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MyAchyBack Potential Pain Solution: Chiropractic

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Chiropractic Feature Article

Bones of the spine

In total there are 32 bones which form the spinal column which are split into 5 sections:

Cervical: This section forms the neck and consists of 7 vertebrae. These are the smallest of the vertebrae as they do not have to carry as much weight. The top two cervical vertebrae are called the Axis and Atlas and allow the head to rotate on the neck. The cervical vertebrae allow the movements of flexion, extension, rotation and lateral flexion (side-bending).
Thoracic: The thoracic spine runs from shoulder level down to the level of the lowest ribs and includes 12 vertebrae which increase in size the lower down the spine they are positioned. Each vertebrae also forms a joint with the adjacent rib (known as a costovertebral joint). The thoracic spine does not move as freely as the cervical or lumbar sections as its main purpose is to provide stability for the rib cage and protection for the organs within the thoracic cavity.
Lumbar: Contains 5 vertebrae and forms the lower back. These are the largest vertebrae due to the additional weight they must carry. The lumbar region also allows a lot of movement, into flexion, extension, rotation and lateral flexion which means it is the most frequently injured section of the back.
Sacral: The sacral spine (or sacrum) consists of 4 fused vertebrae which cannot move independently of each other. This part of the spine is shaped like a triangle and bridges the gap between the two sides of the pelvis, connecting the spine to the lower body. The joints with the ilium (pelvis), either side of the sacrum are known as Sacroiliac (SI) joints.
Coccyx: Contains 4 small fused bones known as the tail bone. These have no real function, although can occasionally be the source of pain known as coccydynia.

The bones of each section are named with a letter (C for cervical, T for thoracic, L for lumbar) followed by a number which represents its position within that section e.g. C1-C7, T1-T12 and L1-L5

MyAchyBack Potential Pain Solution: Chiropractic

MyAchyBack Chiropractic, Pain Relief Solution Providers

Chiropractic Feature Article

Bones of the spine

Chiropractic Articles