Names of Backbones

As spinal wellness practitioners, we at the Billings chiropractic office of Dr. Robert Larson want our patients to understand how to maintain their own preventive care. In order to protect their backs, patients must first understand how their backs work, which is why we want to make sure they know the basics of spinal anatomy.


The bones of the back are scientifically known as vertebrae, and they are linked by a complex system of joints, spongy discs, muscles, and ligaments. Vertebrae have hollow arches in back which together make up the spinal canal, through which the spinal cord runs from the brain to the thighs. Additional nerves branch off it to the rest of the body. At the top of the spinal column is a specialized vertebra called the atlas, which allows the head to move up and down, and below it is the axis vertebra, which rotates the head from side to side.


Including the atlas and axis, the top seven vertebrae are called the cervical bones, or the neck bones. Next are the twelve thoracic vertebrae, which have joints the ribs attach to, making them less mobile. The largest backbones are the five lumbar vertebrae of the lower back. Each of these except the atlas and axis has a connecting disc between them. Below the lumbar region is the sacrum, a structure made up of fused vertebrae which the hip bones attach to, and the coccyx, which is also known as the tailbone.


Dr. Robert Larson is located at 2110 Overland Ave, Suite 103, Billings, Montana, 59102. To schedule an appointment, visit Dr Robert L Larson or call 406-655-0101.


 

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