Lecture 2: Cervical Spine Somatic Dysfunction Flashcards
In the cervical spine, where do nerves exit?
Above vertebral body
A patient accidentally damages his middle finger in an accident and has numbness and tingling in that finger. The C7 dermatome is affected. What spinal segments are also affected?
C6-C7
What are some unique features of the atlas (C1)?
No vertebral body
Rotates around dens of C2
Part of cruciform ligament
What are some unique features of the axis (C2)?
Odontoid process
What is the myodural bridge?
True connections between rectus capitis posterior major and dura mater, containing a neural component
What is the function of the myodural bridge?
Anchors muscle
Monitor dural tension
Role in cervicogenic pathologies
What is hangman’s fracture?
Break in C2 from hyperextension of the neck
In C2-C7, are rotation and sidebending often in the same or opposite direction?
Same
Why does rotation and sidebending often happen in the same direction?
Theoretically due to uncinate process
What are the characteristics of the OA joint?
Flexion/Extension
Opposite sidebending and rotation
What are the characteristics of the AA joint?
Primary motion is rotation
Minimal sidebending, flexion/extension
What is the fulcrum side?
Side you are inducing sidebending
- Translating right means sidebending left
- Translating left means sidebending right
What are contraindications for soft tissue treatments?
Fractures Open wound or surgical sites Infection DVT Coagulopathy Neoplasm
What are contraindications for muscle energy treatments?
Undiagnosed joint swelling Severe osteoporosis Neoplasm Infection Hematoma Rheumatoid arthritis Fracture Dislocation
What are contraindications for HVLA specifically in cervical area?
Advanced rheumatoid arthritis
Down Syndrome
Vertebral artery disease (thrombosis)
Advanced carotid disease
