The Spine
The spine is made up of 24 vertically stacked
building blocks called vertebrae. Each vertebra must support the
weight of the body above its level. The spine naturally curves which
allows its effective support without compromising flexibility and movement.
The four basic movements of the spine are:
- Flexion -
Bending forward
- Extension
-
Bending backward
- Lateral Flexion
- bending sideways to the left or right
- Rotation -
twisting motion of the body
Spinal muscles exist in pairs, one on each side.
They can function independently or together. The front (anterior)
muscles do not attach to the spinal column i.e. abdominal muscles.
When the abdominals contract, they move the rib cage down and the pelvic
girdle up as the spine is functionally pulled into flexion.
Should you have any further questions
regarding this article, please direct your questions or comments to "Ask
the Doctor" section.
Copyright © 2004 - 2009 Taras V.
Kochno, M.D. All Rights Reserved
Board Certified in
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
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