Cervical Spine Anatomy Flashcards
What is the upper cervical spine?
C2-3
What is the lower cervical spine?
C3-7
Where are uncovertebral joints found?
Only in C3-7
What do uncovertebral joints limit?
Sidebending protecting cervical nerve roots
What do uncovertebral joints support?
Intervertebral discs from protruding
What do uncovertebral joints form?
Medial wall of the intervertebral foramen
What are zygapophyseal joints for in the spine?
Protect the intervertebral disc (protects more in lumbar than in cervical)
What are the symptoms of uncovertebral joints?
Very little pain (vague discomfort)
Stiffness in morning
No neurological symptoms
What are signs that uncovertebral joint may be disrupted?
Loss of extension
Neck in flexed position
Limited sidebend
Decreased rotation
Crepitus
When are fissures normal in cervical spine?
Age>35 (upper fissure more than lower)
Where is their no nucleus in the spine?
Upper 4 cervical discs
What can happen with trauma to the cervical disc?
Annulus tears
End plate injury
Annulus bruising
What are the discogenic symptoms?
Cervical spine pain free (stiff)
Deep burning pain around scapular border and scapula
Referral to shoulder
What are some facet joint symptoms?
Sharp and localized
Unilateral
Spasm
Referral into neck
What is limited in damaged facet joints?
Extension
Rotation on the same side
Lateral flexion on same side
