Back Clinic Treatments. There are various treatments for all types of injuries and conditions here at Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic. The main goal is to correct any misalignments in the spine through manual manipulation and placing misaligned vertebrae back in their proper place. Patients will be given a series of treatments, which are based on the diagnosis. This can include spinal manipulation, as well as other supportive treatments. And as chiropractic treatment has developed, so have its methods and techniques.
Why do chiropractors use one method/technique over another?
A common method of spinal adjustment is the toggle drop method. With this method, a chiropractor crosses their hands and pressed down firmly on an area of the spine. They will then adjust the area with a quick and precise thrust. This method has been used for years and is often used to help increase a patient’s mobility.
Another popular method takes place on a special drop table. The table has different sections, which can be moved up or down based on the body’s position. Patients lie face down on their back or side while the chiropractor applies quick thrusts throughout the spinal area as the table section drops. Many prefer this table adjustment, as this method is lighter and does not include twisting motions used in other methods.
Chiropractors also use specialized tools to assist in their adjustments, i.e., the activator. A chiropractor uses this spring-loaded tool to perform the adjustment/s instead of their hands. Many consider the activator method to be the most gentle of all.
Whichever adjustment method a chiropractor uses, they all offer great benefits to the spine and overall health and wellness. If there is a certain method that is preferred, talk to a chiropractor about it. If they do not perform a certain technique, they may recommend a colleague that does.
The levator scapulae muscles could be overstretched for individuals experiencing upper back, shoulder, and neck pain. Can physical therapies help relieve pain and retrain the muscles to function properly?
Levator Scapulae Muscles
The levator scapulae muscles stretch along the spine across the upper back and neck. They originate from the cervical vertebrae C1 to C4 and attach to the inside top edge of the scapula. (Chotai P. N. et al., 2015) They elevate the shoulder blades, tilt the head, and work with other muscles to stabilize the spine and influence neck motion and upper back posture. The shoulder blade/scapula is the flat, triangular-shaped bone that sits on top of the upper part of the rib cage. Where the levator scapulae attaches, the muscles raise the shoulder blade, a movement called elevation, and indirectly rotates the scapula’s bottom tip downward towards the spine. These shoulder blade movements are part of the shoulder joint’s larger flexion and abduction movements.
Flexion occurs when moving the arm forward and up, and abduction occurs when moving the arm out to the side.
The levator scapulae muscles contract during flexion and/or abduction,
The muscles also contract when moving the neck in side bending, lateral flexion, rotation, or twisting.
Symptoms
Neck and shoulder pain are common problems for office workers, truck drivers, and others who sit most of the day for their jobs. It can worsen when there is no spinal support for maintaining correct alignment. Poorly designed work chairs may contribute to chronic muscle tension and spasms, plus they may contribute to muscle weakness. One of the primary functions of the levator scapulae muscles is to keep the shoulder blade in a position that supports a vertical alignment of the head and to prevent forward head posture. (Yoo W. G. 2018)
However, the shoulder blade is an extremely movable bone. Maintaining stability and correct neck posture is not easy. The levator scapulae muscles may not be strong enough to keep the shoulder blade where it’s supposed to be for healthy posture, and instead, they become overstretched. When muscles are overstretched, they often become taut to try to maintain some form of stability. It can feel like muscle tension because the muscles shorten, but there is a difference. The situation can worsen if one slouches, has no lumbar support, and/or the desk or steering wheel is too high or too low, which may force the shoulder blade upward or downward.
Pain Relief
The levator scapulae muscles are two of several shoulder muscles that may contribute when neck pain presents. This is why a qualified, licensed health professional should diagnose any pain or dysfunction in the area. Physical therapy can help get the body back on track. (Yoo W. G. 2018) Treatment may consist of restoring muscle strength and flexibility in the shoulder, neck, and upper back muscles and developing better posture habits. Physical therapy exercises, particularly those that address upper back posture, can help reduce the stress placed on the levator scapulae muscles and can help decrease kyphosis, often a precursor to forward head posture. Stretching, strengthening, and posture lessons will help relieve pain and increase the physical functioning of the upper body. Other tips for avoiding and relieving muscle pain include:
Stretching regularly by gently rotating the neck and shoulders.
Applying heat to promote relaxation.
Regular massage therapy.
Adjusting chairs and/or monitor height to align with a straight line of sight.
Not carrying heavy bags, especially on one shoulder.
Avoiding side sleeping without proper head support.
Injury Medical Chiropractic Clinic
Visiting a chiropractic and physical therapy team can help treat injuries and chronic pain syndromes, relieve pain, resolve musculoskeletal issues, and prevent future symptoms. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop a personalized care program for each patient through an integrated approach to help return to normal and optimal function. If other treatments are needed, Dr. Jimenez has teamed up with top surgeons, clinical specialists, medical researchers, and rehabilitation providers to provide the most effective treatments.
The Natural Way to Heal: Non-Surgical Chiropractic Care for Pain Relief
References
Chotai, P. N., Loukas, M., & Tubbs, R. S. (2015). Unusual origin of the levator scapulae muscle from mastoid process. Surgical and radiologic anatomy : SRA, 37(10), 1277–1281. doi.org/10.1007/s00276-015-1508-6
Yoo W. G. (2018). Effects of thoracic posture correction exercises on scapular position. Journal of physical therapy science, 30(3), 411–412. doi.org/10.1589/jpts.30.411
Skeletal muscles attached to the arms, legs, neck, back, and trunk bones are voluntary and consciously controlled. Weakness or inability to control these muscles can signal a health issue like a neuromuscular disorder or electrolyte imbalance. Can recognizing the symptoms can help healthcare providers develop effective treatment programs?
Voluntary Muscles
Voluntary muscles are the skeletal muscles that attach to bones and control movement of the limbs, head, neck, and body under an individual’s conscious control. Skeletal muscles are controlled by neuromuscular signals from the brain that communicate with individual muscle fibers and cause them to contract.
Difference
Voluntary muscles are skeletal muscles that contract and relax under conscious control.
These muscles attach to bones and regulate movement of the body.
Involuntary muscles are not under conscious control.
Involuntary muscles involve automatic internal processes needed for survival, like controlling blood vessels and organs like the heart, lungs, and digestive system.
They contract and relax automatically and receive signals from the autonomic nervous system, which regulates internal bodily functions.
