The Vertebral Bodies

The vertebral bodies make up the boney building blocks of the spinal area. These structures are stacked on top of each other and are separated by a disc in between. Each of them act as a support system to hold up your spine. Amazingly, this column is responsible for supporting roughly half of the weight of your body.

The thoracic spine, also known as the upper back consists of twelve vertebral bodies. These structures do not have any motion because their job is to attach the ribs and sternum. This lack of motion means that there is not typically the source of any back pain. That being said, the area between the spine and ribs (the costovertebral junction) can cause you pain.

The lower back, also known as the lumbar spine, consists of five vertebral bodies. These extend from the lower thoracic spine to the sacrum, which is located at the bottom of the spine. The vertebral bodies that are in the lower back are very large because they are responsible for bearing the majority of your body’s weight. This extra pressure and stress placed on this area means that most causes of back pain originate in the lumbar spine.

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To learn more about the anatomy of your lower and upper back, click here!

Click here to contact A Family and Sports Chiropractic Clinic to discuss the origination of your pain or to schedule a visit with one of our experienced Vancouver, Wa chiropractors.