During our recent session – A Segmental Review of the Spine – Part 2 (T5-L2), the second part of a 3-part series, we discussed the part each segment of the spine from levels T5-L2 plays in movement and daily activities; autonomic nervous system imbalance; circulation; and visceral function. 

This class, held at The Exchange Office Building in Towson, on December 2-3, 2023 reviewed the anatomy, biomechanics, embryology, and neurology of the region.  Particular attention was given to how these spinal segments can function in both a uni-segmental way as a spinal nerve, but can also form complex, multi-segmental neurological mechanisms via the sympathetic chain ganglia, splanchnic nerves, and lumbar plexus that help regulate the gastrointestinal, urinary and reproductive systems; trunk control; and hip motion.

Various methods of evaluation of the thoracic cage and upper lumbar spine were presented to help more precisely identify the areas of concern. Multiple treatment options were demonstrated and practiced that included biomechanical treatment of the spine and rib cage, fascial release of visceral restrictions, dampening of sympathetic nervous system facilitation, and releasing lymphatic congestion via Chapman’s neurolymphatic reflexes.

We look forward to 2024 and will be announcing our course schedule in a few weeks, which will include the final part of our segmental spine series –  A Segmental Review of the Spine – Part 3 (L3-Coccyx).

Comments from attendees included:

  • “Thank you so much for all your hard work putting the class together.  Love the way you both teach as always.”
  • “Lots of good lab time mixed with interesting material that brought a lot of previous learned info together.”
  • “Each time I take a class with you where you go over anatomic relationships, it sinks in in a more logical way.”
  • “Absolutely wonderful info that helps pull more together for me overall.  Thank you both for your excellent teachings!I appreciate how you break it down and make it easier.”
  • “ALWAYS EXCELLENT! My knowledge base not only broadens, but also deepens.  My clients welcome my participation in class. This class offering n alternative point of view for complex clients is really helpful and at the same time there is a reiteration of info I received that I needed to hear again or presented in a slightly different context where it “clicks” for me.”
  • “Complicated material, but presented in a way that is not intimidating. Many classes can be intimidating so I leave disheartened.  Your style is different. Thanks!  Excellent info in so many ways. You are both a wealth of info and teach in a very organized format that allows for multi-level learning. Great at clarifying when someone has a question. Classes move at a good speed.”
  • “BayGrass instructors, Bob and Jon, work to dovetail new knowledge with their on-going techniques of assessment and targeted treatment, to move all students, of all levels, forward. The combination of their experience as clinicians, extensive physiological and anatomical knowledge, and generosity as teachers made this course, like the others I have taken, fruitful and immediately relevant to my practice.”