The Spine
Understanding the key anatomical features of the body is key to succeeding in this course. You will be expected to have a solid understanding of both the skeletal and muscular anatomy especially as it relates to the spine. Our course textbook will be your key resource to achieve this.
As the spine plays a key role in what we do, it deserves a mention.
As the spine plays a key role in what we do, it deserves a mention.
Describing the spine
The spine contains 33 vertebrae and is composed of 5 distinct regions:
The spine contains 33 vertebrae and is composed of 5 distinct regions:
- The Cervical spine contains 7 vertebrae. Head movement. Allows rotation, flexion and extension, lateral flexion
- The Thoracic spine 12 vertebrae, articulate with the ribs. Favors rotation of the trunk
- The Lumbar spine 5 vertebrae, weight bearing, favors flexion and extension of the back
- The Sacrum 5 fused.
- The Coccyx (3-5) fused
- Neutral spine is the natural position of the spine when all 3 curves of the spine—cervical (neck), thoracic (middle) and lumbar (lower)—are present and in good alignment. This is the strongest position for the spine when we are standing or sitting, and the one that we are made to move from
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What are the three functions of the spine?
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Common deviation of the spine
Lordosis is defined as an excessive inward curve of the spine ( Cervical or lumbar spine can be affected )
Kyphosis is curvature of the spine that causes the top of the back to appear more rounded than normal. Everyone has some degree of curvature in their spine. However, a curve of more than 45 degrees is considered excessive
Scoliosis is a medical condition in which a person's spine has a sideways curve
At minor levels these conditions may not manifest any symptoms but as they become more pronounced pain and even difficulty breathing can occur
Treatments include bracing, surgery and improving posture through strengthening some muscles while stretching others.
Lordosis can be addressed by stretching the lower back, hip-flexors, hamstring muscles, and strengthening abdominal muscles
Kyphosis can be addressed by Strengthening the back and neck whilst stretching the chest and front delts
With Scoliosis, we attempt to manage and prevent the curve from increasing by building our body’s own brace; strengthening our natural corset (abdominals, obliques and erector spinae muscle group)
Kyphosis is curvature of the spine that causes the top of the back to appear more rounded than normal. Everyone has some degree of curvature in their spine. However, a curve of more than 45 degrees is considered excessive
Scoliosis is a medical condition in which a person's spine has a sideways curve
At minor levels these conditions may not manifest any symptoms but as they become more pronounced pain and even difficulty breathing can occur
Treatments include bracing, surgery and improving posture through strengthening some muscles while stretching others.
Lordosis can be addressed by stretching the lower back, hip-flexors, hamstring muscles, and strengthening abdominal muscles
Kyphosis can be addressed by Strengthening the back and neck whilst stretching the chest and front delts
With Scoliosis, we attempt to manage and prevent the curve from increasing by building our body’s own brace; strengthening our natural corset (abdominals, obliques and erector spinae muscle group)