Learning body massage was an incredible journey; I, Deborah had left school without qualifications, my confidence was shattered and my belief systems, embedded by those around me, rendered me to conclude I'd achieve nothing in life. I began my journey to gaining qualifications by enrolling on courses at a women's education and training centre locale to my home. Aromatherapy, Indian Head massage, Pathways to teaching and learning, a few of the main courses that led to getting into college and gaining my higher education. To be able to gain my Aromatherapy qualification, which was my goal, I had to gain body massage first. And I am glad I did, the sense of experiencing the hands on element was soothing and settling, calming. By the end of the course I felt in great health with my vitality lifted and energised. I was spurred on to learn more. But that maybe another post as this one focuses upon your back. The following is from my 'Sharing relaxing back massage' course on Udemy.
Anatomy and Physiology of the Back and Spine
While massage therapy influences all bodily systems, this course specifically emphasizes the muscles of the back, the spine and spinal cord, the nervous system, and stress. Additionally, we will briefly discuss stress in relation to the endocrine system and conclude with some questions.
Muscles of the Back:
The muscles of the back are a complex assembly crucial for spinal support, posture maintenance, and facilitating trunk and limb movement. They are generally classified into two primary groups: extrinsic (superficial) and intrinsic (deep) back muscles.
Extrinsic Back Muscles: These muscles are superficially located in the back and are referred to as immigrant muscles, as they originally belonged to the upper limb and migrated to the back during fetal development. They consist of:
Trapezius: Extends from the neck to the lower back, facilitating arm and shoulder movement and rotation.
Latissimus Dorsi: The largest muscle in the upper body, extending from the shoulders to the lower back, supporting arm and shoulder extension and rotation.
Levator Scapulae: A small muscle extending from the side of the neck to the scapula, aiding in shoulder elevation.
Rhomboids: Connect the scapula to the spine, assisting in drawing the shoulders inward.
Intrinsic Back Muscles: These muscles are located deep to the extrinsic muscles and are also known as true back muscles. They include:
Erector Spinae: A large muscle group arranged in three columns along the spine, crucial for maintaining posture and supporting the spine.
Splenius Muscles: Located between the upper back and neck, aiding in head and neck rotation and extension.
Transversospinal Muscles: Comprising the semispinalis, multifidus, and rotatores muscles, they assist in spine stabilization and rotation.
Interspinales and Intertransversarii Muscles: The deepest layer of muscles, contributing to spine stabilization and support.
The Spine
The spine, or vertebral column, is a complex anatomical structure that offers support, flexibility, and protection to the body. It consists of 33 vertebrae stacked atop one another, divided into five regions:
cervical (neck),
thoracic (upper back),
lumbar (lower back),
sacrum (pelvis),
coccyx (tailbone).
Key Components:
Vertebrae: Each vertebra consists of a body, pedicles, and laminae. The bodies are the primary weight-bearing structures, while the pedicles and laminae create the ring-like structure that encloses the spinal canal.
Intervertebral Discs: These cartilaginous structures lie between adjacent vertebrae, providing cushioning and shock absorption.
Joints: The spine contains multiple joints, including facet joints, which enable flexibility and movement.
Spinal Canal: A central canal within each vertebra houses the spinal cord and spinal nerves.
Spinal Nerves: These extend from the spinal cord and branch out to innervate different parts of the body.
Functions:
Support: The spine offers structural support for the body, facilitating upright posture and movement.
Protection: It protects the spinal cord and nerves from injury.
Flexibility: The spine permits bending, twisting, and stretching movements.
Weight Distribution: It aids in evenly distributing the body’s weight, reducing pressure on individual vertebrae.
Pathology and Disorders:
Spina Bifida: Incomplete closure of the vertebral column and meninges, resulting in neural tube defects.
Scoliosis: Abnormal curvature of the spine.
Herniated Discs: Intervertebral discs protrude through the vertebral joints, causing pain and discomfort.
Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal, compressing the spinal cord and nerves.
Treatment and Management:
In relation to back massage it is crucial to communicate with medical care teams to ensure that back massage would be suitable and safe.
Conclusion:
The spine is a crucial structure that plays an essential role in supporting and protecting the body. Understanding its anatomy, function, and pathology is vital for diagnosing and treating various spinal disorders. A comprehensive approach to care, encompassing conservative and surgical management, can help alleviate symptoms and enhance the quality of life for individuals with spinal conditions.
Nervous System Basics
The nervous system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that coordinate and control various functions of the body. It is divided into two main parts: the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).
Central Nervous System (CNS)
Includes the brain and spinal cord
Handles and integrates data from sensory receptors and dispatches signals to muscles and glands
Regulates both voluntary and involuntary actions, such as movement, sensation, perception, and cognitive functions
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
Made up of nerves, which are bundles of axons (nerve fibers) linking the CNS to the rest of the body
Comprises two subsystems:
Somatic Nervous System: governs voluntary actions like walking, talking, and writing
Autonomic Nervous System: manages involuntary functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion
Key Components
Neurons: specialized cells that convey and handle information via electrical and chemical signals
Glial cells: non-neuronal cells that offer support, protection, and maintenance for neurons
Synapses: tiny gaps between neurons where chemical signals are exchanged
Axons: long, slender extensions of neurons that carry electrical signals
Functions
Sensation: identifies and interprets environmental stimuli like light, sound, touch, taste, and smell
Motor control: orchestrates voluntary and involuntary movements like walking, talking, and writing
Cognitive functions: facilitates perception, attention, memory, learning, and language processing
Regulation: manages various bodily functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion
Disorders
Neurological disorders: impact the structure or function of the nervous system, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis
Neurodevelopmental disorders: affect the development of the nervous system, such as autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Overall, the nervous system is vital for enabling interaction with the world, responding to stimuli, and maintaining overall health and well-being.
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