Get to Know Your Spine: Discover What You’re Made Of
By: Dr. Thor Bostrom, Chiropractic Physician
The spine is the central pillar of the human body, giving us structure, mobility, and protection. It’s divided into regions, each with unique anatomy and functions that influence how we move, breathe, and live our daily lives. Let’s break down the different sections of the spine and ribs, and explore how chiropractic care helps keep everything working in harmony.
The Cervical Spine: Flexibility and Head Movement
The cervical spine is made up of seven vertebrae (C1–C7) and is the most mobile part of the spine. The atlas (C1) and axis (C2) allow nodding and rotation of the head. Normal movement ranges include about 80–90° of flexion, 70° of extension, 20–45° of side bending, and up to 90° of rotation. This region is essential for head positioning, balance, and protecting the spinal cord as it exits the skull.
The Thoracic Spine: Stability and Rib Connections
The thoracic spine consists of twelve vertebrae (T1–T12) and forms the backbone of the rib cage. This region is less mobile due to its role in protecting vital organs like the heart and lungs. Its normal ranges of motion include 30–40° of flexion, 20–30° of extension, 20–25° of side bending, and 30–35° of rotation. The thoracic spine is key for posture, breathing, and providing stability through the mid-back.
The Lumbar Spine: Strength and Weight Bearing
The lumbar spine has five vertebrae (L1–L5) and is built for strength. These large vertebrae bear the weight of the upper body and support movements like bending, twisting, and lifting. It allows 40–60° of flexion, 20–35° of extension, 15–20° of side bending, and just 5–7° of rotation. Because of its load-bearing role, the lumbar spine is often prone to stress and injury if posture or biomechanics are compromised.
The Pelvis and Sacrum: The Foundation of the Spine
At the base of the spine lies the pelvis and sacrum, which connect the spine to the lower body. The sacrum is formed by five fused vertebrae, while the coccyx, or tailbone, consists of three to five fused vertebrae. Though not highly mobile, this region allows pelvic tilting and rotation, which directly affect spinal alignment during walking, running, and sitting. The pelvis acts as a crucial link, transferring forces between the spine and legs.
The Ribs: Breathing and Protection
The rib cage is made up of twelve pairs of ribs, each attaching to the thoracic vertebrae. The first seven pairs are “true ribs,” directly connected to the sternum, while ribs eight to ten are “false ribs,” and ribs eleven and twelve are “floating ribs.” Ribs protect vital organs and move during breathing. Upper ribs perform a “pump-handle” motion to lift the sternum, while lower ribs create a “bucket-handle” motion to expand the chest, allowing for efficient respiration.
Chiropractic Care: Keeping the Spine and Ribs Moving
When the spine and rib cage move properly, the body functions at its best. Chiropractic care helps restore mobility and balance between spinal segments, ribs, and the pelvis. This ensures proper biomechanics in sports, daily activities, and even during long hours of sitting. By reducing restrictions and improving alignment, chiropractic adjustments support posture, performance, and overall spinal health—helping you move, breathe, and live more comfortably.
