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Essentials of Athletic Training Cover Image
Essentials of Athletic Training, 5/e
Daniel Arnheim
William Prentice, University of North Carolina
The Spine

Chapter Overview

  • The spine, or vertebral column, is composed of thirty-three individual vertebrae. The design of the spine allows for flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation. The movable vertebrae are separated by intervertebral disks, and position is maintained by a series of muscular and ligamentous supports. The spine can be divided into three different regions: the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions. The sacrum and coccyx are fused vertebrae within the vertebral column.
  • The spinal cord is that portion of the central nervous system that is contained within the vertebral canal of the spinal column. Thirty-one pairs of spinal nerves extend from the sides of the spinal cord.
  • Acute traumatic injuries to the spine can be potentially life threatening, particularly if the cervical region of the spinal cord is involved. Thus the athlete must do everything possible to minimize injury. Strengthening of the musculature of the neck is critical. In addition to strong muscles, the athlete's neck should have a full range of motion. Athletes involved in collision sports must be taught and required to use techniques that reduce the likelihood of cervical injury.
  • Low back pain is one of the most common and disabling ailments known to humans. The athlete, like everyone else in the population, can prevent low back pain by avoiding unnecessary stresses and strains associated with standing, sitting, lying, working, or exercising. Care should be taken to avoid postures and positions that can cause injuries.
  • The most critical part of assessment of the spine is to rule out the possibility of spinal cord injury. Observing the posture and movement capabilities of the athlete during the evaluation can help clarify the nature and extent of the injury.
  • Because the cervical and lumbar regions of the spine are so mobile, they are extremely vulnerable to a wide range of sports injuries, including fractures, dislocations, strains, sprains, contusions, lesions of the intervertebral disks, herniations, injuries to spinal nerves, and degenerative conditions.








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