Let's Break it Down

Week 2

Hi all, 

It's all about the basics, right? Here is some background information for you guys to help you better understand my research.

The Spine Anatomy 

The spine can be broken down to into three parts—the cervical spine, the thoracic spine, and the lumbar spine—all of which are comprised of vertebrae. The cervical spine has seven vertebrae, the thoracic spine has twelve vertebrae, and the lumbar spine has five vertebrae. Below the lumbar spine is the sacrum, which has five vertebrae that are joined together. The purpose of the sacrum is to connect the lower spine to the pelvis and sacroiliac joints Lastly, below the sacral spine is the coccyx, which is also known as the tailbone. Click here to view a really cool video that illustrates the anatomy of the spine.

In between the vertebrae are intervertebral discs, structures that cushion, support, and allow the spine to move. The disc anatomy can be broken down into two parts: the annulus fibrosis and the nucleus pulposus. The annulus fibrosis, which is the outer part of the disc, is made of strong collagen fibers. If you use your latin, can you guess what the nucleus pulposus refers to? Just like it sounds, the nucleus pulposus refers to the gelatinous center of the disc, which is comprised of a loose network of fibers. 

A healthy disc is a disc that is hydrated. When humans are born, the fluid inside the intervertebral discs is 80% water. As humans age, the discs are unable to hold as much fluid as they used to. As a result, the disc loses its robust shape and compresses, shortening the spine. This is why humans shrink as they age. 

Remember Degenerative Disc Disease? For a reminder here is a video that illustrates the specifics: 

Lordosis, Kyphosis, and Sagittal Balance

A healthy spine has two curves: kyphosis, the outward curve of the spine, and lordosis, the inward curve of the spine. Both the kyphotic and lordotic curves serve to balance one another and this is known as sagittal balance. A healthy spine has normal lordosis and normal kyphosis. According to a study called Sagittal Plane deformity: an overview of interpretation and management published by The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), there is a healthy relationship between the kyphotic and lordotic curves of the spine. However, if one curve is pronounced more than the other curve, this creates sagittal imbalance, sometimes other spinal deformities, and back pain. An over-pronounced lordotic curve is known as swayback and an over-pronounced kyphotic curve is known as hunchback or hyperkyphosis. 

So how does this all relate to my research? Unfortunately, that is for next week's post. 

Don't forget to try out this week's yoga pose: Triangle. Comment down below and share your thoughts! 

Ciao, 

Hannah