Know about your Spine

The human spine is composed of 33 separate bones which are stacked vertically on top of one another. Our vertebrae along with our spine provides support to our whole body which helps us stand erect, bend or twist, at the same time shielding the spinal cord from any kind of injuries.

Spinal curves

When you view the adult spine from the side, you will notice that it forms a natural S-shaped curve. While the thoracic region and the sacral region have a slight convex curvature, the cervical and the lumbar regions have a gentle concave curve. Just like a coiled spring is able to absorb shock, the curves work together and do the same to maintain balance and also allow a small range of movement along the spinal column.

The natural curves of your spine are maintained by the muscles, but having a correct posture helps a great deal. Certain factors can cause a misalignment of the spine, such as weak muscles, excessive body weight, etc. Some of the abnormalities caused are:

• Scoliosis - is caused by the side to side abnormal curve.
• Kyphosis - which is also known as hunchback is caused when the thoracic spine is abnormally curved.
• Lordosis - or sway back is the abnormal curve in the lumbar region.

Spinal cord

The spinal cord of a human is approximately 18 inches in length and is as thick as your thumb. The spinal cord is very sensitive and thus is protected by the vertebral column. Any injury to it can cause a severe loss of any kind of sensory and motor functions from below the spot of the injury.

The spinal nerves in the spinal cord follow a striped pattern all across the body connecting the parts they control. The position of a spinal problem can be diagnosed and identified by doctors by following these patterns.