Contents
In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
The spine forms a strong foundation for our body. Its main function is to protect the spinal cord. However, it is worth remembering that it also stabilizes our figure and is a frame for other bones. Unfortunately, it is also very vulnerable to degeneration and injuries. Its natural curves are cervical lordosis, thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis.
The spine is one of the most important elements of our body structure. It is made of 30 circles. Unfortunately, nowadays the health of the spine is put to a huge test. A sedentary lifestyle and the lack of adequate amount of exercise make it very easy to degenerate even in young people. Remember that a healthy spine does not hurt and is stable.
The spine – what is it?
The spine is compared to the tube in which the spinal cord is located. It is the protection of the core that is its main task. The spine is made of overlapping vertebral rings and stretches along the entire length of our back. In addition to protecting the spinal cord, the spine also supports our body. In part, it is related to movement and serves as a support for other bones and muscles.
Backbone – structure
The human spine consists of 26 bones and has about 33-34 vertebrae. We divide the spine into five sections:
- cervical,
- chest,
- lumbar,
- cross,
- caudal (so-called coccyx).
In an adult, it accounts for about 40-45% of the total body length. The cervical vertebrae are the most mobile, which allows us to move our head. The vertebrae of the thoracic segment connect directly to the ribs and together with them protects the internal organs located in the chest.
In the lumbar spine, the vertebrae are already more massive, because the purpose of this section is to support the body weight. It is the most stressed section of the spine and therefore the most vulnerable to injuries and degeneration. The sacrum and pelvis protect the urinary bladder and genitals. The button section, on the other hand, is a remnant of the evolutionary process.
The vertebrae of the spine are made up of the shaft, the arch, and the appendages. We divide the processes into transverse ones, which form the joints, and spiky ones, which are the place of attachment of ligaments and muscles.
Between the appendages is the spinal canal where the spinal cord is located. Between the vertebrae there are intervertebral discs, the so-called disks. Their task is to absorb shocks and ensure the mobility of the vertebrae. The spine is stabilized by ligaments.
The shape of the spine resembles the letter S on the side. Thanks to this, a person is able to maintain an upright posture and balance. The natural curvature of the spine allows for shock absorption. They are called: cervical lordosis, thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis. Lateral curvatures are scoliosis. Deepened curves can be pathological.
Spine – vertebrae markings
Individual vertebrae of the spine are marked with letters and numbers. These markings are visible on the results of x-rays of the spine. According to them, the spine is divided into:
- cervical spine – 7 cervical vertebrae (C1-C7),
- thoracic spine – 12 thoracic vertebrae (Th1-Th12),
- lumbar spine – 5 lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5),
- sacral spine – 5 fused sacral vertebrae (S1-S5),
- caudal (coccygeal) spine – it consists of 4 to 5 fused cocci (Co1-Co4 / Co5).
Spine – diseases
Sick spine hurts. This is a direct result of poor body posture. By slouching, we influence changes in natural curves. This leads to postural defects and degeneration. The most common spine diseases are:
- degenerative disease of the spine,
- discopathy, i.e. disc prolapse,
- osteoporosis,
- ankylosing spondylitis,
- lumbar stenosis,
- sciatica,
- lumbago.
Spine – exercises
Back pain is directly related to our lifestyle. Today’s society moves very little. Most of the work is sedentary, and after work we are too tired and give up exercise. However, if we experience back pain, it often turns out that strengthening the muscles is the only solution.
In order to choose the right exercises and not to hurt yourself, you should ask a physiotherapist for help. Most exercises are done lying on your back. Yoga training is also a great way to keep your spine healthy.
To take care of your spine, improve its mobility and reduce pain, order the Dermaticus Klimuszko monastery lining for the skin around the joints and spine.
The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website.