The Spine is a flexible column of bone also known as the backbone. The individual bones forming the spinal column are called vertebrae. The spinal column is made up of 24 individual vertebra, followed by the sacrum and the coccyx.

Intervertebral discs or simply discs, are natures shock absorbers that cushion the space in between individual vertebra. They are made of water, collagen, and proteoglycans.

The spinal cord is the nerve tissue that serves as a pathway for messages between the brain and the body. The spinal cord also is responsible for carrying out many of the body’s reflex actions, completely independent of the brain.

The Cervical area (the neck) is the first 7 vertebrae in the
spinal column.

The Thoracic area ( mid back) is the 12 vertebrae between the cervical and lumbar areas.



The Lumbar area ( lower back) is the final 5 vertebrae in between the thoracic area and the sacrum.

The Sacrum is 5 fused vertebrae in between the lumbar area and the coccyx.

The Coccyx (tailbone) is 4 fused vertebrae in the lowest area of the spinal column.

Spondylolysis | Herniated/Ruptured Disc | Spondylisthesis | Strains & Sprains | Stenosis
The spine is made up of a series of connected bones called "vertebrae." In about 5 percent of the adult population, there is a developmental crack in one of the vertebrae, usually at the point at which the lower (lumbar) part of the spine joins the tailbone (sacrum). It may develop as a stress fracture. Due to the constant forces the low back experiences, this fracture does not usually heal as normal bone. This type of fracture (called a spondylolysis) is simply a crack in part of the vertebra (Figure 1) and may cause no problem at all. However, sometimes the cracked vertebra does slip forward over the vertebra below it. This is known as adult isthmic spondylolisthesis.

Degenerative Disc | Herniated Disc | Myelopathy | Spondylolysys | Stenosis
There can be many causes of pain including muscular injuries, herniated discs, or degenerative disc disease. The vertebrae and discs in the neck get a lot of wear and tear,
since they are flexed often. Sometimes this constant usage can cause painful conditions to develop.

Auto accidents and falls are also leading causes of neck injuries and pain. The head is heavy and acts as a weight, causing “whiplash” injuries in many instances. When the head is thrown forward, the neck may suffer from hyperflexion. When the head is pushed backwards, the neck may suffer from hyperextension. Both of these conditions can cause injury of the soft tissue, bones, or discs in the neck.

 

Congenital Scoliosis | Idiopathic | Kyphosis | Neuromuscular Scoliosis

Scoliosis is an abnormal side to side curvature of the spine. A normal spine will have curves that run from front to back. When viewed from the back, a normal spine will appear perfectly straight. When viewed from the back, a spine with scoliosis will appear to curve to one side, or both. This condition can also cause the rotation of individual vertebra in the spine.

The curvature of the spine is measured in degrees, just like an angle. A normal spine is straight, or has a curve less than 10 degrees. Mild curvature is from 10 to 20 degrees. Moderate curvature is 20 to 50 degrees. Severe spinal curvature is measured at over 50 degrees.