Spine. Spine Facts

There are five sections in the lumbar spinal column. Lumbar vertebrae anatomy is generally classified by dividing the lumbar spine into five distinct sections. These sections are labeled as the L1-L5 vertebrae. These vertebrae are located near the base of the spine and naturally form a slight outward curve in the back, just below the […] Read More

As a fetus, vertebral segments directly relate to spinal cord segments. As an adult, the spinal column grows longer than the spinal cord, and they no longer relate to one another. The spinal cord ends around the L1 or L2 vertebrae in adults, forming the conus medullaris. The horsetail-shaped area, which extends past the conus […] Read More

Whether the spinal cord can be considered an organ is still a subject of debate within the medical community. While the spinal cord plays a vital role in the body, some argue that the spinal cord is strictly a bundle of nerves that the brain uses to communicate information to the rest of the body. […] Read More

The most severe types of spinal cord injuries (SCI) are those that affect the cervical spine because they often can result in quadriplegia, or paralysis of the body below the injury site. As a result, the SCI survivor has little to no mobility, which can lead to a number of increased health risks. A respiratory […] Read More

Although it is relatively rare to have an extra bone, such as a sixth lumbar vertebra (known as a transitional vertebra), it is not actually that extraordinary. It is estimated that about 10% of adults have some form of spinal abnormality, which can include an extra vertebra. While having an extra bone typically does not […] Read More

Most spinal cord injuries are preventable, so knowing their causes can help you avoid becoming injured. The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center at the University of Alabama-Birmingham conducts annual spinal cord injury research, including an assortment of statistics on SCI injuries. It’s interesting to note that, in almost all categories of injuries, men are […] Read More

The 33 vertebrae make up five distinct spine segments. Starting at the neck and going down toward your buttocks (rear end), these segments include: • Cervical (neck): The top part of the spine has seven vertebrae (C1 to C7). These neck vertebrae allow you to turn, tilt and nod your head. The cervical spine makes […] Read More

A healthy spine has three natural curves that make an S-shape. These curves absorb shocks to your body and protect your spine from injury. The pine consists of: • Vertebrae: The spine has 33 stacked vertebrae (small bones) that form the spinal canal. The spinal canal is a tunnel that houses the spinal cord and […] Read More

The spine, or backbone, is the body’s central support structure. It connects different parts of the musculoskeletal system. The spine helps you sit, stand, walk, twist and bend. Back injuries, spinal cord conditions, and other problems can damage the spine and cause back pain. The spine is a complex structure of small bones (vertebrae), cushioning […] Read More

Lifting and bending are often major culprits when it comes to the onset of back pain. Using proper lifting and bending techniques will help reduce stress on the lower spine and help eliminate injuries. Follow these tips: When bending and lifting, make sure to bend your knees so that your legs help distribute the weight […] Read More