C-spine
Upper spinal column
C-spine is medical shorthand for cervical spine—the seven vertebrae forming the neck.
Emergency responders and trauma teams use the term constantly: We need to stabilize the C-spine before moving her.
C-spine precautions, C-spine clearance, and C-spine injury appear throughout emergency medicine protocols.
Upper spinal column segments
- neckHead-body junction
- vertebral columnSegmented axial skeletal structure
- atlasBound collection of charts
- axisRotation reference line
transverse process · vertebral body · ligaments · nerve roots · carotid artery · jugular vein · trachea · esophagus
Preventing movement entirely
- collarNeck encirclement
- stabilizationProcess of becoming steady
- fractureSplit in hard material
- dislocationForced out of position
whiplash · high-risk · clearing · precautions · log roll · quadriplegia · paralysis
Penetrating diagnostic beam
- CT scanTomographic diagnostic imaging
- MRIMagnetic body imaging
- alignmentCorrect relative positioning
- disc herniationSpinal cushion protrusion
Methodical assessment or review
- palpationMedical examination by touch
- tendernessGentle, caring quality
- range of motionJoint's movement capacity
- dermatomesNerve-specific skin regions
reflexes · neck pain · radiculopathy · myelopathy · grip strength · intoxication
cervical vertebrae
Upper spinal column segments
- neckHead-body junction
- vertebral columnSegmented axial skeletal structure
- atlasBound collection of charts
axis · transverse process · vertebral body · ligaments · nerve roots · carotid artery · jugular vein · trachea · esophagus · dura mater
immobilization
Preventing movement entirely
- collarNeck encirclement
- stabilizationProcess of becoming steady
- fractureSplit in hard material
dislocation · whiplash · high-risk · clearing · precautions · log roll · quadriplegia · paralysis
X-ray
Penetrating diagnostic beam
examination
Methodical assessment or review
- palpationMedical examination by touch
- tendernessGentle, caring quality
- range of motionJoint's movement capacity
dermatomes · reflexes · neck pain · radiculopathy · myelopathy · grip strength · intoxication