Basics of Spinal Anatomy…and why we get back pain!

Your spine is an intricate structure of bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles and highly sensitive nerve roots that provide you with:

• Protection - for the spinal cord and nerve roots to safely relay messages between your brain and the rest of your body.

• Shock Absorption - accepting jolts and stresses as you move about.

• Flexibility - especially in the lower back and neck, allowing you to bend and twist.

• Strength - provided by the bones, discs, muscles and connective tissue that allow you to stand upright and move about with precision.

Cervical Spine

Let’s start at the top - the cervical spine supports the weight of your head and protects the nerves that run between your brain and the rest of your body. Your neck has seven vertebral bones that get smaller - and provide more rotation - as they get closer to the base of the skull.

Thoracic Spine

The vertebrae in the upper back are attached to the rib cage and make up the thoracic spine, providing stability, structural support and protection for the heart and lungs.

Lumbar Spine

Moving down to the lower back, the lumbar spine carries the most load with the least structural support, so this is the most likely area of the spine to wear out or sustain an injury.

Remember, if you’re suffering with any kind of neck or back pain, get it correctly evaluated by a trained and qualified Doctor of Chiropractic. Call AlgarveChiro & Tuina on 920290142. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.