Overview
Wednesday 19th November: 18.00-19.30
This seminar is 1.5 CPD Hours
Course Details
Low back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting people’s quality of life substantially. Low back pain is a multifactorial condition but in around 40% of cases is thought to be associated with degeneration of intervertebral discs. However, disc degeneration can also occur in asymptomatic individuals which hampers diagnosis and targeted therapies. This course will discuss the multifactorial nature of low back pain with a particular focus on the potential role of disc degeneration as a propagating factor for pain. Potential distinctions between normal aging associated degeneration and accelerated degeneration which occurs in many back pain patients will be discussed. The cellular biology of disc degeneration will be introduced highlighting factors which drive degeneration and could lead to improved treatment options for patients in the future.
1) Understanding potential role of disc degeneration within the pathogenesis of back pain.
2) Discussion of potential features which could distinguish painful disc degeneration from asymptomatic disc degeneration.
3) Understanding cellular biology of disc degeneration.
4) Discussion of potential impacts for therapeutic approaches.
Summary of Osteopathic Practice Standards (Updated) and other CPD elements covered
B) Knowledge, skills and performance – B3
Professor Christine Le Maitre
Professor Christine Le Maitre is Professor of Musculoskeletal Cell BIology and TIssue Regeneration at the University of Sheffield. She co-leads the Osteoarthritis and Disc research group in the Division of Clinical Medicine, The University of Sheffield’s Medical School. Her research focuses on investigating the pathogenesis of musculoskeletal disorders and novel therapies targeting pathogenesis and regenerative approaches. Working collaboratively nationally and internationally with clinicans, scientists, engineers, industrial partners and patients to pursue an improved understanding of musculoskeletal conditions and utilise this knowledge to develop the next generation of therapies. Her research to date has lead to 2 patents, >124 publications, >£24 million in research income a current H index of 52 and i10 index 92 with over 11,000 citations on her articles.
What is the cancellation policy?
The UCO regrets that no refunds can be made for cancelled places unless a substitute participant can be found. The UCO cannot guarantee that any course will run. In the event of your course being cancelled, all paid fees and deposits will be refunded in full.
Terms and Conditions of Booking Click Here
Find the course that’s right for you
Get training and offer more to your patients and your practice.
We offer a range of continuing professional development (CPD) courses and short courses across the year for all those who wish to enhance their professional development and increase their skills.
Latest News
Discover and read all the latest news, press releases and happenings here at Health Sciences University.
Health Sciences University (HSU) and the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine (CICM) have confirmed that they have begun early exploratory discussions about the possibility of a future merger. HSU and CICM already have an established academic relationship, with HSU currently validating CICM’s degree provision. The discussions now underway are separate from, and additional to, this existing validation arrangement.
Nils Theuninck is a third-year Master of Chiropractic student at Health Sciences University with an impressive background in elite sailing. He has competed internationally as part of the Swiss National Sailing Team and has earned several podium finishes at major events. Most recently, Nils sailed with Alinghi Red Bull Racing in their challenge for the 37th America’s Cup. His dedication to both sport and chiropractic has been recognised with a 2025 International Sports Chiropractic Federation (FICS) Student Scholarship. We spoke to him about his sailing journey, how this influenced his decision to study chiropractic, and his goals for the future.
The National Student Survey (NSS) is now open and will close on 30 April 2026. If you’re a final‑year undergraduate, this is your chance to tell us about your experience of studying at HSU.
Our campuses in Bournemouth and London will be closed from 6pm Wednesday 24th December 2025, and will re-open at on Monday 5th January 2026.
An innovation developed through HSU’s Centre for Osteopathic Research and Leadership (CORaL) has been selected by the World Health Organization as one of just 21 projects worldwide to feature at the WHO Global Summit.
Advance HE has published a new report that explores the merger which brought together AECC University College in Bournemouth and the University College of Osteopathy in London to create Health Sciences University (HSU).