Voluntary
Voluntary muscles are skeletal muscles that comprise 40% of the body’s weight and 50% to 75% of the body’s proteins. These muscles can convert chemical and mechanical energy to cause voluntary muscle contraction and movement. (Trovato F.M. et al., 2016) Skeletal muscle comprises fascicles or bundled units of multiple muscle fibers or muscle cells. Each muscle fiber consists of a cross-banded structure further divided into myofibrils containing thick myosin and thin actin myofilaments, which give the muscle its stripe appearance, and the structure gives the characteristic striated structure. (Trovato F.M. et al., 2016) Muscle contraction occurs when these myofilaments move closer together, stimulated by the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from nerve cells that communicate with the muscle fiber.
Involuntary
The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary muscles, regulating their contraction and relaxation. This system also controls the activity of organs and blood vessels for essential daily functions, including breathing, circulation, digestion, heartbeat regulation, and urination. Most involuntary muscles are composed of smooth muscles. Smooth muscles do not have the striated structure of skeletal muscles and consist of sheets or layers of smooth muscle cells. When the autonomic nervous system stimulates these muscle cells to contract by releasing hormones or other chemical signals, smooth muscle cells shorten through the movement of actin and myosin myofilaments. Involuntary smooth muscles include the blood vessel walls, diaphragm, intestines, and bladder. (Webb R. C. 2003) One exception of an involuntary muscle is the myocardium, or heart muscle. The myocardium comprises a specialized cardiac muscle cell found only in the heart. Cardiac muscle is striated like skeletal muscle but is controlled by the autonomic nervous system and pacemaker cells, causing it to contract automatically and rhythmically.
Weakened Voluntary Muscles
Skeletal muscle diseases, neuromuscular disorders, and other causes can weaken muscles. Neuromuscular or skeletal muscle disorders affect the nerves that send electrical signals to voluntary skeletal muscles to control movement. When the nerves are damaged, communication between the nerves and muscles becomes disrupted. This can result in significant muscle weakness, atrophy, and loss of function. Most neuromuscular disorders are genetic or caused by issues with the immune system. Nerves communicate with muscles through the release of neurotransmitters at the neuromuscular junction, which is the space between a nerve cell and muscle fiber. Neuromuscular disorders can damage the nerve or the neuromuscular junction. Neuromuscular disorder symptoms can include: (Cleveland Clinic, 2023)
Numbness and tingling
Muscle weakness
Muscle twitches, cramps, or spasms
Muscle pain
Muscle atrophy
Decreased coordination
Balance problems
Drooping eyelids and double vision from eye muscle weakness.
Difficulty swallowing due to weakness of the pharynx.
Difficulty breathing due to weakness of the diaphragm.
Common Neuromuscular Disorders
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis – ALS
More commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, it is a genetic disorder that results from hardening of the spinal cord.
It causes damage to the nerves that control muscles and voluntary movement.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
This is a class of peripheral nerve disorders that cause muscle weakness, atrophy, and loss of sensation, most commonly in the legs and feet.
It is a genetic disorder caused by a gene mutation that damages myelin, or the insulating sheath that surrounds all nerves and supports the conduction of electrical signals.
Multiple Sclerosis – MS
MS causes degeneration of the myelin sheath surrounding nerves, decreasing the impulses along the nerves to muscles.
It can result in muscle weakness, which is often more severe on the dominant side of the body.
There are different forms of MS, but the condition is often progressive and gets worse over time if left untreated.
Muscular Dystrophies
These are genetic diseases characterized by gradual loss of motor function, muscle weakness and atrophy, walking gait problems, progressive respiratory failure, and cardiomyopathy.
There are nine types of muscular dystrophy, all caused by genetic mutations.
Myasthenia Gravis
This is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation throughout the body.
An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system attacks healthy cells by mistake.
With myasthenia gravis, the body produces antibodies that attack the receptors for acetylcholine, reducing the body’s ability to contract muscles.
This leads to muscle weakness, atrophy, and fatigue.
Myopathies
These are diseases of muscles that cause muscle weakness and atrophy.
Depending on the type, they may progress and get worse over time.
Electrolyte Imbalances
Muscle weakness can result from altered sodium, potassium, calcium, or magnesium levels.
Always seek immediate medical attention for any sudden, unexplained muscle weakness. Individuals who experience skeletal muscle weakness should discuss the type and duration of symptoms with their doctor, specialist, physical therapist, or chiropractor, as this might be a sign of a medical condition such as a neuromuscular disorder. Working with a chiropractic team can help expedite healing. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop a personalized treatment program through an integrated approach to treat injuries and chronic pain syndromes, improving flexibility, mobility, and agility, relieving pain, and helping individuals return to normal activities. If other treatments are needed, Dr. Jimenez has teamed up with top surgeons, clinical specialists, medical researchers, and rehabilitation providers to provide the most effective treatments.
Chiropractic Massage Therapy
References
Trovato FM, I. M., Conway N, Castrogiovanni P. (2016). Morphological and functional aspects of human skeletal muscle. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol., 1(3), 289-302. doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk1030289
Webb R. C. (2003). Smooth muscle contraction and relaxation. Advances in physiology education, 27(1-4), 201–206. doi.org/10.1152/advan.00025.2003
Can understanding the causes and symptoms of potential hip tendonitis help healthcare providers diagnose and treat the condition for individuals experiencing pain in the front of the hip with restricted hip flexibility that worsens during movement?
Hip Tendonitis
Hip tendonitis is inflammation of the iliopsoas tendon. It is most commonly caused by overuse of the hip flexors without adequate rest for recovery. The condition can occur when the hip muscles overpower the tendons attached to the hip bone, causing inflammation and irritation. This can lead to pain, tenderness, and mild swelling near the hip joint. Hip tendonitis can be diagnosed with a physical examination, and treatment can include:
Rest
Ice
NSAIDs
Stretching
Physical therapy
Chronic cases may require a cortisone injection into the iliopsoas tendon to decrease inflammation.
Surgical release of the iliopsoas tendon may be recommended to decrease tightness and pain.
There is a high prognosis for a full recovery.
Tendonitis
Inflammation in a muscle’s tendon leads to pain and tenderness that worsens the more the muscle is used. An overuse injury means the tendon becomes repeatedly stressed through repetitive muscle contractions, causing muscle and tendon fibers to micro-tear. If not enough rest is allowed for the micro-tears to heal, a chronic cycle of pain and inflammation develops within the affected tendon. Other tendons that are prone to developing the condition include:
The tendon of the wrist extensors/tennis elbow.
