The vertebral column (spine), together with sternum and ribs, constitutes the skeleton of the trunk of the body. The vertebral column makes up about two-fifths of the total height of the body and is composed of a series of bones called vertebrae.
There are typically 26 vertebrae
7 cervical vertebrae
12 thoracic vertebrae
5 lumbar vertebrae
5 sacral vertebrae
4 coccygeal vertebrae
The adult vertebral column typically contains 26 vertebrae.
7 cervical vertebrae -- in the neck region
12 thoracic vertebrae -- chest region
5 lumbar vertebrae -- supporting the lower back
5 sacral vertebrae (fused together into one bone called sacrum);
4 coccygeal vertebrae (fused into one or two bones called coccyx). Prior to the fusion of the sacral and coccygeal vertebrae, the total number of vertebrae is 33.
Between adjacent vertebrae from the first vertebra to the sacrum are fibrocartilaginous intervertebral discs. Each disc is composed of an outer fibrous ring consisting of fibrocartilage, called the annulus fibrosus and an inner soft, pulpy, highly elastic structure, called nucleus pulposus. The discs form strong joints, permit various movements of the vertebra column and absorb vertebral shock. The intervertebral discs are subject to compressional forces while performing the function of shock absorbers, the discs between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae and between the fifth lumbar vertebra and sacrum usually are subject to more forces than other discs.
If the anterior and posterior ligaments of the discs become injured or weakened, the pressure developed in the nucleus pulposus may be great enough to rupture the surrounding fibro-cartilage. If this happens, the nucleus pulposus may protrude posteriorly or into one of the adjacent vertebral bodies. This state is called slipped disc.
Most often the nucleus pulposus slips posteriorly towards the spinal cord and spinal nerve. This movement exerts pressure on the spinal nerves, causing considerable, sometimes very acute, pain. When intra-abdominal pressure is increased by coughing, sneezing or other movement, symptoms are aggravated, and cervical muscle spasm may often occur. Neurologic abnormalities may include decreased reflexes of the deep tendons of the biceps and triceps and decreased sensation and muscle atrophy or weakness in the forearm or hand.
Yoga Treatment for Slipped Disc
Complete bed rest is necessary for a few days for fast recovery and healing. Complete immobilization of spine is the safest and quickest route of healing and recovery. The duration of immobilization required depends upon the degree of injury. In the later stage yoga therapy should be applied, which promotes the recovery. Asanas in the initial stage (Mostly backward bending asanas)- Makarasana
- Asanas later stage –
- Utthan Padasana
- Pavanamuktasana
- Salabhasana
- Bhujangasana and
- Supta-Vajrasana
- Pranayama
- Nadi Shodhan Pranayama
Beside the above mentioned asana and pranayama practice of yoga nidra, concentration and meditation gives the best result.
Asanas- Asana removes rigidity and brings flexibility to joints and help correct bad posture
Pranayama -Breathing patterns can affect the spine in various ways, such as movement of the ribs and changes in pressure within the chest and abdomen. Exhaling can help relax muscles.
Relaxation and Meditation- Relaxation provides a physiologic antidote to stress. Imaging techniques may also be used. For example, imagining a movement before it is actually performed makes it easier to move the muscles that are being used.
By exercising carefully, and by practicing a simple routine of exercise, breathing, and meditation every day, you can help your back and neck become as strong and healthy as possible.
Therapeutics Yoganidra
YogaNidra is a state of conscious Deep Sleep. YogaNidra brings an incredible calmness, quietness and clarity. It has great Therapeutics values.