Do you have a straight or curved back?

Your spine keeps your body standing upright!

But your spine is not long and straight.

Normal cervical lordosis is important for good spinal health.

It has CURVES, and it needs curves!


The spine is made up of 33 individual bones (vertebrae) that interlock with each other to form the spinal column.

The vertebrae are numbered and divided into regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx.

Only the top 24 bones are moveable; the vertebrae of the coccyx are fused.

The vertebrae in each region have unique features that help them perform their main functions.


Cervical (neck)

The main function of the cervical spine is to support the weight of the head. The seven cervical vertebrae are numbered C1 to C7.

The neck has the greatest range of motion because of two specialized vertebrae that connect to the skull.

The first vertebra (C1) is the ring-shaped atlas that connects directly to the skull. This joint allows for the nodding or “yes” motion of the head.

The second vertebra (C2) is the peg-shaped axis, which has a projection called the odontoid, that the atlas pivots around. This joint allows for the side-to-side or “no” motion of the head.


Thoracic (mid back)

The main function of the thoracic spine is to protect the heart and lungs. The twelve thoracic vertebrae are numbered T1 to T12. The range of motion in the thoracic spine is limited due to your ribs starting and ending on different halves of your body (from the front to the back or vice versa).


Lumbar (low back)

The main function of the lumbar spine is to bear the weight of the body. The five lumbar vertebrae are numbered L1 to L5. These vertebrae are much larger in size to absorb the stress of lifting and carrying heavy objects.


Sacrum

The main function of the sacrum is to connect the spine to the pelvic bones. There are five sacral vertebrae, which are fused together. Together with the pelvic bones, they form a ring called the pelvic girdle.


Coccyx region

The four fused bones of the coccyx or tailbone provide attachment for ligaments and muscles of the pelvic floor.


Dr Oscar Finn from Sims and Finn Chiropractic explains the causes, symptoms and treatments of low back pain.

Excess body weight, weak muscles, spine bones not moving correctly and other forces can pull at the spine’s alignment:

  • An abnormal curve of the lumbar spine is lordosis, also called sway back.
  • An abnormal curve of the thoracic spine is kyphosis, also called hunchback.
  • An abnormal curve from side-to-side is called scoliosis.

HOWEVER

If your spine has abnormal curvatures when viewed from the front, you may have a spinal scoliosis.

Scoliosis is when the spine deviates from normal alignment resulting in a lateral ‘S’ shaped curvature. As the lateral ‘S’ shaped curvature increases, the effect it has on your posture and alignment of the spine becomes more apparent, particularly when looking at your spine from the front.
Scoliosis varies greatly in its degree of severity.

A mild scoliosis may require monitoring to assess if there are any structural changes and ensure the spine is within normal limits. More advanced and severe scoliotic curves may require more attention to ensure that no serious health problems arise.

To read more about scoliosis and how chiropractic can help, click here.


Our website contains a lot more information about spinal conditions and exercises you can do at home to help yourself. If you have any questions or would like to find out if chiropractic care may help you, please don’t hesitate to contact us.


To make an appointment, please either book online via our website, or call our friendly staff.

Sims & Finn Chiropractic

52 Stud Road, Dandenong 3175

(03) 9792 1945

@simsfinnchiropractic

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