The tendon of the wrist flexors/golfer’s elbow.
The Achilles’ tendon/Achilles tendonitis.
The patellar tendon/jumper’s knee.
The tendons of the thumb/De Quervain’s tenosynovitis.
Bursitis
Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that help cushion and decrease friction around joints.
Because the iliopsoas tendon overlays bursae, inflammation of the tendon can also cause bursitis or inflammation of the bursae surrounding the tendon.
Tendonitis and bursitis can and often occur together due to overlapping symptoms.
Causes
The iliopsoas originates in the pelvis and vertebrae of the lower spine and attaches to the top of the femur or thigh bone. It allows the hip joint movement that brings the leg closer to the front of the body, like lifting the leg to step up or jump. It also helps keep the torso stable when standing with one or both feet on the ground and rising from a lying position. Hip tendonitis most often results from physical activities that require repeated leg lifting when stepping, running, kicking, or jumping. This can include:
Running
Dancing
Gymnastics
Martial arts
Cycling
Playing soccer
Iliopsoas tendonitis can also occur after hip arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure to repair structures inside the hip joint because of altered joint movement and muscle activation patterns after surgery. (Adib F. et al., 2018)
Symptoms
The primary symptoms of hip tendonitis include a soreness or deep ache in the front of the hip that worsens after physical activity and limits the range of motion because of the pain. Other symptoms include:
Tenderness to touch in the front of the hip.
The pain can feel like a dull ache.
Stiffness may also be present.
Hip flexor tightness.
Altered posture, with the pelvis rotated forward and an exaggerated curve in the lower back.
Lower back pain.
Discomfort after prolonged sitting.
Altered walking pattern characterized by shortened steps.
Diagnosis
Hip tendonitis is diagnosed through a physical examination and medical history reviews of individual symptoms.
Individuals may also have an X-ray of their hip performed to examine the joint alignment and determine if a fracture or arthritis is present.
Treatment
Initial treatment involves rest from physical activities, applying ice, and gentle stretching.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs/NSAIDs can ease pain and swelling, decrease inflammation, and reduce muscle spasms.
If chronic pain persists, individuals may receive a cortisone injection into their iliopsoas tendon. (Zhu Z. et al., 2020)
A personalized physical therapy program focusing on hip flexor stretching and strengthening, as well as strengthening the glutes and core, will help expedite an optimal recovery.
Surgery
For cases that do not improve after three months of treatment, surgery to lengthen the iliopsoas tendon, a procedure known as a tenotomy, may be performed. It involves making a small cut into a portion of the tendon, allowing the tendon to increase in length while decreasing tension as it heals back together. A tenotomy temporarily reduces the strength of the iliopsoas; however, this weakness usually resolves within three to six months after surgery. (Anderson C. N. 2016)
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care can be an effective treatment because it can help restore proper alignment and motion in the hip, reduce inflammation, and improve muscle and joint function. Treatments may include:
Spinal adjustments to realign the spine and other joints, reducing pressure on nerves and inflammation.
Non-surgical decompression
Manual therapy – massage, trigger point therapy, or spinal manipulation.
Acupuncture
Graston technique
Rehabilitative exercises like stretching, strengthening, and range of motion exercises.
Tendonitis generally has an excellent prognosis for full recovery as long as thorough rest from activities is taken to allow the inflamed tendon to heal. The postsurgical prognosis is positive for chronic and severe cases of iliopsoas tendonitis that require surgery.
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop a customized treatment program through an integrated approach to treating injuries and chronic pain syndromes, improving flexibility, mobility, and agility to relieve pain and help individuals return to normal activities. If other treatments are needed, Dr. Jimenez has teamed up with top surgeons, clinical specialists, medical researchers, and rehabilitation providers to provide the most effective treatments.
Inflammation and Integrative Medicine
References
Adib, F., Johnson, A. J., Hennrikus, W. L., Nasreddine, A., Kocher, M., & Yen, Y. M. (2018). Iliopsoas tendonitis after hip arthroscopy: prevalence, risk factors and treatment algorithm. Journal of hip preservation surgery, 5(4), 362–369. doi.org/10.1093/jhps/hny049
Zhu, Z., Zhang, J., Sheng, J., Zhang, C., & Xie, Z. (2020). Low Back Pain Caused by Iliopsoas Tendinopathy Treated with Ultrasound-Guided Local Injection of Anesthetic and Steroid: A Retrospective Study. Journal of pain research, 13, 3023–3029. doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S281880
Anderson C. N. (2016). Iliopsoas: Pathology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Clinics in sports medicine, 35(3), 419–433. doi.org/10.1016/j.csm.2016.02.009
Can individuals with stiff person syndrome incorporate non-surgical treatments to reduce muscle stiffness and restore muscle mobility?
Introduction
The musculoskeletal system allows the body’s extremities to be mobile, provides stability to the host, and has an outstanding relationship with the other body systems. The musculoskeletal system’s muscles, tissues, and ligaments help protect the body’s vital organs from environmental factors. However, many individuals often deal with repetitive motions in the upper and lower body extremities that can cause pain and discomfort. Additionally, environmental factors, illnesses, and injuries can affect the musculoskeletal system and play a part in co-morbidities in overlapping risk profiles. These issues can cause the musculoskeletal system to develop a condition known as stiff person syndrome. Today’s articles focus on what stiff person syndrome is, the symptoms it is associated with, and how non-surgical treatments can help alleviate the symptoms of stiff person syndrome. We discuss with certified associated medical providers who consolidate our patients’ information to assess stiff person syndrome and its associated symptoms affecting the musculoskeletal system. We also inform and guide patients while asking their associated medical provider intricate questions to integrate non-surgical treatments to reduce the overlapping symptoms correlating with stiff person syndrome. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., includes this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
What Is Stiff Person Syndrome
Have you been dealing with muscle stiffness in your lower extremities affecting your mobility? Have you noticed that your posture is rigid due to ongoing muscle spasms in your lower back? Or have you felt tightness in your back muscles? Many pain-like symptoms are associated with back pain, a common musculoskeletal condition; however, they can also correlate with a rare condition known as stiff person syndrome. Stiff person syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder that is progressive and is characterized by rigidity and stimulus-triggered painful muscle spasms that affect the lower body and extremities. (Muranova & Shanina, 2024) There are three classifications that a person is experiencing with stiff person syndrome, and they are:
Classic Stiff Person Syndrome
Partial Stiff Person Syndrome
Stiff Person Syndrome Plus
Since stiff person syndrome is a rare condition, many individuals may not exhibit any objective findings early on, which then causes a delayed diagnosis that can impact a person’s quality of life (Newsome & Johnson, 2022). At the same time, since stiff person syndrome is a rare autoimmune disease, it can affect the musculoskeletal system with associated pain-like symptoms.
