Spinal Curves

Spinal curves provide mechanical counterbalance to the loads the body must carry.

Example

• The rib-cage adds weight to the front of the body in the area of the mid and upper back.
• The thoracic spinal curve is in the direction opposite of the rib cage, at the same spinal levels as the ribcage.
• In this way, the demands placed on the spine by the weight of the ribcage are neutralized by the thoracic curve.

• 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