Spine

Question 1

Name the 5 major movements of the spine.

Answer 1

• Axial extension – straightens and lengthens spine along axis
• Flexion – brings spine down toward legs
• Extension – lengthens upwards and backwards
• Lateral flexion – move to right or left side
• Axial rotation – revolves or twists the spine

Question 2

Name the 5 regions of the vertebral column.

Answer 2

Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, Sacrum, coccyx

Question 3

What asanas create flexion of the spine?

Answer 3

Forward folds

Question 4

What asanas generally create extension of the spine?

Answer 4

Back bends

Question 5

What asanas create axial rotation of the spine?

Answer 5

Twists

Question 6

What asanas create lateral flexion of the spine?

Answer 6

Side bends (i.e. Anjaneyasana with lateral flexion)

Question 7

What is a prolapsed disc? How does this affect asana?

Answer 7

When the Nucleus Pulposus of the disc bulges out through a weakness in the Annulus Fibrosis, causing disformation and possibly inflammation of surrounding nerves. Someone with this injury should not practice twists or forward folds. Potentially can do some very passive forward folds (i.e. supported) and hip movements would probably feel good for this person.

Question 8

What is an intervertebral disc?

Answer 8

A disc is a jelly like disc between each vertebra to help with shock absorption and movement. It is made from the Annulus Fibrosis (outer ring) and the Nucleus Pulposus (inner jelly).

Question 9

What is sciatica?

Answer 9

Sciatica is nerve root pain of the sciatic nerve, specifically the nerve coming from the lower spinal cord which is being pressed on or being irritated by a prolapsed disc.

Question 10

What is scoliosis?

Answer 10

An abnormal lateral curvature of the spine in either the thoracic or lumbar spine.

Question 11

What is lordosis?

Answer 11

excessive inward curve of spine - swayback

Question 12

What is kyphosis?

Answer 12

Abnormal curvature in the thoracic spine, can be called humpback, can be amended by strengthening the abdominal and hamstring muscles.

Question 13

Where is the cervical region of the vertebral column?

Answer 13

Neck

Question 14

Where is the thoracic region of the vertebral column?

Answer 14

Upper and middle back

Question 15

Where is the lumbar region of the vertebral column?

Answer 15

Lower back

Question 16

Where is the sacral region of the vertebral column?

Answer 16

Pelvis

Question 17

Where is the coccygeal region of the vertebral column?

Answer 17

Very bottom of the vertebral column

Question 18

How many cervical vertebrae are there?

Answer 18

Seven

Question 19

How many thoracic vertebrae are there?

Answer 19

Twelve

Question 20

How many lumbar vertebrae are there?

Answer 20

Five

Question 21

How many sacral vertebrae are there?

Answer 21

One bone consisting of five fused vertebrae

Question 22

How many coccygeal vertebrae are there?

Answer 22

One bone consisting of usually four fused vertebrae

Question 23

How many vertebrae are there?

Answer 23

Neat way to remember

• Breakfast at 7 (cervical)
• Lunch at 12 (thoracic)
• Dinner at 5 (lumbar)
• Bed at 9 (sacrum and coccyx)

33 total

Question 24

How are the different vertebrae shaped?

Answer 24

• Cervical – point down, space available between
• Thoracic – curve down, very small gaps between
• Lumbar – straight out, lots of space available between
• Different size and spaced vertebrae restrict people differently

Question 25

What does each vertebrae have?

Answer 25

Question 26

What happens if disc compresses?

Answer 26

Pinches nerves

Question 27

What is between the discs?

Answer 27

Question 28

What does the spinal column do?

Answer 28

Protects the spinal cord

Question 29

Where are the discs?

Answer 29

Disc between each vertebrae expect atlas and axis and sacrum and coccyx

Made up of annulus pulposus, annulus fibrosus

Question 30

The black ligament to know for the exam

Answer 30

• Ligament flavum posterior side of vertebral canal - less colagen, more elastic, yellow

Question 31

What is the vertebrae body?

Answer 31