The vertebral column, also known as the backbone or spinal column, is structurally balanced in front and by the side to support our body weight and maintain optimum flexibility. There are 3 gentle curves (Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar) that maintains a straight alignment.
The body’s Center of Gravity (COG) lies around the level of the naval area and all of the spine?s flexibility helps to maintain this COG within the Base of Support (BOS) to stabilise the body during various activities. Maintenance of correct alignment helps to reduce fatigue and the work load of the spinal muscles during these times.
As seen above, sagittal (side view) and coronal (front view) spinal deformities can occur in the human spine due to various reasons. When the spine is deformed, the body posture and position of the COG changes. The muscles and body joints are required to work hard with an extra effort to stabilise the body with these changes.