Osteopathic Approach to Spinal Arthritis

Join us for the live, online, and in-person workshop on the Osteopathic Approach to Spinal Arthritis (spinal degenerative joint disease). The Osteopathic Approach workshop series focuses on the application of osteopathic principles, including OMT techniques for spinal arthritis. MAOPS has designated this course for a maximum of 2 AOA Category 1-A CME credits or 2 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits^TM. Registration is available now through August 4, 2026 at 4 PM CST. All workshop participants must register online, even if they are not requesting CME credit.

This workshop is available at no cost for Still OPTI, NCOPPE, and MAOPS members. Non-members must register for a small fee.

Karen Snider, DO



Karen Snider, DO, FAAO, FNAOME, is a professor at A.T. Still University’s Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM). Dr. Snider is board certified in Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine. She earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, and she completed her residency at Northeast Regional Medical Center. Dr. Snider has earned fellowship awards from the American Academy of Osteopathy and the National Academy of Osteopathic Medical Educators.  

James Adams, DO

Dr. James Adams brings more than 35 years of clinical experience to his role as a diagnostic radiologist, with subspecialty certification in Body Imaging. He serves as Medical Director of Radiology and an interventionalist at Northeast Regional Medical Center (NRMC) in Kirksville, Missouri, where he delivers high-quality diagnostic imaging and actively supports physician education.

A graduate of A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU/KCOM), Dr. Adams completed his residency at Michigan State University. He currently holds a faculty appointment as Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Gross Anatomy at ATSU/KCOM, contributing to the next generation of osteopathic physicians.

Dr. Adams is also a +1 resident in the ATSU/KCOM–NRMC Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine (ONMM) Residency Program. In addition, he is the owner and operator of New Concepts Open MRI.

Course Description

A two-hour live workshop telecast to Still OPTI, NCOPPE, and MAOPS members that focuses on applying osteopathic principles in spinal arthritis (spinal degenerative joint disease).



Education Objectives

This activity is designed to improve physician competence. Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Describe the epidemiology and clinical impact of spinal arthritis to support informed clinical decision-making.
• Perform a focused, evidence-bassed history and physical examination for patients presenting with spinal degenerative joint disease.
• Select and implement appropriate pharmacologic, nonpharmacologic, and osteopathic treatment options, including osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), for the management of spinal arthritis.
• Demonstrate the application of OMT techniques for patients with spinal degenerative joint disease in a supervised educational setting.
• Evaluate potential complications, prognosis, and preventive strategies to optimize patient outcomes related to spinal degenerative joint disease.

Target Audience

Still OPTI, NCOPPE, and MAOPS attending physicians (DOs and MDs) and residents.

Professional Practice Gap

As part of the osteopathic medical training, both the clinical preceptors (faculty) and physicians-in-training need to be trained on the application of osteopathic principles in clinical practice. Specifically, the application of osteopathic principles in the clinical management of lifestyle choices related to disease prevention.

Accreditation Statement

Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (MAOPS) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians.

MAOPS designates this program for a maximum of 2 AOA Category 1-A CME credits and will report CME and specialty credits commensurate with the extent of the physician's participation.

The Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (MAOPS) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

MAOPS designates this live activity for a maximum of 2 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits^TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (MAOPS) and NCOPPE. MAOPS is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Grievance Policy

All grievances should be in writing and should specify the nature of the grievance. Initially, all grievances should be directed to MAOPS Executive Director, who will then forward said grievance to the Education & Convention Committee. All grievances will receive an initial response in writing within 30 days of receipt. If the participant does not receive a satisfactory response, then they can submit a complaint in writing to the Bureau of Osteopathic Education of the AOA at 142 East Ontario Street, Chicago, IL 60611.