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Anatomy of the Spine.

The Spinal Column consists of 33 irregularly shaped bones called vertebrae but only 26 of these bones are moveable. Each segment of the spine has its own curve which is necessary for shock absorption and proper movement. Between each vertebrae in an intervertebral disc which is composed of fibrous cartilage with a gooey center that acts as a shock absorber and spacer allowing the body to move. As the body ages, these discs shrink and compress. Between ages 50-55, the average human shrinks in height between 0.5 and 2.0 cm. The spinal column also houses and protects the spinal cord, the body’s communication path way to the brain and is a direct connection to the body’s nervous system. The SPINE IS DIVIDED INTO 5 PARTS, each part serving a distinct purpose in the body. The first seven vertebrae are the CERVICAL VERTEBRAE beginning at the base of the skull. The cervical curve develops by 3-4 months of age as a baby learns head control. This curve is essential not only for posture, but also serves to maintain proper alignment for the spine as a whole. The cervical vertebrae are necessarily flexible to allow for freedom of movement of the head. C1 known as the ATLAS and C2 known as the Axis are shaped in design so that the head may nod yes and no.

The THORACIC SPINE is made up of 12 vertebrae that increase in size from top to bottom. The thoracic spine anchors the ribcage, helps with twisting, bending, side extension movements. The longest segment of the spine, the thoracic can often become stiff from long hours in front of a computer or when discontent exists above or below . In addition, with arm or shoulder injuries, the cervical and thoracic can very often react or become involved as a great deal of arm and shoulder function is dependent on the upper spine. There are 5 vertebrae in the LUMBAR SPINE and they serve the important function of supporting a lot of the body’s weight-especially when sitting for long periods of time. The lumbar curve does not develop until a child begins to walk THe lumbar spine is connected to many small and large muscles in the lower back. When compressed, the lumbar region can?sucomb to gravity and lead to pinched nerves, slipped or bulging discs and general stiffness. The most common lumbar injury is compression between L4and L5, sometimes S1.

This leads us to the SACRUM-a triangular bone just below the lumbar. The sacrum is 4 or 5 bones in a child that then becomes fused by age 26. The sacrum is the back wall of the bony pelvic structure and can actually move from within. Sacral issues can arise with tightness or compression in the pelvis and especially with tight or weak hamstrings Finally, the COCCYX or tailbone is at the bottom of the spinal column and consists of 3-5 bones that fuse together by adulthood. Many muscles of the lower half of the body connect to the tailbone. Together, the coccyx and sacral curve also known as the pelvic curve, allows humans to stand upright and maintain balance with the upper body.

The healthy spine should maintain 4 basic functions with ease. Back bending, forward bending, reaching side to side and twisting. These basic movements will aid not only the health of the spine but support the health of the whole body. By moving the spine daily and supporting its basic functions, you will condition your nervous system, organs, muskaskeletal system, and circulatory system. When not doing Pilates or Gyrotonic, add theses basic spinal movements to your daily routine, several times a day. By simply getting up from a desk or even before bed, give your body a friendly reminder by bending in all directions. You are helping to pattern the body with good habits to counter the effects of months or years of bad habits. Awareness is bliss.