Neck pain is the third leading cause of disability in the U.S., costing the system over $100 billion per year. Yet most clinicians lack a reliable framework for assessment, referral, or progression.

This course will help you move beyond generic chin tucks or fear-based movement avoidance. You'll learn a clinically tested, evidence-informed system to assess and treat the cervical spine with confidence—especially when symptoms extend into the shoulder, scapula, or upper back.

  • How to classify neck pain into three actionable categories: mechanical, radiculopathy, or myelopathy

  • Differentiation between discogenic and foraminal radiculopathy

  • Neurologic screening using dermatomes, myotomes, and reflex testing

  • Neurodynamic testing for radial, median, and ulnar nerves

  • Evidence-based manual therapy techniques: Mulligan, METs, and HVLA

  • Functional loading and strengthening protocols for cervical instability and nerve-related fatigue

The Painful Neck

Skillfully diagnose and treat neck pain.

    1. How to use this course

    2. Course Notes

    3. Welcome!

    1. Lesson 1 - Overview

    2. Lesson 2 - Neck Pain Categorization

    3. Lesson 3 - Subjective Interview

    4. Lesson 4 - Objective Exam

    5. Lesson 5 - Treatment

    6. Lesson 6 - Putting It All Together

    1. Knowledge Assessment

    2. Course Evaluation Form

    3. Thank You!

    4. CCU Certificate

    5. References

About this course

  • $9.99
  • 14 lessons
  • 1 hour of video content

This course simplifies 90–95% of cervical presentations into three clear diagnostic pathways—each with its own set of exam markers, red flags, and loading parameters.

You'll learn:

  • When to triage vs treat

  • How to interpret provocative test clusters with context (e.g., Spurling’s + myotomal fatigue)

  • When to refer for imaging vs manage in-house

  • How to load the cervical spine without symptom exacerbation

This is not “protocolized” rehab—it’s clinical thinking with structure.

Who This Course Is For:

  • Physical therapists managing neck, shoulder, and upper back pain

  • Students preparing for residency or clinicals with spine-heavy caseloads

  • Orthopedic and sports rehab professionals looking to reduce referral “ping-ponging”

What You’ll Gain:

  • A clear diagnostic and treatment pathway for cervical patients

  • The ability to confidently assess nerve root, disc, and spinal cord involvement

  • Reproducible manual therapy techniques you can use immediately

  • A load-based rehab framework grounded in function—not fear

  • Confidence to manage even complex neck pain cases from day one

Master your ability to diagnose and treat neck pain, starting today

Enroll today