RELATED SEARCHES
Sponsored Spine Results:
The Composition Of The Spine
By:
Published: September 22, 2006
The spine is a truly astounding biological construction; it acts as a central support structure for our bodies and it protects the conduit responsible for transmitting signals from brain to body, and back again.
When functioning properly, the spine does more than most people realize. It allows for movement in several directions, absorbs shock when exercising, provides points of attachment for our muscles and ligaments, and even stores red bone marrow, a building block for blood cells. But what exactly constitutes the spine?
The spine is a remarkable construction when analyzed structurally. It is made up of 33 vertebrae. A vertebra consists of a mass of bone called a vertebral body. A disk separates each vertebral body. This intervertebral disk acts as a shock absorber. Without it, we would not be able to do all of the things we take for granted, like running. A vertebra also has points of attachment, the areas where the back muscles connect to the spine. Finally, each vertebra has a neural arch, a ring containing the spinal cord.
The spinal column can be divided into five sections of vertebrae: the cervical (located in the neck), the thoracic (from shoulder to mid-back), the lumbar (lower back), sacral and coccygeal (near the gluteus muscles). One of the most crucial functions of the spine is to house the spinal cord. The spinal cord essentially is an extension of the brain that transmits neurological signals.
Not surprisingly, in the sedentary society of the Western world, about 80 percent, or four out of five people, suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. The spine can become injured for a number of reasons. One of the most prevalent is poor posture. Slouching, hunching over a desk or even sitting in a chair with inadequate back support can put stress on the spine. A lack of exercise also seems to contribute to poor spinal health.
Spinal health is important because a fit body is strong, flexible and can heal itself readily and efficiently. Certain occupations also put a person at higher risk for spinal injury. Any occupation requiring one to lift heavy weights or sit for long periods of time can injure the spine. That is why truck drivers and pilots often suffer from back pain; both the constant position maintained while sitting and the vibration from the vehicle can contribute to lower back pain.
For those suffering from back pain, there are treatments. Chiropractors, musculoskeletal physicians and physical therapists all have specialists in the spinal health field. But regular, moderate exercises, stretches and generally good posture can work wonders at maintaining spinal health and preventing back pain.
Sources:
Sutcliffe, Jennifer. The Total Back Book. London: Harper Resource, 2002.
Tanner, John. Better Back. New York: DK Publishing, Inc., 2003.
When functioning properly, the spine does more than most people realize. It allows for movement in several directions, absorbs shock when exercising, provides points of attachment for our muscles and ligaments, and even stores red bone marrow, a building block for blood cells. But what exactly constitutes the spine?
The spine is a remarkable construction when analyzed structurally. It is made up of 33 vertebrae. A vertebra consists of a mass of bone called a vertebral body. A disk separates each vertebral body. This intervertebral disk acts as a shock absorber. Without it, we would not be able to do all of the things we take for granted, like running. A vertebra also has points of attachment, the areas where the back muscles connect to the spine. Finally, each vertebra has a neural arch, a ring containing the spinal cord.
The spinal column can be divided into five sections of vertebrae: the cervical (located in the neck), the thoracic (from shoulder to mid-back), the lumbar (lower back), sacral and coccygeal (near the gluteus muscles). One of the most crucial functions of the spine is to house the spinal cord. The spinal cord essentially is an extension of the brain that transmits neurological signals.
Not surprisingly, in the sedentary society of the Western world, about 80 percent, or four out of five people, suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. The spine can become injured for a number of reasons. One of the most prevalent is poor posture. Slouching, hunching over a desk or even sitting in a chair with inadequate back support can put stress on the spine. A lack of exercise also seems to contribute to poor spinal health.
Spinal health is important because a fit body is strong, flexible and can heal itself readily and efficiently. Certain occupations also put a person at higher risk for spinal injury. Any occupation requiring one to lift heavy weights or sit for long periods of time can injure the spine. That is why truck drivers and pilots often suffer from back pain; both the constant position maintained while sitting and the vibration from the vehicle can contribute to lower back pain.
For those suffering from back pain, there are treatments. Chiropractors, musculoskeletal physicians and physical therapists all have specialists in the spinal health field. But regular, moderate exercises, stretches and generally good posture can work wonders at maintaining spinal health and preventing back pain.
Sources:
Sutcliffe, Jennifer. The Total Back Book. London: Harper Resource, 2002.
Tanner, John. Better Back. New York: DK Publishing, Inc., 2003.
Featured Spine Products:
