Cervicothoracic Observations - PDF

Observing posture How to palpate the C7 SP (as best we can). 1) Ask model to perform full neck flexion & feel for most prominent vertebra 2) Palpate prominent vertebra & ask model to perform full neck extension 3) If it goes forward (anterior translation) & you feel it less, it is C6 C6 →...

Observing posture How to palpate the C7 SP (as best we can). 1) Ask model to perform full neck flexion & feel for most prominent vertebra 2) Palpate prominent vertebra & ask model to perform full neck extension 3) If it goes forward (anterior translation) & you feel it less, it is C6 C6 → mobile vertebra, C7 & T1 not so mobile 4) Palpate lower & try again. C7 should feel the same with flexion & extension  EAM gives us decent approx. EAM centre of mass of the head horizontal distance (HD) relevance? Larger the HD, more leverage gravity has to cause flexion of cervical spine More muscular effort needed from cervical extensors C7 try on your model  Line bisects center of the neck Tilt of head on neck Head is tilting right lateral flexion shoulders head on neck Line connecting shoulders 4 Kyphosis → abnormally excessive convex curvature of the spine (thoracic & sacral regions) Exaggerated kyphosis with lots of flexion 5 Top half of thoracic spine is flexed → hunched appearance Lower half approaching bottom of ribcage → flat appearance Spine moves more in one area → make up for motion that is not available in another area When evaluating curvatures, use the palm of your fingers to palpate (see-feel).  Very difficult to maintain a neutral cervical spine if thoracic platform is really kyphotic Kyphotic curve makes it easier for cervical spine to lean into some flexion & pushing head forward The thoracic spine is a platform for the cervical spine.  Are there hints of rotation? Does one side sit closer to you? Which direction are the vertebral bodies facing?  Concave Convex Kinesiol 3BB3: F2019 9 Canadian Scoliosis and Neuro Centre http://csncentre.com/ Observing posture