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So when we consider all these complexities of the spine, we can see that any training or yoga practice must place great emphasis on keeping the many elements that make up the spine, healthy. When the neck moves out of neutral alignment and begins to protrude forwards, muscle imbalance begins to occur creating weakness in the front of the neck and increased tension across the back of the neck, as it now working more intensely because the weight of the head is increasing due to the lever (the neck) being extended forwards. When postural alignment issues become apparent however, more pressure is placed on certain areas of the spine and dysfunction can occur.Īn example of this would be a misalignment of the cervical spine. When the spine has optimum postural alignment it will have an ‘S’ like curve which helps the spine absorb impact and distribute body weight more evenly as well as maintain balance.
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The sacrum, the base of the spine, is a group of tiny fused bones which act as an attachment site for the pelvis, the lower part of which is known as the coccyx.
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Because of its close proximity to the pelvis, there is limited movement here and although a yoga practice can increase this movement, extreme stretches in this area may also lead to instability and so should be done with caution. The lower back is known as the lumbar region and is made up of five vertebrae, (although some people have six). This can, however, be improved through yoga postures that involve twists. Side and forward flexion and extension are fairly easy movements for this segment of the spine but rotation is limited. The centre of the spine is known as the thoracic spine and consists of twelve vertebrae. There is generally a good deal of movement in this part of the spine, especially rotation. These include the cervical spine which is made up of seven bones and includes the neck.
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The vertebrae of the spine are connected via facet joints and is held together via a network of connective tissue consisting of ligaments and tendons whilst the surrounding skeletal muscles offer much-needed support.įor anatomical purposes, the spine is divided up into four main sections. These roots exit the spine on either side through spaces called neural foramina between each vertebra, allowing us to control our movements and have optimal organ function.īetween each vertebra is a disc which is formed of a soft, gel-like cushion, the function of which is to absorb impact and pressure and also prevents friction between the vertebrae. The spinal cord is a complex structure that connects the brain with the rest of the body and communicates via nerve signals which are sent through the thirty-one pairs of nerve roots. The spine is an intricate structure made up of twenty-four small bones called vertebrae which that are stacked to make a column-like structure that surrounds and protects the spinal cord. Before we dive into the postures however, it is worth revisiting the basic anatomical features of the spine. This is because yoga postures, when practised with complete focus, encourage the muscles that provide support to the spine and its connective tissues to work in unison with the abdominal and deep core muscles, creating a functionally integrated and mechanically efficient unit from which quality patterns of movement arise. The physical limb of yoga (asana) involves students performing a number of postures, both static and dynamic, through a variety of movements that result in a greater level strength and flexibility.Ĭlearly this is of real value to the physical body, in particular the spine. We all know that a regular yoga practice has an array of positive health benefits and many people are in fact attracted to yoga in search of a cure for their ailing health, especially musculoskeletal conditions.