How to Develop Normal Spinal Rotation

Healthy spine rotation is an important aspect of preventing injury. And rotated vertebrae or "twisted spine" can result from spine, nerve, or muscle disease—or from harmful movements. Understanding the causes and prevention of rotated vertebrae can help you protect your spine from damaging vertebrae rotation.

The Twisting Capability of a Normal Spine

Your spine can move in several ways, including twisting. Tilting sideways is powered by some of the same muscles that twist the spine. Other spine movements include bending or rounding forward, and extending or arching backward.

The spine is made of 26 interconnected bones, called vertebrae. When you move your spine, each individual vertebrae affects the direction of the entire spinal column.

Although your spine can move in many directions, there are limits to how far you should go. This is especially true with twisting.

How Spinal Rotation Works

Rotation is a basic spinal movement in which you turn the spinal column. When you twist your spine, it also bends to the side.

The internal oblique abdominals and the external oblique abdominals, which don't directly attach to the spine, are the muscles primarily responsible for powering spinal rotation in the lower back. Intrinsic muscles such as the multifidus and longissimus contribute to this twisting movement as well.

The multifidus helps control the movement, and the longissimus provides it with a bit of extension. The multifidus helps the spine twist when one side is contracted (activated) and it extends the lumbar spine when both sides contract.

The Link Between Age and Spinal Rotation

Most people, especially as they age, accumulate tension and/or weakness in the oblique abdominal muscles and other trunk muscles. These changes are largely attributable to sedentary behavior.

Chronically tight back and abdominal muscles impair the range of motion of the trunk, as well as the ability to twist the spine.

Being sedentary may lead to weakened muscles, which, in turn, may decrease support for any spinal movement, including twisting. Muscle weakness can also diminish overall trunk stability.

Spinal Rotation and Scoliosis

In scoliosis, which is a lateral curve of the spine, some of the vertebrae appear to be displaced to the side. Often, abnormal vertebral rotation underlies this displacement.

Treatment for scoliosis is often focused on controlling vertebral rotation with medical guidance and physical therapy.

The Dangers of Over-Rotating Your Spine

Many people over-rotate their spines with manual work, which can increase the risk of back injuries.

Over-rotation can happen with activities like digging a garden or shoveling snow. There are safe ways to do these types of activities, and it is a good investment of time to learn how to perform physical tasks safely, such as shoveling.

When shoveling, rotating your spine to dump a shovelful of snow or garden dirt behind you may seem easier while you’re in the throes of your project, but overall, this is much riskier for your back than taking a few steps around to where you want to dump the dirt or snow, and then flipping the shovel down instead.

How to Develop Your Spinal Rotation

A good way to achieve optimal rotation of your spine is with daily back exercises.

An effective back exercise program will consist of movements in every direction the spine moves, including rotation. Yoga is great for this because it places emphasis on developing flexibility and strength in all directions. Pilates does the same.

But rotation may worsen some back problems, such as a herniated disc. If you have a spine condition, talk to your healthcare provider or physical therapist about how you can safely exercise your spine.

A good injury prevention exercise program will also work your hip and pelvic muscles, too.