Cervical Thoracic Biomechanics (Dr. Powers)

Facets making up a facet joint

Superior (of bottom vertebrae) and inferior articular facets (of top vertebrae)

Upper Cervical Vertebrae

Occipital-Atlanto (C0-C1)

Atlanto Axial (C1-C2)

Lower Cervical Vertebrae

C2-C7

Occipital-Atlanto Region ROM: Flexion

5 degrees, occipital condyles move forward

Occipital-Atlanto Region ROM: Extension

10 degrees, occipital condyles backwards

Occipital-Atlanto Region ROM: Extension & Flexion Combined

10-30 degrees

Occipital-Atlanto Region ROM: Lateral Flexion

5 degrees, occipital condyles glide opposite to each other

Atlanto-Axial Region ROM: Rotation

45 degrees (out of 60 total ROM)

Atlanto-Axial Region ROM: Flex/Extension

10 degrees

Atlanto-Axial Region ROM: Lateral Flexion

5 degrees (can also be done with contralateral rotation)

Lower Cervical Region (C2-C7) ROM: Flexion

50 degrees, facets open

Lower Cervical Region (C2-C7) ROM: Extension

70 degrees, facets close

Lower Cervical Region (C2-C7) ROM: Lateral Flexion

45 degrees, ipsilateral facets close, contralateral facets open

Protrusion: Upper Cervical ? and Lower Cervical ?

Extends, flexes

Retraction: Upper Cervical ? and Lower Cervical ?

Flexes, Extends

Open Pack Cervical Position

Slight flexion, facet joints open

Closed Pack Cervical Position

Full extension (like spurling test)

Capsular Pattern for Cervical

Extension → lateral flexion & rotation equally (look for capsular end feel)