Cervical Spine Injuries
cONCUSSIONS
Disc Injuries & Herniations
Headaches
Radiculopathy
wHIPlASH
Cervical Spine
The cervical portion of the human spine comprises seven bony segments, typically referred to as C-1 to C-7, with cartilaginous discs between each vertebral body. The neck supports the weight of the head and protects the nerves that carry sensory and motor information from the brain down to the rest of the body. In addition, the neck is highly flexible and allows the head to turn and flex in all directions. From top to bottom the cervical spine is gently curved in convex-forward fashion. It is the least marked of all the curves of the spinal column.
Possible Treatments in Physical Therapy
1. Manual Intervention: to focus on improving cervical ROM, normalize mechanics of the spine and shoulder girdle
2. Soft Tissue Mobilization: as indicated to reduce muscle guarding and soft tissue overload to restore normal resting muscle length and full pain free ROM.
3. Strengthening: to improve neuromuscular control of the injured cervical spine and shoulder girdle. Postural training and reconditioning.
4. Traction: manual and/or mechanical traction of the cervical spine will help reduce compressive forces on the herniated disc by unloading the cervical spine. 5. Modalities: as indicated to reduce pain and inflammation at the cervical spine.
References:
Orthopedic Physical Assessment, 4th Edition. David J. Magee, 2006. Physical Rehabilitation: Assessment and Treatment, 4th Edition. Susan B. O’Sullivan and Thomas J. Schmitz, 2001. www.emedicine.medscape.com/article/93635-overview
Disclaimer:
This website is an information and education resource for health professionals and individuals with injuries. It is not intended to be a service for patients and should not be regarded as a source of medical or diagnostic determination, or used as a substitute for professional medical instruction or advice. Not all conditions and treatment modalities are described on this website. Any liability (in negligence or otherwise) arising from any third party acting, or refraining from acting, on any information contained on this website is hereby excluded.