Your spine is a really important part of the body. I would argue the most important part of the body. It is comprised of 33 bones; 7 in the cervical (or neck) region, 12 in the thoracic (or midback), 5 in the lumbar (or low back) region and 5 fused bone that form the sacrum (part of the pelvis) and 4 fused bones that form the coccyx (or tailbone).
Functions of the spine:
1. Protects the spinal cord: the spinal cord is formed of bundles of nerves delivering messages between the brain and the rest of the body. Outgoing messages from the brain tell the body what to do. Some of these actions are voluntary – waving at a friend, jumping rope, typing on the keyboard. Other messages are involuntary – breathing, our heart beating, digesting our food. The brain controls all of these actions with or without us knowing it is happening. The spine also delivers incoming messages to the brain. When we step on a sharp object, feel something hot, feeling sore from postural strain these negative messages are sent to the brain. therefore, letting us know what state are body is in. Now the brain can create the appropriate reaction to these incoming responses.
2. Provides structural support and balance to maintain an upright posture: imagine we had no bones between our legs and arms and head, we would literally fold in half! The spine has evolved for us to stand upright as humans we are some of the only mammals that are truly bipedal 100% of the time. The spine is the origin and insertion for almost all of our major trunk muscle groups that keep us stable, balanced and allows for all the movement of our limbs.
3. Enables flexible motion – as a chiropractor this is the function I evaluate on a daily basis. Each of the bones of the spine are connected to the next through the joints of the spine! These joints are beautifully crafted to allow us to move freely. They are called synovial joints. Which means they are fluid filled spaces which minimizes friction and allows flexible range of motion. Chiropractors evaluate the motion of these joints to determine the health of the spine.
Chiropractic Care:
A chiropractor’s job is to analyze the alignment and motion of the spine which can be compromised by various stresses. These stresses come in 3 categories; physical stress, emotional stress and chemical stress.
The intimate relationship of the spine with the nervous system leads to a negative impact in the function of our central nervous system when the spine isn’t functioning optimally. Central nervous system disruption can cause pain patterns to present themselves, body systems to decrease in function and degeneration to occur.
By correcting the alignment and motion of the spinal canal we optimize the function of the central nervous system allowing your body to maximize its healing potential!
Book an appointment with one of our chiropractors today to start taking care of your Beautiful Spine….
