Spine Anatomy Basics

Your spine consists of 33 vertebrae stacked on top of each other, divided into five regions. Each region has a specific function and range of motion:

Cervical Spine (Neck)

7 vertebrae (C1-C7) that support your head and allow neck movement. Most flexible region of the spine.

Thoracic Spine (Mid-Back)

12 vertebrae (T1-T12) that connect to your ribs. Provides stability and protects vital organs.

Lumbar Spine (Lower Back)

5 vertebrae (L1-L5) that bear most of your body weight. Common site of pain and injury.

Sacrum

5 fused vertebrae that connect your spine to your pelvis.

Coccyx (Tailbone)

3-5 fused vertebrae at the base of your spine.

Between each vertebra sits an intervertebral disc—a cushion made of tough outer fibers (annulus fibrosus) surrounding a gel-like center (nucleus pulposus). These discs act as shock absorbers and allow your spine to bend and twist.

How Nerves Work and Why They Cause Pain

Your spinal cord runs through the center of your vertebrae in a space called the spinal canal. At each level, nerve roots branch off from the spinal cord and exit through openings called foramina. These nerves carry signals between your brain and the rest of your body.

When something compresses or irritates these nerves—such as a herniated disc, bone spur, or narrowed spinal canal—you may experience:

Pain that radiates along the nerve pathway (such as sciatica down the leg)
Numbness or tingling in specific areas served by that nerve
Weakness in muscles controlled by the affected nerve
Loss of reflexes or coordination

When to Seek Specialist Care

Most episodes of back or neck pain resolve with conservative treatment within a few weeks. However, certain symptoms warrant evaluation by a spine specialist:

Red Flags: Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Loss of bowel or bladder control
Progressive weakness in legs or arms
Numbness in the groin or inner thighs (saddle anesthesia)
Severe pain following trauma or injury
Pain accompanied by fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss

Schedule a Consultation If You Experience:

Pain lasting more than 6-8 weeks despite conservative treatment
Radiating pain down your arms or legs
Numbness or tingling that persists or worsens
Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
Pain that significantly impacts your quality of life

Conservative Treatment Options

Before considering surgery, most spine conditions are initially treated with conservative approaches:

Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or nerve pain medications to manage symptoms.
Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen supporting muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.
Injections: Epidural steroid injections or nerve blocks to reduce inflammation and pain.
Lifestyle Modifications: Weight management, ergonomic adjustments, and activity modification.
Alternative Therapies: Chiropractic care, acupuncture, or massage therapy for symptom relief.

Surgery is typically considered only when conservative treatments have not provided adequate relief, or when there are signs of progressive neurological problems.

Understanding Your Spine & Nerves