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The spinal cord is part of the central nervous system that conducts stimuli between the brain and the peripheral system. The spinal cord is located in the spinal canal – the spinal canal is for it a protection and a barrier against external factors. To visualize how the spinal cord works, the highway metaphor is often used as it allows the brain to send signals to the rest of the body. A rupture of the spinal cord causes the entire body to stop functioning properly. It leads to permanent disability, blocks the work of muscles and bones, causes necrosis of the limbs, but also causes loss of the senses of sight, speech or hearing.
Spinal cord structure
Spinal cord runs almost all the way through the spinal canal in the center of the spine. Its diameter ranges from 8–14 mm, and its length is 40–45 cm. It is made of two substances: white and gray, which are inside and arranged in the characteristic “H” shape. Essential function spinal cord is the coordination of the body’s motor and sensory functions. It is he who regulates all the movements of our muscles. Thanks to the spinal cord, impulses are conducted from the brain and to the brain, thanks to which we can feel the touch of someone’s hand. In spinal cord paths of deep feeling and temperature run.
Pressure on the spinal cord
Due to its delicate structure and the crucial function it performs in the human body, spinal cord it must be particularly protected. Protective function spinal cord meets the appropriate structure of the spine. The spine is made of vertebrae which differ in their structure on individual sections. There is an opening in the center of the vertebra where the spinal cord runs. At the same time, the spinal canal is a protective element. As a result of its movability, also and spinal cord undergoes minor movements. Cushioning is provided by cerebrospinal fluid and three tires. However, as a result of the degeneration of the spine, nerves can be pinched spinal cordand, as a result, severe pain in the spine.
Moreover, oppression on spinal cord may manifest itself as paresthesia, disturbances in temperature conduction, disturbances in deep and superficial sensation. This has serious health implications. Oppression on spinal cord causes problems with psychomotor skills, hinders the full movement of arms and shoulders, makes it impossible to fully raise the hand, turn the neck, but at the same time it can cause chronic pain, the consequences of which are insomnia, anxiety, anxiety, lethargy, and lack of adequate oxygenation of the body.
These factors can lead to further complications and serious diseases, both physical and mental (depression, anxiety). Therefore, it is extremely important to take care of the right pillow on which we sleep, the choice of a mattress, but also regular exercise, which is especially recommended for people who work a lot in one sitting position.