Course Information

Course Description 

Cervical degenerative disc disease is surprisingly common with up to 60% of individuals over the age of 40 exhibiting some signs of wear and tear on their spine! Although SLPs are not responsible for diagnosing spinal pathology, the cervical spine can impact laryngeal and swallowing function due to its proximity to the upper aerodigestive tract, so we need to be aware of changes in this vital structure. In this two hour seminar, participants will learn about normal cervical spinal anatomy and the causes of spine degeneration. We will review the relevant literature and view laryngoscopic and videofluorscopic swallow studies to examine how cervical spine disease may impact laryngeal and swallowing function.



Learning Objectives

  • Correctly identify the common features of normal cervical spinal anatomy. 
  • Accurately identify at least two radiographic findings of cervical spine degeneration.
  • Name at least three symptoms or consequences of cervical spinal degeneration.


Agenda

  • 00:00:  The Normal Anatomy of the Cervical Spine
  • 00:15:  The Degenerating Cervical Spine
  • 00:30:  Laryngoscopy: the effect of spine disease on laryngopharyngeal function
  • 01:00:  Videofluoroscopy: the effect of spine disease on swallowing
  • 01:30:  Questions/Summar02:00:   Adjourn/Post-Test


Webinar Notice

Successful participation in this course includes completion of the post-test with a score of 80% or higher, then participants will automatically receive a course completion certificate.  You will have access to the course for 365 days after registration.

This course is offered for 2.0 Professional Development Hours. We can report your participation to ASHA if you choose for 0.2 ASHA CEUs, just be sure to include your ASHA number when you register. If you do not want your participation reported to ASHA, you have the option to decline on the course registration page. 

Refund Policy 

No refunds for self-study courses.



 

If you have any questions, please email [email protected] or call 877-390-1887.

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Instructor(s)

  • Ashli O’Rourke

    Ashli O’Rourke, M.D., MS

    Ashli O’Rourke

    Dr. Ashli O’Rourke, MD is a Laryngologist and Professor at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), where she serves as Director of Laryngology and holds the Mark and Evelyn Trammell Endowed Chair in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. A leader in the field of swallowing, airway and voice disorders, she specializes in high-resolution pharyngeal manometry and innovative treatments for dysphagia. Dr. O’Rourke’s unique career path includes prior experience as a clinical speech-language pathologist, which informs her patient-centered and interdisciplinary approach to care. She holds prominent leadership positions, including Treasurer and Executive Council Member of the Dysphagia Research Society, Senior Examiner for the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, and Board Member of the Alliance for Airway, Voice, and Swallowing Education, the nonprofit organization that oversees the Fall Voice Conference. An accomplished researcher, Dr. O’Rourke has authored numerous publications and is a frequent speaker at national and international conferences. She is dedicated to advancing the field through innovations in diagnostic techniques and therapeutic interventions for upper aerodigestive tract disorders. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to improving patient outcomes and mentoring the next generation of otolaryngologists, speech pathologists and interdisciplinary clinicians. Disclosure: Dr. O'Rourke will receive financial support from Patheous for presenting this content.