Spine Health : The structure and function of your spine are vital to overall health. Learn about the three main segments – the spinal cord, the discs, and the ligaments and facet joints. Then learn about common issues affecting your spine and what you can do to improve it. This article will also discuss the importance of regular physical therapy. Once you understand the basics of spine health, you can take better care of your back and enjoy life more.
Structure in Spine Health
A detailed description of the anatomy of the spine is a crucial part of overall health. The spine has comprised of 33 bones (vertebrae) stacked one on top of the other. These bones have connected by discs and facet joints and form a strong structure called the spinal column. If any of these components is damaged or unstable, the resulting pain or difficulty may arise. Here, we will discuss the structure of the spine and how to protect it from damage.
Function and Spine Health
Your spine is one of the most important structures in your body, supporting your entire weight and protecting your spinal cord. Its complex architecture allows you to move in many different directions and protects your nerves from damage. Your spine also provides stability and flexibility to your body, thanks to the countless disks, nerves, and ligaments that support it. If you’re suffering from back pain or other physical ailments, it’s important to take care of your spine health to maximize your quality of life and prevent injuries.
Ligaments
Your spine has supported by many different ligaments, some of which are quite important. The spinal column is held together by these ligaments, which also connect individual bones. They provide stability to the spinal column and control vertebral motion in one direction. The anterior longitudinal ligament, for example, is located in front of the vertebral bodies and prevents excessive back arching. The posterior longitudinal ligament attaches to the lamina of each vertebra.
Facet Joints Importance to Spine Health
To help you understand facet joints and their importance to spine health, it’s helpful to know what they are. Facet joints are the joint components at the base of the spine. If one of these joints is inflamed, it can affect the entire spine, causing chronic pain. Fortunately, there are ways to alleviate this pain without surgery. In a recent study, Cohen et al. confirmed that radiofrequency denervation of the medial branches of the spinal cord significantly reduced the pain of patients suffering from facet joint syndrome.
Bony Ring Attached to Each Vertebrae
Each vertebra consists of a round bone called a vertebral body and a protective ring attached to the back of the ring. The bony ring is a hollow tube that surrounds the spinal cord, giving it protection from external forces. Each vertebra has attached to one or more transverse processes, which are bony projections located between the body and the vertebral ring.
Neural Foramen
The neural foramen is the space where individual nerves exit the spinal canal. This space is narrowed in various conditions, including bone spurs from facet joints, bulging discs, and ligamentum hypertrophy. In addition, a patient’s age and height may also cause a narrow neural foramen. The findings of this study suggest that the size of the neural foramen may affect spinal health.
Nerves
The human spine has made up of 33 individual bony vertebrae. It supports the entire body, allows us to bend and twist, and protects the spinal cord. A healthy spine has strong bones, flexible tendons, ligaments, and sensitive nerves. Any injury or disease to the spine can affect the nervous system, causing neurological responses to disrupted in certain parts of the body. When spine health is compromised, this can lead to a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms.
Stretching Exercises
There are a variety of different types of stretching exercises that can help your spine remain healthy. Rotational stretches are particularly helpful for strengthening your core muscles and relieving back tension. You can start this exercise by lying on your back, with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Next, roll your knees to one side and rest them on the floor for five to 10 seconds. Repeat on the other side. Repeat this stretch as many times as needed.