3: Cervical Spine Flashcards
upper cervical spine
middle cervical spine
lower cervical spine
upper: C0-2
middle: C3-6
lower: C7-T4
C1-C2 facets are ___ on ___ , so coupling is ______
convex on convex
contralateral (right rotation, left sidebend)
What is special about the C3-C7 vertebrae?
uncinate processes –> uncovertebral joints! create stability
*if big limitation of sidebending and no other motion, this is due to UNCOVERTEBRAL JOINTS (sideglide limited)
What kind of joints are the intervertebral joints of C3-7?
Sagittal plane motion (flexion/ext) =
Frontal plane motion (Rot, SB) =
Saddle joints
Flexion/Ext: concave on convex, roll and glide SAME
Rot/SB: convex on concave, roll and glide OPP
Rotation:
C0-2
C2-7
C0-2: 40-45 HALF
C2-7: 40-45
Flexion
C0-2
C2-7
Flexion
C0-2: 20-25
C2-7: 35
total: 60 ish
Extension
C0-2
C2-7
Extension
C0-2: 20-25
C2-7: 45
total: 70 ish
Side bending
C0-1
C2-7
C0-1: 5-10
C2-C7: 20-45
total: 25-55
What should you make sure is addressed before stretching suboccipitals?
mobility at C0-1 joint
then, assess suboccipitals. head should flex 20-25 degrees
How to stretch anterior/middle scalene
- stabilize clavicle, 1st rib
- head extend, side bend away, rotate towards
posterior scalene and levator scap stretch
- stabilize scapula, 2nd rib
- head flexion, away rotation, away sidebend
upper trap stretch
head flex, side bend away, maybe slight rotate towards
What are two reasons for upper trap/levator being tight?
- stiffness somewhere: CTJ?
- compensate for weak SA, lower trap, or other scapular muscles
progression of chin tucks/nods
- look down
- add a towel roll, shortened position
- chin tucks + UE dissociation (arm elevation,
- endurance: chin tuck with head lifted in supine
- chin tuck in prone
- DNF with shoulder movements
If someone is having middle cervical instability, besides chin tucks, what should you check/do first?
upper and lower cervical mobility!
What is coupling activation?
C3-7 couple rotate left, side bend left in sidelying
can do this also for opposite coupling of C0-2
Blood pressure cuff biofeedback of cervical deep neck flexors
20 mmHg
22, then 24, 26…30
*can you maintain with arm movements? can you do this with eyes closed?
*can you isolate without upper traps?
What are return to neutrals?
return from end range of motion (flexion, for example) to neutral
*you can use laser too!
What is a good way to work on segmental motion for cervical rotation?
SNAG! towel at C2
