Curves of the spine

Curves of the Spine

When you think of your spine, do you envision a straight row of bones extending from the base of your brain to the lower back? In reality, the spine is made up of four different curves that provide balance and flexibility to your body and help prevent injuries.

These curvatures also allow the spine to support 10 times more weight than it could if the curvatures were to disappear. These curves are more visible when looking at an example of the spine from a lateral perspective.

These are the four types of spinal curvatures:

• Cervical Lordosis – It is an upside-down “C”, shaped like a curve, located at the top of the spine. This curve helps protect your head from extreme forward movements. Neck pain is usually the result of having some significant loss in the curve.

• Thoracic Kyphosis – It is a “C” – shaped curve in the upper and middle back, composed of 12 vertebrae.

• Lumbar Lordosis – These are the five vertebrae in the lower back that also have an upside-down “C” shape. This area of the spine shows a backward curvature when viewed from the side.

• Sacral Kyphosis – The sacrum is a triangular bone at the base of the spine, between the two hip bones. It is also a “C,” shaped like a curve.

As a newborn baby develops, it has only one type of spinal curve, the “C” lordosis – which is curved. As a child’s motor skills begin to develop, the baby learns to hold its head up, sit, crawl, stand, and walk – all of which cause muscle development and allow for more weight distribution to the spine. The development of additional spinal curves also begins.

It is important for the curves to maintain balance in your body and prevent pain and injuries. Proper weight loading requires you to bend at the knees rather than bending at the waist to avoid straightening your spine.

Of course, regular check-ups with your chiropractor and their adjustments will help you maintain your spinal curves properly. Additionally, there are specific products, such as cervical pillows, that will also help you keep the curves of the spine in place and keep you away from pain.

Marc Bony, DC