Ch. 24 Spine

Objectives Describe how the nervous system works. Describe the peripheral and autonomic nervous

systems. Describe the function of the sympathetic system. Explain common injuries to the spine. Describe the management protocols for an

athlete with a back injury. Explain the symptoms of intervertebral disc

herniation.

Anatomy There is a natural

curvature to the spine

Sectionso Cervical-7o Thoracic-12o Lumbar-5o Sacrum-5 fusedo Coccyx-3 or 4 fused

Vertebrae Bones in the spine

are called vertebras Irregular shaped bone Different by section

o Cervical smaller, lumbar larger

Body Foramen Spinous and

transverse process

Intervertebral Disc Located in between

each vertebrae Allows for

movement and flexibility in spine

Two partso Nucleus pulposus

• Jelly like parto Annulus fibrosus

• Cartilage Poor blood supply

Abnormal Posture Forward Head Kyphosis-excessive

roundedness in thoracic spine

Abnormal Posture Lordosis-excessive

forward curve in lumbar spine

Scoliosis-abnormal side to side

Cervical Injuries Worst injuries

occur with neck in flexion

Fracture of cervical vertebrae can cause quadriplegiao Paralysis of all 4

limbs Should leave

football helmets on

Spondylolysis Spondylolysis:

Stress fracture or bone degeneration of the vertebrae

Spondylolisthesis: vertebrae slips onto the bone beneath it

Disc Herniation Nucleus pulposus

seeps through the annulus fibrosus and presses on the spinal cord

Usually in older people

Unilateral leg pain

Back Strain Usually in erector

spinae, latissimus dorsi, or trapezius muscles

Can be overuse or acute

RICE E-stim stretching

Williams Flexion Pelvic Tilt Single knee to

chest Double knee to

chest Partial sit up Hamstring stretch Hip flexor stretch Squat

McKenzie Extension Prone lying Prone lying on

elbows Prone Press-Ups Progressive

extension with pillows

Standing extension