The Symptoms
Some symptoms associated with stiff person syndrome that can develop over time are muscle stiffness and painful muscle spasms. This is because the neuron receptors from the central nervous system can become haywire and cause non-specific somatic symptoms that make the individuals deal with comorbid chronic pain and myofascial tenderness in the muscles. (Chia et al., 2023) This is because stiff person syndrome can spread into different areas of the musculoskeletal system and can gradually develop over time. For muscle stiffness associated with stiff person syndrome, the muscles can become stiff over time, causing pain and discomfort, thus leading to many individuals developing abnormal posture, making it difficult to be mobile. Muscle spasms can affect the entire body itself or in a specific location and cause intense pain that lasts for hours. However, many individuals can incorporate non-surgical treatments to reduce the pain-like symptoms in the musculoskeletal system.
Movement Medicine: Chiropractic Care- Video
Non-Surgical Treatments For Stiff Person Syndrome
When it comes to reducing the musculoskeletal pain symptoms of stiff person syndrome, many individuals can begin to go to their primary doctor for early diagnosis and develop a customized treatment plan to manage the pain-like symptoms and provide a positive impact in creating awareness of this rare condition. (Elsalti et al., 2023) By assessing the pain-like symptoms of stiff person syndrome, many people can incorporate non-surgical treatments to manage the musculoskeletal pain symptoms and improve a person’s quality of life. Non-surgical treatments are cost-effective and can be combined with other therapies to restore mobility. One of the primary goals for managing stiff person syndrome is through pain management, symptom relief, and improved quality of life. (Cirnigliaro et al., 2021)
Chiropractic Care For Stiff Person Syndrome
One of the non-surgical treatments that can help reduce symptoms of muscle spasms and muscle stiffness is chiropractic care. Chiropractic care incorporates mechanical and manual manipulation to stretch and mobilize the joint-muscle function while reducing pain and discomfort. (Coulter et al., 2018) For individuals suffering from stiff person syndrome, chiropractic care can help reduce muscle stiffness and muscle spasms in the upper and lower extremities and relieve the pain. Additionally, incorporating non-surgical treatments like chiropractic care and combined therapies can help manage the musculoskeletal pain associated with stiff person syndrome and improve a person’s quality of life.
References
Chia, N. H., McKeon, A., Dalakas, M. C., Flanagan, E. P., Bower, J. H., Klassen, B. T., Dubey, D., Zalewski, N. L., Duffy, D., Pittock, S. J., & Zekeridou, A. (2023). Stiff person spectrum disorder diagnosis, misdiagnosis, and suggested diagnostic criteria. Ann Clin Transl Neurol, 10(7), 1083-1094. doi.org/10.1002/acn3.51791
Cirnigliaro, F. A., Gauthier, N., & Rush, M. (2021). Management of refractory pain in Stiff-Person syndrome. BMJ Case Rep, 14(1). doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2020-237814
Coulter, I. D., Crawford, C., Hurwitz, E. L., Vernon, H., Khorsan, R., Suttorp Booth, M., & Herman, P. M. (2018). Manipulation and mobilization for treating chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Spine J, 18(5), 866-879. doi.org/10.1016/j.spinee.2018.01.013
Elsalti, A., Darkhabani, M., Alrifaai, M. A., & Mahroum, N. (2023). Celebrities and Medical Awareness-The Case of Celine Dion and Stiff-Person Syndrome. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 20(3). doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20031936
Newsome, S. D., & Johnson, T. (2022). Stiff person syndrome spectrum disorders; more than meets the eye. J Neuroimmunol, 369, 577915. doi.org/10.1016/j.jneuroim.2022.577915
Do individuals with muscle pain know the difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion and can find ways to stay cool?
Introduction
As the temperature rises worldwide, many individuals are enjoying their time outside and getting more sun in their lives. However, rising temperatures also mean the rise of heat-related illnesses. The two most common heat-related illnesses are heat stroke and heat exhaustion, which can impact an individual’s musculoskeletal system and have different symptoms in terms of severity. Today’s article focuses on the differences between these two heat-related illnesses, how they affect the musculoskeletal system and treatments to stay cool while reducing muscle pain. We discuss with certified associated medical providers who consolidate our patients’ information to assess heat-related illnesses associated with muscle pain. We also inform and guide patients while asking their associated medical provider intricate questions to integrate treatments and ways to stay cool when temperatures rise and reduce muscle pain. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., includes this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
Heat Exhaustion VS Heat Stroke
By understanding the differences between heat stroke and heat exhaustion is crucial. Do you often feel overheated after simple activities? Have you experienced muscle pain or cramps? Or do you struggle to cool down? These are all signs of heat-related illnesses. Heat-related illnesses often occur when the body cannot dissipate heat, leading to dysfunctional thermoregulation. (Gauer & Meyers, 2019) The two most common types are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. While they share similar causes, they differ significantly in terms of severity, symptoms, and treatment. (Prevention, 2022)
Heat exhaustion is a mild condition that often occurs when the human body loses excessive water and salt from profusely sweating. This causes the external temperatures to be more moderate when associated with intense physical activity. (Leiva & Church, 2024) Additionally, when a person is dealing with heat exhaustion, some of the symptoms that they will experience include:
Heavy sweating
Fatigue
Headaches
Muscle cramps
Pale, cool, moist skin
Fast, weak pulse
Even though heat exhaustion is a mild heat-related condition, it can develop into severe heat-related conditions like heat stroke if not treated immediately. Heat stroke is a severe heat-related illness that is not only life-threatening buthas two forms that can affect a person’s body temperature: classic and exertional. Classic heat stroke often affects elderly individuals who have chronic medical conditions, while exertional heat stroke affects healthy individuals who are doing strenuous physical activities. (Morris & Patel, 2024) Some of the symptoms associated with heat stroke include:
High body temperature (104°F or higher)
Hot, red, dry skin
Rapid, strong pulse
Confusion
Seizures
Loss of consciousness
How Do Both Conditions Affect The Muscles?
