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What Is Spinal
Health?
By Pierre
Gremaud, D.C. |
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Q: What is
a healthy spine?
A: A healthy spine...
- is aligned. The body wants to be in a state of minimal
energy expenditure. The optimal, natural alignment of the head and
vertebrae (bones of the spinal column) allows the body's weight to
be carried by the proper structures (the bones and ligaments)
instead of the muscles being asked to do the work. The chance of
arthritis developing is greatly reduced. Alignment also allows for
sufficient space for the nerves to flow, so the message system of
the body can function at its best. This is vital for
health.
- is soft. In a healthy spine , there is no unnecessary
stored tension in spinal ligaments, muscles, or nerves. There are
no places that feel stuck, blocked or lifeless.
- breathes. The entire length of the spine from the
occiput (head) to the sacrum (tailbone) is involved with each full
breath. Each segment (vertebra) of the spinal column is free to
"wiggle" or oscillate, and does so several times per minute with
each breath. With a healthy spine, we are much more likely to
choose postures, activities, and behaviors that optimize this
freedom. This brings us to the way a healthy spine...
- moves. The spinal column is made up of 27 movable
segments. In a healthy spine, there are no fixations or
restrictions in any of the spinal subsystems, so the entire spine
is involved in any movement such as reaching down or up, turning
one's head, or bending to the side. Picture the freedom of
movement that a snake or dolphin has (or your favorite dancer!)
Growing older does not have to mean moving less.
- is self-correcting, and can recover quickly from
mishaps such as over exertion, falls, long car rides or desk work,
or the spinal tension that results from an emotionally trying
day.
- is your natural state! A healthy spine is achievable at
any age. In the course of your care here, as you begin to
understand the pleasures of a healthy spine, let us know what
level of spinal health you are committed to, and we will help you
get there!
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Ithaca, New York 14850 
