Spinal Column Fall 2018

Facts 29 separate vertebrae 4 MAIN Regions of vertebrae 33 if you include the coccyx (4 bones fused together) 4 MAIN Regions of vertebrae

Facts Job of vertebrae (bones) is to protect the spinal cord Spinal cord is the information highway between the brain and body.

Regions of the Spine Cervical Region - Upper spine, neck region. 7 separate vertebrae

Regions of the Spine Thoracic Vertebrae- middle of the spine 12 separate vertebrae

Regions of the Spine Lumbar Region – lower spine 5 separate vertebrae

Regions of the Spine Sacral region – five fused vertebrae at the base of spine. Note: the sacrum was 5 individual bones at birth, fused together as we aged.

Vertebral Disks Disks – located between the vertebrae. Helps to absorb shock. Provide space for nerves to exit spinal cord. Compress as we age, causing us to get shorter.

Sections Labeled

Conditions of the Spine Scoliosis- lateral and/or rotary curvature of the spine

Additional Conditions of the Spine Kyphosis- Exaggeration of the normal curve of the thoracic spine

Additional Conditions of the Spine Lordosis- abnormal curvature of the lumbar spine

Sprain & Strains of the Back Strains- can occur as a result of maximum exertion or force Common in high or full contact sports Can be confused with sprains Common signs are muscle spasms and sensitivity to the touch (otherwise know as palpation) Treatment- follow the RICE method Sprains can occur when range of motion (ROM) damage ligaments or joint capsules in the back. Commonly occur to lumbar or cervical region, thoracic least likely. If thoracic spine is sprained, dyspnea or difficultly breathing or painful respiration. Treatment- follow the RICE method

Spondylolysis vs. Spondylolisthesis Spondylolysis- is a defect in the vertebra that forms a bony ring around the spinal cord Spondylolisthesis- is a condition in which the vertebra slides forward in the spinal column.

Spondylolysis Spondylolisthesis

Herniated Disk Herniated disk- rupture or protrusion of the nucleus pulpous through the annulus fibrosous at an intervertebral disk Most commonly occurs to the lumbar region, L-4-L-5 Signs & Symptoms Pain while sitting, walking, standing Pain in the buttocks (sciatic nerve) Muscle spasms Tingling or burning sensation (sensory loss) Could impair with bowel/bladder functions

Spinal Cord Back Injuries As a result of spinal cord injuries the following could happen: Paralysis - loss of the ability to move a body part. Paraplegia – paralysis of both legs Quadriplegia – paralysis of both arms and both legs

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Result of Neck and/or Back Injuries Can Result in Concussion

Concussion Defined as shaking of the brain. Can cause an internal hemorrhage and swelling of the brain. Concussions can become chronic injuries

Concussion Classification Mild Concussion – no loss of consciousness, confusion, ringing of the ears, dull headache. Rapid recovery from all symptoms.

Concussion Classification Moderate Concussion – loss of consciousness for two to three minutes. Inability to remember events, nausea, dizziness, ringing in ears, disturbance of balance. This athlete should be observed for a minimum of 24 hours.

Concussion Classification Severe concussion – Loss of consciousness for more than two to three minutes. Lack of response to painful stimuli, wandering eyes, unequal pupil size, possible convulsions. This athlete should go to the hospital immediately.

Postconcussive Syndrome The main symptom is headaches for one to two weeks. 20%-90% of patients develop at least one symptom of postconcussive syndrome. More common after a serious concussion (moderate/severe) than after a mild one.

How to Treat Postconcussive Syndrome? Will experience dizziness, difficulty concentrating, or problems during ADLs Symptoms are usually relieved with mild pain relievers such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen. Nausea or vomiting

Postconcussive Syndrome Usually will go away over time, sometimes people have symptoms that do not go away, even after months. Tests such as MRIs and CAT Scans will help look into the problem more clearly.

Long Term Effects of Concussions Are known to be cumulative, each time you have a concussion it easier to get one in the future. Repeated concussions can lead to long-term memory loss, psychiatric disorders, and other neurologic problems. If you have had a number of concussions, your physician will advise to avoid high risk activities.