Spinal Health

Understanding your Spine, nervous system

and posture

What is the spine?

Your spine is made up of 33 bones, of which 24 are moveable. There are three moveable parts that you know as your neck (cervical), your mid back (thoracic) and your lower back (lumbar). These are attached to the fused parts, the sacrum and the coccyx. Your sacrum is attached by joints to your hips and you coccyx is often referred to as your tail bone.

Think of your spine like building blocks, one sitting on tip of another like a tall structure, picture Big Ben!

Each joint of your spine has different components, the bone (vertebrae), the disc (which is a cushioning spacer), the muscles, blood vessels and most importantly the spinal nerves. When the joint is free from pressure and is aligned properly then the spine should remain healthy.

The spine gives us structure but it also has another very important job…it allows function.

What is the nervous system?
The nerves which carry messages from the brain to all of the parts of your body run down the centre of your spine. All of your muscles are fed information through your nerves and all of your organs are supplied by the nerves. The nervous system controls and coordinates everything that you can do. Think of all the motorways and roads in Great Britain. This is like the network of nerves in your body carrying information, rather than cars, to different destinations.

The spinal cord runs through your spine and the nerves attach to the spinal cord in pairs of branches. These branches exit the spine in between each spinal bone (vertebrae). The nervous system is your master controller; it’s the power within the body that makes everything work. The exercise information in this website will help you keep your power at 100%

Why do so many people get ‘back problems?’
Most ‘back problems’ are linked directly to lifestyle or to accidents. When your spinal joints are put under a lot of pressure the nerves, muscles, bones, blood flow and discs can all be affected. A chiropractor calls this a vertebral subluxation (sub lucs aishon). The results of subluxations are common symptoms such as back pain, headaches, sciatica, muscles weakness and much more. Looking after your spine everyday can help minimise your chances of developing subluxations and the symptoms that are associated.

For more information on spinal health contact your local United Chiropractic Association approved chiropractor click here.

Posture

Poor posture can place a big physical stress on your spine and the nervous system. One of the best ways to keep your posture healthy is to use the special LiveWell recommended exercises.

Good posture can only result with good habits

How to get good posture

• Sit up don’t slouch
• Walk tall
• Exercise the spinal muscles
• Stand balanced and strong – become Posture Perfect
• Take regular mini breaks from sitting
• Take daily exercise for the whole body
• Drink around 2 litres of water daily
• Keep your weight under control
• Keep a good positive outlook on life – mood can effect your posture and visa versa

Why good posture is important

• Keeps bones and joints in the correct alignment so that muscles are being used properly
• Helps decrease the abnormal wearing of joint surfaces that could result in arthritis
• Decreases the stress on the ligaments holding the joints of the spine together
• Prevents the spine from becoming fixed in abnormal positions
• Prevents fatigue because muscles are being used more efficiently, allowing the body to use less energy
• Prevents strain or overuse problems
• Prevents backache and muscular pain
• Contributes to a good appearance

For more information on posture contact your local United Chiropractic Association approved chiropractor click here.