conditions of the back Flashcards
what does the spine do (5)
upright posture, allows mvt, protects sc (vertebral foramen and transverse foramen for spinal n.), m. and lig attachment
how many vertebrae and nerve roots are in the c-spine what vertebrae allow rotation
7 vertebrae and 8 n. roots
atlas (c1) and axis (c2) allow rotation
what part of the spine attaches to the ribs, incases the lungs and heart and diaphragm
the thoracic vertebrae
what part of the spine has larger bodies for weight bearing and allows for minimal rotation
lumbar spine (thicker and take on the majority of the load)
what is the purpose of the intervertebral discs (3)
allow mvt, absorbs shock and increases space for transverse foramen (looses height w age)
what is the purpose of facet joints
allow rotation bc of how they sit
is it more common to injure m. of the spine or lig of the spine
m.
what ligaments are stretched by flexion of the spine
interspinous lig, supraspinous lig, post longitudinal lig
what lig is stretched by extension of the spine and which is stretched by side bending to opposite side
extension: anterior longitudinal ligament,
side bend: intertransverse lig
if there pressure to the lumbar plexus what can it affect
can affect m. of lower extremity
what m. are affected by whiplash moi
m. of the cervical spine (tighten up normally; upper traps, levator scapula, …)
axial loading puts stress on the dics and the vertebrae and will cause what
decreased height, space in transverse foramen will decrease, impingement of the n. roots
what can repetitive forward bending cause
disc move post, can put pressure on n. roots,= so comes out posterior
what is stenosis (where can it occur what is it acquired secondary to and what are the s/s)
can occur anywhere in the spine (will decrease space where the n. root runs), acquired secondary to osteophyte formation (protective moi)
s/s: quadriplegia (depending on the level of severity), burning/tingling/numbness, motor changes (n. isn’t sending the signal properly), pain in area, happens w age when too much loading
what is a disc herniation (moi, where is it most common and what age, s/s)
moi: whiplash (disc pushed back and stays there bc of hyperextension of the spine), repetitive flexion or extension, compression
posterior lateral is most common (bc we do more flexion and ant region of sc is stronger)
s/s: radiating pain, pain with valsava maneuver (pinky=c7, middle finger=c5)
L4/5, L5/S1 most common l-spine (30 -50 yo)
cervical spine is more common in older individuals (C4/5 and C5/6 most common)
what are the diff types of disc herniations
degeneration: tears in annulus fibrosis
prolapse: nucleus finds way thru annulus
extrusion: material moves into sc (may impinge)
sequestration: further into sc, may migrate
how do disc herniation develop and what can you palpate
years and years of mod pain (no pain bc no pressure on n. roots, might fell stiffness in the back) until 1 day the back will spasm with ridiculous motion
pain on palpation of the transverse, spinous process but won’t be able to feel the herniation