cervical spine biomechanics

what are the interconnected subsystems of C spine stabilization

passive subsystem, neural subsystem, active subsystem

what makes up the passive subsystem of C spine stabilization

spinal column, non-contractile structures, control of teh elastic zone, flow of information from mechanoreceptors

what makes up the neural subsystem of C spine stabilization

CNS and PSN

what makes up the active subsystem of C spine stabilization

stability role and mobility role

stiffness of the spinal column is inherent in

the non-contractile anatomy

stabilization is maintained through

feedback loops

what is unique to C spine vertebrae

transverse foramen for the vertebral artery

C spine facet orinetation

generally 45 degrees which allows for greater flexion than lateral bending or rotation

the facet joint of the c spine resists

most the shear forces and approximately 16% of the compressive forces acting on the spine

what accounts for 50% of cervical rotation

C1 rotating on C2

as C1 rotates on C2 what happens

C2 slightly rises on the side of rotation

active stabilizers of the C spine are

generally deeper and cross fewer joint segments

function of active stabilizers

report movement, load, and position to the CNS, proprioception, make minor corrections, and help with motor recruitment

what is an example of an active stabilizer of the C spine

suboccipitals

what do prime movers of active stabilization do in the c spine

superficial and cross several joint segments, very few attachments to the C spine which can create shear, have large and gross motor function

small muscles stabilize to reduce

the potential for larger shear forces which come from larger prime mover muscle groups

anterior stabilization of the c spine is done by

longus capitis and longus coli which help control motion

with whiplash MOI

both the lower and upper c spine are at risk for injury. tissue damage does not always correlate with the pain presented

whiplash can lead to pain in

SCM and paraspinals which can lock up as a protective mechanism

in the C spine cervical fusions are done

anteriorly