The human back consists, conditionally, of two large parts: supporting and motor. Let's talk in more detail about each of them. Let us consider in general what the back is, the sections of the spine, their functions and features.
Building
The supporting part of the back consists of the spine and limbs attached to it on both sides - arms and legs. One end of the spinal column is attached to the skull and goes inside. The second end ends with the coccyx.
Arms and legs are attached to the spine not directly, but with the help of "auxiliary" ligaments, cartilage and bones - scapular, sacral, pelvic. These "additional" parts nature gave us not by chance. They, like the two curves on our spine, act as cushioning.
Let's imagine that nature decided to organize our body differently, and the limbs of the arms and legs are directly attached to the spinal column. At the first attempt to lift something with one hand, even not very heavy, a person will get a dislocation of the cervical region.
Why we are the way we are
The structure of the human back is well thought out. It is the connecting bones and ligaments that provide a safe and competent distribution of weight and load on the entire spine. And alsothanks to them, there is additional space where the kidneys, lungs (upper lobes), ovaries and uterus in women, rectum are located.
Pelvis bones absorb shocks when walking, running and jumping. And the limbs of the legs act as a lever, which evenly and smoothly distributes the load on the entire spinal column.
When we carry two 10 kg bags, it seems to us that all the weight that falls on our spine is 20 kg. However, the load on the back is much more severe. Indeed, in addition to these two bags, there is also the weight of our body, clothes (perhaps decent in weight - winter, for example) and the weight of the bags themselves. Moreover, plus a constant change in gravity, when riding an escalator, for example, balancing on corners, shaking when walking. Having calculated the load that falls on the spine, we can say for sure that this is not 20 kg. This is a weight that is at least three times that figure.
Why the spine bends
The human back is not perfectly even outlines. The spine has two curves.
The bend in the neck area dampens residual vibrations when the body moves. If this bend did not exist, our brain would suffer first of all. It is extremely sensitive to any movement and shaking. Of course, from the inside it is secured with special ligaments, similar to combs, which hold it in place and prevent it from shaking when walking and jumping. But the bend in the cervical region serves as an additional shock absorber. It softens and redistributes the load and unnecessary waves in this place.
Bend in the lumbar regionis also a shock absorber. Absolutely all the loads that our body experiences when lifting weights pass through the lower back. Here they soften.
Conductive function of the spine
The anatomy of the back is such that the spinal column is needed not only to support the vertical position of the body and redistribute the load. He has another important function - conductive.
Inside the spine, like a tube, passes the spinal cord. It is reliably protected from injuries and impacts by tissues of cartilage and vertebrae. Cognitive functions are not carried out on it.
The spinal cord consists of a huge number of white and gray neurons. White signals are transmitted to the brain from nerve endings about pain, damage to some organ or tissue. In gray, slowly, signals of secondary importance and meaning go to the brain: about the filling of the stomach, the organs of the excretory system.
The spinal cord can be called the "main cable" of the human body. It is through it that the brain receives thousands of signals every day from all organs that are outside the skull.
Motor apparatus
For any movement, whether it's a jump, a step or a turn of the neck, our muscles need an impulse, an order from the brain. Without this movement is not possible. That is why people with serious spinal injuries have disorders in the movement of the limbs, they lose control over the muscles of the legs, arms, pulmonary diaphragm, and pelvis. It's all very interconnected.
Without momentum, even with he althy and developed muscles, noour body and limbs will not move. Muscles, in turn, after receiving an impulse from the brain, carry out very complex work at the anatomical level: they begin to contract and set in motion, flexion, extension of our limbs. Flexion occurs in a strictly defined amplitude, which is determined by the anatomical structure of the joints.
Components of dorsal regions
Let's talk about this in more detail:
- Vertebral - located above the spinal column, starts at the base of the skull and ends with the coccyx.
- Scapular - located perpendicular to the spinal column, located directly above the shoulder blades.
- Subscapular - located to the left and right of the spinal column, located under the shoulder blades.
- Sacral - located in the sacral region, perpendicular to the spinal column.
- Lumbar - located parallel to the sacrum, above the lower back.
