Spine (EXAM 3) Flashcards
1
Q
Vertebrae
A
- Neck –> 6 cervical
- Mid-Back –> 12 Thoracic
- Low Back –> 5 Lumbar, 1 Sacrum (made up of 4-5 fused segments), 1 coccyx
2
Q
Vertebral Body
A
Function:
- Transmits body weight
- Provides flexible structure upon which muscles can act
- Provides attachment
- Limits ROM
- Absorbs shock (this is the actual “cushion”, NOT THE DISC)
3
Q
Atlas
A
- C1
- Does not have a body or disc
4
Q
Axis
A
- Dens to articulate with the axis
- 50% of your neck rotation comes from the atlantoaxial joint
5
Q
Cervical Vertebrae
A
- C3-C7 have a more normal appearance
- All have a transverse foramen for the vertebral artery
- Bifid spinous process for the ligamentum nuchae and greater amount of neck muscles
6
Q
Movement in Cervical Area
A
- Articular processes in an oblique plane
- Allows the cervical spine to have more combined movement than thoracic or lumbar
- Allows movement in all direction
7
Q
Thoracic Vertebrae
A
All 12 thoracic vertebrae have a notch in their transverse processes and a facet on their bodies for rib attachment
8
Q
Movement in the Thoracic Area
A
- Facets in frontal plane in upper thoracic
- Move toward sagittal plane in lower thoracic
- More lateral bending and rotation
- Extension is limited
9
Q
Lumbar Vertebrae
A
- Thicker and larger to handle compressive loads and strong muscle forces
- Lordotic curve places sheer force on the discs at the lower levels
- B-angle & A-angle???
10
Q
Facet Joints in the Lumbar Area
A
- L1-L2 Angle –> 25 (15-47)
- L2-L3 Angle –> 28 (17-51)
- L3-L4 Angle –> 37 (15-57)
- L4-L5 Angle –> 48 (13-70)
- L5-S1 Angle –> 53 (36-70)
11
Q
3 General Types of Back Pain
A
- Rib dysfunctions in the thoracic spine
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunctions (SI joint)
- Generalized low back pain
12
Q
Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Pain
A
- Acute back pain can last 3-4 weeks
- Subacute back pain can last up to 12 weeks
- Chronic back pain is longer than 3 months
13
Q
Chronic Pain Cycle
A
- Pain –> Muscle Tension –> Reduced circulation –> Muscle Inflammation –> Reduced Movement –> Pain
- Includes a significan psychological component
- Anxiety, depression, poor sleep, etc can also increase pain perception and hamper physical performance
14
Q
Mechanical Back Pain
A
- Often acute or sudden onset
- Damage or irritation to:
Ligament
Muscle
Connective tissue
Facet joint (or bone)
Possible early annular damage to the disc - Usually gets worse over the course of the day
- Not directly nerve related, but can radiate down to the buttocks or hips
- Pain is usually cyclic
- Pain is aggravated by a specific direction or movement (positional)
- Pain is relieved by lying down or a specific movement or position
15
Q
Non-Mechanical Back Pain (Neurologic Pain)
A
- Often progressive and insidious onset, but can be acute
- Possible irritation to:
Intervertebral disc
Nerve root
Internal organ - Random pain patterns tend to worsen over time
- Sensory changes in the saddle area or problems with micturition should be checked asap
- Nerve related can radiate down to the lower leg and foot
- Pain is usually exacerbated by sitting and better when standing
- Internal organ problem creates vague achy deep pain that does not appear to have any position that alleviates pain
16
Q
When to see a doctor
A
- Athletes should be reported any and all back pain
- Serious issues for referring the athlete:
Radiating pain or numbness
Non-positional pain
Pain or numbness in the saddle area
Noticeable and explainable changes in micturition
17
Q
Rib Dysfunction
A
- Usually an acute onset of mechanical pain
- More commonly found between the scapulae
- Pain is usually localized in the back, but can radiate toward the sternum
- Can exist without “back pain” and be evident in respiratory restrictions
18
Q
Rib Movement in the Thoracic Spine
A
- A: Pump handle, ribs ELEVATE, expand rib cage in anterior direction (1-6)
- B: Bucket handle, LATERAL-SUPERIOR direction (7-10)
- C: Caliper, LATERAL direction (transverse plane), opening up anteriorly (8-12)