What Are The Functions Of Your Spine?

 

The spine is an integral part of your body since it keeps you upright. The different sections of the spine vary in flexibility, with the cervical area being the most flexible. The other spine sections are the thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx or tailbone region. It helps in the movement of your body in various directions and supports the head, arms, and torso’s weight.

The bones of the spine also protect the spinal cord that runs through the spinal canal.

Functions of The Spine:

Your central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord. The brain sends commands to different parts of your body through the spinal cord.

Here are the main functions of the spine:

Motor Functions:

All the voluntary muscle movements of your body are directed by it.

Sensory Functions:

The spine monitors sensations like temperature, pressure, pain, and touch.

Autonomic Functions:

Whether it is your blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, urination, or digestion, it is all regulated by the spinal cord.

Causes of Spine Pain :

You can experience pain in your upper, mid, and lower spine. Here are some of the causes of upper, mid, and lower spine pain:

Overuse

If the disc, muscles, or ligaments supporting your spine are overused, you will experience spine pain. You will also experience pain if there is a muscle injury or strain.

Posture

The way you sit or stand determines your posture. If you are working on the computer for extended periods, you will develop spine pain.

Spinal Nerve Pressure

If you are suffering from a herniated disc, there is likely to be a pain due to pressure on your spine’s nerves.

Osteoarthritis:

The cartilage that acts as a cushion between the joints may be damaged, causing osteoarthritis and spine pain.

Myofascial Pain:

Connective tissue in muscles experiences myofascial pain causing pain in the spine.

Herniated Disc:

Lower spine pain occurs due to a herniated lumbar disc with a tear in the disc wall and the closest nerve root’s irritation.

Degenerative Disc Disease:

The intervertebral discs dry out with age, leading to tears in the disc wall with pain or weakening. This could cause a herniation. You could also have stenosis of the spine due to the collapse of the disc.

Spondylolisthesis:

Slipping of one vertebra over another results in spondylolisthesis.

 

When Do You Need Spine Surgery?

Surgery can be avoided in most cases, but they are necessary for some. Your spine specialist may recommend non-surgical remedies before considering spine surgery. These include letting the area rest, using non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, massage, chiropractic treatment, or acupuncture.

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