4 - Zill - Disc Herniation

Question 1

What is the most common level of disc herniation in the NFL study?

Answer 1

L5-S1

Question 2

What two factors contribute to the occurence of disc herniation at L5-S1?

Answer 2

1. Weight - Lower regions support more of the body weight
2. Blocking Forces - Hyperextension of lumbar spine in blocking; lumbar region flexion-extension mobile

Question 3

What direction to discs herniate?

Answer 3

Postero-lateral direction

Question 4

How are the articular processes oriented in the lumbar spine?

Answer 4

Sagittal plane

Permit flexion-extension

Question 5

Where does flexion-extension of back occur?

Answer 5

Lumbar Spin + rotation at hip joint

Question 6

Why does the weight of football players in the NFL contibute to injuries?

Answer 6

Force = Mass x Acceleration

High mass = more force

Question 7

What two aspects contibute to the cervical spine herniations in the NFL study?

Answer 7

1. Small size of vertebrae - smallest of the regions; get larger as you go down

2. Mobility of cervical vertebrae - most mobile region; Superior/Medial facets

Question 8

How is force transmitted in head to head collisions?

Answer 8

Through the cervical vertebrae

Question 9

Why can nerves be damaged easily in the cervical region?

Answer 9

They pass through the intervertebral foramen, excessive bending can cause damage.

Question 10

Why are thoracic herniations rare?

Answer 10

1. Ribs - posterior attachment, and anterior attachment form thoracic cage
2. Articular Processes - Coronal plane - prevent flexion-extension movements (protect chest cavity organs)

Question 11

Where do ribs attach anteriorly?

Answer 11

Sternum