Course information

This course examines the interrelationship between structure, function, well-being and chronic pain syndromes. Structural integrity is considered throughout the spectrum, from cellular membranes and receptors up through neuromusculoskeletal system and whole body structure. Somatovisceral, viscerosomatic, and mind-body interactions are explored. Nutrients closely related to membrane integrity, prostaglandins (and leukotrienes, prostandoids, resolvins, docosatrienes), transport and signaling mechanisms (such as NF-kappaB), fluid dynamics, pain mediation, bone metabolism, and acid-base balance are discussed. Selected orthopedic examination procedures are reviewed so that practitioners can directly assess and treat areas of dysfunction for common pain syndromes; included in this physical assessment is the “nutritional physical” by which clinicians can appreciate physical manifestations of internal imbalances and nutrient insufficiencies.