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Sacrum
The sacrum is the region of the spinal column in between the
lumbar spine
(above) and the
coccyx
(below). This region of the spine usually consists of 5 fused
vertebrae
acting as one solid piece of bone. These vertebrae do have individual names, S1 to S5, but sometimes the entire region is simply referred to as S1. This area is sometimes also called the sacral spine.
The sacral region is separated from the lumbar area by the lumbosacral disc, also named L5/S1. This disc is the #1 problem area for the majority of back pain sufferers. The actual sacral area is extremely strong and hard to fracture or injure, except in cases of extreme trauma. The sacral spine is designed to bear weight, as well as join the spine to the pelvis. A normal sacral spine is designed to have a kyphotic curve or “c” shape. The sacrum is shaped noticeably different in men and women. In women, the sacrum is usually wider and shorter to facilitate childbirth.
Sacrum to Back Pain Home
5/16/06 Revised 11/4/09
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