Bones of the Spinal Column

Chiropractic treatment allows us to treat patient pain in a way that is non-invasive and low risk. At the practice of Dr. Nathan Kennedy, it is one of many complementary approaches we use to assist patients suffering from a variety of musculoskeletal problems. Since patients are more confident in their decisions and have higher compliance rates when they feel informed, we thought it would be good for them to understand the basics of how the back is structured.


The bones of the back are called vertebrae, and the ones that can move independently are said to be “articulated.” The neck bones are made up of the seven cervical vertebrae. The uppermost one is called the atlas and it is what moves the head up and down. The second one down is called the axis, and it moves the head from side to side. These two vertebrae are distinctly shaped; the rest follow a more common pattern and have spongy discs between them.


The thoracic vertebrae are the twelve which make up the upper back. In addition to the joints connecting them to each other, they also have joints connecting them to the ribs. Below the thorax are the five lumbar vertebrae of the lower back. They are the largest. Beneath them are two structures made up of multiple vertebrae fused together: the sacrum and the coccyx. The sacrum connects to the pelvis and the coccyx is also known as the tailbone. There is no disc between the sacrum and the coccyx.


Dr. Nathan Kennedy runs Kennedy Wellness at 12211 W Alameda Pkwy Ste 101, Lakewood, Colorado, 80228. To schedule an appointment, call 303-322-5015 or visit Kennedy Shoulder Clinic.

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