Identification of the cervical spine's meniscoids by MRI before and after aplication of manual therapy

Introduction The joint dysfunction of the spine in the sense of functional blockade is connected with corresponding painful condition, reflex contraction of the surrounding muscles and restriction of mobility in the spinal segment. Joint block has its mechanical context, which need not be accompanied by a structural disturbance but it's affecting the biomechanical properties of the spine. Several theories exist how the joints become restricted. Scientific evidence highly supports the meniscoid entrapment theory. Purposes The aim of the study was to identify the meniscoids of the cervical spine using in- vivo MRI imaging and to determine their potential role in the development of functional joint blocks of the axial system (AS). Another objective was to find out how the articular blocks affect the rheological properties of the spine by the Transfer Vibration through the Spine (TVS) method. Patient sample The MRI study was conducted on a research file of 12 subjects - two anatomical preparations and ten in vivo. Two subjects were examined in TVS experiment. Methodology Two anatomical preparations were investigated on MRI to find the appropriate sequence for imaging of meniscoids, three subjects for identification of meniscoids in vivo. Seven subjects underwent initial investigation, manipulation of..