The spine, characterized by a rather complex structure, is the basis of the skeleton and serves as a support for the whole organism. Its function also includes protection of the spinal cord, other structures of the musculoskeletal system are attached to it.
The spine has curves to help absorb shock when walking, running or jumping. This reduces pressure on the vertebrae, and it also helps protect the brain from concussion. And the spinous processes of the spine limit its movement in the anteroposterior direction, thereby maintaining its integrity.
Structure of the vertebrae
In the human spinal column, which is divided into five sections, there are up to thirty-four vertebrae, interconnected by cartilage, joints and ligaments. The cervical vertebrae are the most fragile, the lumbar vertebrae are the most massive, as they bear the maximum load. All of them have a common structure: a body (a spongy substance of a cylindrical shape), an arc on which the processes are located. The arc is attached to the body with the help of legs. ATformed hole is the spinal cord. The spinous processes of the spine provide the head, neck and trunk with a considerable range of flexion and rotation movements.
Features of the structure of processes
There are seven processes on each of the vertebrae. To the right and left of the arch is a pair of transverse awns, connected by intertransverse ligaments. Above and below there are also two articular processes. Through them, the vertebrae are held together and form facet joints.
The spinous process, located on the seventh cervical vertebra, is much longer than the others, so it protrudes forward.
Having felt all the processes, the structure of the spine column is determined.
Examination of the spine by processes
As mentioned above, the spinous process extending from the seventh cervical vertebra protrudes forward. It is from him that all other vertebrae begin to count.
Thanks to it, you can determine the location of the damage.
All the spines of a he althy spine form a vertical line. Changes in the structure of the spinal column can be determined by palpation of the back (palpation of the patient's body). Two methods are used for verification.
The first way is to feel the spinous process with your index finger, starting at the cervical vertebrae and moving down to the sacrum.
The second method is based on Turner's method. The palm of the hand at an angle of 45 degrees is applied to the back. With movements of the palm in the direction of the spine, the processes are felt. At the same time, pay attention to the distance between them. To determine the soreness, palpation is performed with compression (force effect on the body).
When examining a he althy person, palpation and compression are not accompanied by pain. If there is still pain or any tension, then an examination should be carried out, as this may indicate the presence of pathologies in the spine.
Fracture of the spinous process
Fracture of the spinous process of a vertebra occurs in isolation or together with other fractures, may be without displacement or with it. Isolated passes without disturbing the functions of the spinal cord.
Can be caused by direct blows or by too much extension of the axis of the spine, that is, the neck. Such fractures are common in sports injuries and traffic accidents.
This fracture is called the fracture of miners and diggers, because it is most common in people of these professions.
Diagnosis and treatment
The clinical picture is manifested by pain at the site of injury. During palpation, the pain intensifies. The presence of a fracture of the spinous process is determined by the following signs: it is displaced from the midline, the distance between the processes changes, movements are difficult or limited. In the area of injury, soreness and muscle tension are felt, hemorrhage appears. Edema appears at the site of injury.
The location of the damage is determined by counting from the seventh cervical vertebra, as well as using a radiograph (lateral projection).
Fracture of the spinous process of the cervical vertebra is more common. This is due to the fragility of the cervical vertebrae. Most often occur in the sixth or seventh vertebra. The nature of the fracture is detachable. Pain is aggravated by tilting and turning the head. Difficulty moving in the neck.
The spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae are distinguished by a tiled arrangement, the lumbar processes are perpendicular to the vertebral body. Fractures in the upper thoracic region can not always be determined using x-rays. In this case, the diagnosis is confirmed by a tomogram.
The area of the fracture is anesthetized with a solution of novocaine or lidocaine. In case of a fracture in the cervical region, a cotton-gauze bandage, a corset or a Shants collar are used. In case of a fracture in the thoracic and lumbar region, bed rest, a bandage, a corset are prescribed. You need to lie on a flat hard surface. After splicing, exercise therapy, physiotherapy, and massage are prescribed. During the rehabilitation period, swimming is useful.
