THE SPINE

The spinal column extends from the skull to the pelvis. There are 33 individual bones, vertebrae which form the spinal column. The spine has several functions, most importantly; it protects the spinal cord, allows mobility, supports your head and allows for balance and weight distribution, it is a base for attachment of ligaments, tendons and muscles.

The vertebrae are positioned one on top of each other and are separated by discs which act as shock absorbers. The spinal cord and nerves allow messages to travel from the brain to other areas of your body, i.e. the muscles of your legs. The discs, vertebrae, nerves, ligaments, muscles and joints in a healthy back should all work together to allow for mobility whilst maintaining stability.