Spine Anatomy & Spinal Injuries Lesson Objectives: To identify basic spine anatomy To explore common athletic spine injuries

Spine Anatomy Facts: Neutral Spine – normal alignment Vertebrae – individual bones of the spine 1st Cervical (C1) – Atlas 2nd Cervical (C2) – Axis Atlanto-occipital Joint Synovial Condyloid joint – allows flexion/extension along the midline Limited amount of lateral flexion Atlanto-axial Joint Pivot joint allowing right & left Rotation

Segments of the Spine Cervical – upper spine Thoracic – middle spine 7 vertebrae Thoracic – middle spine 12 vertebrae Lumbar – lower spine 5 vertebrae Sacrum 5 fused vertebrae Coccyx – “Tailbone”

Other Joints of the Spine Intervertebral joints (from C2-L5) Inferior and superior articular processes of 2 consecutive vertabrae synovial gliding joints which individually have a limited amount of flexion/extension, R & L rotation and lateral flexion Lumbosacral Joint – (between L5-S1) Synovial gliding joint -limited movement

Normal Curvature (neutral spine) Spinal curves are either kyphotic or lordotic. In a normal spine there are four types of spinal curvatures important to balance, flexibility, and stress absorption and distribution.

Abnormal Posture Kyphosis – abnormal thoracic rounding Lordosis – abnormal forward lumbar curve Scoliosis- abnormal side to side bending http://www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/scoliosis/scoliosis-animation

Abnormal Posture Left – Right - Kyphosis normal posture Middle – Lordosis

Abnormal Posture Scoliosis Spine

More Spine Anatomy All Vertebrae have a Body (except Atlas), Spinous Process, Transverse Process & Vertebral Foramen (opening for spinal cord) Intervertebral Disks – separate vertabrae absorb shock & resist compression Allows for movement and flexibility

Vertebrea Anatomy

Vertebrea Anatomy

More Spine Anatomy Spinal Extensors and other larger muscles (Trapezius, Obliques, Rectus Abdominus, Latisimus Dorsi, Rhomboids) help support the spine.

Back Muscles

Adam Talliafero http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UHgPymLOvU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCuRB9AHlYs

Most Common Causes of Spine Injuries Muscle overload or weakness Improper lifting technique Sudden twisting motions Poor posture Direct trauma/compression

Preventing Spine Injuries Keeping good muscular strength in supporting muscles Maintaining proper posture Correct lifting technique Using Back Supports

Brachial Plexus Injuries Also Called “Burners” or “Stingers” Network of nerves exiting cervical spine, run down the shoulder and arm. Caused by compression or outstretched arm Burning or tingling sensation with temp. loss of feeling & strength. Can return w/ no symptoms and the return of strength and range of motion.

Spine Injuries Muscle Spasms: Usually caused by trauma, overuse or improper lifting Symptoms include pain, cramping, decreased ROM and tightness Treatment – Ice, massage and gentle static stretching

Spine Injuries Back Sprain Usually caused by improper lifting or sudden twisting motions Symptoms include localized sharp pain (aggravated by specific movements) and decreased ROM. Treatment – RICE

Spine Injuries Lumbar Back Strain Usually caused by improper lifting or sudden twisting Symptoms include pain to one side of the spine, spasm & increased pain w/movement. Treatment – RICE with gentle trunk flexion (knees to the chest) & strengthening

Fractures & Dislocations Compression Fxs of body or avulsion Fxs of spinous or transvers processes. Dislocation of vertebrae from column Caused by direct trauma, compression, fall or severe sprain/strain Symptoms include point tenderness, weakness, spasm, decreased ROM and possibly referred pain. Paralysis/death also possible Treatment – call 911 follow emergency action plan

Bulging (herniated) Disk Disk bulges posteriorly putting pressure on nerves causing numbness, tingling and pain. Most commonly occurs between L4-L5 & L5-S1 Compression forces soft part of disk through cartilage Caused by excessive flexion, improper lifting or sudden twisting. Symptoms include radiating pain (which increases upon movement)and weakeness Treament – Rest Ice and refer to physician

Bulging Disk

Spine injury information http://www.spinalinjury101.org/details/levels-of-injury L5-S1 (Lumbosacral joint) http://www.spine-health.com/video/lumbar-spine-anatomy-video Sciatica http://www.spine-health.com/video/sciatica-interactive-video

Transporting a Spine Injury https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXKD6DeAJV4

Summary Questions: Name 4 sections of the spine Name 3 types of irregular posture Name 2 processes of a vertabrae Name 1 other name for a brachial plexus injury.