UNDERSTANDING THE SPINE: THE KEY TO YOUR HEALTH
When people hear the word chiropractor, the first thing that they think of is back and neck doctors. Even though they are not wrong, what lies within the casing of the spine is the true value of the chiropractic profession. Before we dive into the benefits of chiropractic care, we first must understand the spine and its internal network, the nervous system.
The Anatomy of the Spine
The spine is made up of 33 vertebral segments and is divided into 5 regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, coccyx. The spine has two natural curves that help to absorb and distribute stress, equalize weight, maintain posture and protect the spine. A lordotic curvature is a backward C-shape curve that is naturally found at the cervical and lumbar sections. A kyphotic curvature is a is a C-shape curve that is naturally found in the thoracic spine
Between each vertebral segment is a spinal disc that acts as a shock absorber and reduces stress and pressure during movement. When disc damage and deterioration occur, the contents within leak out and create negative pressure to nerve roots that cause symptoms including pain, muscle weakness, sensation changes and organ disruption.
Each vertebral segment has two passageways except for the cervical spine which has additional openings at each level.
- Vertebral Foramen- A center opening at each vertebral level that occupies the tunnel to the spinal cord.
- Intervertebral Foramen- Spacing between each vertebra on both left and right directions that is a passageway for spinal nerves.
- Transverse Foramen (Cervical spine only)- Bilateral openings on the wings of the cervical vertebra that are passageways for blood vessels and sympathetic nerves.
The Anatomy and Physiology of the Nervous System
If we took a survey that asked what the primary function of the spine is, the majority of respondents would say movement and posture. These are great answers, and they are not wrong, but the most important function of the spine is protection and safety for the nervous system. To better understand the nervous system, let’s breakdown each division.
The Central Nervous System (CNS)
The CNS is the powerhouse of the nervous system. It consists of both the brain and the spinal cord. The brain sends and receives signals to and from the spinal cord allowing human movement, sensation, reflexes and entire body function. Once signals leave the spinal cord and go out to the body, we are now in the Peripheral Nervous System.
The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
The PNS begins once we exit the spinal cord, and messages are sent out to the arms and legs for full functioning. The PNS consists of spinal nerves and cranial nerves. We have 12 cranial nerves that have various functions such as sight, smell, hearing, touch and movement of the neck and face. Spinal nerves consist of two different nerves: motor and sensory. Motor nerves allow for human movement while sensory nerves allow for human sensation.
The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
The ANS controls our internal organs allowing for functions such as breathing, blood circulation, digestion, urination, etc. The ANS has two different responses: Sympathetic and Parasympathetic. These two responses work as a team to regulate organ function and do the opposite. For example: when the heart rate increases, that is a sympathetic response. When the heart decreases, that is a parasympathetic response.
The Wrap Up
The nervous system is the absolute, most important body system because without it, we cannot survive. Without the spine, movement cannot be achieved, and the nervous system is in grave danger of injury and infection.
Referring to our opening statement, yes, chiropractors are back and neck doctors, but what we are adjusting is nerve interference. Chiropractors’ primary goal is to restore vital nerve function and to regain and maintain body homeostasis.
Now that we have a better understanding of the relationship between the spine and the nervous system, we can now begin discussing the benefits of chiropractic care and how we can help patients long-term.
In next month’s blog, we will address how we can help patients with pain and improve their quality of life with chiropractic care. If you have any questions about the relationship between the spine and nervous system, please call us at (724) 547-3377 and check out our website at www.laurelmountainchiro.com for more content.
Yours In Health,
Brian M. Steinert, DC