The Spine & Hip Joint

Question 1

Is sacrum considered part of the spine or pelvic girdle?

Answer 1

spine

Question 2

Using bony landmarks, what are 2 different ways of describing ideal alignment in tadasana?

Answer 2

1. pubic bone + tail bone parallel to floor

2. ASIS joints + pubic bone parallel to wall in front

Question 3

Is hip joint made for mobility or stability? Why?

Answer 3

Stability bc femur has 70% contact with acetabulum

Question 4

What is meant by “hip joint”? Where is it located on the body?

Answer 4

• It is the ball-and-socket joint where the femur goes into the acetabulum
  
  • It is located at the top of the leg near the pubic bone

Question 5

In what planes of space does movement at the hip occur? Why?

Answer 5

• All 3 planes bc it is a ball-and-socket joint

Question 6

Why is it important to always keep a bit of softness behind the skin of the inner groin when the hip joint is in extension?

Answer 6

• To avoid stressing the ligaments at the front of the hip

Question 7

Where are the quads located and what is their primary action(s)?

Answer 7

Located in front of the thigh and they are used to flex the hip joint

Question 8

Where are the hamstrings located and what is their primary action(s)?

Answer 8

Located at back of the thigh and allow for extension of the knee joint

Question 9

Describe 4 curves of the spine. Name, direction of curve, how many vertebrae?

Answer 9

Cervical, secondary curve, 7 bones
Thoracic, primary curve, 12 bones
Lumbar, secondary curve, 5 bones
Sacrum, primary curve, 5-8 bones but can vary

Question 10

List 3 functions of the vertebral column?

Answer 10

1. Support trunk
   
   2. Enclose spinal cord
   3. Provide site for muscle attachment

Question 11

What does the shape of the vertebra tell us about the idea of having a straight spine?

Answer 11

• When aligned correctly, the wedge shape of the vertebrae creates curves in the spine when aligned so the idea of a straight spine cannot happen when there is correct alignment.

Question 12

What is the overall shape of the spinal column?

Answer 12

From the back: it looks like an elongated pyramid

From the side: it looks like an S

Question 13

In general, what regions of the vertebral column have more freedom?

Answer 13

Cervical, lumbar regions

Question 14

In what region of the spine is rotation not possible?

Answer 14

• Lumbar bc the shape of the vertebrae prevents it

Question 15

In what region of the spine is hyperextension not possible and why?

Answer 15

• Thoracic spine bc of the shape of the vertebrae

Question 16

In which action do the cervical and lumbar regions of the spine need most care and attention, flexion or extension?

Answer 16

• Flexion

Question 17

What can the lumbar spine tell you about someone’s habitual standing pattern?

Answer 17

• Depending on if the spine is lordodic, you can see if there is gripping in the front or back body

Question 18

Which group of back muscles are made for stabilization: the deep smaller muscles or the more superficial large muscles.

Answer 18

• Deep smaller muscles

Question 19

What is a great way to stretch and strengthen the intercostal muscles?

Answer 19

• Pranayama

Question 20

Why is it important to teach with organizational goals rather than range of motion goals?

Answer 20

Organizational goals help prevent injury while exercising/stretching muscles correctly. If you teach with range of motion goals, people may sacrifice their correct body organization which can lead to injury.