Anatomy of the Spinal Column

At the chiropractic office of Dr. Peter Lazarnick (Dr. Pete), we want our patients to think of themselves as partners in maintaining their health. In order to understand various spinal conditions and their treatments, people first need to understand the basics of how the spine works.


The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that goes between the brain and the pelvis, where it splits off into the thighs. It travels through the spinal canal, which is a hollow area created by the protrusions in the backs of the vertebrae, the bones that make up the spinal column. Most of the vertebrae are separated by spongy discs that absorb shocks and are connected to each other by facet joints in the back.


The neck bones are called the cervical vertebrae, and there are seven of them. The topmost is called that atlas and it moves the head up and down. The next is the axis vertebrae, which moves the head from side to side, and these are the only articulated vertebrae without a disc between them. There are twelve vertebrae in the thoracic region, and they have joints for the ribs to connect to. The five bones of the lower back are the lumbar vertebrae. Below them are two structures made up of fused vertebrae: the sacrum and the coccyx.


Dr. Peter Lazarnick is located at 486 Bankhead Hwy, Carrollton, Georgia, 30117. To schedule an appointment, call 770-832-2226 or visit www.askdrpete.com.


 

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