Spine

Your spine, or backbone, is your body's central support structure. It connects different parts of your musculoskeletal system. Your spine helps you sit, stand, walk, twist and bend. Back injuries, spinal cord conditions and other problems can damage the spine and cause back pain.

A healthy spine has three natural curves that make an S-shape. These curves absorb shocks to your body and protect your spine from injury. Many different parts make up your spine: Vertebrae, Facet joints, Intervertebral disks, Spinal cord and nerves, Soft tissues.

The 33 vertebrae make up five distinct spine segments. Starting at the neck and going down toward your buttocks (rear end), these segments include: Cervical (neck) (C1 to C7), Thoracic (middle back) (T1 to T12), Lumbar (lower back) (L1 to L5), Sacrum (S1 to S5) and Coccyx (tailbone).

What conditions and disorders affect the spine?

Vertebrae and disks can wear down with age, causing pain. Other conditions that affect spine health 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 keep my spine healthy?

Strong back muscles can protect your spine and prevent back problems. Try to do back-strengthening and stretching exercises at least twice a week. Exercises like planks strengthen the core (abdominal, side and back muscles) to give your spine more support. Other protective measures include:

Bend your knees and keep your back straight when lifting items.
Lose weight, if needed (excess weight strains your back).
Maintain good posture.
Good Diet, food intake should be balanced and healthy.

What is a curvature disorder?

When viewed from the back, the spine should run straight down the middle of the back. When abnormalities of the spine occur, the natural curvatures of the spine are misaligned or exaggerated in certain areas, as occurs with lordosis, kyphosis, and scoliosis.

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Types of Curvature

Kyphosis

Kyphosis is an exaggerated, forward rounding of the upper back. This leads to a hunchback or slouching posture.

Lordosis

Lordosis is the natural curve of the lower back (lumbar) area of the spine. This leads to swayback.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that most often is diagnosed in adolescents. It is a side-to-side curve in the spine that can look like an "S" or a "C".

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