Kinesiology 2236A/B Lecture Notes - Lecture 18: Cervical Vertebrae, Intervertebral Disc, Kyphosis

• School: Western University
• Department: Kinesiology
• Course: Kinesiology 2236A/B
• Professor: Dave Humphreys

Document Summary

Primary curve: kyphosis: c curve, convex posteriorly, thoracic and sacral regions. Secondary curve: lordosis, convex anteriorly, cervical and lumbar regions. Primary and secondary curves: the primary curves are more or less maintained by the shape of the structures supporting them, secondary curves are influence and dependent on the balance of muscles. Secondary curves: ~ 3-4 months: baby begins to lift it;s head up and the pull of gravity and the muscles on the cervical vertebrae. Curve functions dynamically: extension: increase lordosis/ decrease kyphosis, flexion: decrease lordosis/ increase kyphosis. Failure to dynamically change may bring about pain or dysfunction. Curvature: strictures contributing to curves, intervertebral discs: broader anteriorly in cervical and lumbar regions, orientation of articular processes/facets, attachment/alignment of ligaments and muscles. Curvature variability: changes in one curve: compensation in joint above and below, exaggerated curves: increase stress to muscles, ligaments, joints, discs and sometimes nerves, exaggerated curves change volume within body cavities.