Understanding the Spine
The spine can be seen as “the highway of the body.” It is the body’s central support structure and connects multiple components together while also being composed of several different structures. Parts of the spine and back include:
Facet joints
These joints have slippery connective tissue – cartilage – that allows vertebrae to slide against each other. The primary purpose of facet joints is to allow people to twist and turn and provide flexibility and stability. Due to age and the wearing of cartilage, these joints can develop arthritis and cause neck and back pain.
Intervertebral discs
Intervertebral discs are flat, round cushions that sit between vertebrae and act as shock absorbers and spacers for the spine. The discs are under constant pressure. They consist of a soft, gel-like center surrounded by an outer ring.
Spinal cord and nerves
The spinal cord is a column consisting of nerves that go through the spinal canal. It extends from the bottom of the skull to the lower back. 31 nerve pairs branch between openings in the vertebrae. The nerves transfer information between muscles and the brain to allow the body to move.
Soft tissues
Soft tissues are ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Ligaments are short bands of flexible and tough tissue that connect the vertebrae to stay in the correct and functional position. Muscles are fibers that support the spine and upper body, allowing people to move from place to place. Tendons are cords of tissue that connect muscle to the vertebrae and support movements.
Vertebrae
The spinal canal is formed by 33 bones called vertebrae. It divides the spine into five regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx. Most vertebrae move to allow people to move freely, but the sacrum and coccyx regions, which sit at the bottom of the spinal cord, are fused together and do not move.
When the spinal structure is out of alignment or experiences a traumatic injury, it invades the space that other spinal column components need to function properly. It causes swelling, pain, and irritability. Nerve flow can also be interrupted, contributing to the confusion of pain and nerve signals.