The Spine

Introduction

“The spine, or vertebral column, is the central organising structure of the skeleton and the most fundamental element of the axial skeleton” (Clippinger 72). You should be familiar with the concept of the axial and appendicular skeleton from studying DE402. This unit focuses more specifically on the structure and function of the spine in relation to safe dance practice.

“Your spine is a column of 33 strong bones called vertebrae that connect the skull, shoulders, ribs, hips, and legs; it is the center of your skeleton. The vertebrae also surround and protect the spinal cord, which transmits the impulses that control all voluntary and involuntary movements.” (Hass 13)

Structure of a vertebra and Intervertebral joints

Between the vertebral bodies are the intervertebral discs. These discs are made up of tough fibro-cartilage. They act between the vertebral bodies like a buffer, permitting some compression and some stretching to take place as the vertebral bodies move, one in relation to the next. It is, however, important to remember that only a little movement takes place between each individual vertebra and its adjacent neighbor. It is these small amounts of movement which, when added together, produce the degree of flexibility which is obtainable in the spine as a whole.” (Howse 3)

Natural curvature (function)

“Excellent body placement skills come from creating strength and stability along the spine while keeping the natural curves intact. This is known as neutral posture, neutral spine, or neutral pelvis. Dancing with axial elongation while maintaining the natural, neutral curves creates less stress on the discs and vertebrae” (Haas 17).

Key muscle groups in the spine: deep and superficial (for superficial, refer to Core Stability Unit):

The intrinsic muscles of the back or “the deep posterior spinal group includes the intertransversales, interspinales, rotatores and multifidi. … Many of these deep muscles have poor mechanical advantage and are believed to be more important for helping stabilize the spine, and helping to control segmental movement, rather than producing the large forces associated with movements of the spine as a whole” (Clippinger 88-9). The superficial muscles have a greater role to play in these movements.

Spinal issues and injuries

Scoliosis is a lateral curve in the spine; these vary in severity from just a few degrees, which may go unnoticed to a pronounced deformation of the spine, including additional rotation, which interferes with normal movement, may require intervention and could have implications for dance training and career. These tend to present themselves during adolescent periods of growth.

Lumbar and thoracic curves in the spine are normal. Thoracic kyphosis and lumbar hyperlordosis are however undesirable, exaggerated curves. Howse & McCormack (205-210) explain these fully and provide images showing examples of both.

The Harkness centre resource, “Spine”. Common Dance Injuries. (2011) provides information on a range of issues and injuries which are commonly experienced by dancers along with some injury prevention tips for dancers.

Study Tasks

1. Reading and Research

a) Use the Haas chapter on the spine (pp 13-31) and the eOrthopod videos to familiarize yourself with the structure and function of the spine. Note the natural curves of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions and the differences in the shapes of the vertebrae in these different regions.

b) Read Howse (205-210) along with any other reputable online or print resources to which you have access to inform your understanding of the ‘neutral spine’. Think about how you would cue this in (a) a very young dancer and (b) an adolescent dancer with a hyperlordotic spine. Film yourself performing any exercises and corrections which you feel may be required, including appropriate imagery, cues, and explanation.

2. Writing

a) Discuss the role you play as a dance teacher in minimising the risk of injury to the spine; what measures might you take routinely in your
teaching practise and what additional exercises or activities might you incorporate to target this specifically? (500 words)

b) Using reputable resources, familiarise yourself with the symptoms and subsequent physical restrictions experienced by dancers with different back injuries. Outline the role you may play in management of a dancer experiencing back pain.

c) Using your knowledge of directions of movement from module DE402, identify the different directions of movement in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine (consider also composite movements involving more than one region of the spine and/or more than one plane of movement) and, for each, provide dance specific movement examples which require or incorporate this movement. Consider also how you may help a dancer to improve this through stretching and/or strengthening exercises. You may wish to use a table eg

3. Reflection

a) Having identified the movements of the spine, try for yourself to explore these in a studio or suitably large space at home. Note particularly where you feel there are restrictions or areas of excessive movement and how this may impact upon your capacity to perform particular dance steps.

b) When teaching/observing class, pay attention to students’ natural standing posture, and spinal movements when warming up and
stretching. Note any correlations between their habits, observed range of movement and dance abilities or difficulties.