Back Anatomy

 Back Anatomy

Understanding Spinal Anatomy is a crucial part of Chiropractci training.  It is important if you have back or neck pain, arm or leg ailments, and even headaches that whoever provides treatment to relieve the problems of muscles. ligaments, tendons, and discs have a thorough and comprehensive understanding of how all these tissues can contibute to your overall health

The spinal column (or vertebral column) extends from the skull to the pelvis and is made up of 33 individual bones termed vertebrae. The vertebrae are stacked on top of each other group into four regions:

The cervical spine is further divided into two parts; the upper cervical region (C1 and C2), and the lower cervical region (C3 through C7). C1 is termed the Atlas and C2 the Axis. The Occiput (CO), also known as the Occipital Bone, is a flat bone that forms the back of the head.

Atlas (C1)
The Atlas is the first cervical vertebra and therefore abbreviated C1. This vertebra supports the skull. Its appearance is different from the other spinal vertebrae. The atlas is a ring of bone made up of two lateral masses joined at the front and back by the anterior arch and the posterior arch.

Axis (C2)
The Axis is the second cervical vertebra or C2. It is a blunt tooth–like process that projects upward. It is also referred to as the ‘dens’ (Latin for ‘tooth’) or odontoid process. The dens provides a type of pivot and collar allowing the head and atlas to rotate around the dens.

Thoracic Vertebrae (T1 – T12)
The thoracic vertebrae increase in size from T1 through T12. They are characterized by small pedicles, long spinous processes, and relatively large intervertebral foramen (neural passageways), which result in less incidence of nerve compression.

The rib cage is joined to the thoracic vertebrae. At T11 and T12, the ribs do not attach and are so are called "floating ribs." The thoracic spine's range of motion is limited due to the many rib/vertebrae connections and the long spinous processes.

Lumbar Vertebrae (L1 – L5)
The lumbar vertebrae graduate in size from L1 through L5. These vertebrae bear much of the body's weight and related biomechanical stress. The pedicles are longer and wider than those in the thoracic spine. The spinous processes are horizontal and more squared in shape. The intervertebral foramen (neural passageways) are relatively large but nerve root compression is more common than in the thoracic spine.  The majority of herniated discs and bulging discs relating to lower back pain and sciatica occur in this region of the spine.

Purpose of the Vertebrae
Although vertebrae range in size; cervical the smallest, lumbar the largest, vertebral bodies are the weight bearing structures of the spinal column. Upper body weight is distributed through the spine to the sacrum and pelvis. The natural curves in the spine, kyphotic and lordotic, provide resistance and elasticity in distributing body weight and axial loads sustained during movement.

The vertebrae are composed of many elements that are critical to the overall function of the spine, which include the intervertebral discs and facet joints.

Functions of the Vertebral or Spinal Column Include:

 Accurate Chiropractic LLC is located in Ft Myers, Fl and is convenient to US 41 for those traveling from Lee, Collier, and Charlotte Counties.  Since we began doing Non-Surgical Spinal decompression on the DRX9000 in 2005 patients have traveled to see us from nearby Cape Coral, Estero, and LeHigh Acres; as well as from locations a little further away like Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Bonita Springs, and Naples.  With our hassle free scheduling and gauranteed on time appointments I have often heard our practice family members say it was well worth the drive.  Our goal has always been to provide you with as much education as possible so that you can make an informed decision about your health.  It is our promise never to strong arm or scare people into making important health care decisions and we encourage you to speak with your trusted circle of advisors before choosing a health care provider.  To find out if you are a candidate for any of our innovative technologies, to attend one of our healthcare classes or back schools, or for chiropractic treatment call today to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr A.J. Rubano at (239)481-8811.