The Spine

The Spine

1. Structure

   • 33 Vertabrae
   • 5 Different sections
     • Cervical
     • Thoracic
     • Lumbar
     • Soleral
     • Pelvis
   • S shaped
   • Spinal Cord = nerve tower
     • Sends messages around the body
   • Cartilaginous Joints

2. Range of movement

   • Curve
   • Rotate
   • Extend
   • Tilt
   • Roll down and up

3. Injuries

   • S shaped
     • Provides Spring
       • Shock absorber
   • Overuse, misuse & abuse
   • Correct alignment can prevent injury
   • Scoliosis
     • Misshaped spine
       • Knocking everything out of alignment
       • Unpreventable
         • Born with the injury
     • Solved with surgery
     • Practising correct posture and alignment can ease the situation
   • Sway back
     • Over exaggerated lumbar
     • Eased by strengthening abs
     • eased by improving flexibility in lower back and hamstrings
   • Pilates & yoga can prevent and ease injuries

4. Relate to different styles

   • Ballet
     • Upright spine
       • Supporting head and arms
       • Weightlessness
     • Straight back
       • Less shock absorbed
       • Can cause lower back problems
   • Contemporary
     • All movements come from spine
       • Gives impulse and weight
       • Smooth transitions
   • Jazz
     • Isolations
     • Contractions
     • Small movements can be changed by movements of the spine