Know Your Spine
Have you ever stopped to wonder why the spine is so important? The effects of spinal damage are far-reaching. Learning about the anatomy of your body is important, as your spine connects to your entire body. So here we go..
The spine and its function
The spine is the central support structure of the body. In addition to keeping us upright, the spine connects the various parts of our skeleton to each other, including the:
● Head
● Chest
● Pelvis
● Shoulders
● Arms
● Legs
Not to miss out the most important function, the spine houses and protects the spinal cord. The spinal cord is a key component of the central nervous system, which controls crucial body functions including breathing and movements.
The spine and central nervous system (CNS) connection
The spine is composed of vertebrae, vertebral discs, and a network of spinal nerves. The CNS is composed of the brain, and spinal cord, which is protected by the spine. This structure controls:
● Thoughts, emotions
● Breathing
● Heart Rate
● Release of Hormones
● Body Temperature
● Food digestion
● Movements
Pain signals are also sent along the CNS. If something is damaged along a vertebrae or in a disc such as a disc bulge, the compressed nerve would send signals to the CNS, which alerts the brain. So basically if you imagine your body as a computer, the CNS would be its motherboard. The spine keeps the CNS safe and allows it to function at its best.
The bond between spine and organs
Since the spine houses one of the major components of the CNS- the spinal cord, it helps in coordinating all of the information and activity of other systems of the body.
How?
When your brain sends signals to your internal organs, the information is received via your spinal cord. Therefore, when there is a misalignment or blockage in the spine, organs and related tissue may get affected.
Conditions such as numbness, aches, and even disorders in the respiratory, digestive, excretory systems are detected and sensed by the spinal cord.
Vertebrae and its related functions
Our spine is composed of 33 vertebrae
7 in the cervical region
12 in the thoracic region and
5 in the lumbar region
5 in the sacral region (pelvis region) and
4 in the coccyx (tail bone)
Each of these vertebrae have a direct connection to different bodily functions.
The cervical spine is the medical term for the vertebrae that make up the neck. When each vertebrae is listed, it is written with the letter C prefacing the number. For instance, C1- the first vertebrae in the cervical spine.
❖ C1: It is also known as the Atlas. It is the vertebra situated immediately beneath the base of the skull. It’s purpose is to support and balance the head. A misalignment in this vertebrae may create headache, CNS disorders, and emotional problems when under pressure.
❖ C2: Connects the eyes, nose and the sense of smell.
❖ C4, C5, & C6: These are related to the pharynx, the vocal chords, the mouth, thyroid glands, and the shoulders. Issues within these vertebrae may affect any of the structures mentioned.
The thoracic spine is the medical way of describing the vertebrae located in the upper back and abdomen region. When each vertebrae of the thoracic spine is listed, it is written with the letter T prefacing the number.
❖ T1: The first vertebrae of the thoracic spine impacts breathing. When compromised, it may be reflected in lung-related diseases.
❖ T2: Associates with the heart and lungs.
❖ T3: Connects to the chest and breathing.
❖ T5: Relates to the liver and blood circulation.
❖ T6: Associates with the stomach.
❖ T8: Associates with the spleen.
❖ T10 & T11: Connect to the kidneys.
❖ T12: Associates with the colon, large intestine, joints, & the lymphatic system and also connects to the Fallopian tubes in women. T12 is the last thoracic vertebrae, and connects the thoracic spine to the lumbar spine.
The lumbar spine to which you’re most likely accustomed to referring as your lower back. This area of the spine receives the most wear and tear, as we bend and turn from here the most. When each vertebrae of lumbar spine is listed, it is written with the letter L prefacing the number.
L1: The first vertebrae of the lumbar spine connects with the intestines. Imbalances in the L1 may result in constipation and indigestion.
L2: Associates the abdomen and legs.
L3: Connects to the genitals and urinary system.
L4: Relates with the prostate in men.
L5: Relates to the legs and feet.
If you’re suffering from recurrent stress headaches, migraine, digestive issues, sinusitis or any other medical condition, understand that the underlying condition may be stemming from a spinal misalignment. Osteopathic manipulative therapy (OMT) has been shown to help with these disorders as it helps in decreasing pressure on the spine gently, thus relieving underlying issues.
However, it is important to note that a primary medical evaluation is necessary before heading towards spinal misalignment as the potential cause. And if that is ruled out, consider seeing an Osteopath rather than living with it while receiving symptomatic treatments for the same.
Taking good care
of your spine crucial (and easy too) to ensure that your spine is functioning optimally than suffer later.
Don’t miss out on eating well along with routine exercises, and to always check with the right healthcare professional if you feel as though something is wrong or away from normal.
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