In spinal anatomy, each part is called a vertebra. The spine is made up of bones and cartilage. The joints that connect the vertebrae are called facet joints. When viewed from the front, the spine appears straight, but when viewed from the side, its curved structure becomes apparent. The forward curve in the neck region is called “cervical lordosis,” the backward curve in the back region is called “thoracic kyphosis,” and the forward curve in the lumbar region is called “lumbar lordosis.” The spine, which is approximately 70 cm long in men and 60 cm long in women, contains the spinal cord, which is approximately 43-45 cm long and begins at the brain stem. The spine supports the weight of the body.
What are the sections of the spine?
The spine is made up of vertebrae. There are 33-34 vertebrae in the spine. They extend from the base of the skull to the tailbone, and the sections of the spine are divided as follows:
- Cervical vertebrae: There are 7 vertebrae in this section, called the cervical vertebrae.
- Thoracic vertebrae: There are 12 vertebrae in this section, called thoracic vertebrae.
- Lumbar vertebrae: There are 5 vertebrae in this section, called lumbar vertebrae.
- The structure forming the sacrum: There are 5 vertebrae in this section, called the sacral vertebrae.
- The structure forming the coccyx: There are 4 vertebrae in this section, called the coccygeal vertebrae.
The sacrum and coccyx are located in the lower part of the back. These two sections are fused together and immobile. The vertebrae in the neck, back, and lumbar regions are connected to each other by discs and are mobile. This enables the movement of the body.
Spinal Disorders
Spinal disorders can occur with age, but they can also begin at birth. Spinal disorders can be listed as follows:
Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine. It refers to a curvature in the lumbar and thoracic regions. It is a curvature to the right or left. This disorder, which can appear from an early age, is usually noticed during adolescence.
Kyphosis, also known as hunchback, is a forward curvature.
Spinal canal stenosis: This condition, which usually occurs in older age, can cause lower back pain due to the narrowing of the spinal canal within the spine. The cause of spinal canal narrowing is the calcification and enlargement of the joints. The narrowing of the spinal canal occurs as a result of protrusions forming on the bones.
Spinal fractures can occur as a result of bone loss or a severe blow to the spine.
A herniated disc is the leakage of the nucleus of the disc joints in the spine outside the joint. The cause of a herniated disc may be old age, but it can also be caused by inactivity or excess weight.
A cervical herniated disc occurs when the nucleus of the disc joint between the vertebrae in the neck wears down. Cervical herniated discs can be caused by age, poor posture, and injuries.
How to Maintain Spinal Health?
Since the spine supports the body's weight, maintaining spinal health is important for the body's balance. Poor posture can lead to spinal disorders. Therefore, it is important to sit and walk without slouching. Since the spine itself is curved, it is necessary to maintain a posture that does not disrupt this curved structure. Even 5-10 minutes of stretching exercises every day can help maintain spinal health. When lifting heavy objects, it is necessary to adjust the center of gravity. The spine should be supported during such heavy lifting. Excess weight is also harmful to spinal health. It is important to maintain an ideal weight by paying attention to diet and incorporating movement into daily life.
The better a person's overall health, the better their spinal health. It is important to pay attention to factors such as getting enough sleep, drinking enough water daily, and eating a fiber-rich diet. Walking is also beneficial for the spine. Walking helps develop muscles and maintain balance. Daily walking can help improve spinal flexibility and balance.