Lower Cervical Spine Flashcards
Describe the location of the lower cervical spine
From C3-C7
Describe the primary muscle dysfunction associated with neck pain
- Less force production
- Reduced endurance of neck flexors
- Alteration of tone of postural mm
- decreased in: mid/low trap, serratus anterior
- increased in: upper trap, levator scap, neck extensors
Describe how you can test the endurance of neck musculature
Place a pressure cuff under the neck and inflate to 20 mmHg
With chin tuck cuff should increase 10 mmHg
100% endurance = 10 reps of 10 sec hold
Describe the balance of neck extensors to flexors and which fatigues more easily
We have more neck extensors than flexors
The flexors fatigue more easily and are compensated for with global muscles
Structure: serves as an attachment site for neck mm, can be elevated or have limited motion with musculature is tight
1st Rib
Describe what breathing pattern can affect the 1st rib
Mouth breathers
Breathing through your mouth requires use of neck mm which over time can affect the position and mobility of the 1st rib
Structure: Posterior lateral portion of the vertebral column that can be considered part of the intervertebral joint that is formed by the concavity of the inferior and convexity of the superior vertebral bodies
U Joint
Structure: Saddle shaped, diarthrodial/synovial joint
Uncovertebral or “U” joint
Structure:
- Extend from C3-T1
- Formed between uncinate processes/surfaces
- Develop in 1st 12 yrs of life
U Joint
Describe the 4 functions of the U Joint
- Assist with segmental flexion/extension gliding and rotation
- Restricts segmental SB
- Thought to prevent posteriolateral disc herniation
- May take pressure of vertebral artery
Describe Cyriax’s Examination Concept
Selective Tissue Tension Technique (STTT) - good for acute/subacute conditions NOT chronic condition
- If you can selectively stress each strcuture you can find the anatomical source of pain
Describe an easing factor that can help differentiate shld pain from neck pain
Pain that originates in the shld: pt. will hold arm close to body
Pain that originates in the neck: pt. will hold arm over head
List the 4 common MOI for neck pain
- Whiplash/MVA
- Collisions
- Spondylosis
- Infection, tumor or disease processes (degenerative/arthritic)
Describe the activities that can lead to neck pain
- Poor sleeping posture
- Excessive computer use or desk work
Part of the Neck Exam:
- Screen
- Look for central/peripheral neuro deficits
- Look for neurovascular compromise (vertebral artery)
- rule out fx or cervical myelopathy (cord compression)
Subjective exam
Part of the Neck Exam:
- Posture
- ROM
- Combined motion
- Repeated/sustained motion
- Neuro/segmental testing
- Muscle/endurance testing
Objective exam
Term: Side bending and rotation to the same side as the pain
Closing Restriction