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- Dictionaryspine/spʌɪn/
noun
- 1. a series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the small of the back, enclosing the spinal cord and providing support for the thorax and abdomen; the backbone: "a soft voice that sent a shiver down her spine" Similar
- 2. the part of a book's jacket or cover that encloses the inner edges of the pages, facing outwards when the book is on a shelf and typically bearing the title and the author's name.
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Learn the various meanings and uses of the word spine, from the spinal column to the part of a book to the sharp process on an animal. See synonyms, examples, etymology, and related articles.
Spine can mean the line of bones down the centre of the back, a sharp point on an animal or plant, or the end of a book. Learn more about the different meanings, pronunciation, and usage of spine with examples and collocations.
- Overview
- Function
- Anatomy
- Conditions and Disorders
- Care
Your spine is an important bone structure that supports your body and helps you walk, twist and move. Your spine is made up of vertebrae (bones), disks, joints, soft tissues, nerves and your spinal cord. Exercises can strengthen the core muscles that support your spine and prevent back injuries and pain.
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OverviewFunctionAnatomyConditions and DisordersCare
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What does the spine do?
Your spine has several important functions, including: Giving your body structure (shape). Supporting your body (posture). Protecting your spinal cord (nerves that connect your brain to the rest of your body). Allowing you to be flexible and move.
Where is the spine located?
Your spine is the long column of bones that extend from your neck to your lower back. Your spine starts at the base of your skull (head bone) and ends at your tailbone, a part of your pelvis (the large bony structure between your abdomen and legs).
What are the parts of the spine?
Vertebrae: Your spine has 33 stacked vertebrae (small bones) that form the spinal canal. The spinal canal is a tunnel that houses your spinal cord and nerves, protecting them from injury. Most vertebrae move to allow for a range of motion. The lowest vertebrae (sacrum and coccyx) are fused together and don’t move. Facet joints: These spinal joints have cartilage (a slippery connective tissue) that allows vertebrae to slide against each other. Facet joints let you twist and turn, and they provide flexibility and stability. Intervertebral disks: These flat, round cushions sit between the vertebrae and act as your spine’s shock absorbers. Each disk has a soft, gel-like center (nucleus pulposus) surrounded by a flexible outer ring (annulus fibrosus). Intervertebral disks are under constant pressure, which may cause the nucleus pulposus to squeeze out and contact nerves, leading to symptoms like sciatica. Spinal cord and nerves: Your spinal cord is a column of nerves that travels through your spinal canal. The cord extends from your skull to your lower back. Thirty-one pairs of nerves branch out through vertebral openings (neural foramen). These nerves carry messages between your brain and muscles. Soft tissues: Ligaments connect the vertebrae to hold your spine in position. Muscles support your spine and help you move. Tendons connect muscles to bone and help prevent muscle injury while aiding in movement.
What are common conditions that affect the spine?
Your spine plays an important role in your daily life. It gets a lot of wear and tear, putting it at risk for damage and injuries. Common conditions that affect spine health include: Arthritis and arthritic conditions, like ankylosing spondylitis. Back strains and sprains. Birth defects such as spina bifida. Bone spurs. Curvatures of the spine (scoliosis and kyphosis). Herniated disk. Other spine conditions include: Neuromuscular diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Nerve injuries, like spinal stenosis, sciatica and pinched nerves. Osteoporosis. Spinal cord injuries, including spinal fractures and paralysis. Spine tumors and cancer. Spine infections, like meningitis and osteomyelitis.
How are spine conditions treated?
Treatment for each spine condition varies based on the type. Common treatments for spine conditions may include: Physical therapy, acupuncture, massage therapy and chiropractic adjustments. Medications (anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, etc.). Injections (epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, etc.). Spine surgery (discectomy, foraminotomy, fusion, etc.).
How can I keep my spine healthy?
Strong back muscles can protect your spine and prevent spine conditions. Try to do back-strengthening and stretching exercises at least twice a week. Exercises like planks strengthen your core (abdominal, side and back muscles) to give your spine more support. Other protective measures include: Bending your knees and keeping your back straight when lifting items. Maintaining a healthy weight. Using good posture (sitting up straight, not slouching). Talk to a healthcare provider about how you can keep your spine and other bones healthy.
When should I call my healthcare provider?
You should call your healthcare provider if you experience: Back pain with fever. Bowel or bladder control issues. Leg weakness or pain that moves from your back down to your legs. Numbness in your arms or legs. Pain that worsens, causes nausea, sleeplessness or interferes with daily activities.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Your spine is a complex structure of small bones, cushioning disks, nerves, joints, ligaments and muscles. This part of your anatomy is at risk of injury, arthritis, herniated disks, pinched nerves and other conditions. Back pain can affect your ability to complete your daily routine or participate in activities you enjoy. Your healthcare provider can help ease back pain and offer suggestions to strengthen the muscles that support your spine to prevent injuries. Medically Reviewed Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 10/18/2023. Learn more about our editorial process.
Dec 5, 2023 · Learn about the spine, its parts, and its roles in supporting the body, protecting the nervous system, and enabling movement. Find out how to maintain a healthy spine and prevent or manage spine-related problems.
SPINE meaning: 1. the line of bones down the centre of the back that provides support for the body and protects…. Learn more.
spine [spīn] 1. a thornlike process or projection; called also acantha and spina. 2. the rigid bony structure in the midline of the back, composed of the vertebrae; called ...
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7 meanings: 1. the spinal column 2. the sharply pointed tip or outgrowth of a leaf, stem, etc 3. zoology a hard pointed process.... Click for more definitions.
