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

2. 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

4. 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”

5. 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

6. 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.

7. Abnormal Posture Kyphosis – abnormal thoracic rounding
Lordosis – abnormal forward lumbar curve
Scoliosis- abnormal side to side bending

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

9. Abnormal Posture
Scoliosis
Spine

10. 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

11. Vertebrea Anatomy

12. Vertebrea Anatomy

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

14. Back Muscles

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

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

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

18. 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.

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. Bulging Disk

25. Spine injury information
L5-S1 (Lumbosacral joint)
Sciatica

26. Transporting a Spine Injury

27. 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.