Let us first know about the spine or spinal cord. It is an extended lean, pipe-like structure that comprises of nervous-tissues, that extends from the medulla oblongata in the brain to the pelvis area of the vertebral Colum, It surrounds the central canal of the spinal cord, which comprises of cerebrospinal fluid. The brain & spinal cord jointly form our Central Nervous System (CNS).In human beings, the spinal cord starts at the main bone, which is also called as occipital bone. It loops through the large oval gap which is present in the occipital bone that is termed as foramen magnum and infiltrates into the spinal canal at the origination of the cervical vertebrae (the vertebrate present just below the skull. It is almost 45cm (18 inch) in male & 43cm (17 Inch) in female. It diameter varies from 13mm (½ inches) on the cervical areas to 6.4mm ( ¼ inches) in the thoracic area.

Parts of the Spine:-

The backbone is enumerated and segregated into regions. They are cervical, thoracic, lumber, sacrum, and coccyx. Top 24 bones are flexible; the bones of the sacrum and coccyx are merged. The vertebrae in each zone have distinctive characteristics that help them to execute their main task.

Functions of the Spine:-

1. The most primary role of spine in human body is it safeguards and envelopes the structure of the spinal cord. The spinal cord passes on the instructions from the brain to the whole body and then relays it back to the brain, permitting us to do anything. If these vertebrates get out of sequence it can lead to exerting pressure on the spinal nerves too. This may result in dysfunction and become very painful for the person and develop many other risky symptoms.
2. Spine provides support to our posture because without it we can’t even stand upright. It keeps our body in balance by maintaining an upright position.
3. Spine Helps us to move, twist, turn, bend and perform all other movements which our body is capable of. If spine wasn’t there we would have been nonflexible and firm.

The Spine is the most vital part of human body as it is the central support structure of our body.

Structure of the spine

The human spine looks like an “S” and has a curve when we see it from the side. This allows the human body to have an even distribution of weight and helps us to bear all kinds of stress. The cervical spine is a bit indented towards the insight whereas the thoracic one curves outwards. The lumber curves inwards too.

Signs and symptom of spinal problem

1. Backache, or experiencing a crick or pressure in the neck, head, or back.
2. Lack of coordination or weakness/paralysis in any part of the body.
3. Loss of sensation or numbness in fingers, toes, hands, or feet.
4. Problem in bowel control or loss of bladder.

What is a straight spine?

It is an arthritic spinal disease that causes lumbar stiffness and occasion, “flatback syndrome”. In this case, the natural curve of the spine undergoes an abnormal change. In such cases the lower part of the spine becomes straight and thus it leads to a slew of problems for the people suffering this condition.

Some common spine problems

1. Slipped disk
2. Cervical Spondylosis
3. Osteoarthritis
4. Spinal Stenosis
5. Sciatica
6. Tumor
7. Scoliosis
8. Kyphosis
9. Ankylosing Spondylitis
10. Spinal Cord Injury
11. Broken Neck or Back
12. Spondylolisthesis
13. Cauda Equina Syndrome
14. Syringomyelia