Entry 2  coupled movement patterns of the cervical spine

Coupled movement patterns is a topic that is continuously brought up briefly in the

different foundations of chiropractic units. I have a basic understanding of the concept
regarding each broad level of the vertebral column but think there is more to understand in
terms of the biomechanics, particularly in the cervical spine which is what we have been
learning recently. It is very important to fully understand the mechanics of the spine when
providing manipulation and therefore I would like to broaden my knowledge on the coupled
movement patterns of the cervical spine.

To find some information about this I searched through google scholar to find two articles
about cervical spine biomechanics and the coupling patterns of the cervical spine. One
article was published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics and the
other was published in Clinical Biomechanics journal and therefore both articles should be
reputable sources. One study looked particularly into the coupled movements at each spinal
segment in the cervical spine. The results from this study seem quite inconclusive and vary
in comparing numerous sources. In terms of the mean range of degrees for flexion and
extension at C5-6 one study says there is a range of 28 while another says that there is a
range of 15 which is a large difference for one segment (Bogduk & Mercer, 2000). As a
consensus, the studies agreed that lateral flexion is coupled with rotation to the
contralateral side of facet glide. Visa Versa, rotation is coupled with lateral flexion (Cook,
Hegedus, Showalter, & Sizer, 2006).

To increase my knowledge of the coupled movement patterns of the cervical spine, I am

confident that it is something I can further understand on my own. I could ask practicing
chiropractors and tutors for their understanding, but I would likely be able to find more in-
depth scientific research in journal articles I have access to online.

There are a plethora of details about spinal mechanics in journal articles and therefore there
is always more that I can learn. This would be necessary for developing my chiropractic skills
for my future career. I have found that there are a lot of discrepancies in the information
found today and therefore there is even more reason to look into the research further. In
doing so I will have a better understanding of the mechanics of the cervical spine and will
hopefully be able to perform better mobilisations and manipulations to the cervical spine.

Reference List
Bogduk, N., & Mercer, S. (2000). Biomechanics of the cervical spine. I: Normal kinematics.
Clinical Biomechanics , 633-648.
Cook, C., Hegedus, E., Showalter, C., & Sizer, P. (2006). Coupling Behavior of the Cervical
Spine: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Journal of Manipulative and
Physiological Therapeutics, 570-575.