Two main categories of back muscles
According to research, these are:
- Superficial - muscles that are located outside the bones and line the surface of the ribs, collarbones, skull.
- Deep - are a complex multilayer structure that is involved in maintaining the human body in an upright position. Their location affects different parts of the back, from the skull to the coccyx.
Let's take a closer look at each category. Let's find out the functions of each subcategory.
Superficial muscles
In turn,subdivided into the following:
- Trapezoid - starts at the base of the skull, attached heads to the scapular bones and collarbone. Performs the function of bringing the shoulder blades closer to the spine. In addition, the control of the tilt of the head back and the extension of the cervical spine is also performed by the trapezius muscle of the back. Its anatomy is very interesting.
- The broadest - the basis for it is the six lower, seventh cervical and all lumbar vertebrae. It has an additional point of attachment in the area of a small bulge of the shoulder. Its function is to move the shoulder.
- The large rhomboid muscle - is attached to the first to fifth vertebra of the thoracic region and on the lower edge of the scapula. Its function is to move the scapula.
- Rhomboid minor muscle - attached to the first and second vertebrae of the neck and the edge of the shoulder blade. Plays a role in the rotation of the blade.
- The muscle that raises the scapula is attached to the first to fourth vertebrae of the neck and the upper part of the scapula. Plays a role in moving up and down.
- Serratus posterior superior muscle - attached to the sixth or seventh cervical and first and second thoracic vertebrae. Its function is to raise the ribs and ensure the process of inspiration.
- Serratus posterior inferior - attaches to the last vertebrae of the chest, the first or second lumbar vertebrae and to the bottom of the last ribs. Its function is to assist in exhalation.
Deep muscles
Among them are the following:
- The splenius muscle of the head - is attached to the vertebra of the neck andpartly on the vertebrae of the thoracic region. Its function is to provide turns, back tilts of the head and neck.
- The belt muscle of the neck - attached to the vertebrae of the neck and thoracic region. Provides rotation of the cervical spine, extension of the spinal column in the cervical region.
- The erector spinae muscle is attached to the sacrum, thoracic region and lumbar region. As the name of the muscle suggests, its main function is to keep the spine upright.
- Transverse spinous - attached to the transverse and upper vertebrae. Its function is to extend the spinal column and provide rotation of the body.
- Interspinous - a small muscle that is located next to the spine. Participates in the process of extension of the spine.
- Intertransverse - attached to the transverse and upper vertebrae. Participates in flexion and extension of the spine.
Obliques
They have very important functions - they provide the correct physiological position of the internal organs, support them in their place. Participate in the formation of correct posture.
Located in the abdomen and press, go to the back.
Striated muscles
They are the foundation of the human body. Named so not by chance. Under the microscope, they look like transverse stripes. They are also called skeletal muscles in another way.
Their main feature and difference from other muscle groups is the ability to control them with the help of consciousness and complete control over the contraction process.
As you can see, the structure of the human back is quitecomplex and thoughtful. So that the back does not cause inconvenience and is always in good shape, you need to do exercises, develop the muscular frame, pay attention to correct posture not only while walking, but also during sleep.
How to sleep properly
From the wrong and uncomfortable position of the body during sleep, the state of he alth worsens, appearance, bags under the eyes may appear. Here are some recommendations for a wholesome holiday:
- It is best to sleep on your back. In this position, the organs and tissues of the body are well supplied with oxygen, the body rests. Sleeping in this position is useful for varicose veins, heart and vascular diseases. The only thing you need to pay attention to is the pillow - it should not be too high. The chin should not touch the chest. Otherwise, the vertebral artery will be squeezed, which threatens to disrupt blood flow. And this, in turn, affects the complexion, the work of the heart and well-being in general. It is contraindicated to sleep on your back, even with a low or orthopedic pillow, pregnant women, as well as people who snore or are prone to nocturnal breathing stops.
- Sleep on your side is also useful, provided that the position of the body changes from time to time. Sleeping on one side for a long time can cause kidney stones. Previously, in ancient China, for problems with the stomach, pancreas and heart, sleep was prescribed on the left side, and for depression and frequent nervous breakdowns, on the right. It is worth noting that sleeping on your side is better without bending your legs too much - this is bad for the spine. And sleep on your side with a pillowbetween the legs or a special orthopedic divider, on the contrary, unloads the spine and hip joints.
