Important Safety Information (Physician)Overview of the Spine
The spinal column is one of the most vital parts of the human body, supporting our trunks and making all of our movements possible. When the spine is injured and its function is impaired the consequences can be painful and even disabling. According to estimates, 80 percent of Americans will experience low back pain at least once in their lifetime. A small number of patients will develop chronic or degenerative spinal disorders that can be disabling.
Humans are born with 33 separate vertebrae, categorized into 5 different regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and coccyx. The cervical spine consists of 7 vertebrae in the neck. The thoracic spine is the section of 12 vertebrae in the chest area. The lumbar spine consists of 5 vertebrae in the abdominal region. Below the lumbar spine, nine vertebrae at the base of the spine fuse together. Five form the triangular bone called the sacrum. The lowest four vertebrae form the tailbone or coccyx.
The anatomy of the spinal column is extremely well designed to serve many functions. All of the elements of the spinal column serve the purpose of protecting the spinal cord. The spinal cord provides communication to and from the brain, mobility and sensation throughout the body through the complex interaction of bones, ligaments, muscles and nerves. The spine is also the framework for the entire body, supporting our trunks and making all of the movements of our head, arms, and legs possible.
Learn More about the Lumbar Spine:
Lumbar Spine