The Spine:

The spinal column is one of the most vital parts of the human body, supporting our trunks and making all of our movements possible.

Did you know that the spine actually takes up about half of the volume of the torso, from front to back. This gives you an idea of the amount of support the spinal column is capable of giving the body. When the spine is injured and its function is impaired the consequences can be painful and even disabling. For example, a kidney infection could be as a result of impaired nerve function stemming from the spine. For this reason it is always important that when ill, the cause and not just the symptom is treated .

Humans have 33 separate vertebrae at birth but by adulthood, most have only 24. This is due to the fusion of the vertebrae in certain parts of the spine during normal development. Within these vertebrae there are 4 different sections: The Cervical spine consisting of the first 7 vertebrae called C1-C7 run from the skull to the base of the neck. This is followed by the Thoracic spine which runs down from the base of the neck to the lower back and consists of 12 vertebrae, T1-T12. You then have the Lumbar spine which consists of 5 vertebrae called L1-L5. Below the lumbar spine is the final section and consists of 9 vertebrae which fuse together. 5 of these form the triangular bone called the sacrum, S1-S5. The two dimples found in most people's back is where the sacrum joins the hipbones, and is called the sacroiliac joint. This is where the lowest 4 vertebrae form the tailbone or coccyx.

The spinal column is extremely well designed to serve many functions. All of the elements of the spinal column and vertebrae serve the purpose of protecting the spinal cord, which hosts the central nervous system which in turn controls and co-ordinates all physical activities of the human organism. Therefore, the spinal column provides communication to the brain, mobility and sensation in the body through the complex interaction of bones, ligaments and muscle structures of the back and the nerves that surround it. The back is also the powerhouse for the entire body, supporting our trunks and making all of the movements of our head, arms, and legs possible.

Seeing as the human body functions through our nervous system located in the spinal column, and Reflexology's primary action is to improve nerve function. It is of no surprise that it can be of huge benefit to somebody experiencing back pain, which in turn is also causing impaired function to other parts of the body. While Reflexology is not a cure for the problem, it can assist the body in the restoration of the impaired nerve feeding the related area. The spinal column runs along the length of the inside edge of the foot. If you take a look at this part of your foot you will see how it follows the same shape as your spine. Reflexology can be of extreme benefit to pregnant women who are experiencing back pain due to the enormous pressure placed on the spine as it is required to support the extra weight as the baby grows.

I found this website: all about back pain to be highly informative, and well worth visiting if you want to know all about the spine and how it works.

 

Lara O'Connell, Dip. Reflex. MNRRI. Main Street, Kinvara, Co Galway, Ireland. Ph:+353 (0) 86 277 5212.