Small fact for today. You are taller in the morning than in the evening. This may sound strange, but it really is. This even saves a few centimeters 'maybe and inch'. Why is this so? 1 word. Discus. What is the discus? This is the intervertebral disc that is located between your vertebrae.
What does your spine look like?
Your spine consists of 24 vertebrae, a sacrum (sacrum) and a tailbone (coccygeus). The vertebrae are stacked on top of each other like puzzle pieces. Together with the muscles, ligaments and intervertebral discs, the vertebrae ensure that your spine does not collapse. Between most of our vertebrae is an intervertebral disc that varies in height and thickness per region in your back.
The bottom 5 vertebrae are called the lumbar spine. These vertebrae are the largest and also have the largest intervertebral discs.
The middle 12 vertebrae are called the thoracic spine. These vertebrae are slightly smaller than the lumbar spine and the intervertebral discs are also slightly smaller.
The top 7 vertebrae are called the cervical spine. These vertebrae are the smallest and so are the intervertebral discs. An intervertebral disc can be compared to a sponge. A sponge can absorb and lose water. An intervertebral disc also does this with fluid.
What is the function of the intervertebral discs?
The intervertebral discs have different functions. One of the functions is to ensure distance between the vertebrae. This creates more space to make movements such as bending, stretching or turning. The intervertebral discs are also shock absorbers, making it possible to absorb chatter while jumping or running. Another function is to distribute the pressure when moving or standing still.
Why am I getting smaller in the evening?
As I have already explained before, an intervertebral disc is a sponge that loses water through pressure distribution and can absorb it. We have 23 intervertebral discs in our spine and because we stand, walk and sit during the day, moisture is pressed out of the intervertebral discs by gravity. This makes us slightly smaller. As we go back to sleep, this moisture is replenished so that we become taller again.
Most older ones are getting smaller
You have probably seen this before with your parents or grandparents, that we get smaller as they get older. As you get older, the ability of the intervertebral discs to absorb moisture decreases. The intervertebral disc dries up more and more and loses its resilience. The intervertebral discs thus become slightly flatter. This is also one of the reasons that as you get older you also become less mobile.
What can I do to keep my intervertebral discs healthy
Movement: It is not good to sit or stand in the same position for too long. So change your position often and regularly go for a walk, cycling, sports or get moving in a different way.
Get plenty of rest: Make sure you get enough rest in which the intervertebral discs are not under pressure. This is the case when you are in bed while sleeping.
Healthy food and drink: A healthy and varied diet and drinking enough water ensure that the intervertebral discs can absorb enough moisture. Quitting smoking: Smoking can have a very bad effect on the intervertebral discs. This may be because of a deteriorated condition of the blood vessels. This creates a nutritional disorder of the intervertebral discs and makes them more vulnerable.
Questions, feedback or ideas for more posts? Message me. Kind regards, Sascha Bargi BSc. Pt. & MSc. Ost. in training
