UW Health Sports Medicine Upper Spine Treatment and Examination

These flashcards cover key concepts from the UW Health Sports Medicine lecture on Upper Spine Treatment and Examination, focusing on definitions and essential terminology related to anatomy, assessment, and treatment approaches.

Cervical Spine

The part of the spine that consists of seven cervical vertebrae (C1-C7) and supports the head as well as protects the spinal cord.

Atlas (C1)

The first cervical vertebra that supports the globe of the head, allowing for nodding movements.

Axis (C2)

The second cervical vertebra featuring the dens, which allows for rotational movement of the head.

Upper Crossed Syndrome

A postural syndrome characterized by tightness in the upper traps and pectorals and weakness in the deep neck flexors and lower traps.

Brachial Plexus

A network of nerves that originates from the spinal cord and provides motor and sensory innervation to the upper limb.

Erb's Palsy

A condition resulting from an injury to the upper brachial plexus (C5-C6) that may affect arm movement and sensation.

Klumpke's Palsy

A condition resulting from an injury to the lower brachial plexus (C8-T1), which can lead to weakness of the hand and wrist.

Dermatomes

Areas of skin that are mainly supplied by a single spinal nerve root.

Myotomes

Groups of muscles that a single spinal nerve root innervates.

Cranial Nerves

Twelve pairs of nerves that emerge directly from the brain and perform functions in sensation, movement, and involuntary responses.

Hoffman's Sign

A neurological reflex test used to detect dysfunction of upper motor neuron pathways, often indicative of cervical myelopathy.

Spurling's Test

A clinical test to diagnose cervical radiculopathy; the test reproduces symptoms by placing axial load on the cervical spine.

Joint Mobilization

A manual therapy technique where a therapist applies a controlled force to a joint to improve its motion and relieve pain.

Cervical Distraction

A technique used to relieve pressure on the cervical spine by applying force to distract the head away from the body.

Neck Pain with Radiating Pain

A classification of neck pain that includes symptoms of radiating pain, numbness, or weakness along the dermatomes of specific spinal nerves.

Thoracic Spine

The section of the spine located in the upper and middle back, consisting of twelve thoracic vertebrae.

Rib Articulations

The connections between the ribs and the thoracic vertebrae, essential for proper rib movement during respiration.

Functional Mobilization

A technique involving joint mobilization applied in positions that mimic functional activities.

Neuro Exam

A systematic evaluation of sensory and motor function, reflexes, and cranial nerves to assess neurological integrity.