The human spine is a complex structure. In an attempt to understand back pain, it is helpful to understand the basic structure of your spine.

The main components of the spinal column are:

  • Vertebrae - the bones that make up the spine.

    - Neck (cervical) – 7 Vertebrae
    - Chest (thoracic) – 12 Vertebrae
    - Lower back (lumbar/sacral) – 5 Lumbar and 4-5 Sacral Vertebrae

  • Spinal cord and nerves carry messages between the brain and muscles. The nerves exit out from the spinal cord through the openings of the vertebrae called foramen

  • Muscles and ligaments stabilise your spine and keep your spine in its accurate position. Ligaments connect your vertebrae.

  • Facet joints sit in between the main body of the vertebrae and help keep the spine stable while allowing movement to occur.

  • Intervertebral discs are soft structures that sit in between the vertebrae (bones in the spine) and prevent these from rubbing against each other as well as acting as part of the shock absorbing system in the spine. A single disc sits between each vertebra. They help the spine move, twist and bend. They are named by the vertebrae they lie between. Hence the L45 disc lies between the L4 and L5 vertebrae.

    Each intervertebral disc is made up of a strong outer ring made of cartilage (Annulus fibrosus) and the soft centre, jelly-like centre (Nucleus pulposus)

For all appointments and enquiries, please phone   03 8318 4929

MAIN CONSULTING ROOMS

Mayfair Specialist Centre
Level 7
250 Victoria Parade
East Melbourne VIC 3002

ALSO CONSULTING AT

Knox Private Hospital
Suite 1A
262 Mountain Highway
Wantirna VIC 3151

Holmesglen Private Hospital
Suite A1
Paso Consulting Suites
490 South Road
Moorabbin VIC 3189

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