In my last blog entry I talked about the brain and how it produces all the information needed to control the function of the body. This week I would like to describe the body part that protects the spinal cord and it's accompanying nerve roots, the spinal column.

Now, the spinal cord attaches to the brain taking all information from the brain to the body and from the body to the brain so that the brain has control over the body. The skull protects the brain and is made up an array of interlocking bones that very effectively protects the brain. The spinal column attaches to the base of the skull.

The spinal column houses and protects the spinal chord and its nerve roots. The spinal column is made up of 24 vertebrae that stack on top of each other like donuts. There is a hole/passage in the poster aspect of each vertebrae that allow the spinal chord to pass through. Between each vertebrae are discs that act like cushions for the spinal column and also act to maintain the integrity of the opening that allow the nerve roots (bundles of nerves coming off the spinal chord) to pass from the spinal chord to the rest of the body via the lateral aspect of each side of the spinal vertebrae. A properly aligned spinal column has three curves in it to allow the spinal chord to function as it is supposed to. The neck region called the cervical region has is a forward curve, in the mid back region called the thoracic region there is a backwards curve and in the low back region called the lumbar region there is a posterior curve.

A healthy spinal column will move fluidly allowing one to move easily throughout thier daily activities. A unhealthy spinal column can be the cause for much pain, stiffness and ill health. Some signs of a unhealthy spinal column are back pain or neck pain, headaches and/or tingling and numbness in the arms and legs. In order to keep you spinal column healthy you should visit a chiropractor and have your spine adjusted, maintain a healthy weight, and have a healthful diet.

If you have any questions about the above article or back pain, neck pain or headaches don't hesitate to contact me at Tannenbaum Chiropractic in Ann Arbor at [email protected].