Spinal Anatomy

The spine is a central conduit of both structure and spirit — a living axis of the body where matter and energy converge. In The Spinal Attunement Method™, we approach spinal anatomy not only as a foundation for physical function but as an intelligent, responsive channel that mirrors the movement of consciousness.

The spine begins forming very early in embryonic development. Around day 15 post-conception, a structure called the primitive streak appears, initiating the body's midline. From this emerges the notochord, a flexible, rod-like structure that signals the surrounding tissues to form the neural tube — the precursor to the central nervous system.

The nervous system forms before the skeletal spine — a poetic reminder that the body prioritises perception and response before material structure.

The five regions of the spine.

• Cervical Spine (C1–C7) — From cervix, meaning neck. Supports the skull and enables nodding, rotation, and expression. C1 (Atlas) and C2 (Axis) form the foundational pivot for perception and direction.
• Thoracic Spine (T1–T12) — From thorax, meaning chest. Articulates with the ribs, providing a protective and stabilising structure for the heart and lungs.
• Lumbar Spine (L1–L5) — From lumbus, meaning loin. Large vertebrae that bear weight and allow for flexion and extension.
• Sacral Spine (S1–S5) — Fuses to form the sacrum, which anchors the spine to the pelvis. The body's gravitational keystone and energetic root.
• Coccygeal Spine (Co1–Co4/5) — Fuses to form the coccyx. Though considered vestigial in Western medicine, this segment holds spiritual and developmental significance in every energetic tradition.

Curves and movement.

From a developmental movement perspective, the spine is not just a scaffold but a river of evolving motion. As infants, our spinal organisation unfolds through spiralling, pushing, reaching, and rolling.

• Kyphosis (outward curve): thoracic and sacral
• Lordosis (inward curve): cervical and lumbar

These curves arise through function: lifting the head, sitting and crawling, and upright walking. A spine that is frozen, rigid, or overly mobile reflects developmental interruptions or unresolved experiences. Each vertebral segment, each articulation, offers a doorway into restoring flow, re-patterning alignment, and awakening the midline as a channel of coherence.

Foundational movement terms.

• Flexion — Forward bending
• Extension — Backward arching
• Lateral Flexion — Side bending
• Rotation — Twisting along the vertical axis
• Axial Compression — Downward weight through the spine
• Axial Elongation — Upward lifting and decompression

When we observe a client's movement — or lack thereof — we are witnessing the story of their spine's capacity to carry, express, and release.