The spine, or backbone, is one of the most important structures in your body. Not only does it support your body weight and facilitate movement, but it also protects your spinal cord, an integral part of your central nervous system.
In this blog article, we provide an overview of the spine and list 10 amazing facts about your backbone.
The human spine is an intricate structure that provides both strength and flexibility to the body. Often referred to as the backbone, it is the central support structure that holds us upright and connects various parts of our skeleton, from the skull to the pelvis.
The spine also facilitates movement and bending in different directions, and it absorbs shock during our everyday activities. Importantly, it also houses the spinal cord, and the nerves that exit it transmit signals between the brain and the rest of the body.
The bones of the spine are called vertebrae. The vertebrae stack to create a column that supports the body and protects the spinal cord. The vertebrae show structural differences in each of the five spinal regions: cervical (Red), thoracic (Blue), lumbar (Yellow), sacral (Green), and coccygeal (Purple).
The vertebrae are separated by intervertebral discs, which act like cushions to prevent the bones from grinding against each other. These discs also facilitate spinal flexibility.
The structure of the spine is additionally supported by ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Each component plays a crucial part in maintaining posture and allowing movement.
Because of its complexity, the spine is both incredibly strong—capable of supporting significant weight—and flexible enough to allow for a wide range of motion. However, this intricate design also means it can be susceptible to injury or strain.
Back pain, stiffness, and misalignment can arise from various factors, such as poor posture, physical injury, or the natural wear and tear of ageing. Understanding the structure and function of the spine is key to appreciating the importance of spinal health.
The spine is the very first bone structure to form during embryonic development. The human spine begins to develop just two months after conception.
As the developing backbone begins to take shape, it creates a foundation for the development of the rest of the body. By the time a baby is born, the spine is already well-formed.
The vertebrae begin as cartilage and only become fully bone (a process called ‘ossification’) around the age of 25. While we are born with 33 vertebrae at birth, adults have 26 vertebrae. The five sacral vertebrae (S1–S5) fuse—after their intervertebral discs collapse—to form the sacrum.
Similarly, the last three to five coccygeal vertebrae (Co1–Co5) fuse to form the tailbone or coccyx. These changes help increase stability in the lower part of the spine, which is critical as we age and bear more weight.
While human and giraffe necks may seem quite different, their necks are surprisingly similar. Despite the giraffe’s towering height and long neck, both species have seven cervical vertebrae in their necks. It’s an amazing fact that highlights the similarities between species, even when they look vastly different!
The human spine is supported and moved by a network of over 120 muscles, allowing us to bend, twist, and maintain balance.
These muscles work in harmony to give the spine its remarkable flexibility and strength. This extensive muscle support is one of the reasons the spine can withstand the demands of daily movement and heavy lifting.
The spinal column also protects the spinal cord. This key part of the central nervous system runs through the centre of the vertebrae, sending messages from the brain to the rest of the body.
To accomplish their function, 31 pairs of spinal nerves radiate out from the spinal column (through the intervertebral foramen situated at each joint).
These spinal nerves contain the motor, sensory, and autonomic fibres. Together, they allow you to move, feel sensations, and regulate bodily functions. To accomplish these functions, the human nervous system uses over 54 miles of nerves!
The spine isn’t a straight line, it has gentle curves that help it balance your body’s weight and absorb shock. The upper part of your back, known as the thoracic region, has a kyphotic curve, which is a slight forward hunch.
In contrast, the neck and lower back regions have lordotic curves, which bend in the opposite direction. These natural curves are essential for proper posture and movement, helping to keep you upright and balanced throughout the day.
Another amazing fact about the spine is its incredible flexibility. While it may be made of bones, the spine can bend and twist with ease. In fact, it can bend far enough back to create ⅔ of a circle!
This flexibility is due to the intervertebral discs and ligaments that cushion the vertebrae and allow for a wide range of motion. Whether you’re bending, twisting, or stretching, your spine is there to support your every move.
Not only is the spine flexible, but it’s also incredibly strong. It can support hundreds of kilograms of weight, making it one of the most durable parts of the body.
The spine’s strength comes from its complicated structure. Its bones, discs, muscles, tendons, and ligaments all work together to carry your body load, while still allowing for movement and flexibility.
Because of the effect of gravity on the spine, people are slightly taller in the morning than in the evening. Throughout the day, the intervertebral discs in your spine compress due to the constant pressure from gravity. This compression causes you to lose a little bit of height.
Conversely, when you sleep, your spine decompresses, allowing you to regain that lost height.
One of the lesser known yet amazing facts about the spine is its ability to ‘remember’ posture. Over time, your spine adapts to the way you sit, stand, and move.
This is why poor posture can become a habit, making it difficult to correct. However, with consistent effort and better habits, you can train your spine to adopt a healthier posture. It’s never too late to make improvements, and your spine is always ready to learn new positions.
Several significant changes occur in the human spine as we age.
While ageing naturally impacts spinal health, maintaining good posture, staying active, and consulting a chiropractor can help manage these changes and reduce discomfort.
Chiropractors play a crucial role in maintaining and improving spinal health. Using specialised techniques like spinal adjustments, chiropractors work to realign the vertebrae, alleviate nerve pressure, and restore proper function to the joints.
A restriction in the spine can cause discomfort, stiffness, and even chronic pain. Chiropractic care focuses on correcting these restrictions to improve overall function and reduce pain.
Regular chiropractic adjustments can also prevent small issues from becoming major problems. By maintaining proper spinal function, chiropractors can help alleviate common conditions such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, and even issues like sciatica.
Chiropractic care also emphasises lifestyle changes, such as improving posture, strengthening core muscles, and promoting better ergonomics to protect the spine in daily activities.
For those seeking natural, non-invasive care, chiropractic treatment offers an effective approach to maintaining long-term spinal health and overall well-being.
The spine is an incredible structure that performs innumerable complex functions every day. From supporting your body and allowing movement to housing part of your nervous system and helping you breathe, the spine truly is remarkable.
With a deeper understanding of its capabilities and complexities, you can better appreciate the importance of caring for your spine—whether through chiropractic care, maintaining good posture, or staying active.
If you ever have concerns about your spine, remember that your chiropractor can offer valuable advice and treatments to keep your back in tip-top shape.
Our practice is located in Stroud. Our neighbouring service areas include Nailsworth, Stonehouse & Gloucester.
Branding & website design by theshapingbay.com