Spine Flashcards
Name the 5 major movements of the spine.
- 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
Name the 5 regions of the vertebral column.
Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, Sacrum, coccyx
What asanas create flexion of the spine?
Forward folds
What asanas generally create extension of the spine?
Back bends
What asanas create axial rotation of the spine?
Twists
What asanas create lateral flexion of the spine?
Side bends (i.e. Anjaneyasana with lateral flexion)
What is a prolapsed disc? How does this affect asana?
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.
What is an intervertebral disc?
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).
What is sciatica?
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.
What is scoliosis?
An abnormal lateral curvature of the spine in either the thoracic or lumbar spine.
What is lordosis?
excessive inward curve of spine - swayback
What is kyphosis?
Abnormal curvature in the thoracic spine, can be called humpback, can be amended by strengthening the abdominal and hamstring muscles.
Where is the cervical region of the vertebral column?
Neck
Where is the thoracic region of the vertebral column?
Upper and middle back
Where is the lumbar region of the vertebral column?
Lower back
Where is the sacral region of the vertebral column?
Pelvis
Where is the coccygeal region of the vertebral column?
Very bottom of the vertebral column
How many cervical vertebrae are there?
Seven
How many thoracic vertebrae are there?
Twelve
How many lumbar vertebrae are there?
Five
How many sacral vertebrae are there?
One bone consisting of five fused vertebrae
How many coccygeal vertebrae are there?
One bone consisting of usually four fused vertebrae
How many vertebrae are there?
Neat way to remember
- Breakfast at 7 (cervical)
- Lunch at 12 (thoracic)
- Dinner at 5 (lumbar)
- Bed at 9 (sacrum and coccyx)
33 total
How are the different vertebrae shaped?
- 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
What does each vertebrae have?
What happens if disc compresses?
Pinches nerves
What is between the discs?
What does the spinal column do?
Protects the spinal cord
Where are the discs?
Disc between each vertebrae expect atlas and axis and sacrum and coccyx
Made up of annulus pulposus, annulus fibrosus
The black ligament to know for the exam
- Ligament flavum posterior side of vertebral canal - less colagen, more elastic, yellow
What is the vertebrae body?
