Spine Anatomy

 What is Spine?

The spine, often known as the backbone, is the major support component of your body. It links the various sections of your musculoskeletal system together. Your spine assists you in sitting, standing, walking, twisting, and bending. Back injuries, spinal cord disorders, and other issues can harm the spine and create discomfort.

What are the various segments of the spine?

The natural curvature of a healthy spine form a S shape. These curves protect your spine from harm by absorbing shocks. Your spine is made up of several distinct parts:

• Vertebrae: The spinal canal is formed by 33 stacked vertebrae (small bones) in the spine. The spinal canal is a narrow tube that protects the spinal cord and nerves from harm. The majority of vertebrae move to provide a range of mobility. The sacrum and coccyx (the lowest vertebrae), are cemented together and do not move.

• Intervertebral discs: Intervertebral discs are flat, circular cushions that reside between the vertebrae and serve as shock absorbers for the spine. Each disc contains a flexible outer ring around a soft, gel-like nucleus pulposus (the annulus). The pressure on the intervertebral discs is continuous. A herniated disc can rupture, enabling gel material from the nucleus to flow out. Herniated discs (also known as bulging, slipping, or ruptured discs) are uncomfortable.

• Nerves and the spinal cord: The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that runs the length of the spine. The cable runs from the top of the head to the bottom of the back. Through spinal apertures, thirty-one pairs of nerves grow out (the neural foramen). These nerves transmit information from the brain to the muscles.

• Facet Joints: Facet joints allow vertebrae to glide against each other thanks to cartilage (a slippery connective tissue). Facet joints give flexibility and stability while allowing you to twist and spin. Arthritis can develop in these joints, causing back or neck pain.

• Soft tissues: Ligaments join the vertebrae and keep the spine in place using soft tissues. Muscles help you move and support your back. Tendons help you move by connecting muscles to bones.

Spine Anatomy

Spine is made up of 33 vertebrae which comprises of five segments. These parts start at the neck and work their way down to your buttocks:

• Cervical: 7 vertebrae make up the cervical (neck) region of the spine (C1 to C7). You can turn, tilt, and nod your head thanks to these neck vertebrae. A lordotic curve is an inward C-shape formed by the cervical spine.

• Thoracic: 12 vertebrae make up the thoracic (middle back) section of the spine (T1 to T12). The thoracic spine connects your ribs. The kyphotic curve is a backward C-shape formed by this region of the spine bending out slightly.

• Lumbar: The lower section of the spine is made up of five vertebrae (L1 to L5). The top regions of your spine are supported by your lumbar spine. It attaches to the pelvis and carries the majority of your body's weight as well as the strain of lifting and carrying goods. The lumbar spine is the site of many back issues. A C-shaped lordotic curve is formed when the lumbar spine bends inward.

• Scrum: This triangle-shaped bone links the hips to the sacrum. As a newborn grows in the womb, the five sacral vertebrae (S1 to S5) unite and do not move. The pelvic girdle is made up of the sacrum and hip bones.

• Coccyx: This little portion of bone at the bottom of the spine is made up of four united vertebrae. The coccyx is attached to the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments.

What are the main functions of spine?

The spine's main functions are:

• To protect the spinal cord, nerve roots, and internal organs.
• Allowing flexible movement
• For upright posture, structural support and balance are provided. The head, shoulders, arms, and upper body are all supported by the spine. The weight of the upper body is subsequently transferred to the hips and legs. The spine tries to distribute the body's weight equally over the pelvis. This decreases the amount of work the spinal muscles have to do and can help to alleviate muscular fatigue and back discomfort.

What diseases and illnesses have an impact on the spine?

Back discomfort affects up to 80% of world's population at some time in their lives. With age, the vertebrae and discs might wear out, producing discomfort. Other health issues that impact the spine include:

• Arthritic conditions, such as ankylosing spondylitis (AS).
• Back strains and sprains.
• Birth defects such as spina bifida.
• Bone spurs (jagged edges on vertebrae that put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves).
• Curvatures of the spine (scoliosis and kyphosis).
• Neuromuscular diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
• Nerve injuries, including spinal stenosis, sciatica and pinched nerves.
• Osteoporosis (weak bones).
• Spinal cord injuries, including spinal fractures, herniated disks and paralysis.
• Spine tumors and cancer.
• Spine infections like meningitis and osteomyelitis.

How can I maintain my spine in good shape?

Back muscles that are strong can protect your spine and help you avoid back issues. At least twice a week, conduct back-strengthening and stretching activities. Planks develop the core (abdominal, side, and back muscles) and help to stabilise the spine. Other safety precautions for a healthy person include:

• When lifting goods, bend your knees and maintain your back straight.
• If necessary, lose weight (excess weight strains your back).
• Maintain a healthy posture.
• Don't sit for long.
• Take healthy diet
• Avoid sleeping on the stomach, if it’s a habit try to keep a pillow in between the legs so that the lateral position is maintained.

What are the benefits of maintaining good spinal health?

The spine governs the body's key processes, hence spinal health is crucial. The spine is responsible for providing structural support to our bodies and assisting us in maintaining proper posture. It helps us move and execute daily chores by protecting our spinal cord and nerve roots. Walking, getting up, and bending over can all be difficult without a strong spine. It also helps the skin, muscles, joints, and internal organs communicate sensory information such as pressure, touch, cold, temperature, pain, and feelings. Sensory responses can be disrupted and feelings in some areas of the body might be disabled due to poor spinal health. It may obstruct motor functioning of the nerve, resulting in weakening, in later stages.