Neuro Anatomy and Neurodynamics Cervical Spine
Neuro Anatomy Important for neurological assessment Helps with tension testing and neurodynamic treatments Knowing anatomy will help identify potential courses of radicular pain or radiculopathy E.G paraesthesia in the hand- is this in a dermatome pattern or a peripheral nerve pattern
Spinal Nerves
Cervical Nerve Roots
Brachial Plexus
Axillary Nerve
Musculocutaneous Nerve
Ulnar Nerve
Radial Nerve
Median Nerve
Dermatomes and Myotomes Vs Peripheral Nerve Remember the cutaneous and motor distribution of a peripheral nerve IS NOT the same as dermatome and myotome patterns Nerve roots will progress into multiple peripheral nerves E.g C8 nerve root is present in ulnar, median and radial peripheral nerves
Neurodynamics Cervical Spine
The Neurodynamic System Interaction of 3 components – Mechanical Interface – Neural Structures – Innervated Tissues
Abnormal Neurodynamic System Can be the result of one or a combination of: – Dysfunctional Tension – Dysfunctional Sliding – Dysfunctional Compression
Tension
Sliding
Compression
Movement of the Neural System The nervous system will generally slide towards the moving joint distally and proximally to increase the available slack
Median Nerve Testing
Ulnar Nerve Testing
Radial Nerve Testing
Look for….. Pain ROM Paraesthesia or Numbness
Structural Differentiation Perform the test Make a change 2 joints away from the symptoms Does it increase or decrease symptoms? Does it make no change?
Dermatomes
Myotomes C1/2C3
Myotomes C4C5
Myotomes C6
Myotomes C7
Myotomes C8T1
Management Soft tissue release Joint mobilisations – Sliders and Tensioners
Sliders
Tensioners
Home Exercise Programme Median/Ulnar Slider
Home Exercise Programme Median/Ulnar Tensioner
Home Exercise Programme Radial Slider
Home Exercise Programme Radial Tensioner