The Spine

The 4 Parts
1. Cranial 7
a. Very flexible, smaller
2. Thoracic 12
a. Ribs come out of vertebrae, more supportive
3. Lumbar 5
a. Large, chunky vertebrae, hold the most weight, most
frequently damaged from aging
4. Sacral
a. Fusion of multiple bones
Mortality and Morbidity of Spinal Trauma
Long term consequences - large variations in ability, physical and mental

● CNS and spinal cord have a more difficult time self healing
○ Taking over jobs
● 12,400 people a year traumatic spinal cord injury
● Leading cause of spinal injuries
○ motor vehicle collisions
○ falls (elderly)
○ gunshot wounds
● Men are more likely to be injured than women
● Alcohol factor in 25% of cases
Vertebrae and the Curve
● Cervical and lumbar vertebrae curve post birth to adapt to us walking bipedal
● Spinous processes
○ Midline or side bump
● Structure of vertebrae
● Ligaments
○ Provide mechanical strength and support
○ Anterior and posterior ligaments
● Spinal cord length c1-l2
● Cervical nerve exits above vertebrae
○ 8 cervical nerves, 7 cervical vertebrae
Matter and Feeling
● Gray matter surrounded by white
matter
○ Reverse of the brain
● Gray Matter
○ nerve/salt bodies
● White Matter
○ information treks
● Left side of the spinal cord innervates
the right and vice versa
● Pain is the only exception that is same
side
Common Back Problems
● Acute vs. Chronic
● Degeneration
● Spinal Stenosis
Ways to Reduce/Prevent Back Pain
● Exercise
○ Practice safe lifts, if you don’t know what to do don’t do it
● Focus on sitting and standing upright
● Good mental health
● No smoking
● Go to your Chiropractor
● Go to your Doctor
● Medicine
○ Make this the last resort
PART 2
Action potentials
● Banana in salt water
○ P(+) S(+), GRADIENT
● Polarization, Depolarization, REpolarization, Hyperpolarization
● http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZG8M_ldA1M&t=3m30s
Synapses(Nerve Firing)
● Electrical Vs. Chemical
○ Myelin Sheath
Autonomic Nervous System
Sympathetic - so you want to fight

● Fight or flight
● Originate craniosacral

Parasympathetic - Peace and Relaxation

● Originate from thoracic and lumbar

Spinal Injuries
Complete Vs. Incomplete
Cervical Nerves
● C1-4
○ Quadriplegic
○ May not be able to breath, swallow, control bowel movements, may have limited speech
○ Require complete assistance for transfers and transportation
○ Require 24 hour personal care
○ C3-C5 affect diaphragm
● C5
○ Can raise arms
○ Likely paralysis of rest of body
○ Weakened breathing but fully speech capable
● C6
○ Shoulder and Possible wrist function
○ May be able to drive an adapted vehicle
○ Some to no bowel control
● C7
○ Some elbow and finger function, able to do most activities of daily living but may need
assistance
○ May be able to drive an adapted vehicle
○ Some to no bowel control
● C8
○ Should be able to grasp
○ ““
Thoracic Nerve Section
T1 - hands and fingers

T2-T5 - chest muscles

T6-T8 - Chest and abdominal muscles

T9-T12 - Abdominal muscles

Thoracic Effects
● T1-T5
○ Affects abdominal and lower back muscles
○ Some to no bowel control
● T6-T12
○ Normal upper body movement
○ Some to no bowel control
● Bowel control can be learned though
● Use manuel wheelchair
● May be able to use standing frame device or leg braces, T11-T12 may have
increased mobility
Lumbar Nerve Section
L1-L2 - Hip bending and flexing

L3 - Knee Straightening

L4 - Bend foot upwards

L5 - extend toes
Lumbar Effects
● L1-L5
○ Some loss of function in the hips and legs
○ Some to no bowel control
○ Can walk with braces or a standing frame device
Sacral Nerve Section
S1 - hips and groin

S2 - back of the thighs

S3 - medial butt

S4 - perineal

Pelvic organs
Sacral Effects
● S1-S5
○ Some loss of function in the hips and legs
○ Some to no bowel control
○ Most likely be able to walk
○ Injuries are rare
Sources
https://www.shepherd.org/patient-programs/spinal-cord-injury/Cervical-Spinal-Cord-Injury