1. Spine Outline
Sports Med 2

2. Anatomy Bones of the Vertebral Column 33 vertebrae Movable Immovable
24 movable (true)
9 immovable (false)
Movable
Cervical, thoracic, lumbar
Immovable
Sacrum, coccyx

3. Cervical Spine 7 Vertebrae C1 Atlas C2 Axis Supports head
Has no body or spinous process
Movements = flexion, extension, lateral movements
C2 Axis
Allows rotation

4. Thoracic Spine
12 Vertebrae
Articulate with the ribs

5. Lumbar Spine 5 vertebrae Major support of the low back
Largest and thickest

6. Sacrum Coccyx Fusion of 5 vertebrae in adults Sacroiliac joint
While sitting weight is transmitted through these joints
Also known as the tailbone

7. Intervertebral Disks
Between each of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae lies disks
Each disk is composed of annulus fibrosus and the nucleus pulposus
Annulus fibrosus
Forms the periphery of the disk
Composed of strong, firbrous tissue
Nucleus pulposus
In the center of the annulus fibrosus
Shock absorption

8. Ligamentous Structures
Anterior longitudinal ligament
Wide strong band extends the full length of the anterior surface of vertebrae
Posterior longitudinal ligament
Inside the canal and extends the full length of the posterior aspect
Supraspinous
Connects spinous processes

9. Muscles of the Spine Superficial Deep Erector spinae
Extends the spine
Deep
Go from vertebrae to vertebrae
Extend and rotate the spine
multifidus

10. Spinal Nerves and Peripheral Branches
31 pairs of spinal nerves
Each has specific area of sensory called dermatomes
Loss of sensation = nerve damage
Nerves form a plexus

12. Movements of the verterbral column
Flexion
Extension
Right and left lateral flexion
Rotation to the left and right

13. Preventing Injuries to the Spine
Cervical
Can be life threatening
Strengthening is critical
Bull the neck
Isometric, isotonic, isokinetic contractions can be used
Watch for spearing

14. Preventing injuries to the spine
Lumbar
Low back pain is the most common
Avoid unnecessary strain
Be aware of posture anomalies of the athlete
Abdominal strength is essential