The Cervical Spine C2-C7

Question 1

The key to palpating and adjusting the C3-7

Answer 1

Lamina-pedicle junction

Question 2

Movement allowed by C1-C2

Answer 2

Mostly in rotation with little flexion/extension or lateral bend

Question 3

Angle(s) of cervical facets at C3. How does this change as you go caudally

Answer 3

45 degrees, smaller/flatter as you go down to C7

Question 4

Be able to differentiate the cervical vertebra i.e. could you put the bones in order

Answer 4

C3: small thin transverse process

C4: largest, widest left to right

C5: smaller than C4 but has larger/thicker transverse process

C6: sled look

C7: very small, coastal articular surface, does not have transverse vertebral foramen

Question 5

What other problem may be indicated by a restriction at C5. How would you check it and where would you go from there.

Answer 5

Diaphragm, re-breath the horse

Question 6

Movements allowed at C2-C3 thru C6-C7

Answer 6

Lateral bend mostly, flex/extend, little rotation

Question 7

2 ways to motion palpate C3-C7

Answer 7

Facing chest, one hand each side

Facing head, bend around at lamina-pedicle junction

Question 8

What position should the neck be in for motion palpation and manipulation?

Answer 8

Neck in neutral, maybe small lateral bend, no rotation

Question 9

What will a horse with a restriction do to compensate when asked for lateral bend? (2 things)

Answer 9

Rotate head or back up

Question 10

Set-up for C3 thru C7

Answer 10

Same as motion palpation. Elbow appropriate height, forearm is 45 degree angle away from neck and a 45 degree angle to the laminal pedicle junction and a 45 degree angle cranial to caudal

Question 11

A restriction at C7 may be implicated with distal limb problems, name 3 distal limb problems that may stem from a cervical restriction.

Answer 11

Navicular disease
peritendonitis
lameness

Question 12

Know the number of facets on each cervical vertebra C3-C7 and be able to name them

Answer 12

C3-6: 6 articular surfaces

C7: 8 articular surfaces