IPHREHAB : Vertebrae and Spinal Cord Segmental Levels

IPHREHAB

Vertebral vs. Cord Segmental Levels

The spinal cord is situated within the spine. The spine consists of a series of vertebral segments. The spinal cord itself has "neurological" segmental levels which are defined by the spinal roots that enter and exist the spinal column between each of the vertebral segments. As shown in the figure the spinal cord segmental levels do not necessarily correspond to the bony segments. The vertebral levels are indicated on the left side while the cord segmental levels are listed for the cervical (red), thoracic (green), lumbar (blue), and sacral (yellow) cord.

Vertebral segments. 

There are 7 cervical (neck), 12 thoracic (chest), 5 lumbar (back), and 5 sacral (tail) vertebrae. The thoracic vertebrae are defined by The spinal cord segments are not necessarily situated at the same vertebral levels. For example, while the C1 cord is located at the C1 vertebra, the C8 cord is situated at the C7 vertebra. While the T1 cord is situated at the T1 vertebra, the T12 cord is situated at the T8 vertebra. The lumbar cord is situated between T9 and T11 vertebrae. The sacral cord is situated between the T12 to L2 vertebrae.

Spinal Roots. 

The spinal roots for C1 exit the spinal column at the atlanto-occiput junction. The spinal roots for C2 exit the spinal column at the atlanto-axis. The C3 roots exit between C2 and C3. The C8 root exits between C7 and C8. The first thoracic root or T1 exits the spinal cord between T1 and T2 vertebral bodies. The T12 root exits the spinal cord between T1 and L1. The L1 root exits the spinal cord between L1 and L2 bodies. The L5 root exits the cord between L1 and S1 bodies.

The Cervical Cord. 

The first and second cervical segments are special because this is what holds the head. The lower back of the head is called the Occiput. The first cervical vertebra, upon which the head is perched is sometimes called Atlas, after the Greek mythological figure who held up earth. The second cervical vertebra is sometimes called the Axis, upon which Atlas pivots. The interface between the occiput and the atlas is therefore called the atlanto-occiput junction. The interface between the first and second vertebra is called the atlanto-axis junction. The C3 cord contains the phrenic nucleus. The cervical cord innervates the deltoids (C4), biceps (C4-5), wrist extensors (C6), triceps (C7), wrist extensors (C8), and hand muscles (C8-T1).

The Thoracic Cord. 

The thoracic vertebral segments are defined by those that have a rib. These vertebral segments are also very special because they form the back wall of the pulmonary cavity and the ribs. The spinal roots form the intercostal (between the ribs) nerves that run on the bottom side of the ribs and these nerves control the intercostal muscles and associated dermatomes.

The Lumbosacral Cord. 

The lumbosacral vertebra form the remainder of the segments below the vertebrae of the thorax. The lumbosacral spinal cord, however, starts at about T9 and continues only to L2. It contains most of the segments that innervate the hip and legs, as well as the buttocks and anal regions.

The Cauda Equina.

 In human, the spinal cord ends at L2 vertebral level. The tip of the spinal cord is called the conus. Below the conus, there is a spray of spinal roots that is frequently called the cauda equina or horse's tail. Injuries to T12 and L1 vertebra damage the lumbar cord. Injuries to L2 frequently damage the conus. Injuries below L2 usually involve the cauda equina and represent injuries to spinal roots rather than the spinal cord proper.

In summary, spinal vertebral and spinal cord segmental levels are not necessarily the same. In the upper spinal cord, the first two cervical cord segments roughly match the first two cervical vertebral levels. However, the C3 through C8 segments of the spinal cords are situated between C3 through C7 bony vertebral levels. Likewise, in the thoracic spinal cord, the first two thoracic cord segments roughly match first two thoracic vertebral levels. However, T3 through T12 cord segments are situated between T3 to T8. The lumbar cord segments are situated at the T9 through T11 levels while the sacral segments are situated from T12 to L1. The tip of the spinal cord or conus is situated at L2 vertebral level. Below L2, there is only spinal roots, called the cauda equina.

IPHREHAB : STRETCH MARK ON BREAST AND TREATMENT

IPHREHAB

Stretch Marks on Breast

Why do you get stretch marks on breasts? 

Stretch marks can appear on any part of the body and can be quite emotionally disturbing for almost any individual. The fact that today’s world seems to place such a high significance in the way a person looks makes things even more emotionally traumatic. Stretch marks, while being of no real medical seriousness, can greatly affect an individual’s quality of life because of the amount of confidence it can dent.

It can completely dictate the kind of clothes that one wears, thereby greatly influencing ones aesthetic appeal. Stretch marks on the breasts, just like the stretch marks on any part of the body, are a result of the constant expansion and contraction of the skin to adjust to the fluctuations in a person’s weight, as a result of weight gain or dieting. While it is possible to reduce the prominence of the stretch marks, complete removal can prove completely impossible.

While a number of big cosmetic brands may market some of their lotions and creams as the perfect solution, even the cosmetic industry have not yet found a way to completely remove the stretch marks and the lotions will simply reduce the prominence of these marks. Another very common reason for the occurrence of stretch marks is going through a pregnancy, as this is also characterized by rapid weight gain and loss.

While there isn’t really much one can do about stretch marks that have already developed, following a healthy and balanced diet will help moisturize the skin, causing the stretch marks to fade away to some degree.

 The logic behind this is to make sure that your skin remains firm and as elastic as possible. One of the most effective home remedies to achieve this is to mix the ingredients of ¼ cup of Aloe Vera gel, ½ cup of olive oil, the liquid content of 6 vitamin E capsules and the liquid content of 4 vitamin A capsules. Once blended together, store the mixture in a fridge and topically apply the mixture over all the locations of your body where the stretch marks normally occur. The application of Aloe Vera gel over the affected areas also helps significantly lighten the prominence of stretch marks. Increase your intake of seeds and nuts that contain zinc as it is a vital ingredient in the removal of stretch marks.  The application of cocoa butter twice a day over the affected area will also help considerably as will the application of pure lavender oil.