SPINE


Te spine consists of many bones, called vertebrae, which are separated into four regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral. Movement occurs between the vertebrae except in the sacral region, where the bones of the sacrum and coccyx are fused. Te range of motion between any two moveable vertebrae is very limited, yet when several of the vertebrae are involved, the spine as a unit moves significantly in all three planes of motion.


Te spine can flex and extend, bending forward or backward in the sagittal plane; flex and extend laterally, bending sideways in the frontal plane; and rotate, twisting left and right in the horizontal plane. It is capable of moving along the planes of motion in any combination.


Figure 4.2: Regions and components of the spine CERVICAL


THORACIC


LUMBAR


SACRAL COCCYX


If they were merely a stack of bones, the 33 vertebrae of the spine would be as vulnerable as the tower of building blocks in a game of Jenga. Te connective tissues and muscles that attach to and surround these bones make the spine a sturdy support for the entire body. For the spine to serve – literally and figuratively – as the “backbone” of effective movements, a snowboarder should employ the strength of the core muscles in the torso.


Te spine’s flexibility, a great asset in many circumstances, also means there are many ways to flex or twist the spine into a weaker position. Tat’s why a functionally strong core is critical to snowboarding. It is only when a rider’s core muscles support the vertebrae that the core will be stable enough for the limbs to effectively move against it. Caution is indicated when attempting spine-induced movement for riding. However, using the spine in conjunction with the hip offers a much larger range of motion with greater strength, and is often the primary emphasis for angulation when tilting. On the toeside, riders desiring a quicker transition into the heel turn try to avoid leaning into the turn, and, instead, extend the lower portion of the spine throughout the turn’s control phase.


Te spine is also used to absorb large forces that come from the ground through the body. Once the ankles and hips have exhausted their range of motion, the spine aids in absorption by flexing each of the individual joints, particularly in the thoracic region. While this not is ideal, it happens when riders encounter flat landings in the park, or from cliff jumps.


Snowboarders also use the spine to either create rotational forces or address the torque created through the arc of a turn. Spins, either on the snow or in air, originate with the arms or hips that then wind the spin to create rotation. Te spine and hips are supported by large muscles, which underscores the importance of using the torso and core to deal with these larger forces.


TheSnowPros.org CHAPTER 4: BIOMECHANICS OF SNOWBOARDING 59


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