The most "wrong" dream
The most harmful sleep is sleeping on your stomach. In this position, the head and neck are turned on its side, the vertebral arteries are squeezed, and blood flow is disturbed. The muscles of the neck and shoulders are in tension. This position of the body is useful only for flatulence (it is no coincidence that babies are laid out on the tummy). It is also useful for women to lie on their stomach after childbirth. This position improves uterine contraction and bowel function.
Signs that our body sends us
Almost everyone has experienced back problems at least once in their life. Sometimes these problems are the result of neglecting simple rules, uncomfortable sleep, and poor posture. Let's talk about some of them:
- Pain in the back between the shoulder blades. The reasons can be different: from hard and strenuous work to an uncomfortable body position during rest. People who often sit a lot (work at a computer, in the office) can also be disturbed by back pain between the shoulder blades. The causes of such an ailment can be hidden in a variety of diseases: coronary disease, premenstrual syndrome, osteochondrosis, curvature of the spine, exacerbations of peptic ulcer, excessive stress and fatigue.
- Lower pain. It occurs with sciatica, lumbago (backache), with sciatica (pinching and compression of the nerve).
- Pain in the sacrum. It happens with osteochondrosis, parametritis and some gynecological problems, displacementfifth vertebrae, injuries, infections, hernias, hemorrhoids, menstruation. Also observed during pregnancy.
- Pain in the coccyx. This happens with osteochondrosis, pinched nerve roots from a long stay in a sitting position, after childbirth, after falls (with a fracture or bruise), during pregnancy, with pinched sciatic nerve, coccygeal cyst, some gynecological diseases and neurology.
- Pain in the cervical spine is observed in osteochondrosis, polymyalgia rheumatica, spondylitis, thyroiditis.
What is spinal kyphosis
Kyphosis is a deflection of the spine, in other words, it is a humpbacked back of a person. There are many reasons for this phenomenon: hormonal imbalance, myogelosis, osteochondrosis, injuries, fractures, bone tissue atrophy, menopausal changes. Often a hump appears due to a stooped back. The spine gets used to this position, and the hump gradually grows. Such a problem is often corrected through exercise or surgery.
The list can be very long. It is important to understand that for any discomfort in the body, you should not look for an answer and treatment on the Internet. A person with back pain should see a doctor. Only in this way, and not with the help of a computer and the Internet, can the problem be solved.
Gymnastics and relaxation techniques
The human back needs rest. Muscles that are in tension and pinched by spasm not only hurt, but also bend the spine. The vertebrae shift, pinching the neurons that exit the spinal cord. BUTthis, in turn, can cause pain and shooting anywhere. There may even be pain in the chest and heart area.
Neck muscles that are in constant tension (resulting in spasm) can negatively affect vision, eye nerves and blood flow to the head.
Many of our problems and ailments arise from the fact that our back "has forgotten how to rest." The situation can be corrected. One has only to start doing gymnastics, monitor posture and, perhaps, change something in your lifestyle.
Exercises to relax back muscles
Here are some of them:
- Preparation. As in any gymnastics, before moving on to the exercises themselves, you need to do a warm-up: lie on the floor or on a sofa that is not too soft. Pull your knees up to your chest. Rock like this from side to side. Rest and repeat several times.
- Stand up straight. Legs together, hands on the belt. Alternately raise one or the other shoulder.
- Get on all fours. Arch your back like a cat. Relax. Repeat several times.
- The same, only standing. Arch your back.
- From a prone position, make a boat with your feet. Hands under hips.
- The same, only now the hands are involved, the legs are resting. Hands need to be clasped in a “lock” behind your back, try to raise your shoulders and head from the floor as high as possible. Pull arms, head and shoulders back towards the feet.
- Lie on your back. Bend your legs at the knees, pull up to the chin. Hug your legs, headbend down to your knees. Repeat several times.
- It's also good to hang from the bar from time to time.
If you have back problems, it would be nice to visit a chiropractor, do a course of massages and exercise therapy. And remember, everything needs to be treated on time.
