Spinal Anatomy: Get to Know Your Spine

Understanding spinal anatomy can help you pinpoint back pain, as well as help you recover from treatments and procedures. Discover the different regions of the spine with this helpful overview.

“There are four main sections to the spine: the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral,” says Dr. Timothy C. Watson, spine specialist at Sierra Pacific Orthopedics. “Each section serves its own purpose and consists of a certain number of vertebrae.”

Sierra Pacific Orthopedics offers a brief overview of each section below:

• Cervical spine — This section is located at the top of the spine. It allows for head movement. “The cervical section consists of seven vertebrae and offers protection for the brain stem, skull, and spinal cord,” says Dr. Timothy C. Watson, spine specialist at Sierra Pacific Orthopedics.
• Thoracic spine — Below the cervical is the thoracic spine, which is larger and contains more vertebrae. In this area of the spine, rib attachments add to the stability but limit its range of motion.
• Lumbar spine — This area contains the largest vertebrae, which are large enough to support a majority of your body’s weight. Each vertebra is larger than other vertebrae in the spinal column. The vertebrae allow for motion while providing stability and protection of the conformed nerve roots.
• Sacral spine — This region is at the bottom of the spine. Its five segments combine to form the back of the pelvis. The sacrum anchors the spine to the pelvis and indirectly connects the spine to the legs. Slight rotational movement occurs between the sacrum and the rest of the pelvis.

Are you interested in learning more about the spine? Visit our Comprehensive Spine Facility online by clicking here.