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Basic Anatomy of the SpineThe Spine is a flexible column of bone also known as the backbone. The individual bones forming the spinal column are called vertebrae. The spinal column is made up of 24 individual vertebra, followed by the sacrum and the coccyx.
Annulus Fibrosus is the woven layered outer wall of the spinal disc. Nucleus Pulposus is the soft inner core of the spinal disc structure. Foramen are the openings in between vertebral bones and are often implicated in causing pinched nerves. The spinal cord is the nerve tissue that serves as a pathway for messages between the brain and the body. The spinal cord also is responsible for carrying out many of the body’s reflex actions, completely independent of the brain. The Cauda Equina is the bundle of spinal nerves which continues through the lumbar vertebrae at the end of the spinal cord. Facet Joints provide intervertebral links. These synovial joints join the individual spinal bones to the vertebrae above and below. Nerve Roots are the neurological tissues which branch off the spinal cord, forming the network of nerves which run throughout the body. Spinal Nerves serve the neurological requirements of the entire anatomy. Brachial Plexus is a concentrated grouping of neurological tissue in the upper back and neck. Back Muscles help to support and stabilize the spinal structures. The muscles of the back are some of the strongest in the entire body and are well designed to provide us with the abilities to do all the physical tasks we require during our lifetimes. The Cervical area (the neck) is the first 7 vertebrae in the spinal column. The Thoracic area (mid back) is the 12 vertebrae between the cervical and lumbar areas. The Lumbar area (lower back) is the final 5 vertebrae in between the thoracic area and the sacrum. The Sacrum is 5 fused vertebrae in between the lumbar area and the coccyx. The Coccyx (tailbone) is 4 fused vertebrae in the lowest area of the spinal column. The Wondeful SpineThe human spinal column is a true miracle of design and functionality. Although implicated in a wide range of back pain conditions, the backbone is rarely the actual source of ongoing severe symptoms. It is crucial to remember that age will create degenerative processes in the spinal column. However, these processes are normal and not usually the source of significant pain or any major health concern.Share your own back pain story with the world by taking part in my interactive forum. Speak out now and make a difference! Please subscribe to my FREE E-Zine, The Cure Back Pain Forever Newsletter.
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