To keep our spine healthy or unhealthy is our own choice.
Why should we be concerned and give the top most priority to make our spinal column healthy?
The spine is one of the most important structure of our body. Without it, we could not keep ourselves upright or sit or even stand and walk . It gives our body structure and support. It allows us to move about freely.
The spine is also designed to protect our spinal cord. The spinal cord is a column of nerves that connects our brain with the rest of our body, allowing us to control our movements. Without a spinal cord, we could not move any part of our body, and our organs could not function.
The spinal cord acts as a messenger between the brain and the rest of the body, transmitting information from organs and cells to the brain, and then sending signals back to the organs and cells, stimulating them like an electrical impulse.This process is fundamental to our bodily functions, and any disruption in this communication can lead to various health issues.
The physical state of the spinal column is crucial because it houses the spinal cord, which plays a vital role in transmitting information between the brain and the rest of the body.
Maintaining the integrity of the vertebral body, the joints between consecutive vertebrae, and the discs in between is essential for ensuring proper spinal function and overall health. Any compromise in this structure can lead to various issues, including back pain, numbness, and even affect the functioning of organs and cells.
This is why keeping our spine healthy is vital to live an active and healthy life.
The vertebral column is a flexible column extending from neck to tail, made of a series of bones -;the vertebrae.
On one side, the skull is attached to the vertebral column, and on the other side, the pelvis is attached. The shoulder girdle is attached on the ribcage and interrelated with the spinal column with the ribs attached to the spinal column.
Our vertebral column brings physical stability and mobility to our body. Physical stability is essential to support and balance to maintain an upright. Poses and movements / mobility that need coordination of Musculature architecture with its appropriate direction of smooth movement of flow in opposite directions with synchronised movement in the joints just to change the direction is very valuable.
This movement is like pulleys and strings and not a reflex action, where one group of muscles goes into contraction (mainly flexors), and the opposite side gets retracted. This reflex movement in the joints makes our muscular architecture stiffer and harder and which we do not realise until damage is deeper and more intense. In all this process we lose physical stability leading us towards osteoarthritis at an early age which we do not bother much, a process which continues which is leading us towards diseases such as digestive, metabolic – Cardiorespiratory and vascular diseases and cancer too. It seems we are not very interested in reaching the root cause. Instead, we are happy to treat symptoms giving chemical and physical mimicry, , remove organs, or replace them feels easier short cut.
Therefore, stiffness and hardness of Musculature leads to imbalance and distortion of skeleton structure, hence loss of physical stability. Mobility has no meaning without physical stability, and this is the reason our body can’t get rest in sleep . It becomes restless, and sleep is disturbed. We are losing balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.
So , the major function of the skull with the vertebral column –
To protect the brain and spinal cord, nerve roots, vessels, and several of the body’s internal organs.
The brain and the spinal cord work together, which are situated in our dorsal cavity (skull and vertebral cavity). Therefore, elasticity of muscular architecture is the most necessary quality to keep close spaces between each consecutive vertebrae and skull at their physical natural state.
What does the spinal cord do?
The spinal cord is the link between the brain and the nerves in the rest of the body.
The brain and spinal cord are our body’s central nervous system. The brain is the command centre for our body, and the spinal cord is the pathway for messages sent by the brain to the body and from the body to the brain.
The central nervous system and peripheral nervous system work together to allow our brain to control our body’s physiological functions,
The spinal cord is protected in vertebral cavities. These cavities are known as dorsal / posterior cavities in our bodies.
Every cell in our body has a connection to the nervous system through nerve components, also known as neural connections or synapses. This means that:
1. Each cell receives signals from the nervous system, instructing it to perform specific functions.
2. Cells can communicate with each other through electrical and chemical signals, allowing for coordination and integration of bodily functions.
3. The nervous system can monitor and respond to changes in individual cells, enabling precise control over various bodily processes.
This intricate network allows our body to function harmoniously, with every cell playing a vital role in maintaining overall health and well-being.
What are the body’s cavities, and how are they related ?
A body cavity is any space or compartment or potential space in the body.
Cavities accommodate organs and other structures. These cavities as potential spaces contain fluid.
So, we should understand the importance of spaces within body cavities for the physical, physiological, and psychological state of our body and our own well-being. Then only we will understand Yoga as a high-tech space science and will work for its equilibrium accordingly.
Body cavities:
A body cavity is a fluid-filled space inside the body that accommodates, holds, and protects internal organs. Human body cavities are separated by membranes and other structures.
The dorsal (posterior) cavity and the ventral (anterior) cavity are the largest body compartments. These cavities contain and protect delicate internal organs, and the ventral cavity allows for significant changes in the size and shape of the organs for their movement as they perform their functions.
The dorsal cavity is at the posterior, or back, of the body, including both the head and the back of the trunk. This includes the skull/cranial and vertebral/spinal cavities. These cavities are known as close spaces.
The skull/cranial cavity contains the brain.We know that our brain is a delicate organ that regulates the physiology of the whole body. The physical state of the skull cavity provides protection to the brain. The vertebral cavity protects the spinal cord and related organs.
The spinal cavity is a very long, narrow cavity inside the vertebral column.
It runs the length of the trunk and contains the spinal cord.
