · 4.5h total
Objective: Understand the functional anatomy and biomechanics of the lumbar spine.
Vertebral anatomy: body, pedicles, facet joints, spinous processes
Intervertebral disc: structure, function, and degeneration
Lumbar ligaments and muscles: passive and active stabilisers
Spinal canal and neural foramina: nerve root anatomy
Key concepts: Lumbar vertebrae, intervertebral disc, facet joints, spinal canal, nerve roots
Objective: Conduct a systematic assessment of low back pain using a biopsychosocial framework.
Red flags in low back pain: cauda equina, malignancy, fracture
Yellow flags: psychosocial factors and their impact on outcomes
Neurological examination: SLR, slump test, reflexes, sensation
Outcome measures: PSFS, ODI, STarT Back Screening Tool
Imaging in low back pain: when to refer and what to expect
Key concepts: Red flags, yellow flags, cauda equina, STarT Back, ODI, biopsychosocial model
Objective: Assess and manage lumbar disc pathology including herniation and radiculopathy.
Disc herniation classification: bulge, protrusion, extrusion, sequestration
Lumbar radiculopathy: L4, L5, S1 dermatomal and myotomal patterns
Neurodynamic testing: SLR, slump test, interpretation
Conservative management: neural mobilisation, McKenzie, exercise
Key concepts: Disc herniation, radiculopathy, SLR, slump test, McKenzie method, neural mobilisation
Objective: Identify and manage lumbar facet joint syndrome.
Facet joint anatomy and pain referral patterns
Clinical features: extension-loading pain, morning stiffness, local tenderness
Manual therapy for facet joint syndrome: evidence and technique
Exercise therapy: stabilisation, extension-based, and functional training
Key concepts: Facet joint syndrome, extension loading, manual therapy, lumbar stabilisation
Objective: Assess and manage lumbar spinal stenosis in the older adult population.
Stenosis pathophysiology: central, lateral recess, foraminal
Neurogenic claudication vs vascular claudication: differential diagnosis
Clinical assessment: bicycle test, walking tolerance, postural changes
Conservative management: flexion-biased exercise, manual therapy, education
Key concepts: Spinal stenosis, neurogenic claudication, bicycle test, flexion-biased exercise
Objective: Identify and manage spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis in clinical practice.
Spondylolysis: pars interarticularis stress fracture in young athletes
Spondylolisthesis grading: Meyerding classification I-IV
Clinical presentation: extension pain, hamstring tightness, gait changes
Conservative management and return to sport criteria
Key concepts: Spondylolysis, spondylolisthesis, Meyerding classification, pars fracture
Objective: Design evidence-based lumbar rehabilitation programmes for common pathologies.
Motor control and stabilisation: transversus abdominis, multifidus
Progressive loading: from stabilisation to functional strength
Pain neuroscience education: explaining pain to patients
Return to work and sport: functional criteria and graded exposure
Key concepts: Motor control, transversus abdominis, multifidus, pain neuroscience education
£42
One-time payment Lifetime access
30-day money-back guarantee
This course includes:
7 comprehensive video modules
Low back pain assessment protocol PDFs
Bilingual EN + PT content
Evidence-based reference lists
Certificate of completion
Lifetime access
Join 165+ students who have elevated their lumbar spine assessment and rehabilitation skills.
One-time payment Lifetime access 30-day money-back guarantee