Chapter 8 Flashcards
What forms the cervical lordosis?
The shape of the vertebra bodies
Why do the vertebra in C spine appear not parallel?
Posterior lipping of the subjacent vertebra and the lateral uncinate processes
Why is cervical curve (lordosis) important?
Because it supports the weight of the head and every step causes shock to the discs
What happens with hypolordosis of the C spine?
The discs alone are left to absorb the full force with each step
What is most common way to change normal contour of C spine?
Compensation
Why is compensation so prevalent in the C spine?
Because the cervical spine adapts to subluxations outside the cervical area
Why is the head held in a neutral position?
Because it is a protective mechanism and the individual will be more able to detect and react to changes that affect balance and well being
How does head position effect balance and well being?
Because of the vestibular apparatus in the inner ear that tell the brain the head position so that corrections may be made if needed
How will cervical spine present most typically?
As compensations
Why is cervical spine subject to more trauma than other spinal areas?
Because it supports the head and due to the head’s inertia and momentum it is often subjected to trauma
Can compensation become subluxation?
Yes, a simple misalignment can become a subluxation depending on the type of force that is put into the body
How much force is required to subluxate?
A minor force such as a sneeze or stepping off the curb the wrong way
What absorbs forces in hyperextension? Result?
Posterior arches
Strain, sprain, or even fractures (subluxation usually doesn’t occur however with hyperextension in the C spine atlas and occiput are often subluxated from the forces causing hyperextension)
How do most C subluxations occur? Mechanically? Strong force?
Head being driven forward
When hyperflexed the bodies close at the anterior margin and the forces transmitted through the segments drives the vertebra posterior and inferior
Doesn’t have to be a strong force
Can the disc above be injured? Result?
Yes, results in bony spurring/osteophytes and eventually degeneration
