For individuals trying to maintain a healthy spine, can understanding the causes and prevention of rotated vertebrae help protect the spine from harmful rotation of vertebrae?
Table of Contents
Healthy spine rotation is an important aspect of injury prevention, and rotated vertebrae or a twisted spine can result from spine, nerve, or muscle disease or certain movements.
The spine can move in several ways. Spine movements include:
Although the spine can move in many directions, there are limits to how far it can and should go. (Xinhai Shan et al., 2013). This is especially true with twisting. The spinal column is made of 26 interconnected bones called vertebrae. When moving, each vertebrae bone moves accordingly. Rotated or twisted vertebrae, especially when bending forward like lifting heavy objects, are associated with a risk of back injuries like strain and herniated discs.
Rotation is a basic movement in which individuals can turn their spinal column. When twisting, the spine also bends to the side. The muscles involved in spine rotation include:
As individuals age, the body accumulates tension and/or weakness in the oblique abdominal and other trunk muscles. Sedentary habits primarily bring on these changes. (Pooriput Waongenngarm et al., 2016)
Scoliosis is a common condition that causes a lateral curve of the spine. Some of the vertebrae become displaced to the side. Often, abnormal vertebral rotation underlies this displacement. Treatment often focuses on controlling vertebral rotation with medical guidance and physical therapy. (John P. Horne et al., 2014)
Many individuals over-rotate their spines with manual work, which can increase the risk of back injuries. (National Institutes of Health. 2020). Over-rotation can happen with activities like digging or shoveling.
A recommended way to achieve optimal rotation of the spine is with daily back exercises. (National Spine Health Foundation. 2015). An effective back exercise program will consist of movements in every direction.
Shan, X., Ning, X., Chen, Z., Ding, M., Shi, W., & Yang, S. (2013). Low back pain development response to sustained trunk axial twisting. European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society, 22(9), 1972–1978. doi.org/10.1007/s00586-013-2784-7
Waongenngarm, P., Rajaratnam, B. S., & Janwantanakul, P. (2016). Internal Oblique and Transversus Abdominis Muscle Fatigue Induced by Slumped Sitting Posture after 1 Hour of Sitting in Office Workers. Safety and health at work, 7(1), 49–54. doi.org/10.1016/j.shaw.2015.08.001
Horne, J. P., Flannery, R., & Usman, S. (2014). Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: diagnosis and management. American family physician, 89(3), 193–198.
National Institutes of Health. (2020). Low Back Pain Fact Sheet.
National Spine Health Foundation. (2015). Breaking Down The Exercises That Break Down Your Spine.
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The information herein on "Healthy Spinal Rotation: Tips for Injury Prevention" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
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