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Dr. Joseph H. Nowak, PT, DPT Physical Therapist/Co-Owner Gaston Rehab Associates, Inc.
Posture
Those curves in our spine help make up our posture. Whatever we are doing throughout the day (sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, etc.) we would like to keep those curves intact.
Posture Continued
When we stand, wed like to see our ear be over our shoulder, which should then be over our hip, over our knee and over our ankle. This gives us proper posture.
Vertebrae Continued
There are two parts to every vertebrae. The front part, which is called the vertebral body, is a big block of bone. This is the weight bearing portion of our vertebrae.
Vertebrae Continued
The second part is this boney arch with a hole in the middle. When we bend over and you see a ridge on someones back? Thats the boney point at the bottom of the picture. It is called a spinous process.
Vertebrae Continued
The hole in the middle is whats really important. Thats where our spinal cord goes through. If our brain was a computer, our spinal cord would be a connecting wire so our brain could communicate with the rest of our body. Our spinal cord isnt very large. It is about the diameter of a dime.
In-between each vertebrae, coming off our spinal cord on the right & left are spinal nerves. The spinal nerves in our neck make up the nerves that go down our arms. The spinal nerves in our low back make up the nerves that go down our legs.
Spinal Cord
Intervertebral Discs
In-between each vertebral body lies our intervertebral discs.
Disc Mechanics
When we bend and move, the inside gel moves in the opposite direction we move. Some people like to describe how a disc works like a jelly donut.
The nucleus or gel is like the jelly inside the donut. The annular rings are like the donut part.
Normally, the annular rings are strong enough & keep the gel inside. Over time, these rings can get worn down and can bend with the gel, pushing outwards. This is called a disc bulge. Left Picture: Normal Disc Right: Disc Bulge
Bad posture and body mechanics, over time, can speed up the degeneration or wear, of our discs. Thats why it is important to try to stay in good posture throughout the day. Your body will thank you later!!
For more information on posture & body mechanics, please visit our website at: www.gastonrehabassociates.com