Spine 101

© Copyright, 2006, PreventiCare® Publishing

Spine 101

brought to you by Kruse Chiropractic


The Foundation of a Healthy Life

• A healthy spine is the foundation of a healthy life.

• To care for the spine properly, it’s first important to understand its structure and function.


The Spinal Structure

The spine is made up of 24 bones known as vertebrae.

The vertebrae rest on a bone

called the sacrum.

Below the sacrum is the

coccyx.

Between the vertebrae are joints,

which are cushioned

intervertebral discs (IVDs).

The vertebral column keeps us vertical and protects the

spinal column.


The Vertebra Structure

Vertebrae consist of…

A weight-bearing outer

bone called the centrum.

A ring-shaped arch, which is attached to the

centrum.

Vertebrae protect the vertebral foramen, where the spinal cord passes through.


Types of VertebraeCervical

vertebrae: lightweight for flexibility and

range of motion.Thoracic vertebrae: each

attached to a rib.

Lumbar vertebrae: bear

the weight of the head and trunk.

Sacrum: five fused bones flanked by

pelvis bones. Coccyx: four fused

vertebrae.


Crucial Curves• Slight front-to-back curves are essential to spinal health.

• The three normal curves of the vertebral column are...

Cervical lordosis: Loss of this

curve = straightened or “military” neck.

Thoracic kyphosis: Excessive kyphosis =

“hunch back.”

Lumbar lordosis: excessive lordisis

= “sway back.”


Vertebral Subluxations

• Repetitive motion, trauma, sports activities and office work may all generate alterations in spinal alignment.

• When vertebrae become misaligned, the result is a condition known as vertebral subluxation.

• This common occurrence is linked with health concerns such as carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, backaches, infantile colic and ear infections.


Detecting and Correcting Vertebral Subluxations

• To detect vertebral subluxations, chiropractors:

• Use the sense of touch, known as palpation.

• Evaluate range of motion, posture and muscle tension.

• Perform orthopedic and neurological tests.

• To correct vertebral subluxations, chiropractors:

• Use safe and gentle maneuvers called chiropractic adjustments.


Innervation

• Imagine a railroad station with trains chugging in and out in every direction.

• Your spinal cord is like a railroad station, but instead of trains, nerves enter and exit the “station:” a process called innervation.

Nerves slide into the spinal cord

between vertebrae…

…then on to the body’s

muscles, organs and

other structures.• Research indicates vertebral

subluxations may affect nerve transmission.


Herniated Discs

• When a disc is compromised and the jelly center begins to ooze, it creates a herniated disc.

• Herniated discs are often referred to as “slipped,” although the disc itself does not typically move.

• Chiropractic provides a safe, noninvasive alternative to surgery for many patients with herniated discs.


How’s Your Spine?

• The best way to evaluate your spinal health is to schedule an appointment with your doctor of chiropractic for a complete examination.

• Even slight misalignments in the spine can trigger chronic conditions.

Spine 101

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