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Vertebrae
Vertebrae are the actual individual bones that make up the spinal column. These bones are stacked on top on one another with the largest on the bottom and the smallest on the top. In between each bone is an
intervertebral disc.
Working together, these bones support more than half of the body’s total weight.
Miraculous Vertebrae
It is the evolutionary development of vertebra that allows mammals to have such flexibility and incredible athleticism. The
spine
is only as strong as the weakest vertebra in any given region. The shape of individual vertebrae contribute to their many uses. The individual bones in the spine all have a shape that allows for maximum strength, while still affording movement and protection for the
spinal cord
and internal bodily organs.The spinous process and transverse process are the bony “fins” that project from the rear of the spine. These are the ridges you can feel through your skin when you touch the spinal bones. These parts of the vertebral bones are more fragile than the flat vertebral body, which is thicker, flatter and stronger.
Bottom Line of Vertebrae
The spine is a marvelous structure which has recently been implicated in causing a wide range of back pain conditions, after serving humankind well for countless generations. Even the vertebral bones are involved in this conspiracy, most commonly during the diagnosis of
facet joint syndrome.
Of course, sometimes the spinal bones are at fault for causing pain and even
spinal instability,
such as in the case of advanced
osteoporosis.
However, typically the vertebral bones are well designed and meant to last a lifetime under normal usage...
Vertebrae to Back Pain Home
5/14/06 Revised 3/30/09

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