Spinal Secrets You Need to Know
By Sara Butler
Unless you’ve taken an anatomy class or two, chances are you don’t know much about the spine. The truth is that your spine is simply amazing -- but it also has some secrets. Here are a few of the lesser-known -- and very interesting -- facts about your spine. Because, you know, knowledge is power!
A Strong Spine is a Curved Spine
Your spine is a lot like a tree because it needs to flexible enough to bend but never break. The natural curves of your spine are what make it possible for it to stay so strong as it allows you to move and bend in many different directions.
Your spine is shaped like the letter S. The curves help to even out the weight of your body and distribute it more evenly as it withstands high amounts of stress.
Your Spine is Shrinking!
You may think it’s fiction that as you get older your spine shrinks, but it’s the truth! The spaces between the bones of your spine tend to compress as you get older, due to the shrinking of the discs that sit in the space. But don’t worry, this shrinkage is normal. Just make sure you’re seeing the chiropractor regularly to ensure there are not joint restrictions or dysfunctions that can lead to painful problems.
You Spine is a Great Protector
It turns out that your spine may have something in common with your favorite comic book hero because it’s a protector -- the great protector of your central nervous system. Probably the most important function of your spine is that it provides a safe and secure home for your spinal cord. If you fall, slip, or befall some other serious incident, your spinal cord stays safe and intact thanks to your miraculous and strong spine.
You Had More Spinal Bones Once
When you were born, you had 33 spinal bones. As an adult, the number shrinks to 36. How? Well, the bones in your lower back, the sacrum, and the coccyx, fuse together as your body grows and develops. So, bones that were once separate are now one, leaving you with fewer bones total. Interesting!
Your chiropractor could go on all day about how amazing the spine is, but there’s no need to. You live with its awesomeness each day! So, care for it the right way with the help of the chiropractors at The Joint!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Sacramento, Calif.