joimax® patient information

To understand a spinal condition it is helpful to first understand some basics about the spine.

Anatomy Overview

The spine has three major components:

• The spinal column (i.e., bones and discs)
• Neural elements (i.e., the spinal cord and nerve roots)
• Supporting structures (e.g., muscles and ligaments)

The spinal column is the flexible framework of our bodies, and is the central axis of our body which enables us to bend or stretch while providing a stable base of support. The spine provides structural support for the trunk and surrounds and provides protection for the spinal cord.  The spinal or vertebral column also provides attachment points for the muscles of the back and ribs, and is an ingenious human blueprint of bones, ligaments, disks, muscles and nerves working together that enables us to optimally implement all of these tasks.

The spinal column with its 24 vertebrae is structured into 3 parts; the cervical spine (C) consisting of 7 vertebrae, the thoracic spine (T) consisting of 12 thoracic vertebrae and the lumbar spine (L) consisting of 5 vertebrae. 

Generally, these are numbered in the following manner: the first cervical vertebrae is C1 and the last cervical vertebrae is C7. The first thoracic vertebrae is T1 and the last thoracic vertebrae is T12. Similarly, the first lumbar vertebrae is L1 and the last lumbar vertebrae is L5. After the L5 vertebrae is the sacrum and coccyx.

Between the second cervical vertebrae and the first sacral vertebrae are discs.  They have a soft centre which is surrounded by a tough outer ring. The discs allow movement of the spine and also act as shock absorbers between each vertebrae. The discs are referred to by the vertebrae which borders them . When a physician refers to a L4-5 disc herniation he is referring to the disc between the 4thand 5th lumbar vertebrae.

Each vertebrae is joined above and below with many different types of joints. Typically each vertebra has 4 facet joints. Between the first and second cervical vertebra, there is a special joint which allows rotation of the head. The first and second vertebra are thus distinctive and do not follow most of the typical anatomical rules. From the side, the spinal column resembles a double-S.

Since the spine helps us to stand straight, its shape is designed to carry the weight of the body and distribute it straight down through the pelvis. Each individual segment of the spine also has its unique curvature. The cervical curvature is called the cervical lordosis or backwardbend, the thoracic curvature iscalled the thoracic kyphosis or forward bend, and the lumbar curvature iscalled the lumbar lordosis (backward bend). From behind, the spine is straight.

Why We Shrink During The Day

Every person is taller in the morning than in the evening. This is due to the daily stress of standing or poor sitting posture, which results in the loss of liquid and the loss of mass of our intervertebral discs. During the night when we are sleeping, the intervertebral discs rehydrate and regain their full volume and dimensions. Our body height can vary up to three centimeters while we are sleeping.