Curves matter! (Spinal curves that is!)
Our spine naturally comprises 4 regions or curves, cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacrococcygeal (aka sacral). The thoracic and sacral are primary curves as they are present at birth. The cervical and lumbar are secondary curves. These two curves develop in the initial several months of development after birth as the child starts rolling over and sitting up.
So, why is it curved? Why isn’t it just one straight tower-like structure? Wouldn’t that be easier to maintain?
Actually, no.
A straight spine would mean greater wear and tear resulting from vibrations, movement, collisions, or just the weight of one vertebra stacked on the other.
Significance of Curves:
Spinal curves provide flexibility. The discs present between two adjacent vertebra acts as a cushion and provides shock absorption. The curves allow optimal weight distribution. And the curves even protect and accommodate our organs.
Why is the maintenance of curves so important?
As children, we were frequently told to “sit up straight”. It may seem like an insignificant little sentence, but it is not. A good posture is the first step to good spinal health. And we need it to function properly. Spinal curves can either diminish or exaggerate as a result of systemic or physical anomalies, leading to improper posture and deviation from a normal- looking body. This can disrupt body language and affect a person’s confidence in themselves.
Kyphosis (increased thoracic curve) can cause breathing problems and induce stress on the heart.(1)
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Reduced lumbar lordosis causes back pain and is linked to pelvic prolapse. (2) movement and cause headaches.
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• Reduction in the cervical curve leads to fusion of the vertebra thus restricting neck
• The Sacrococcygeal curve is mostly fixed but even the slight movement may be disturbed by abnormal movement patterns or injury and can cause immense pain and dysfunction.
The body’s natural weight distribution and muscle pull are pretty self-regulatory and keep the curves in shape. However, it is also programmed to adjust to the environment. This is why, prolonged use of the computer, mobile phone, slouched sitting, and recurrent movement patterns that are mechanically inefficient cause changes in spinal structure and create muscle imbalance.
How to fix your spine?
The spine is not affected in a day. Unless there is an accident, months or years of unhealthy posture create the kind of imbalance that hurts you. Consequently, it can’t be fixed in one or two steps, rather it requires an intervention, that adjusts various aspects of your daily routine. You cannot quit work or give up leisure activities to protect your spine. Instead, you must learn the right techniques to move and add a few buffers to aid with relaxation at the end of the day to counter the strain.
Foam Rolling
Foam rolling is a very satisfying activity that helps relax your soft tissues while activating them. It improves blood flow to the area, reduces inflammation, relieves soreness in the muscles, activates tissue recovery, and provides relaxation, all while keeping you active. It is especially helpful in relieving muscle tightness. Solex is an innovative spine roll that effectively realigns spinal curves and restores spinal health.
As compared to napping, it is a faster fix that boosts your activity instead of letting your brain doze off.
Living V-A. Breathing Problems in Post-Polio.
Bordoni B, Sugumar K, Leslie SWJS. Anatomy, abdomen and pelvis, pelvic floor.
2020
