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Chapter 24. The Spine. Objectives. Upon completion of this chapter, you should be able to: Describe how the nervous system works Describe the peripheral and autonomic nervous systems Describe the function of the sympathetic system. Objectives (cont’d.).
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Chapter 24 The Spine
Objectives • Upon completion of this chapter, you should be able to: • Describe how the nervous system works • Describe the peripheral and autonomic nervous systems • Describe the function of the sympathetic system
Objectives (cont’d.) • Upon completion of this chapter, you should be able to (cont’d.): • Explain common injuries to the spine • Describe the management protocols for an athlete with a back injury • Explain the symptoms of intervertebral disc herniation
The Nervous System • Information center, storage center, and control system • Overall function: • Collect information about external conditions in relation to the body’s internal state • Analyze it • Initiate appropriate responses to satisfy certain needs
The Peripheral and Autonomic Nervous System • Peripheral nervous system • Connects central nervous system to body structures • Autonomic nervous system • Specialized part of the peripheral system • Controls involuntary activities of vital internal organs
The Peripheral and Autonomic Nervous System (cont’d.) • Peripheral nervous system (cont’d.) • Functions • Connect the body to central nervous system • Control involuntary activities of the body • Act as reflex center of the body
The Peripheral and Autonomic Nervous System (cont’d.) • Nerves • Efferent nerves • Mixed nerves • Cranial nerves • Spinal nerves • Plexus
The Peripheral and Autonomic Nervous System (cont’d.) • Two divisions of the autonomic system • Sympathetic • Consists of two cords, beginning at the brain base and proceeding down both sides of spinal column • Parasympathetic • Vagus nerve • Pelvic nerve
The Peripheral and Autonomic Nervous System (cont’d.) • Reflex act • Unconscious and involuntary act preceded by a change in the environment (stimulus) • Receptors pick up these stimuli
The Spine (cont’d.) Supports head Provides for attachment of ribs Encloses spinal cord
Injuries to the Spine • Cervical spine injuries • Range in severity from minor neck pain to complete paralysis or death • Most serious results from axial loading or cervical compression • Cervical sprains and strains • More common • Vary in severity
Injuries to the Spine (cont’d.) • Cervical nerve syndrome • Results from forced lateral flexion • Causes nerve roots to be stretched or impinged • Cervical fractures and subluxations • Most fatal or paralyzing occur when an athlete’s neck is in flexion and they receive a blow to the crown of the head
Injuries to the Spine (cont’d.) • Helmet management in suspected spinal injuries • Stabilize neck • Keep helmet on if possible • Keeps neck from hyperextending • Face mask should be removed
Injuries to the Spine (cont’d.) • Thoracic spine injuries • Include contusions, sprains, and strains • Lumbar spine injuries • All conditions affecting lumbar spine can be aggravated by various contributing factors • Strains and sprains are common • Fractures and dislocation are rare
Injuries to the Spine (cont’d.) • Spondylolysis • A defect in pars interarticularis of vertebrae • Intervertebral disc herniation • Nucleus pulposus herniates through annulus fibrosus and presses against spinal cord or spinal nerve roots
Injuries to the Spine (cont’d.) • Sacroiliac injuries • Usually sprains that occur as a result of acute or chronic trauma • May result from a single maneuver, twist, awkward movement, overuse associated with poor posture, bad lifting techniques, or repeated strenuous maneuvers
Conclusion • The spine is the central support structure of the body • Able to withstand tremendous stresses and forces while remaining flexible and mobile • Encases and provides protection for spinal cord • Trauma can produce spinal-cord damage and result in devastating injuries
Conclusion (cont’d.) • Injuries to cervical, thoracic, lumbar, or sacral areas must be handled correctly • Members of the sports medicine team should be equipped with proper knowledge and tools to handle these emergencies • A team approach ensures the best possible care