The Importance of A Healthy Spine

According to Mayfield Brain and Spine Clinic, “the spine is made of 33 individual bones, known as vertebrae, stacked one on top of the other. The vertebrae are separated and cushioned by discs. This spinal column provides the main support for your body, allowing you to stand upright, bend, and twist, while protecting the spinal cord from injury. Strong muscles and bones, flexible tendons and ligaments, and sensitive nerves contribute to a healthy spine.” 

Aside from the 33 vertebrae that make up the spine, the spine is broken down into five regions - cervical spine (neck), thoracic spine (mid-back), lumbar spine (low back), sacrum, which connects the spine to the hips and the coccyx region, or tailbone, which provides attachment to the pelvic floor. Additionally, the spine is also made up of membranes, joints, ligaments and nerves similar to those found in the brain. These components work together to help the body function and move. 

Needless to say, the spine has a central role in one’s overall health. There are a number of ways to support the spine including strength and mobility work. The National Spine Health Foundation suggests strengthening your core and back muscles in order to support your spine. “Your core muscles, located in your lower back and abdomen, need to be strong and supple. This is to help support your spine and take pressure off your lower back. Target specific exercises can be a great way to help keep those muscles strong,” says the organization. 

One way to focus on core-specific work is to integrate Pilates into your workout routine.

One way to focus on core-specific work is to integrate Pilates into your workout routine. By practicing Pilates, whether it be in the studio or with Niche Pilates Online, the practice of Pilates focuses on alignment and rotation while strengthening muscles that are vital to your overall health - including your spine. 

In conclusion, spine health plays a large role in one’s overall health and wellness. By focusing on core and lower back strength, especially through practices like Pilates which focuses on form and mobility, one can help support this part of the body. 

Citations 

5 Ways to Improve and Preserve Spine Health. National Spine Health Foundation. (2023, January 31). Retrieved February 16, 2023, from https://spinehealth.org/article/spine-health/ 

Anatomy of the Human Spine. Spine Anatomy | Mayfield Brain & Spine, Cincinnati. (n.d.). Retrieved February 16, 2023, from https://mayfieldclinic.com/pe-anatspine.htm