Spinal Curves

By Anne Asher, About.com Guide

Updated May 25, 2005

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

The spinal column is made up of numerous small interconnected bones stacked on top of one another. The spinal bones and their related structures (such as the intervertebral disk, the ligaments, and the muscles) work in concert to provide:

• movement
• balance
• upright posture
• protection
• shock absorption

to the human organism.

A primary way the spine is able to provide these benefits is by means of spinal curves.

Previous

• The Significance of Spinal Curves
• The Spine Supports the Whole Body
• The Purpose of Spinal Curves
• How Spinal Curves Balance the Weight of Other Body Structures
• Spinal Curves – 2 Types
• Spinal Curves – 4 Locations
• Spinal Curves by Location and Type
• How Spinal Curves Form
• The Role of the Spinal Curves in Injury and Injury Prevention

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