Back to Basics chapter 2

Question 1

The three main sections of the spine and their natural curves

Answer 1

Cervical Spine (Neck): Curves inward (lordosis), from the back of the skull to the beginning of the torso.

Thoracic Spine (Mid Back): Curves outward (kyphosis), extending from the shoulder level to the bottom of the ribcage.

Lumbar Spine (Low Back): Curves inward (lordosis), from the base of the ribcage to the tailbone.

The spine is stabilized by muscles and ligaments, much like guy-wires on a radio tower. These “anchoring” muscles support the spine and facilitate movement.

Question 2

What is the medical term for the inward curve of the cervical spine (neck)?

Answer 2

The inward curve of the cervical spine is called lordosis.

Question 3

Which part of the spine curves outward, and what is the medical term for this curve?

Answer 3

The thoracic spine (mid-back) curves outward, and the medical term for this curve is kyphosis.

Question 4

What does the lumbar spine do, and what is the medical term for this curve?

Answer 4

The lumbar spine (low back) curves inward towards the abdominal organs, and this curve is also called lordosis.

Question 5

How can the spine be compared to a radio tower?

Answer 5

The spine is like a radio tower, stabilized by muscles and ligaments (“guy-wires”) that provide strength, support, and facilitate mobility, similar to how guy-wires stabilize a tower.

Question 6

What creates motion in the spine—bones or muscles?

Answer 6

Motion in the spine is created by the muscles attached to the bones, not the bones themselves.