health practices chapter 4

Spine

Also known as the vertebral column, it is the central organizing structure of the skeleton and the most fundamental element of the axial skeleton.

Vertebrae

33 individual bones divided into 5 regions: 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 fused forming the sacrum, and 4 fused forming the coccyx.

Intervertebral discs

Structure located between each vertebra from C2 to the sacrum that allows for rotation, rocking, and absorption of compression forces.

Atlantoaxial joint

Specialized joint between the first cervical vertebra (C1 or atlas) and second cervical vertebra (C2 or axis), allowing for 45–50-degree rotation.

Lumbosacral joint

Joint between the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5) and the first sacral vertebra (S1), ideally forming a 30-degree angle.

Core stability

The development or restoration of neuromuscular aspects of lumbopelvic control crucial for protecting the spine from injury or reinjury.

Rectus abdominis

The muscle commonly referred to as the '6 pack', located in the front of the abdomen.

Kyphosis

A spinal misalignment characterized by increased curvature of the upper back (thoracic region).

Lordosis

A spinal misalignment characterized by increased curvature of the lumbar region.

Disc herniation

Condition where the nucleus pulposus extrudes out through the annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc.

Spondylolysis

A stress fracture that occurs in the vertebrae, typically between L5 and S1.

Common back injuries in dancers

Typically caused by weight loading, high compression forces, forceful twisting, and activities involving spinal extension.

Lumbosacral strain/sprain

Injury caused by excessive stretching to the spinal extensor muscles, ligaments, or the spine.

Guidelines for abdominal strengthening

Include maintaining a rounded torso, keeping the head and neck rounded, and using techniques like hollowing for targeting the transverse abdominis.

Erector Spinae

Major spine extensor muscle group responsible for extending the vertebral column.