What is a normal spine?

A basic understanding of a normal spine is important if you want to achieve one.  There are curves that should be in the spine.  These are seen from the side.  They are labeled primary and secondary curves.  The primary curves are formed in the uterus.  A baby spine is curved by the shape of the uterus and how we are positioned in the uterus.  This is the curve we see at shoulder-blade level and the shape of the sacrum and tailbone (in the pelvis).  The secondary curves are found in the neck and low back.  The neck and low back contours or curves are called lordotic curves.

It is the inadequate development of the secondary curves that create the conditions encourage subluxations and lead to scoliosis.  If these conditions are corrected early, complete correction of minor curves is possible, which prevents further progressive scoliotic change.

It should quickly be added that scoliotic changes can occur even with normal secondary curves in place.  However, subluxations and/or disturbances in the righting reflex (proprioception) are present in these cases.

The take home information is how important it is to prevent activities that could be harmful to the normal development of the curves found in the neck and low back.