Anatomy of the Spine: How It’s Built and Why It Matters

Hey everyone, welcome back to Wellness Minute! I’m Dr. Brent Johnson, and today, we’re going back to basics with a quick lesson in spinal anatomy — and why it matters for your health.

Alright, picture your spine for a second. It’s not just a straight stack of bones — it’s a dynamic, flexible structure that protects your spinal cord and supports your whole body.

The spine is made up of 33 vertebrae — small bones stacked on top of each other — divided into five regions:

• Cervical spine — that’s your neck. It’s made up of 7 vertebrae and gives you flexibility to move your head up, down, and side to side.

• Thoracic spine — the mid-back, made up of 12 vertebrae, where your ribs attach. This part is more stable and protects your vital organs.

• Lumbar spine — your lower back. There are 5 vertebrae here, and this area carries a lot of your body’s weight, which is why it’s a common source of pain for many people.

• Sacrum — a triangular bone made up of 5 fused vertebrae that connect your spine to your pelvis.

• Coccyx — commonly known as your tailbone, made of 4 fused vertebrae.

Between most of these vertebrae, you have intervertebral discs — little cushion-like pads that absorb shock and allow movement. They’re crucial for flexibility and function.

Running through the center of all this is your spinal cord, one of the most vital parts of your nervous system.
Nerves branch off from the spinal cord through openings in the vertebrae and travel to every part of your body — your arms, your legs, your organs.
That’s why spinal health is about more than just pain — it’s about your overall function and vitality.

When the spine is out of alignment — what we call a subluxation — it can put pressure on those nerves, leading to pain, stiffness, or even problems in areas you wouldn’t immediately connect to your spine, like digestion or breathing.

At Castle Hills Chiropractic, our goal is to keep your spine moving well and aligned properly so your nervous system can do its job without interference.

Taking care of your spine isn’t just about feeling good — it’s about living well.

Thanks for hanging out with me today for a little anatomy lesson! If you ever have questions about your spine or how chiropractic care can help, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Take care, and we’ll see you next time!