Medical Tension instead of compression on human spine?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion highlights the evolutionary adaptations of the spine in various mammals, noting that while most have a horizontal spine, monkeys have developed a vertical spine for swinging, which operates under tension. In contrast, humans, who walk upright, experience spinal compression in a vertical position. The conversation raises questions about whether humans evolved from swinging monkeys and explores the potential benefits of alternative postures, such as swinging or sleeping in a hanging position, for spinal health. It emphasizes that the spine experiences both compression and tension depending on posture, suggesting that humans have evolved to handle these forces in various ways. The complexities of spinal mechanics are acknowledged, indicating that the effects of different positions on spinal health are not straightforward.
tiny-tim
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in most mammals, the spine is usually horizontal

in monkeys swinging from branch to branch, the spine has evolved to operate vertically under tension

in humans (and other animals that walk on two legs), the spine is in compression when vertical

did humans evolve from swinging monkeys?

would it be better for our spines if we spent some time swinging around, with our spines in tension?

or if we slept in a hanging position (possibly upside-down)? or on a horizontal rotating bed (with the ears at the centre)?

what would be the effects be?​
 
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from the little i remember of Statics, it's not a simple issue of either compression or tension. let's say your spine is perfectly vertical (can't be actually because it is curved). well, once you begin to lean forward a bit, the anterior of the spine experiences compression, while the posterior starts to go into tension.

you have really evolved to experience compression and tension in all directions. some more than others, since you can train quite a bit of posterior tension with enough lifting.
 
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