The spinal column is made up of over two dozen unique vertebrae which provide the back and neck with its stability and strength. Beginning in the cervical spine at the base of the skull and culminating at the coccyx in the tailbone, the individual segments of the spine each vary in size and function. When working normally, intervertebral discs cushion the spine while facet joints stabilize it. However, these moving parts also make the spine prone to deterioration—particularly in the active cervical and lumbar spine segments – which can lead to nerve compression and a number of painful symptoms.
The Spine’s Structure
The S-shaped spine is divided into five segments that all serve their own roles, known as the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal spine segments. As the spinal vertebrae are responsible for supporting the skull, rib cage and most of the body’s weight, these bones bear a significant amount of stress at each segment. In addition to managing this weight burden, the vertebrae also must allow for the flexibility, pivoting ability and range of motion that we require in the back and neck.
Spinal Degeneration
Over time, though, we are all susceptible to a degree of vertebral deterioration as an unfortunate side-effect of the natural aging process. Intervertebral discs wear out, facet joints break down, and osteoarthritis becomes an ever-present reality. And because spine degeneration can also occur earlier in life as a result of injury, disease, and other causes, nearly everyone experiences some measure of back or neck pain at one point in their life.
Articles
To better understand the spinal anatomy, the specific functions of the vertebrae, and the problems that can arise, we have compiled the following articles for your review:
- Vertebrae injury
- Vertebrae fracture
- Back vertebrae
- Vertebrae pain
- Vertebrae column
- Spinal cord vertebrae
- Between the vertebrae
- Lumbar spine vertebrae
- Vertebrae treatment
- Vertebrae compression
- Vertebrae compression fracture
- Vertebrae disc
- Vertebrae nerve
- Spinal column vertebrae
- Vertebrae surgery
- Neck vertebrae
- Spine vertebrae
- Spinal vertebrae
- Compressed vertebrae
At Laser Spine Institute (LSI), our team of renowned orthopedic surgeons treats various forms of spine degeneration with minimally invasive, outpatient endoscopic spine surgery. These gentle procedures help alleviate back and neck pain by accomplishing nerve decompression at each level of the spine with state-of-the-art laser technology. We have helped tens of thousands rediscover a life without back pain and can do the same for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and for a free review of your MRI or CT scan.