Both heat-related illnesses can have a significant effect on the musculoskeletal system and cause muscle pain to not only the extremities but also the entire body system. The issue affects the musculoskeletal system and can lead to painful muscle cramps, involuntary muscle contractions, and muscle pain. Since muscle pain is a multi-factorial condition, heat-related illnesses like heat stroke and exhaustion can influence a person’s lifestyle and comorbid health factors. (Caneiro et al., 2021) When that happens, many individuals can seek treatments to stay cool from heat exhaustion and heat stroke and reduce muscle pain.
Secrets Of Optimal Wellness-Video
Treatments For Staying Cool & Reduce Muscle Pain
While it is important to understand the difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion due to the crucial timing and effective interventions, finding various treatments to reduce muscle pain and find ways to stay cool is important. Many individuals can wear technology to monitor the person’s physiological status actively and prevent injuries while providing early detection for heat-related illnesses. (Dolson et al., 2022) This can reduce the chances of muscle pain and help regulate body temperature. For individuals dealing with heat exhaustion, they can:
Move to a cooler environment
Be well-hydrated with water and electrolyte-rich drinks
Rest
Wear cool clothes to lower body temperature
For individuals dealing with heat stroke, they can:
Call emergency services immediately
Apply cool clothes or ice packs to the body
Monitor vital signs
Both treatments can ensure positive results in preventing life-threatening situations that can affect the musculoskeletal system.
Conclusion
Given the significant impact both heat stroke and heat exhaustion can have on the musculoskeletal system, it’s essential to take proactive measures. Proper hydration, cooling, and rest can help manage and alleviate muscle pain associated with these heat-related illnesses. By staying informed, maintaining hydration, and taking proactive steps to protect yourself from excessive heat, you can significantly reduce the chances of these heat-related illnesses affecting your outdoor activities.
References
Caneiro, J. P., Bunzli, S., & O’Sullivan, P. (2021). Beliefs about the body and pain: the critical role in musculoskeletal pain management. Braz J Phys Ther, 25(1), 17-29. doi.org/10.1016/j.bjpt.2020.06.003
Dolson, C. M., Harlow, E. R., Phelan, D. M., Gabbett, T. J., Gaal, B., McMellen, C., Geletka, B. J., Calcei, J. G., Voos, J. E., & Seshadri, D. R. (2022). Wearable Sensor Technology to Predict Core Body Temperature: A Systematic Review. Sensors (Basel), 22(19). doi.org/10.3390/s22197639
Can individuals with osteoarthritis can incorporate cycling to reduce joint pain and regain their joint mobility?
Introduction
The joints in the musculoskeletal system allow the individual to be mobile while allowing the extremities to do their jobs. Just like the muscles and ligaments of the body, the joints can also wear and tear through repetitive motions, leading to joint pain in the extremities. Over time, the wear and tear from the joints can lead to the potential development of osteoarthritis, which then can affect joint mobility and lead to a life of pain and misery for individuals. However, numerous ways exist to reduce osteoarthritis’s pain-like symptoms and help restore joint mobility through cycling. Today’s article looks at how osteoarthritis affects the joints, how cycling is incorporated for osteoarthritis, and how it can reduce joint pain. We discuss with certified associated medical providers who consolidate our patients’ information to assess osteoarthritis and its associated pain symptoms affecting the joints in the extremities. We also inform and guide patients while asking their associated medical provider intricate questions to integrate cycling into their personalized treatment plan to manage the pain correlated with osteoarthritis affecting their joints. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., includes this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
Osteoarthritis Affecting Joint Mobility
Do you feel pain and stiffness every morning in your joints only for it to feel better throughout the day? Do you experience pain in your knees, hips, and hands? Or have you noticed that your range of motion has decreased drastically? Many individuals, both young and old, can be affected by these pain-like issues and could be at risk of developing osteoarthritis in their joints. Osteoarthritis is the largest and most common musculoskeletal condition that causes a disturbance of the inflammatory cytokine balance, damaging the cartilage and other intra-articular structures surrounding the joints. (Molnar et al., 2021) This is because osteoarthritis develops over time, causing the cartilage to wear away and causing the connecting bones to rub against each other. This, in turn, can affect the extremity’s joint mobility, causing symptoms of stiffness, pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion to the joints.
Additionally, osteoarthritis is multifactorial as it can cause an imbalance in the joints due to genetics, environmental, metabolic, and traumatic factors that can contribute to its development. (Noriega-Gonzalez et al., 2023) This is because repetitive motions and environmental factors can impact the body and cause overlapping risk profiles to correlate with osteoarthritis. Some overlapping risk profiles associated with osteoarthritis are pathological changes in the joint structure that cause abnormal loading on the joints, which causes joint malalignment and muscle weakness. (Nedunchezhiyan et al., 2022) This causes many people to be in constant pain and trying to find relief from joint pain associated with osteoarthritis.
Chiropractic Solutions For Osteoarthritis-Video
Cycling For Osteoarthritis
Engaging in physical activities may seem daunting when managing osteoarthritis symptoms, but it can help restore joint mobility while reducing the pain associated with osteoarthritis. One of the physical activities that has little impact and does not impact the joints is cycling. Cycling for osteoarthritis has many beneficial properties as it can:
Strengthen surrounding muscles
Retain joint mobility
Improve range of motion
Weight management
Enhancing cardiovascular health
Cycling can help the individual focus on strengthening the lower extremity muscles surrounding the joints, which can help improve pain and functionality. (Katz et al., 2021) This, in turn, helps provide better support and stability to the joints, thus reducing overload on the body while minimizing the risk of injuries. Additionally, cycling can help improve many individuals looking for a healthier change and increase bone mineral density in the joints, thus decreasing the risk of fractures. (Chavarrias et al., 2019)
Cycling Reducing Joint Pain
Cycling is a safe and effective exercise for anyone, whether they’re just starting or haven’t been active for a while. The key to optimal recovery and joint functionality is to consult a doctor. This ensures that cycling is a safe option for you, helps you choose the right bike, and provides guidance on how to start slowly, warm up and stretch, maintain proper form, and stay consistent with the cycling sessions. This professional guidance is crucial, as it allows many individuals with joint pain to achieve complete functional recovery to their joints. (Papalia et al., 2020) Cycling is an excellent way to manage osteoarthritis and its associated symptoms. For many individuals with osteoarthritis, this low-impact exercise can be a game-changer, promoting muscle strengthening, improving joint range of motion, and helping alleviate osteoarthritis symptoms.
