Monday, February 16, 2009

My Spine: How Does It Work and What Is It's Role?

“Exactly how does my spine work and what is its role? Why all the focus on the spine, Doc?”

Answer: Did you know that your body is an engineering miracle? It is truly amazing what I’m about to describe about your spine and body. The cervical spine of your neck consists of 7 interlocking bones. Kind of like Legos. The brain stem becomes the spinal cord, which is the “information super highway” of your nervous system. This is what enables your heart to beat without your conscious awareness, keeps you digesting food, feeling pain, experiencing pleasure, and all the…

Miracles of life
we experience!

The forward curve of the neck is known as a lordosis. This curve is what enables you to turn your head side to side and gaze toward the ceiling. An injury such as whiplash can cause the spine joints to not move enough… or… others to move too much! These changes negatively impact the nervous system. When the spine loses its natural shape, it can pinch the nerves coming out of the spine. We call these subluxations and they alter the way your nervous system sends and receives sensations. Ill health can result, because it throws off the body’s ability to communicate within itself. The lumbar spine consists of five vertebrae in the lower back. Like the neck, it should have a natural curve. Like tributaries of a river, nerves exiting the spine in this area form the sciatic nerves which run down the back of each leg. A healthy spine allows you to be and do your best by protecting the vital nervous systems link between your brain and your body.

A keen awareness of the spine’s importance can enable you to live a vital, full life. Be aware that if you or someone you love has been feeling pain for more than 48 hours, please seek the help of the Doctors of Back To Action immediately. We’re only a phone call away at (425) 670-2600. Or schedule an appointment here.

Dr. Jerry Dreessen and Dr. Jason Gilmore

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