Which cervical vertebrae can you palpate?

Which cervical vertebrae can you palpate?

The most frequently used palpation method in the cervical region is palpating the most prominent spinous process (vertebra prominens) as the seventh cervical (C7) spinous process with the patient in the anatomic position.

Can you palpate C1 and C2?

Palpate the transverse processes of C1 bilaterally using the pads of both second digits. While maintaining firm pressure, begin to move your fingers inferiorly approximately one finger-width to palpate the transverse processes of C2.

What muscle is responsible for cervical neck flexion?

Sternocleidomastoid functions bilaterally to create neck flexion and unilaterally to create ipsilateral lateral flexion and contralateral rotation. The SCM is innervated by a spinal root of the accessory nerve (Cleland, 2005).

Which cervical vertebrae is most prominent?

The spinous process (SP) of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7) is characterized as the most prominent, which makes it an anatomical landmark for the recognition of other SPs.

What can you palpate in the neck?

The following areas in the neck should be palpated: subocciput, around the ears, below the jaw, along the anterior sternocleidomastoideus and trapezius muscles, posterior sternocleidomastoideus, and the supraclavicular space. Nodes are palpated by rolling the balls of the fingertips up and down and laterally.

Why are cervical spinous processes difficult to palpate?

(A) The spinous processes of C3 through C6 are challenging to palpate because of the normal lordotic curve of the neck. (B) All cervical spinous processes are easily palpable because the client’s neck curve is decreased (hypolordotic).

What are the muscles in the back of the neck?

The deep cervical flexor muscles help flex the neck forward as well as stabilize the cervical spine. The erector spinae are a group of many muscles that attach along the back of the spine. In the cervical spine, the erector spinae muscles play key roles in supporting posture, rotating the neck, and extending the neck backward.

What kind of muscles are in the cervical spine?

The deep cervical flexors are a muscle group consisting of the longus capitus and longus colli muscles, which run down the front of the cervical spine. The deep cervical flexor muscles help flex the neck forward as well as stabilize the cervical spine. The erector spinae are a group of many muscles that attach along the back of the spine.

How is palpation used to diagnose neck pain?

Once located, follow the course of the target muscle in small successive baby steps. At each baby step of palpation, have the client alternately contract and relax the target muscle, and feel for this tissue texture change as the muscle goes from relaxed and soft, to contracted and hard, to relaxed and soft again.

(A) The spinous processes of C3 through C6 are challenging to palpate because of the normal lordotic curve of the neck. (B) All cervical spinous processes are easily palpable because the client’s neck curve is decreased (hypolordotic).

Once located, follow the course of the target muscle in small successive baby steps. At each baby step of palpation, have the client alternately contract and relax the target muscle, and feel for this tissue texture change as the muscle goes from relaxed and soft, to contracted and hard, to relaxed and soft again.

How are the muscles of the neck innervated?

Note any abnormal size, shape, tension, tenderness, or mass. The sternocleidomastoideus and the trapezius have a common attachment at the mastoid process and occiput; they divide and have individual attachments at the clavicle. Both of these muscles are innervated by the spinal accessory cranial nerve.

What does it mean if you have cervical spondylosis?

Cervical spondylosis is a general term for age-related wear and tear in the cervical spine (neck) that can lead to neck pain, neck stiffness and other symptoms. Sometimes this condition is called arthritis or osteoarthritis of the neck.