Understanding the Curvature of the Spine and its Relationship to Injuries

⚡️The thickest part of the spine is more prone to injuries due to strain on the tissues.

💪The thicker the spine, the less it can tolerate bending, but it can handle greater compression.

🔄Flexible spines, like that of gymnasts, are better at bending but do not tolerate compression as well.

🏋️Powerlifters have stiffer spines and wear lifting suits to add more stiffness, allowing them to handle heavy loads.

🧘‍♀️Yoga practitioners have pliable and flexible spines, adapting collagen to handle bending loads.

Why are injuries more common at the interface between L4 and L5 and L5 and S1?

—The thicker part of the spine, where L4 and L5 and L5 and S1 are located, is more prone to injuries due to strain on the tissues.

Why can the thicker spine handle compression better than bending?

—The thickness of the spine allows it to handle greater compression forces, while bending can cause the spine to shatter.

Why do gymnasts have more flexible spines?

—Gymnasts have more flexibility in their spines, which allows them to excel in their sport. However, their spines do not tolerate compression well.

Why do powerlifters wear lifting suits?

—Powerlifters wear lifting suits to add extra stiffness to their spines, allowing them to handle heavy loads more effectively.

What is the difference between a powerlifter's spine and a yoga practitioner's spine?

—Powerlifters have stiffer spines that can handle heavy loads, while yoga practitioners have pliable and flexible spines that adapt to bending movements.

00:00The curvature of the spine and the way we interact with the world contribute to injuries.

01:20The thickest part of the spine is more prone to injuries due to strain on the tissues.

03:27The thicker the spine, the less it can tolerate bending, but it can handle greater compression.

05:32Flexible spines, like that of gymnasts, are better at bending but do not tolerate compression as well.

07:42Powerlifters have stiffer spines and wear lifting suits to add more stiffness, allowing them to handle heavy loads.

09:59Yoga practitioners have pliable and flexible spines, adapting collagen to handle bending loads.

13:42Understanding the difference between compression and tension and how load affects the spine is important in preventing injuries.