References
Chavarrias, M., Carlos-Vivas, J., Collado-Mateo, D., & Perez-Gomez, J. (2019). Health Benefits of Indoor Cycling: A Systematic Review. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 55(8). doi.org/10.3390/medicina55080452
Katz, J. N., Arant, K. R., & Loeser, R. F. (2021). Diagnosis and Treatment of Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis: A Review. JAMA, 325(6), 568-578. doi.org/10.1001/jama.2020.22171
Molnar, V., Matisic, V., Kodvanj, I., Bjelica, R., Jelec, Z., Hudetz, D., Rod, E., Cukelj, F., Vrdoljak, T., Vidovic, D., Staresinic, M., Sabalic, S., Dobricic, B., Petrovic, T., Anticevic, D., Boric, I., Kosir, R., Zmrzljak, U. P., & Primorac, D. (2021). Cytokines and Chemokines Involved in Osteoarthritis Pathogenesis. Int J Mol Sci, 22(17). doi.org/10.3390/ijms22179208
Nedunchezhiyan, U., Varughese, I., Sun, A. R., Wu, X., Crawford, R., & Prasadam, I. (2022). Obesity, Inflammation, and Immune System in Osteoarthritis. Front Immunol, 13, 907750. doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2022.907750
Noriega-Gonzalez, D., Caballero-Garcia, A., Roche, E., Alvarez-Mon, M., & Cordova, A. (2023). Inflammatory Process on Knee Osteoarthritis in Cyclists. J Clin Med, 12(11). doi.org/10.3390/jcm12113703
Papalia, R., Campi, S., Vorini, F., Zampogna, B., Vasta, S., Papalia, G., Fossati, C., Torre, G., & Denaro, V. (2020). The Role of Physical Activity and Rehabilitation Following Hip and Knee Arthroplasty in the Elderly. J Clin Med, 9(5). doi.org/10.3390/jcm9051401
How do healthcare professionals provide a clinical approach in the role of nursing to reducing pain in individuals?
Introduction
The practice of Registered Nurses (RN), Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN), and Licensed Practical Nurses (L.P.N.) is governed by the Nurse Practice Act. Nurses working in the specializations above must keep up their practice skills and knowledge, which includes familiarity with the rules and regulations that pertain to their profession. Practicing practical nursing is authorized for Licensed Practical Nurses (L.P.N.s). Today’s article looks at the role of nursing. We discuss with certified associated medical providers who consolidate our patients’ information to assess any pain or discomfort they are experiencing. We also inform and guide patients while asking their associated medical provider intricate questions to integrate into their personalized treatment plan to manage the pain. Dr. Jimenez, DC, includes this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
The Roles In Nursing
The Nurse Practice Act describes practical nursing as “the performance of selected various actions, including the administration of numerous treatments and medications, in the care of the ill, injured, and providing the promotion of wellness, health maintenance and prevention of illnesses while following under the direction of a registered nurse, a licensed physician, osteopathic physician, podiatric physician, or a licensed dentist.” It was revised in 2014 and now teaches broad health and wellness concepts to non-nursing students and the public. The main goal for an RN is to complement the access to health care for individuals in pain or who are dealing with chronic issues. (Cassiani & Silva, 2019)
Many individuals are under the supervision of a registered nurse, doctor, or dentist, individuals who have completed a prelicensure practical nursing education program approved by the Board, a professional nursing education program, and graduate practical nursing students qualifying as professional nursing students; however, licensed practical nurses who have not completed the specified course under Rule 64 B9-12.005, FAC, may perform a limited scope of intravenous therapy. This range consists of:
Intravenous Therapy Within the Scope of the Practical Nurse:
Calculate and adjust the flow rate of IV therapy.
Observe and report both subjective and objective signs of various reactions to IV administration to the patient.
Must inspect the insertion site, change the dressing, and remove the intravenous needle or catheter from the peripheral veins
Hanging bags or bottles of hydrating fluid.
Intravenous Therapy Outside the Scope of the Practical Nurse:
Initiation of blood and blood products
Initiation or administration of cancer chemotherapy
Initiation of plasma expanders
Initiation of administration of investigational drugs
Making IV solution
IV pushes, except for heparin flushes and saline flushes
It is appropriate for licensed practical nurses to provide treatment for patients undergoing such therapy, even though this rule restricts the practice of licensed practical nurses. 64B-12.005 Requirements for Competency and Knowledge required for the LPN to be qualified to give IV therapy. If the IV Therapy Course Guidelines published by the National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses Education Department are completed, an LPN may be certified to administer IV therapy. The LPN can take part in further training to provide IV therapy via central lines while supervised by an RN. “The Central Lines. The Board acknowledges that a Licensed Practical Nurse, as defined in subsection 64B9-12.002, FAC, may provide intravenous therapy via central lines under a registered professional nurse’s supervision with the necessary education and training. Four hours of instruction is the minimum required for appropriate education and training. The thirty hours of education for intravenous therapy needed for this rule’s subsection may include four hours of training. At the very least, didactic and clinical practicum instruction in the following areas must be included in the education and training mandated by this subsection:
Central venous anatomy and physiology
CVL site assessment
CVL dressing and cap changes
CVL flushing
CVL medication and fluid administration
CVL blood drawing
CVL complications and remedial measures
The Licensed Practical Nurse will be evaluated on clinical practice, competency, and theoretical knowledge and practice after completing the intravenous therapy course via central lines. A Registered Nurse must witness the clinical practice assessment and file a proficiency statement on a Licensed Practical Nurse. The Licensed Practical Nurse will be evaluated on clinical practice, competence, and theoretical knowledge and practice. A Registered Nurse who oversees the clinical practice assessment must sign a proficiency statement attesting to the Licensed Practical Nurse’s competence in administering intravenous treatment through central lines. The applicant’s Licensed Practical Nurse personnel file must contain the proficiency statement. 64B9-12.005 code.
