The Role and Function of the Spine and Methods for Its Protection

1. The Role and Function of the Spine

The spine, which supports us in standing and walking every day, may be overlooked by some individuals who do not consider it essential. However, it is crucial to understand its significance and functions. Sitting with a hunched back is detrimental to spinal health. The spine serves as a connecting link, participating in the formation of the abdominal cavity, chest, and pelvic cavity while protecting internal organs, making it irreplaceable.

a. Skeletal Support Role

The spine is the pillar of the human torso, located in the center of the back of the neck, trunk, and pelvis. It supports the head, chest, abdominal cavity, and pelvic organs, and it also acts as a supporter for the upper and lower limbs.

b. Safety Protection Role

The spine has four physiological curvatures (neck, chest, waist, and sacrum), which make it resemble a large spring, enhancing its ability to buffer shocks and stability. During jumping or intense physical activities, the intervertebral discs can absorb shocks, preventing skull and brain injuries. Additionally, it protects the spinal cord, central nervous system, and internal organs.

c. Role in Motor Balance

The upper end of the spine supports the head through the occipital bone, and it forms the chest cavity with the ribs in the chest. The upper limbs are connected to the spine through the ribs, clavicles, sternum, and muscles. The lower limbs are connected to the spine through the pelvis. The spine regulates movements such as forward bending, backward extension, lateral bending, and rotation of the torso, as well as various activities of the upper and lower limbs, maintaining balance.

d. Role as a Neural Conduction Center

The peripheral nervous system of the human body is composed of autonomic nerves, sensory nerves, and motor nerves, which are distributed throughout the body through 31 pairs of nerve roots in the spine.

2. Methods for Protecting the Spine

a. Balancing Activity and Rest

It is essential to alternate between activity and rest. Standing up and performing stretches every hour or so during work can help move the limbs and neck, relieving fatigue in the neck muscles and ligaments and preventing strain. If soft tissue strain occurs in the neck, shoulders, or back, early treatment is recommended to prevent the development of cervical spondylosis. Balancing activity and rest can effectively prevent strain and protect the spine.

b. Avoiding Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol can affect calcium deposition in the bones and interfere with the absorption of various nutrients, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and osteomalacia and accelerating degenerative changes in the cervical spine.

c. Adequate Calcium Intake

Calcium deficiency can lead to osteoporosis and hyperplasia in the cervical spine. When the neck lacks sufficient nutritional support, it may be susceptible to cervical vertigo. It is relatively simple to supplement calcium, and drinking milk and getting sunlight exposure are effective methods. Adequate calcium intake can prevent osteoporosis and reduce spinal osteoporosis.