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Basic Back Anatomy

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The Spine

The spine is made up of 33 vertebrae and discs formed in a series of curves, which support the body and absorb shock.

The spine has 3 main functions.

1. To support the body in an upright position.
2. To allow movement and locomotion.
3. To protect the spinal cord.

CERVICAL

  • The neck is made up of 7 cervical vertebrae. These are the smallest and allow the widest range of movement along the spine.

THORACIC

  • 12 heavier bones, the thoracic vertebrae, form the upper back. These bones also hold in place the 12 pairs of ribs.

LUMBAR

  • 5 lumbar vertebrae in the small of the back are the largest bones in the spine and bear most of the bodies weight.

SACRAL

  • Below these are 5 smaller bones, which are individual at birth. They fuse at about 25 years to form the wedge-shaped sacrum. This is a single bone fitted between the two hip bones, which forms the back of the pelvis.

COCCYGEAL

  • Tucked beneath the sacrum is the coccyx. It is a small tapering bone built of 4 tiny fused vertebrae. The coccyx is functionless and probably the remains of a tail.

OTHER STRUCTURES

  • Between each of the vertebral bodies lie intervertebral discs. These discs provide shock absorption for the spine.
  • The spine is supported by its' joints, strong ligaments and muscles.
  • The deep muscles are known as postural muscles. These muscles work at a low intensity, continuously throughout the day to keep you upright.
  • The more superficial muscles are the ones that allow you to perform gross movements. These work at a higher intensity but only for short periods of time.

SPINAL CORD

  • The spinal cord is housed within the vertebrae. Spinal nerves exit via holes in the vertebrae to supply various regions of the body.

CURVES

  • There are three curves in the spine. These provide much more stability and strength than a straight column alone.
  • Cx Lordosis - This curve is formed as a baby when you first start looking around.
  • Tx Kyphosis - This curve is formed when you are in the womb.
  • Lx Lordosis - This curve is formed when you start to walk at about 2 years.
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