Professional nursing is practiced by registered nurses (RNs). The Nurse Practice Act defines this as “the performance of those numerous acts requiring substantial specialized knowledge, judgment, and nursing skill based upon the applied principles of psychological, biological, physical, and social sciences.” Professional nursing goes beyond hands-on care to include nursing diagnosis, planning, supervision, and training other staff members in the theory and execution of any tasks mentioned above. Additionally, nurses must use numerous experiences to assist patients with an understanding of empathy to make them feel comfortable and safe. (Torres-Vigil et al., 2021)
Delegations & Certificates For Nursing
The delegation of responsibilities to another healthcare provider or a competent unlicensed individual is permitted by the Florida Nurse Practice Act. When assigning a task or activity, the registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (L.P.N.) must consider appropriateness. They had to consider the possibility of patient injury, the difficulty of the work, the outcome’s predictability or unpredictability, and the resources—including staff and equipment—available in the patient environment. The RN and the LPN may assign tasks outside the supervising or delegating nurse’s scope of practice. These tasks include determining the nursing diagnosis or interpreting nursing assessments, developing the plan of care, establishing the goals of nursing care, and assessing the progress of the care plan. The role of nursing is to promote advocacy and create a direct relationship with patients. (Ventura et al., 2020)
464.0205 Retired Volunteer Nurse Certificate
A retired practical or registered nurse may apply for a retired volunteer certificate from the Board of Nursing to work with underprivileged, impoverished, or critically ill populations. They are directly supervised by a physician, advanced practice registered nurse, registered nurse, director of a county health department, and:
Provides services under the certificate only in sponsored settings that the Board has approved
The scope of practice for a certified volunteer is limited to primary and preventive health care by the Board.
A retired volunteer nurse shall not:
Administer controlled substances
Supervise other nurses
Receive monetary compensation
464.012 Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
“The Barbara Lumpkin Prescribing Act” was proposed towards the end of 2018. This Act helps many practitioners convert a certificate to a license, and it takes effect on October 1, 2018. This Act established a transition timeline and process for practitioners certified as advanced registered nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists as of September 30, 2018, to practice as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). Until the department and Board complete the transition from certification to licensure, established under this Act, an advanced registered nurse practitioner who is holding a certificate to practice on September 30, 2018, may continue to practice with all the rights, authorizations, and responsibilities under this licensure section as an advanced practice registered nurse. They may also use the applicable title under s.464.015 after this Act’s effective date.
The Board of Nursing requires the following to establish an APRN license:
A nurse who wants to become an advanced practice registered nurse must apply to the APRN department, provide documentation that they meet the requirements set out by the Board, and have a valid license to practice professional nursing or an active multistate license to practice professional nursing by s. 464.0095.
Accreditation by a relevant specialty board. To become a certified nurse in any nursing department and to renew your current state license, you must first obtain this certification. For a duration deemed suitable for preparing for and passing the national certification examination, the Board may, by rule, grant certified registered nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse practitioners, psychiatric nurses, and certified nurse midwives provisional state licensure.
Completing a master’s program in a clinical nursing specialty field and training in particular practitioner skills. For candidates who will graduate on or after October 1, 1998, paragraph (4)(a) requires completion of a master’s degree program to be eligible for initial certification as a certified nurse practitioner.
The Board of Nursing defines APRN’s role/duties:
Prescribe, dispense, administer, or order any medication; however, an advanced practice registered nurse is only permitted to prescribe or dispense the controlled substance as specified in s.893.03 if they have completed a master’s or doctoral program that provides training in specialized practitioner skills and leads to a master’s or doctoral degree in clinical nursing.
Initiate appropriate therapies for certain conditions.
Performed additional functions as may be determined by rule under s.464.003.
Order diagnostic tests and physical and occupational therapy.
Order any medication for administration to a patient in a facility.
Beyond the general duties mentioned in subsection (3), an APRN is qualified to carry out the following tasks within their area of expertise:
Within the confines of established protocol, the certified nurse practitioner may carry out any or all of the following actions:
Manage selected medical problems.
Order physical and occupational therapy.
Initiate, monitor, or alter therapies for certain acute illnesses.
To monitor and manage patients with stable chronic diseases.
Established behavioral problems and diagnoses and made treatment recommendations.
The Stature goes on to define the functions of anesthetists and nurse midwives. Refer to the Statue for more details.
Obtaining & Maintaining Nursing License
A license may be acquired through testing, endorsement, or the Nurse Licensure Compact’s enactment. Upon application and a non-refundable payment fee determined by the Board, the department will grant the necessary license by endorsement to engage in professional or practical nursing to the applicant who can provide proof to the Board that they:
Possesses a valid license to practice professional or practical nursing in another state or territory in the United States, provided that the requirements for licensure in that state were either more stringent or substantially equivalent to those in Florida when the applicant obtained their original license.
Fulfills the requirements outlined in s.464.008 for licensing and has passed a state, regional, or national exam that is at least as difficult as the one administered by the department.
Has spent two of the previous three years actively practicing nursing in a different state, territory, or jurisdiction within the United States without having any action taken against their license by any jurisdiction’s licensing body. Under this paragraph, applicants who obtain a permit must finish a board-approved Florida laws and rules course within six months of receiving their license. After reviewing the findings of the national criminal background check, the applicant will be granted the relevant license by endorsement as soon as the department determines that the applicant has no criminal history.
It will be assumed that any exams and requirements from other US states and territories are roughly the same or more demanding than those from this state. This assumption will materialize on January 1, 1980. The Board may, however, establish rules designating some states and territories, the qualifications and exams for which shall not be deemed to be substantially similar to those of this state.
When an individual submission of the appropriate application and fees, as well as the successful completion of the criminal background check that is required under subsection (4), an applicant for licensure by endorsement who is relocating to this state due to the official military orders of their spouse with a military connection and who is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact in another state will have all the requirements satisfied.
The applicant must submit a set of fingerprints to the department on a form and per departmental rules. The applicant must also pay the department a sum equal to the expenses the Department of Health paid for the applicant’s criminal background check. For a statewide criminal history check, the Department of Health will send the applicant’s fingerprints to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement will forward the fingerprints to the FBI for a nationwide criminal history check. When an applicant satisfies all other requirements for licensure and has no criminal record, the Department of Health will review the results of the criminal history check, issue a license, and refer all other applicants who have a criminal history back to the Board for a decision on whether or not to issue a permit and under what circumstances.
Until the investigation is finished, at which point the requirements of s.464.018 will take effect, the department will not grant an endorsement license to any applicant who is being investigated in another state, jurisdiction, or territory of the United States for an act that would violate this part or chapter 456. After completing all necessary data collection and verification, the department will issue a license within 30 days. It will also develop an electronic applicant notification process and provide electronic notifications upon application receipt and completion of background checks. Suppose the applicant must appear before the Board because of information on their application or because of screening, data gathering, and verification procedures. In that case, the 30-day license issuance time will be extended. The qualifications for licensure by endorsement in this section do not apply to an individual with an active multistate license in another state under s. 464.0095.
