Spine Outline Sports Med

Anatomy Bones of the Vertebral Column 33 vertebrae Movable Immovable 24 movable (true) 9 immovable (false) Movable Cervical, thoracic, lumbar Immovable Sacrum, coccyx

Cervical Spine 7 Vertebrae C1 Atlas C2 Axis Supports head Has no body or spinous process Movements = flexion, extension, lateral movements C2 Axis Allows rotation

Thoracic Spine 12 Vertebrae Articulate with the ribs

Lumbar Spine 5 vertebrae Major support of the low back Largest and thickest

Sacrum Coccyx Fusion of 5 vertebrae in adults Sacroiliac joint While sitting weight is transmitted through these joints Also known as the tailbone

Intervertebral Disks Between each of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae lies disks Each disk is composed of annulus fibrosus and the nucleus pulposus Annulus fibrosus Forms the periphery of the disk Composed of strong, firbrous tissue Nucleus pulposus In the center of the annulus fibrosus Shock absorption

Ligamentous Structures Anterior longitudinal ligament Wide strong band extends the full length of the anterior surface of vertebrae Posterior longitudinal ligament Inside the canal and extends the full length of the posterior aspect Supraspinous Connects spinous processes

Muscles of the Spine Superficial Deep Erector spinae Extends the spine Deep Go from vertebrae to vertebrae Extend and rotate the spine multifidus

Spinal Nerves and Peripheral Branches 31 pairs of spinal nerves Each has specific area of sensory called dermatomes Loss of sensation = nerve damage Nerves form a plexus

Movements of the verterbral column Flexion Extension Right and left lateral flexion Rotation to the left and right

Preventing Injuries to the Spine Cervical Can be life threatening Strengthening is critical Bull the neck Isometric, isotonic, isokinetic contractions can be used Watch for spearing

Preventing injuries to the spine Lumbar Low back pain is the most common Avoid unnecessary strain Be aware of posture anomalies of the athlete Abdominal strength is essential