Neck and Head (cervical)

Question 1

Cervical Vertebrae (C1 - C7)

Answer 1

Arlantoxial joint
No intervertbral disc

The cervical spine allows the most movement at any level of the torso

• especially in rotation

C1/2:neck flexion/extension
C3:neck lateral flexion
C6/7:elbow and wrist functions
C8:thumb extension 
T1:Finger abduction

Question 2

Cervical Vertebrae ( Joints )

Answer 2

Atlanto-occipital (AO) Joint

~50% of all flexion and extension around the mediolateral axis (nodding of head)

Atlanto-axial (AA) Joint (3 Joints)

• Odontoid process

Lateral Atlanto-axial Joint

The articular processes of the two bones on either side

• arthrodial or gliding joint

Question 3

Spondylolisthesis of Axis (Hangman’s Fracture

Answer 3

The vertebrae are the bones that surround the spinal cord from your lower back all the way up to your skull. The hangman’s fracture refers to a break in a bone known as C2, because it is the second bone down from the skull in your cervical (neck) vertebrae.

Traumatic Spondylolisthesis of Axis

• May occur in motor vehicle accident or, rarely, in trauma from rugby/football tackle

Question 4

Cervical vertabrae (Muscles That Control Head and Neck)

Answer 4

Levator scapulae: elevates scapulae

Scalenes: forward and lateral flexion (breathing)

Trapezius: tilt/turn head/neck, shrug, twist arms; elevate, depress, rotate and retracts the scapula

Sternocleidomastoid: rotation and forward and lateral flexion

Question 5

Effect of Head Position/Posture

Answer 5

Forces outside of base of support cause mobility

Moving head forward of centre of mass (spine)

• increases moment cervical spine
• increases neck
• shoulder muscle activity and thus disc pressures

Question 6

Cervical Radiculopathy

Answer 6

Impingement in cervical spine from herniated disk or arthritic bone spurs causing nerve compression

Question 7

Herniated Disc

Answer 7

A herniated disk refers to a problem with one of the rubbery cushions (disks) that sit between the individual bones (vertebrae) that stack to make your spine

A herniated disk occurs when a portion of the nucleus pushes through a crack in the annulus.

Symptoms may occur if the herniation compresses a nerve.

Herniation from low-level physical activity, most likely triggered through poor working posture

Question 8

Concussion (Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI))

Answer 8

Concussion results from collision of brain with cranium can occur even when no bone damage

Short term Effects of concussion

• Memory loss
• Dizziness
• Headache

Long term Effects of concussion

• Reduced learning or fine motor control
• Depression
• Increased risk of dementia
• Parkinson’s symptoms