Vertebra 101

Most people know about the spine and they know about some general knowledge about the different parts. One of my favorite parts of learning from patients is what they think our spine is supposed to do from a “lay-person” perspective. Most people, rightly so, don’t fully understand WHY our body is built the way it is. Why does the spine have multiple vertebrae as opposed to just one solid column of bone? Why is the spine shaped the way it is? What benefits or advantages does our current system have, and what are some of its weaknesses? Well, let’s talk about it for a bit. 

What is a bone supposed to do for the body?

Let’s start simple, what is a bone supposed to do for the body? Bones are used by the body to provide structure and stability so that our muscles can pull us around and our organs can be safe from the scary outside world. Bone is made up of all kinds of hard substances, but are mostly calcium and phosphates so that our body can use our bones like a bank. Our body can store certain things in the bones so that if we get low we can take out a loan from the bone density to keep us moving. It never hurts to have an emergency rainy-day fund! This means that muscles are important for our ENTIRE life and not only when we are moving around and doing things like sports.

It is a little more complicated, but its worth mentioning. Bones are also the little factories that make our blood.

Protection vs Movement

So, why do we have vertebra at all and not just a big, long massive bone that keeps us standing upright? From a certain perspective this would be a superior way to protect the spine. An important thing to consider is that we are living and moving organisms that need to move around to survive. The layout of the spine is built in such a way that we can bend and twist and move with much more freedom than if we were carrying around a Roman column in our back all day. In order for us to have a mobile spine, we developed the spinal discs and ligaments supporting it so we can move, but also maintain a certain level of stability. 

When it comes to the way humans move, we have to be able to do load-bearing activities like walking or picking things up without our body collapsing on itself. The vertebrae/disc mechanism helps us achieve this. It provides stability and mobility in equal measure. The only issue that comes from mobility, is it creates openings for injuries if not properly maintained. The disc can start to bulge if not used properly, and we do lose height and stability as we get older due to a loss of water. These issues can easily be managed if we are mindful and take care of ourselves. 

Spinal Hygiene

If only there was a thing out there that was very focused on spinal hygiene…..
Oh wait…thats Chiropractic. 

I guess you had better make an appointment if you want to make sure all that mobility wants to stick around!  If you or a loved on are in the Lexington, Woburn, Wilmington, Bedford, Burlington, Concord, and Waltham areas and need a chiropractor, then maybe you should give us a call and make an appointment!