Chiropractor Merrylands

Commonly Helped Conditions

I commonly help treat a range of musculoskeletal health complaints, including:

• Lower back pain
• Neck pain
• Joint or muscular pain
• Posture problems
• Sports injury
• Some types of headaches

What to know more? Spine Facts

Just why is good spinal health so important? Read on to discover some amazing facts about your spine, and why it’s important to maintain good spinal health.

Between 250,000 and 500,000 people will suffer a spinal cord injury this year (around the world).

That might be shocking to you but back problems and pain actually make up an alarmingly high number of health complaints each year.

With that in mind, we at New World Chiro take a look at 9 important spine facts.

9 Important Spine Facts Everyone Should Know

Which animal do we share the same number of neck vertebrae with? Keep reading to find out.

1. Over 100 joints allow the spine to be flexible

We each have a pair of joints at each level of our spine called facet joints which enable flexibility in our spine.

2. The average spine has approximately 220 ligaments, 100 joints, 120 muscles, and 33 individual vertebrae.

However, over time some of our vertebrae fuse together to create the sacrum and the coccyx.

3. There are three main parts that makeup the spine

The lumbar, thoracic and cervical spine are the three main parts. They are made up of seven, twelve and five vertebrae respectively.

4. After the age of 40, the average person shrinks as much as 1/3 of an inch every ten years.

Most of the spine’s length is down to cartilage and the cartilage’s ability to expand and then contract is actually what makes astronauts grow taller in space. It’s also responsible for our decrease in height as we age.

5. Most of the population will suffer from back pain at one time or another

Did you know that the number one reason for people visiting their GP in the US is actually back pain? Between 80-90% of us will experience back pain at one point in our lives and that’s why proper spinal care is important.

6. Over 120 muscles are contained in the spine.

The two main groups of muscle that affect the spine are the extensors and flexors. The extensor muscles allow us to stand up and lift objects. The extensors are attached to the back of the spine and allow us to flex, or bend forward.

7. As humans we have seven cervical vertebrae in our necks, the same number as giraffes!

As unbelievable as it sounds, both humans and giraffes actually have the same number of vertebrae in our cervical spine which is the part of the spine that makes up the neck.

8. The average spinal cord weighs around 35 grams

A very important role that the spine plays in the human body is that it protects the spinal cord which is responsible for sending messages to the rest of your body.

9. The spine has a “memory”

Stretching, controlling your posture and strengthening your core are all important ways that you can look after your spine which is important because of the “memory” that your spine has.

We’ve Got Your Back

Did you learn something new about your spine today? Maybe our 9 spine facts have prompted you to look after your backbone the way you should be.

For more chiropractic news and information, you can check out our blog here for regular updates.

Chiropractor Near Merrylands

If you’re looking for a trusted and professional chiropractor near Merrylands, come to New World Chiro.

New World Chiro

23/103 George St
Parramatta NSW 2150