Got a Back Injury in Oak Ridge TN? Take a Look at the Basics of Your Anatomy

Back injuries can leave you immobile, in pain, and emotionally exhausted. By understanding the anatomy of your spine to better understand your injury and symptoms, you can take charge of your condition and become an active participant in your care at your chiropractic center in Oak Ridge, TN. Here is a look at the basics of back anatomy. spine - pains

Three Parts of the Spine in Oak Ridge TN

The spine is divided into three sections: cervical, thoracic, and lumbar. The cervical spine is the portion that runs through your neck, the thoracic spine is in the middle back, and the lumbar spine is in the lower back. Most injuries that chiropractors see are in the cervical and lumbar spines. The thoracic spine has more support than other parts of the back and it moves relatively little in comparison to other parts of your spine, so it is less prone to injuries. If you have pain in your neck and arms, then your cervical spine is likely to be involved, while pain in your lower back, buttocks, and legs is typically associated with the lumber spine.

Vertebrae and Discs

Some of the most common back injuries involve the vertebrae and discs. The vertebrae are the round bones that are stacked up and down your spine. They are separated by spongy discs that prevent the bones from bumping into each other. Often, an injury will occur to a disc that causes it to protrude from its place between the vertebrae. When this occurs, not only can the disc press on nerves, causing pain, but also, the bones can bump into each other, further exacerbating the symptoms. Chiropractors frequently focus on coaxing protruding discs back into a healthy position to alleviate pain.

Spinal Cord

The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that runs the length of the spinal column. The vertebrae protect the spinal cord, which is a connection between the brain and the rest of the body. Any injury to the spinal cord can be serious. Depending on the severity of the injury and the portion of the spinal cord that is affected, partial or total paralysis is possible.