You know that you have a spine. Well, at least you hope you do. But, did you know that you have a spinal column? Do you know what your spinal column is?
What Is the Spinal Column?
The spinal column is a collection of 24 vertebrae plus the sacral bone. These bones provide support and mobility for the torso while also protecting the nervous system.
The Four Regions of the Spine
There are four distinct and different regions of the spinal column. They are the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral regions. Each contains a different number of vertebrae that are structurally unique. These structural variations make certain regions of the spinal column more flexible while making other regions more stable and less susceptible to injury.
The Spine’s Natural Curves
When viewed from the rear of the spine, it appears vertically straight. When viewed from the side, however, four separate spinal curvatures should be present. Both the cervical and lumbar regions naturally have a “C” shaped curvature, while the thoracic and sacral regions possess a reversed “C” shaped curvature. The angles of these curves play a crucial role in minimizing spinal biomechanical stresses which lead to spinal pain and greatly accelerated spinal degenerative processes.
How a Chiropractor Evaluates Your Spine
The chiropractic doctor is an expert in spinal evaluation and rehabilitation. He or she is trained to identify even the slightest spinal abnormalities. Eliminating pain, inflammation, and biomechanical stresses while increasing overall health and quality of life is what chiropractic care is all about.
Doctors of chiropractic are the only health care professionals whose primary training centers around the detection, treatment, and rehabilitation of spinal column disorders.
Now you know a little bit more about your spine. Come down to TriMed Spine & Joint as we do our best to provide top-quality chiropractic care. Our friendly and knowledgeable office can identify your spinal issue and explain why your back or neck hurts. Then we help you find a fix fast.
Please share this information with anyone who might find it useful. Thank you for visiting the site. Do you need chiropractic care, spinal decompression, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or interventional pain management? If so, contact us at one of our several South Florida offices.
Common Questions About the Spinal Column
How many bones are in the spine?
There are thirty-three vertebrae in total. Twenty-four of them move: seven in the neck, twelve in the mid back and five in the lower back. The remaining bones are fused into the sacrum and the coccyx.
What do spinal discs actually do?
Each disc sits between two vertebrae and acts as a spacer and shock absorber. It lets the spine bend and twist while keeping enough room for the nerve roots to exit.
What are the natural curves of the spine?
The neck and lower back curve gently inward and the mid back curves outward. Those opposing curves let the spine absorb load far better than a straight column would.
How does a chiropractor evaluate the spine?
By taking a history, watching how you move, testing posture and range of motion, running orthopedic and neurological tests, and ordering imaging such as X-ray or MRI when the findings call for it.
Can spine problems cause symptoms somewhere else?
Yes. Pressure or irritation at a nerve root can send pain, numbness, tingling or weakness into an arm or a leg, which is why symptoms are often felt far from the actual source.
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