Anatomical Elements of Pain & Dysfunction

From the Neck to the Finger Tips

Joan Marie Passalaqua 5-28-2009

This exciting presentation will examine the structural pathways of the nerves that are integral to health, function, pain and dysfunction of the upper limb. Starting at the nerve roots in the neck, we’ll explore the formation of the brachial plexus and routes of its nerves around bones and through muscles to the finger tips.

In essence, all pain is nerve pain. Our nervous system is our mechanism for feeling pain and everything else in the body. Movement requires the transmission of nerve impulses to and from our muscles, stimulating them to contract and release. When our spinal cord or peripheral nerves are injured or compromised we may feel pain, tingling, burning, lack of sensation or limitations in movement.

You’ll learn the role of nerves in function and dysfunction, see demonstrations on a life size skeleton with muscles and plastic nerves, and palpate bony landmarks and muscular boundaries of nerve pathways. We’ll bring it together with a focus on the characteristics, causes, treatments and prevention of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Joan Marie Passalacqua is a certified massage practitioner and founder of the Applied Anatomy Institute. She’ll be assisted by HSE trainer Susan Koenig, and Raji, the skeleton with detachable muscles. (Joan Marie Passalacqua: Applied Anatomy Institute is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education provider. #450456-07).