The brain and spinal cord are protected by the bones of the skull and the vertebrae of the spine. They are further protected by the meninges, a three-layer membrane that encloses the brain and spinal cord. A thin layer of cerebrospinal fluid is maintained between two of the meningeal layers. This clear fluid is produced by the brain, and it provides extra protection and cushioning for the brain and spinal cord.
The ventral cavity is at the anterior, or front, of the trunk, including the thoracic/ rib cage and abdominal and pelvic cavities.
Organs contained within this frontal body cavities include the lungs, heart with thymus gland, liver, gallbladder, stomach, spleen,intestines, pancreas,reproductive organs, hormonal glands and blood and lymphatic vessels.
These cavities allow for considerable changes in the size and shape of the organs within as they perform their functions.
For example, some of the major organs such as the lungs, heart, respiratory diaphragm,stomach, or uterus can expand or contract without distorting other tissues or disrupting the activities of nearby organs.
The thoracic cavity fills the chest and has two pleural cavities and the pericardial cavity. The pleural cavities hold the lungs, and the pericardial cavity holds the heart with the thymus gland.
Respiratory diaphragm separates chest and abdominal cavity.
The abdominopelvic cavity fills the lower half of the trunk.
The abdominal cavity holds digestive organs, glands, and the kidneys.
The pelvic cavity holds reproductive organs and organs of excretion.
As our vertebral column /spine governs our all bodily organ systems. Hence, distorted spaces in our vertebral column and its degeneration have directly affected frontal/ ventral cavities.
So when we talk about core strength or muscular strength ,we should make efforts to make them elastic and not stiff and hard.
Therefore, “Central axis “, core muscular architecture deep to superficial levels mainly attached to the spinal column, situated from head to tail and pelvis . and from shoulder girdle to pelvic girdle, which from front includes chest, abdominal, pelvis cavities
includes all the Paraspinal groups attached to the head to the tail, including neck muscles front and back.
Conscious and smooth movement of these muscles through both extremities should be our first step.
Here I am giving details of the degenerative process which we should not ignore and join us to prevent and improve and further to enhance.
The Degenerative Process: A Detailed Sequential Order with Associated Feelings
1. *Incorrect movement patterns*: Relying on joint movements rather than engaging muscles to facilitate movement. (No noticeable feelings initially)
2. *Repetitive joint movements lead to stiffness of muscles*: Further leads to discomfort or uneasiness. (Feeling of stiffness, discomfort, or uneasiness)
3. *Wear and tear*: Leads to friction and inflammation in the spinal column. (Aching or dull pain)
4. *Muscle spasm*: To protect further disturbance, stiff muscles go into spasms. (Sharp, stabbing pain, or muscle cramps)
5. *Loss or exaggeration of curvature*: The decrease in space can lead to a loss or exaggeration of the natural curvature of the spine. (Feeling of unevenness or discomfort in the back)
6. *Decreased space between vertebrae*: Inflammation leads to a decrease in the space between two consecutive vertebrae. (Increased aching or pain)
7. *Friction between two vertebral joints*: Leads to further irritation and inflammation. (Grinding or clicking sensation, increased pain)
8. *The body’s defensive mechanism*: Leading to the formation of osteophytes. (Feeling of stiffness, reduced mobility)
9. *Increased compression pressure leads to stress hairline fracture (lysis)*: Further leads to shifting of the vertebra forward or backward, known as listhesis, putting pressure on the spinal cord and related nerves. (Severe pain, feeling of instability)
10. *Cartilage calcification*: The cartilage in the end plate gets calcified, and its porous nature may decrease, impeding nutrient transport and contributing to disc degeneration. Consistent pain which gets shifted as the body keeps on compensating. (Consistent, nagging pain, feeling of wear and tear)
11. *Dehydration of the disc*: The disc gets dehydrated, leading to cracks. (Frequent nagging pain, heaviness, feeling of dryness or brittleness)
12. *Disc protrusion*: The end result of the degenerative process, highlighting the body’s defensive mechanisms to stop the incorrect movement patterns. Compresses the spinal cord and nerves, giving severe pain, making it difficult to move and sleep, and may cause a tingling or numbness sensation. (Severe pain, tingling, numbness, weakness, or paralysis)
The importance of considering the interconnectedness of bodily systems when addressing spinal health.
The Broader Impact of the Degenerative Process
The progressive changes in the spinal column can indeed affect the mechanical movement of nearby organ systems, leading to a slowdown in their physiological function. This, in turn, can cause permanent pathological changes in the tissues, which can be detected through medical tests.
This emphasizes the importance of addressing spinal issues promptly, as they can have far-reaching consequences on overall health and well-being.
The Wide-Ranging Effects of the Degenerative Process
I am listening to a range of examples illustrating the broader impact of the degenerative process on various bodily systems. It’s clear that the effects of spinal issues can be far-reaching, influencing systems such as:
– Respiratory (e.g., sinusitis, respiratory issues)
– Nervous (e.g., migraine, vertigo)
– Digestive (e.g., digestive issues)
– Cardiovascular (e.g., cardiovascular system)
– Endocrine (e.g., hormonal issues)
– Reproductive (e.g., reproductive issues, menstrual issues, prolapse organs)
– Metabolic (e.g., disturbed metabolism, type two diabetes)
– Immune (e.g., immunity issues) etc.
This highlights the importance of considering the interconnectedness of bodily systems when addressing spinal health.