Basics of Spinal Anatomy

At Back to Basics Chiropractic in Kennewick, we want our patients to have a basic understanding of how to care for themselves and of what issues may affect them. In order to do that, they’re going to need a basic understanding of what we mean when we talk about the spine.


The spinal column is made up of thirty-four vertebra bones, each of which is numbered for medical purposes. At its base, the bones are fused together in two structures, the sacrum and coccyx, leaving twenty-four singular vertebral bones. The bones in the neck are called cervical vertebrae, while those in the chest are thoracic and those in the lower back are called lumbar. The vertebrae are separated from each other by spongy discs, with the exceptions of the top two cervical vertebrae and the coccyx. Injuries to these discs are the cause of many cases of back pain.


The vertebrae have arch-shaped structures protruding from their backs. The spinal cord, the bundle of nerves which transmits messages between the brain and the rest of the body, travels through the canal created by the series of arches. Pressure on the spinal cord has adverse effects on other parts of the body. The arches also form the joints by which vertebrae connect to each other.


Back to Basics Chiropractic is located at 8033 W Grandridge Blvd Ste C, Kennewick, Washington, 99336. To schedule an appointment, call 509-783-2225 or visit Back 2 Basics.

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