Spinal Mobility Check

Spinal Mobility Check

A spinal mobility check can be carried out as part of a tailored sports performance analysis assessment. You will be contacted via phone before your appointment to discuss your needs.

There are 24 mobile vertebrae, 2 sets of fused vertebrae and 23 intervertebral discs that work together to provide us with stability, protection, form and intricate movements. Determining how the spine is functioning and assessing segments within the spine can help alleviate pain, improve shock absorption, posture, and all musculo-skeletal movements.

Each vertebra has an individual role to play within a complex spinal column. The area known as the lumbar region is at the base of the spine and must support more weight, therefore the bony mass for each lumbar vertebra is larger and stronger. Movement in the lumbar area must be stable at all times. This is partly because of the additional forces it must withstand that result in more limited movement ranges, but is also due to  the greater shock absorption needed which is facilitated by the much thicker intervertebral discs. These can become herniated or bulging when weakened and under excessive pressure.

The thoracic vertebrae have additional joints or articulations with each of our ribs, providing even more protection for the spinal cord and other vital organs such as the heart and lungs. With these additional bony structures forming the ‘rib-cage’, many of the combined movements of the thoracic region are quite limited, adding to the strength and stability needed by the body.

And finally, the cervical region has a number of similar roles to the lumbar and thoracic vertebrae, which become even more critical for protecting the spinal cord within the region of the neck.

A skilled practitioner will understand the intricate roles of the spinal cord, how it functions collectively and how it should work within each of its many segments. During your spinal mobility check, a careful assessment may reveal ‘snags’ during movement which may impair performance, cause discomfort and pain and possibly lead to worse problems over time. Exercises and interventions to mobilise parts of the spine may contribute significantly to our physical comfort later in life.

At BeActive Clinic Hertford, our spinal mobility check is just one area of our sports performance analysis service. To find out more about the other services, click on the images below.