2: Thoracic spine and ribs

Question 1

thoracic vertebrae have __ to create kyphotic posture

Answer 1

anterior wedging

Question 2

vertebral canal is ___ compared to cervical and lumbar canals

Answer 2

smaller (but less likely for herniation due to ribs)

Question 3

Rule of threes

Answer 3

T1-3: same
T4-6: half level below
T7-9: one level below
T10: one
T11: half
T12: same

Question 4

sternal notch is at level

Answer 4

T2 T3

Question 5

xiphoid process is at

Answer 5

T9/10

Question 6

true ribs: directly into sternum
false ribs: into cartilage on 7th rib
floating ribs:

Answer 6

true ribs: 1-7
false ribs: 8-10
floating ribs 11 and 12

Question 7

atypical ribs have only 1 facet attaching to corresponding vertebral body. What ribs are they?

Answer 7

1st
10th
11th
12th

Question 8

Second rib attaches to ____ but is considered atypical because it attaches anteriorly to _____

Answer 8

T1-2
anteriorly to junction between manubrium and sternum

Question 9

upper thoracic costotransverse joint: ___ TP on ___ rib

Answer 9

convex TP on concave rib
*upper ribs are pump handle!

Question 10

lower thoracic costotransverse joints are ___

Answer 10

planar joint
*bucket handle motion!

Question 11

What is normal thoracic posture?

Answer 11

kyphotic 40 degrees

Question 12

flatback posture affects what?

Answer 12

T-spine too extended
causes decreased expansion of posterior ribcage (upper 6 ribs)

Question 13

Kyphotic thoracic posture leads to what?

Answer 13

increased flexion curve
increased force on disc and vertebral body

Question 14

If ribs are rotated, what will be affected?

Answer 14

resting shoulder posture

Question 15

Wide Infrasternal angle: over 100 degrees

Answer 15

SQUISHED FRONT TO BACK, FLARE SIDES

-tight IO
-long EO
-lifters! upper crossed syndrome

*treat in supine for better anterior expansion
treat with upper ribcage expansion, lower ribcage compression like downward wall reach

Question 16

narrow infrasternal angle: below 90

Answer 16

SQUISHED SIDE/SIDE, NOT GREAT PUMP HANDLE
-tight EO
-long IO

*descended diaphragm
*treat with prone/quadruped for posterior expansion

Question 17

What is normal max inhalation for ribcage with arms down?
arms up?

Answer 17

normal: 5-10 cm
arms up: 5 ish cm

Question 18

What is abnormal rib expansion?

Answer 18

less than 3 cm
maybe short obliques
if subcostal margin does not increase with arms overhead, maybe short EOs

Question 19

when shoulders are bilaterally elevated, thoracic spine is

Answer 19

extended

Question 20

When one arm elevates, t-spine

Answer 20

ipsi rotation
lateral flexion

Question 21

upper t-spine facets (frontal plane facet orientation) leads to…

Answer 21

ipsi coupling (same rotation, same SB)

Question 22

lower t-spine sagittal plane facet orientation leads to…

Answer 22

contra coupling (ipsi rotation, contra SB)

Question 23

describe the crime scene exercise

Answer 23

1. prone with same arm and leg bent, head turns towards up arm
2. breathe in nose 5 counts, exhale 5 counts
3. hold for 60 seconds

for UPPER BACK

Question 24

describe crocodile breathing pattern

Answer 24

1. lie on stomach, pillow under lower ribs
2. rest arms overhead
3. inhale with nose 5 seconds, exhale with mouth.
4. repeat 60 seconds, 3-4 sets.

FOR LOWER BACK

Question 25

describe swiss ball backwards bend **(hands down)**

Answer 25

1. Lie on your back over a Swiss ball with your head tipped backward. 2. Place your hands on your belly, gently dropping one down towards the floor. 3. Press your hand gently into the ball when you feel the restriction 4. Breathe deeply for 3–4 sets of 60 seconds. | FOR UPPER CHEST

Question 26

describe swiss ball backwards bend **(hands under head)**

Answer 26

1. Lie on your back over a Swiss ball with your head tipped backward. 1. Place your hands on your head, letting your elbows flare outward until you feel a light stretch. 1. Press your elbows gently into your head, activating your biceps. 1. Breathe deeply for 3–4 sets of 60 seconds. | FOR LOWER CHEST