The term loaded isn't one that I use very often but I think I understand what Scott means by it, and I think it's helpful to think about. Here's my attempt to describe it:
In every person the weight of the head is transferred via the bodies of each vertebra to the pelvis, the legs and ultimately the feet. Each vertebra supports all of the vertebrae above it. This is why vertebrae get larger the further towards the ground they are positioned - they are bearing a progressively heavier load. Ideally each vertebra is correctly positioned in relation to its neighbours, so that the load is transferred evenly and efficiently. In general, there tend to be slight asymmetries in our spines, so that the loading is not perfect.
In the case of scoliosis many vertebrae exhibit asymmetries in their position. As a result weight is supported unevenly through much of the spine. This uneven distribution of weight can be considered a loading problem. This problem is particularly difficult because, once it begins, it can turn into a vicious cycle. It is generally agreed among doctors and scoliosis researchers that the larger the curve, the more chance of the curve increasing in size.
In every person there are many structures and processes which are involved in the way the spine balances and moves. Some of the most immediate and obvious include:
The vertebrae and vertebral disks themselves.
The spinal ligaments.
The deep muscles and fascia that relate to the spine.
The less deep muscles and fascia that also relate to the spine.
The vestibular system (involving the inner ear).
The movement coordinating activities of the cerebellum.
The DNA and genes.
So far researchers haven't been able to prove that one structure or process is the most at fault for causing scoliosis. There is an article that discusses where current research on the causes of scoliosis stands.
Top Theories for the Etiopathogenisis of Scoliosis, published in The Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics, by Wang, Wei Jun, phD, et al, January/February 2011
In every person the weight of the head is transferred via the bodies of each vertebra to the pelvis, the legs and ultimately the feet. Each vertebra supports all of the vertebrae above it. This is why vertebrae get larger the further towards the ground they are positioned - they are bearing a progressively heavier load. Ideally each vertebra is correctly positioned in relation to its neighbours, so that the load is transferred evenly and efficiently. In general, there tend to be slight asymmetries in our spines, so that the loading is not perfect.
In the case of scoliosis many vertebrae exhibit asymmetries in their position. As a result weight is supported unevenly through much of the spine. This uneven distribution of weight can be considered a loading problem. This problem is particularly difficult because, once it begins, it can turn into a vicious cycle. It is generally agreed among doctors and scoliosis researchers that the larger the curve, the more chance of the curve increasing in size.
In every person there are many structures and processes which are involved in the way the spine balances and moves. Some of the most immediate and obvious include:
The vertebrae and vertebral disks themselves.
The spinal ligaments.
The deep muscles and fascia that relate to the spine.
The less deep muscles and fascia that also relate to the spine.
The vestibular system (involving the inner ear).
The movement coordinating activities of the cerebellum.
The DNA and genes.
So far researchers haven't been able to prove that one structure or process is the most at fault for causing scoliosis. There is an article that discusses where current research on the causes of scoliosis stands.
Top Theories for the Etiopathogenisis of Scoliosis, published in The Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics, by Wang, Wei Jun, phD, et al, January/February 2011
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