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The Spine / Functions of the Spine
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The major functions of the vertebral column are:
1) protection of the spinal cord
2) providing stiffening for the body and attachment for the pectoral and pelvic girdle and many other muscles.
3) providing motion for the human skeleton
4) transmitting body weight in walking and standing.
 The vertebral column is not actually a column but, rather, a sort of spiral spring in the form of the letter S. The newborn child has a relatively straight backbone. The development of the curvatures occurs as the supporting functions of the vertebral column in man—holding up the trunk, keeping the head erect, serving as an anchor for the extremities—are developed.
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| Protection |
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| Base for Attachment |
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| Structural Support |
- Head, shoulders, chest
- Connects upper and lower body
- Balance and weight distribution
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| Flexibility and Mobility |
- Flexion (forward bending)
- Extension (backward bending)
- Side bending (left and right)
- Rotation (left and right)
- Combination of above
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| Other |
- Bones produce red blood cells
- Mineral storage
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The S-curvature enables the vertebral column to absorb the shocks of walking on hard surfaces; a straight column would conduct the jarring shocks directly from the pelvic girdle to the head. The curvature meets the problem of the weight of the viscera (organs). In an erect animal with a straight column, the column would be pulled forward by the viscera. Additional space for the viscera is provided by the concavities of the thoracic and pelvic regions.
Weight distribution of the entire body is also effected by the S-curvature. The upper sector, to a large extent, carries the head; the central sector, the thoracic viscera—the organs and structures in the chest—and the lower sector, the abdominal viscera. If the column were straight, the weight load would increase from the head downward and be relatively great at the base. Lastly, the S-curvature protects the vertebral column from breakage. The doubly bent spring arrangement is far less vulnerable to fracture than would be a straight column.
The protective function of the skeleton is perhaps most conspicuous in relation to the central nervous system, although it is equally important for the heart and lungs and some other organs. A high degree of protection for the nervous system is made possible by the relatively small amount of motion and expansion needed by the component parts of this system and by certain physiological adaptations relating to circulation, to the cerebrospinal fluid, and to the meninges, the coverings of the brain and spinal cord. The brain itself is snugly enclosed within the boxlike cranium. Sharing in the protection afforded by the cranium is the pituitary gland, or hypophysis.
The spine, because of it's connections with the nervous system can result in practically any health problem. Gray's Anatomy states "The spine controls and coordinates all bodily functions." With this in mind, chiropractors have stressed for years the importance of maintaining proper nervous system function and they are perhaps the most qualified and trained individuals to do so.
Whereas the majority of people think that a chiropractor treats back problems, a multitude of other problems have been treated with Chiropractic. Ongoing research is verifying what Chiropractic's original founder, D.D. Palmer said way back in 1895. Hippocrates is also quoted as saying "Look to the spine as to the cause of disease.
The Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) have studied risk factors for back disorders (US Department of Labor, 1991.) They are:
- Poor body mechanics, including continued bending over at the waist, lifting from below the knuckles or above the shoulders, and twisting at the waist, especially while lifting.
- Lifting or moving objects of excessive weight or asymmetric size.
- Prolonged sitting, especially with poor posture.
- Lack of adjustable chairs, foot rests, body supports, and work surfaces at work stations.
- Poor grips on handles.
- Slippery footing.
If you experience back pain and it is not related to obvious acute trauma, it may be due to one of the above reasons, possibly without your knowing it. You should discuss your symptoms with a licensed health practitioner. He or she may decide you need to be evaluated in the doctor's office. Treatment can include chiropractic adjustments or referral to the proper physician.
Back related symptoms that should be of concern and may require the attention of a chiropractor, a neurologist or neurosurgeon, include numbness, tingling, weakness of the arms or legs, as well as difficulty controlling the bowel and/or bladder. Further testing may include an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), myelogram, CAT (computerized axial tomography), or bone scan. Your physician will determine which test will help him to diagnose the cause of your back pain.
Prevention is the best way to avoid the onset of back pain. One measure is through overall physical fitness, especially strengthening of the back and abdominal muscles. Correct body mechanics and avoidance of improper lifting are also important. In addition, proper ergonomics in the office environment can reduce back strain.
As stated above, since the nervous system can be affected in a multitude of ways, any of the reflex points in CRA™ may be active when the nervous system has malfunctioned. All of them are listed here for your convenience.
Take this preliminary to see if your condition could respond to treatment.
Not sure on your treatment options? For a limited time you can schedule a
to talk with a licensed doctor or clinician regarding your condition. Use our ChiroLocator to find a doctor in your area.
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