CBP Spinal Physics and Mechanics Flashcards

In CBP, the normal cervical lordosis measured on a lateral radiograph is approximately how many degrees?

Answer: 34 degrees

CBP establishes the normal cervical lordosis as approximately 34 degrees (Cobb angle C2–C7) based on geometric modeling of ideal spinal curvature.

Which mathematical model does CBP use to describe the ideal spinal curvature?

Answer: Circular arc or Harrison posterior tangent method

CBP uses the circular arc model (Harrison posterior tangent method) to quantify and compare spinal curvatures to an ideal geometric standard.

What does the term 'antalgic posture' mean in CBP spinal mechanics?

Answer: A posture adopted to reduce pain by shifting spinal loading

An antalgic posture is one the body assumes to offload a painful structure, often resulting in lateral or sagittal imbalances that CBP aims to correct.

In CBP, what is the primary mechanical consequence of a loss of cervical lordosis?

Answer: Increased compressive loading on anterior disc structures

Loss of cervical lordosis shifts the head's center of gravity anteriorly, dramatically increasing compressive and shear forces on anterior disc and vertebral body structures.

The 'mirror image' principle in CBP refers to which treatment concept?

Answer: Positioning the patient in the exact opposite of their postural deformity during treatment

The mirror image principle means the corrective exercise, traction, or manipulation posture is the precise geometric opposite of the patient's measured postural deviation.

Which law of physics is most directly applied in CBP when calculating the moment arm effect of forward head posture?

Answer: Lever mechanics (torque = force × distance)

CBP applies lever/torque mechanics: as the head translates anteriorly, the moment arm increases, multiplying the effective load on the cervical spine proportionally.