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 t...