Healthy spine rotation is an important aspect of preventing injuries.
Understanding the causes and prevention of rotated vertebrae can help you protect your spine from harmful vertebrae rotation.
The Twisting Capability of a Normal Spine
Yourspinecan move in several ways, including twisting.
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Tilting sideways is powered by some of the same muscles that twist the spine.
Other spine movements include bending or rounding forward, and extending or arching backward.
The spinal column is made of 26 interconnected bones, called vertebrae.
When you move your spine, each individual vertebrae moves.
How Spinal Rotation Works
Rotation is a basic spinal movement in which you turn the spinal column.
When you twist your spine, it also bends to the side.
The multifidus helps control the movement, and the longissimus provides it with a bit of extension.
These changes are largely attributable to sedentary behavior.
With scoliosis, some of the vertebrae appear to be displaced to the side.
Often, abnormal vertebral rotation underlies this displacement.
Treatment for scoliosis is often focused on controlling vertebral rotation with medical guidance and physical therapy.
Over-rotation can happen with activities like digging a garden or shoveling snow.
An effective back exercise program will consist of movements in every direction the spine moves, including rotation.
Yoga is great for this because it places emphasis on developing flexibility and strength in all directions.
Pilates does the same.
But rotation may worsen some back problems, such as a herniated disc.
A good injury prevention exercise program will also work your hip and pelvic muscles, too.
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