Biomechanics

Understanding canine biomechanics is essential for preventing injuries.

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Body Movements

When studying the anatomy-based ability of the dog’s topline to move, certain regions are of particular importance.
The greatest vertical flexibility — that is, the ability to round and hollow the back — is found at the transition between the last lumbar vertebra and the sacrum.

Next in mobility is the area around the 11th thoracic vertebra, and then the transition between the last cervical vertebra and the first thoracic vertebra.

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Lateral Movement

Movement in the lateral plane is greatest between the 7th and 9th thoracic vertebrae, and especially in the neck.
It is worth noting that lateral movement is often accompanied by a degree of rotation.

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Neck and Poll

The dog’s poll is a highly complex structure composed of the back of the skull, and the first and second cervical vertebrae — also known as the atlas and axis.

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Between the skull and the first cervical vertebra (atlas), there is limited up-and-down and side-to-side movement.
However, between the first and second cervical vertebrae (atlas and axis), the movement is almost exclusively rotational.

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Both areas — and their optimal mobility — are particularly important for allowing the dog to turn its neck smoothly along its body.