Structure of the spine
It is not fully clear where the different sections of the spine begin or end and how the spine and the vertebrae are aligned.
In this graphic you see the vertebrae in different colors and the spine separated in sections.
The cervical spine (pars cervicalis) has 7 vertebrae,
the thoracic spine (pars thoracalis) has 12 vertebrae,
the lumbar spine (pars lumbalis) hat 5 vertebrae and the sacrum (os sacrum) with 5 fused bones and at least the coccyx (os coccyges) with 4 to five fused bones.
(click grafic to enlarge)
The numbers of the vertebrae are counted from top to bottom
(see WIKIPEDIA REPORT)
Between the vertebrae you have cartilage called discs – with exemption of 1st and 2nd vertebrae (called: C1/Atlas and C2/Axis). The fused parts of the sacrum and coccyx have no discs either.
The discs serve as a puffer and shock absorbent and a movable connection between the vertebrae.
Diseases of the Spine
We distinguish between various diseases of the spine, such as wear and tear, degenerative diseases (e.g. herniated disc) inflammatory rheumatic disorders; scoliosis (lateral curvature), growth (Scheuermann disease), tumors or trauma to the spine by an accident (e.g. whiplash syndrome caused by collision, etc).
Treatment of Spinal Disorders
We recommend in all cases, any type of injury or disease, a prior check-up with a general M.D, They in turn can refer you for tests. This could be for example, an MRI or MRT (resonance imaging magnet), to be able to see exactly how the damage or disease of the spine has advanced.
A Chiropractor can adjust vertebrae and release blockages of the vertebral bodies immediately
If you already have medical records/flies, please bring them with you. Using chiropractic techniques can usually help alleviate most pains immediately.
