Know Your Back

To help you to identify and treat the pain in your back it is important to understand the bones, nerves, and muscles in and around your spine.

Any of the vertebra in the cervical (neck) region of the spinal column. The cervical vertebra are the smallest vertebra in the spine, reflective of the fact that they support the least load.

In humans, and almost all other mammals, there are seven cervical vertebra, which are labeled C1 to C7. Anatomists divide them into two regions: the upper cervical region (C1 and C2), and the lower cervical region (C3 through C7). Three cervical vertebra have a unique anatomical structure and have been given special names. C1 is called the atlas, C2 the axis, and C7 the vertebra prominens.

Only the cervical vertebrae have three openings or foramina – the vertebral foramina and two transverse foramina. A characteristic feature of the vertebrae C2 to C6 is a projection known as the bifid spinous process. C7 has a prominent nonbifid spinous process that can be felt at the base of the neck.

The thoracic spine is the long middle portion of the back and is the longest portion of the spinal column. It consists of 12 vertebrae, ranging from the T1 vertebrae to T10, and is located directly behind the chest. The ribs of the chest connect to thoracic spine, protecting vital organs in the torso. Vertebrae on this portion of the spine are slightly larger than those of the cervical spine, but are not as big as the vertebrae of the lumbar spine. Because the thoracic spine is attached to the rib cage, the movement of this portion of the back is limited. Nerves in the thoracic spine are also extremely important. They are responsible the function of the heart, lungs, liver, stomach, and other crucial organs in the body that are controlled by the sympathetic nervous system.

Although the thoracic spine's movement is restricted, injuries can still develop. Fractures are one type of injury that can occur in elderly patients, particularly in those suffering from osteoporosis or have low bone density. Additionally, fractures in the thoracic spine can also occur in athletes and overextension problems can occur.

With many fractures and other types of thoracic spine pain, a single injury may be the cause of pain. Automobile accidents are among the most common of these instances. Falls or other trauma that places severe pressure on the thoracic spine can also lead to serious damage in the area.

Other injuries to the thoracic spine can develop from specific conditions. Age can have a significant affect on the health of the thoracic spine. Deficiencies in bone density from osteoporosis as well as other ailments resulting from wear and tear can generate pain in the middle back.

Generally, when thoracic injuries occur, it is important to catch them early. Early treatment helps to stop pain more effectively than if pain is allowed to worsen. Additionally, early treatment may only require conservative treatment methods. If left unchecked, painful ailments usually worsen, requiring more serious forms of treatment, often including surgery.

There are five lumbar vertebrae located in the lower back. These vertebrae receive the most stress and are the weight-bearing portion of the back. The lumbar vertebrae allow movements such as flexion and extension, and some lateral flexion.

Sacrum: The large heavy bone at the base of the spine, which is made up of fused sacral vertebrae. The sacrum is located in the vertebral column, between the lumbar vertebrae and the coccyx. It is roughly triangular in shape and makes up the back wall of the pelvis. The female sacrum is wider and less curved than the male.

The name comes from the Latin "os sacrum" (holy bone). Why it was sacred is matter of conjecture.

A small, triangular bone at the lower end of the vertebral column, formed by the fusion of four rudimentary vertebrae and articulating with the sacrum