Lesson 1Expected clinical findings in prolonged computer users: common patterns for neck flexion, scapular protraction, thoracic stiffness, and median nerve mechanosensitivityThis part summarises usual clinical signs in people using computers for long hours, such as neck bending forward, shoulder blade pushing out, upper back tightness, and sensitivity in the median nerve, connecting these to custom ergonomic and exercise plans suitable for Zambian office settings.
Common sitting patterns at computer desksUsual neck and upper back movement limitsFrequent shoulder blade strength weaknessesMedian nerve sensitivity signsSymptom spread and timing patternsLinks to ergonomic and recovery planningLesson 2Work task analysis questions: device use, work patterns, breaks, commuting, remote vs office differencesThis part directs focused questions on devices, work routines, rest periods, travel to work, and differences between home and office work. It connects job demands and time spent to symptom patterns, aiding in spotting changeable ergonomic and work arrangement risks in Zambia.
Main questions on device kinds and input waysMapping daily work routines and task changesChecking rest frequency, length, and qualityTravel demands and symptom effectsComparing home and office desk setupsSpotting high-risk tasks and busy periodsLesson 3Provocative and special tests relevant to cervical radiculopathy and carpal tunnel: Spurling, shoulder abduction relief, Phalen, TinelThis part covers choosing and doing key tests that provoke symptoms for neck root nerve issues and wrist tunnel syndrome. You'll learn when to use them, how to sequence tests, interpret positive results, and blend findings with the overall patient story in Zambian clinical practice.
When to use and avoid Spurling testHow to do shoulder abduction relief signPhalen and reverse Phalen test stepsTinel sign at wrist and other spotsTest order to avoid worsening symptomsUnderstanding sensitivity, specificity, and combinationsLesson 4History-taking for occupational musculoskeletal disorders: symptom timing, aggravating/relieving factors, psychosocial and work organization questionsThis part organises taking patient history for work-related muscle and joint problems, including symptom start, time patterns, what worsens or eases them, social and mental factors, and work setup, to create a clear, job-centred clinical view relevant to Zambian workers.
Describing pain, tingling, and stiffnessTime patterns: during, after, and away from workWorsening and easing job-related factorsSocial stresses and job happinessWork setup, demands, and controlPast treatments, scans, and time off workLesson 5Physical observation and postural assessment: static posture, spinal alignment, scapular position, head forward postureYou'll learn step-by-step visual checks of posture, covering steady alignment, spine curves, shoulder blade position, and head position. The part links seen patterns to stress on neck and arm structures in office spaces common in Zambia.
Overall view on arrival and casual postureNeck and upper back spine alignment pointsShoulder blade rest position and movement controlHead forward posture and neck-head angleSpotting unevenness and muscle weaknessesLinking posture to desk and task needsLesson 6Neurological and peripheral nerve assessment: sensory testing, reflexes, myotomes, upper limb tension tests (ULTT) and nerve biasingHere you'll learn organised nerve and brain function checks, including skin sensation areas, muscle groups, reflexes, and upper arm tension tests. Stress is on safety, spotting nerve sensitivity, and telling nerve pain from muscle pain in Zambian patients.
Checking sensation loss with skin mapsMuscle group tests for neck nerve rootsDeep reflex checks and scoringUpper arm tension tests: median nerve focusRadial and ulnar nerve test methodsRecording results and treatment meaningsLesson 7Manual muscle testing and functional strength screening: neck flexors/extensors, scapular stabilizers, shoulder rotators, grip strengthThis part details hand muscle strength tests and practical strength checks for neck, shoulder blade, shoulder, and hand grip muscles. Focus is on rating strength, staying power, and control, and linking weaknesses to work limits and ergonomic advice for Zambian contexts.
Deep neck front muscle staying power testsNeck back and posture muscle checksShoulder blade strength and control testsShoulder rotator muscle strength screensHand grip and pinch strength waysLinking strength weaknesses to work limitsLesson 8Screening for red flags and differential diagnosis: signs of systemic, inflammatory, or serious neurological conditionsYou'll learn to check for warning signs and think about other possible diagnoses, including serious spine, nerve, blood vessel, and body-wide illnesses. The part stresses key questions, exam signs, and rules for quick referral in Zambian healthcare.
Main warning questions in patient storySerious neck spine and cord compression signsChecking blood vessel and heart pain causesInflammation and body-wide illness signsTelling arm nerve and root problems apartRules and steps for urgent doctor referralLesson 9Range of motion and joint mobility tests: cervical active/passive ROM, thoracic mobility, shoulder ROMHere you'll learn to check active and guided neck movement range, upper back mobility, and shoulder movement. Stress is on standard measuring, symptom triggering, side comparisons, and noting work task relevance in Zambian jobs.
Standard neck active movement checksGuided neck movement and end feel readingUpper back spine mobility check methodsShoulder bend, lift, and turn testsRecording movement, pain patterns, and differencesLinking movement limits to job needs
