Cervical Spine

Question 1

C2-7 Mechanics?

Hint: Type 1 or 2?

Answer 1

Generally a Flexion and Extension issue and rotation and sidebending are to the SAME side. (Type 2-like mechanics)

Question 2

Translation vs. sidebending

Answer 2

Translation is the direction you push the spine (ie. Left), whereas sidebending is how the spine bends in response (ie. Sidebent Right is translated Left)

Question 3

OA main motions?

Answer 3

Flexion and extension are the main motions where rotation and sidebending are minor motions at this joint

Question 4

OA mechanics?

Answer 4

Sidebending and Rotation occur in the OPPOSITE directions (Type 1-like) BUT are mostly Flexion and Extension SDs

Question 5

AA joint mechanics?

Answer 5

ONLY rotation is assessed for C1 on C2 mechanics

Only the obliquus capitus inferior muscles are involved

Question 6

What structure are you palpating on either side of the cervical spinous process for rotation? What about the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae?

Answer 6

Cervical = lateral mass
Thoracic/lumbar = transverse process

Question 7

Contraindications for soft tissue manipiulation

Answer 7

Fracture, open wounds, infection, DVT, neoplasm, coagulopathy

Question 8

Contraindications for muscle energy

Answer 8

undiagnosed joint swelling, osteoporosis, neoplasm, infection, hematoma, rheumatoid arthritis, fracture, dislocation

Question 9

Additional HVLA contraindications (outside of Down syndrome, Vertebral A Disease, and rheumatoid arthritis)

Answer 9

Malignancy, radiculopathy, chiari malformation, klippel-feil syndrome, achondroplastic dwarfism, and osteogenesis imperfecta (obvi)