Spinal Curvature

In order to comprehend spinal curvature, we must first analyze the anatomy of the spine. The spinal column’s main purpose is to provide support for the body, and protect the spinal cord. The spine is composed of 33 bones which are arranged one on top of the other in order to give it its natural curved figure. The spine consists of 24 vertebrae that are moveable and 9 fused vertebrae. The spinal column also consists of five major regions- cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and coccyx region.

The spine has a natural curved figure also known as “S-shaped curve” when looking at it from a lateral aspect. As mentioned already, the spine consists of five major regions. In a unique way, these regions allow the spine to form its curvature. The cervical

As we observe the spine, the vertebrae become larger as we move from the cervical region to the lumbar region in order to support all the weight that is put on it. The sacrum “articulates with the hip bones”, and the coccyx is the “terminus of the vertebral column”. With knowing the regions that form the spine, we can continue looking at the anatomy and physiology of spinal curvature. The cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral regions are the main curvatures that help give the spine its “S-Shaped curve”. According to the textbook, “Human Anatomy and Physiology” by Elaine N. Marieb and Katja Hoehn the “cervical and lumbar curvatures are concave posteriorly” while “the thoracic and sacral curvatures are convex posteriorly”. The curvatures allow each human to move accordingly and to have some sort of flexibility rather than

Abnormal spinal curvatures can either be present when born, appear due to a disease, bad posture or “unequal muscle pull on the spine”. The three different types of abnormal spinal curvature are scoliosis, kyphosis and lordosis. Scoliosis usually appears in girls, during late childhood. Scoliosis is a curvature that is towards the side(lateral) instead of it being straight down. A way to recognize scoliosis would be by noticing if one shoulder blade is higher, or sticks out more than the other, back pain, a rotating spine. This kind of spinal curvature can make it very difficult for the lungs to function. The only way to treat scoliosis would be with surgery, or a brace. This treatment has to be done way before the growth finishes to assure there is no complications with breathing and deformity. Kyphosis is a hunchback. Kyphosis usually appears in elderly people but can happen at any age. It is identified as a “dorsally exaggerated thoracic curvature” meaning it is round in the back. Kyphosis usually occurs because of disease, any fractures after osteoporosis, any kind of injuries and any form of degeneration of the spine. Its main occurrence would be due to osteoporosis. In order to treat this specific curvature one must undergo surgery once diagnosed with it, or might have to wear a brace and go to physical therapy. There is no way to remove kyphosis but it can be treated immediately to help reduce further