Licensure By Examination
Anyone who wants to take the licensing exam to become a registered nurse must apply to the department. The department will assess each candidate who:
The applicant has fulfilled the requirements by filling out the application form and paying the $150 fee set by the Board. Additionally, they have paid the $75 examination fee set by the Board and the actual cost per applicant to the department for purchasing the exam from the NCSBN (National Council of State Boards of Nursing) or a comparable national organization.
Possesses enough information as of October 1, 1989, or later, which the department needs to provide to conduct a statewide criminal records correspondence check with the Department of Law Enforcement.
Possesses a high school diploma or its equivalent, is in good mental and physical health, and has fulfilled the prerequisites for:
Graduation from an approved program
Graduation from a pre-licensure nursing education program equivalent to an approved program determined by the Board.
Graduated on or after July 1, 2009, from an accredited program
Graduation before July 1, 2009, from a pre-licensure nursing education program whose graduates were eligible for examination.
Completing courses in a professional nursing education program may satisfy the educational criteria for licensing as a licensed practical nurse. Possesses the ability to communicate in English, as assessed by a department exam. Unless rejected by s.464.018, any applicant who passes the exam and has completed the educational requirements listed in subsection (1) is eligible to become a licensed practical nurse or registered professional nurse, as the case may be.
Regardless of the jurisdiction in which the examination is administered, any applicant who fails the test three times in a row will need to finish a remedial course approved by the Board to be eligible for reexamination. The candidate may be permitted to attempt the test up to three times after completing the remedial course before being forced to undertake remediation. After the remedial process, the applicant has six months to petition for a reexamination. By regulation, the Board will set requirements for remedial education.
An applicant who completes an approved program must be enrolled in and complete a board-approved licensure examination preparing course if they choose not to take the license examination within six months of graduation. The applicant cannot use federal or state financial aid to cover any course-related expenses; they are solely responsible for covering them. The Board will set rules for the preparatory courses for licensing exams. Section 464.0095 exempts an individual from the licensure requirements if they currently have an active multistate license in another state (2).
Licensure Upon Enactment of the Nurse Licensure Compact
Florida passed the Nurse Licensure Compact into law. This allows nurses to participate in 26 states’ licensing compacts. The call to remove the burdensome and redundant system of duplicate licensure and to advance public safety and health advantages led to the enactment of this law. The official statement is as follows:
“This agreement becomes operative and legally binding on December 31, 2018, whichever comes sooner, or on the day it is enacted into law by at least 26 states. Within six months following the implementation date of this compact, any member states that were also parties to the previous Nurse Licensure Compact (“prior compact”) that this compact replaced are considered to have withdrawn from the previous compact.”
Until a party state is withdrawn from the prior compact, each party state to this one shall respect a nurse’s multistate licensure privilege to practice in that party state granted under the preceding compact. Any party state may opt out of the compact by passing a law canceling it. A party state’s departure becomes effective six months after the repealing Act is passed. Any cooperative arrangement, including nurse licensure agreements, between a party state and a nonparty state that complies with the other conditions of this compact remains valid and unaffected by this compact. The party states may alter this contract. Only when it is incorporated into the laws of every party, state a modification to this compact is binding on the party states and becomes effective. Before all party states adopt this compact, representatives of nonparty states to the agreement will be invited to engage in commission activities without being able to vote.
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Continuing Nursing Education Requirement
Licenses need to be renewed every biennium or every two years. One contact hour must be completed for each calendar month of the licensure cycle in a given year. The hours stipulated in subsection (1) at the designated times must include the following continuing education courses as a necessary component:
A 2-hour course in prevention of medical errors must be completed each biennium.
A 1-hour course in HIV/AIDS in the first biennium only
A 2-hour course in Florida laws and rules in each biennium
Effective August 1, 2017, a 2-hour course in recognizing impairment in clinical approach and every other biennium after that.
On or after January 1, 2019, a 2-hour course on human trafficking and each biennium after that.
A 2-hour course in domestic violence is required every third biennium.
In addition, the Florida Board of Nursing requires general hours of continuing education to fulfill the requirement of one contact hour for each calendar month of the licensure cycle. These hour requirements are updated on their website. In addition to the courses mentioned above, they currently demand 16 hours of continuing education in general nursing.
Nurse Licensee With Two Licenses & CE Requirements
A licensee with an RN and an LPN license may fulfill CE requirements by completing the necessary RN-specific continuing education. Visit the Board of Nursing website for further information regarding the rules, as mentioned earlier, and the exceptions.
Standards For Continuing Education
Learner Objectives: The objectives should outline the anticipated behavioral outcomes of the learners and be measurable, reachable, and pertinent to the state of nursing practice today. The goals will dictate the curriculum, mode of instruction, and assessment strategy.
Subject Matter: The content must be specifically created to satisfy the participants’ learning needs, levels, and objectives. The information will be arranged logically and incorporate advice from subject-matter experts. Appropriate subject matter for continuing education offerings should include information from one or more of the following. It should represent the learner’s professional educational needs to address the consumer’s health care demands:
Nursing areas and special health care problems.
Biological, physical, behavioral, and social sciences.
Legal aspects of healthcare
Management/administration of health care personnel and patient care
Teaching/ learning process of health care personnel and patients
Evaluation: It must be demonstrated in a way that satisfies the Board that participants are given the chance to assess the educational opportunities, delivery strategies, facilities, and resources utilized in the offering. At the end of the learning process, self-directed learning activities—such as computer programs, web-based courses, internet research, and home study—must be used to assess student knowledge. There must be ten questions or more in the assessment. For the learner to be eligible for the contact hours, they must receive an evaluation score of at least 70%. The provider is required to grade the assessment.
References
Cassiani, S. H. B., & Silva, F. (2019). Expanding the role of nurses in primary health care: the case of Brazil. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem, 27, e3245. doi.org/10.1590/1518-8345.0000.3245
Torres-Vigil, I., Cohen, M. Z., Million, R. M., & Bruera, E. (2021). The role of empathic nursing telephone interventions with advanced cancer patients: A qualitative study. Eur J Oncol Nurs, 50, 101863. doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2020.101863
Ventura, C. A. A., Fumincelli, L., Miwa, M. J., Souza, M. C., Wright, M., & Mendes, I. A. C. (2020). Health advocacy and primary health care: evidence for nursing. Rev Bras Enferm, 73(3), e20180987. doi.org/10.1590/0034-7167-2018-0987
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