When Neck Pain Starts in the Eyes

Thursday, May 28th at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT

This session challenges a blind spot in chronic pain care: when the source of neck pain may not be where it seems. For patients with persistent, unexplained neck discomfort — especially those who have not responded fully to traditional approaches — visual misalignment can be an overlooked driver. Binocular vision dysfunction (BVD) can force the visual system and the body into constant compensation, often showing up as increased neck tension, postural strain, and pain patterns that do not resolve as expected.

In this collaborative discussion, osteopathic physician Jay Sandweiss and a NeuroVisual Medicine–trained optometrist will break down how these cases present in practice and why they are often missed. More importantly, they will outline how co-management between osteopathic care and a specialized BVD provider can uncover the visual component of chronic pain — giving providers a clearer path to helping patients who have struggled to find relief elsewhere.

Platform: Livestorm

Evaluation & Credit Verification

Attendees will receive 1 COPE credit hour upon completion of the post-session evaluation. The evaluation will be delivered via the Livestorm platform and will remain open for 72 hours following the live session. Certificates will be issued electronically within 5 business days of evaluation completion.

Attendees must be present for a minimum of 50 minutes of the 60-minute session to be eligible for credit.

Speakers

Dr. Jay Sandweiss, DO, C-NMM/OMM, DABMA, FAAMA

Dr. Jay Sandweiss is a board-certified osteopathic physician in private practice in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he has practiced since 1989. He holds dual board certifications in neuromusculoskeletal medicine and osteopathic manipulative medicine, as well as in medical acupuncture. Extensively trained in osteopathy, applied kinesiology, and functional medicine, Dr. Sandweiss has taught clinicians nationally and internationally since 1979 — with audiences spanning MDs, DOs, chiropractors, physical therapists, and acupuncturists.

Dr. Debby Feinberg, OD, FAAO

Dr. Debby Feinberg is the founder of NeuroVisual Medicine Institute and a pioneer in the diagnosis and treatment of Binocular Vision Dysfunction. Beginning her work in 1995, she and her colleagues at Vision Specialists of Michigan have treated more than 20,000 BVD patients with microprism lenses — half of whom have been TBI/ABI patients. Her research demonstrates that patients with persistent post-concussive symptoms achieve an 80% reduction in symptoms with microprism treatment, and since 2013 she has trained over 70 optometrists through the NeuroVisual Medicine Training Program.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, attendees will be able to:

Recognize the clinical presentation of Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD) as a driver of chronic neck pain and postural dysfunction, including the symptom patterns, patient history features, and physical findings that distinguish this population from standard musculoskeletal cases. (Clinical)

Understand the pathophysiology linking vertical eye misalignment to cervical muscle load — including the compensatory cascade from phoria to head tilt to sustained muscular contraction — and explain why this mechanism is not captured by standard optometric or orthopedic testing. (Clinical)

Apply the Binocular Vision Dysfunction Questionnaire (BVDQ) and related screening tools as a clinical bridge between osteopathic suspicion and NeuroVisual evaluation, and interpret results in the context of a patient presenting with chronic neck pain or treatment-resistant musculoskeletal complaints. (Clinical)

Explain how microprism lenses therapeutically address the visual root of chronic neck pain and postural strain, including the mechanism of action, expected clinical response at the first visit, and the two-visit treatment course. (Clinical)

Develop a referral pathway and co-management framework between optometric practice and osteopathic or manual medicine providers, including patient communication strategies, referral criteria, and interdisciplinary follow-up protocols. (Interdisciplinary / Professional)

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, attendees will be able to:

  1. Recognize the clinical presentation of Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD) as a driver of chronic neck pain and postural dysfunction, including the symptom patterns, patient history features, and physical findings that distinguish this population from standard musculoskeletal cases. (Clinical)
  2. Understand the pathophysiology linking vertical eye misalignment to cervical muscle load — including the compensatory cascade from phoria to head tilt to sustained muscular contraction — and explain why this mechanism is not captured by standard optometric or orthopedic testing. (Clinical)
  3. Apply the Binocular Vision Dysfunction Questionnaire (BVDQ) and related screening tools as a clinical bridge between osteopathic suspicion and NeuroVisual evaluation, and interpret results in the context of a patient presenting with chronic neck pain or treatment-resistant musculoskeletal complaints. (Clinical)
  4. Explain how microprism lenses therapeutically address the visual root of chronic neck pain and postural strain, including the mechanism of action, expected clinical response at the first visit, and the two-visit treatment course. (Clinical)
  5. Develop a referral pathway and co-management framework between optometric practice and osteopathic or manual medicine providers, including patient communication strategies, referral criteria, and interdisciplinary follow-up protocols. (Interdisciplinary / Professional)

Total Runtime: ~60 minutes

  • 5 min: Welcome (Kelly)
  • 2 min: Moderator Setup (Matt)
  • 20 min: Jay's Section
  • 3 min: Transition
  • 15 min: Dr. Debby's Section
  • 12 min: Cases
  • 8 min: Q&A
  • 5 min: Closing
  • 60 min: Total