Spinal Anatomy

We’re glad that our patients are interested in learning more about the benefits of chiropractic. At the Vassa Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Holbrook, we believe that when patients are educated, they can work better with their doctors to ensure optimal health. To that end, we wanted to provide a basic run-down of how the spine is built.
The spinal column is made up of bones, called vertebrae, with spongy discs in between. There are twenty-six vertebrae which move independently, all but the top two of which have intervening discs. The top two vertebrae are the atlas vertebra, which moves the head up and down, and the axis vertebra, which moves it from side to side. They and the next five vertebrae are called the cervical vertebrae and form the neck bones. The twelve vertebrae below them are the thoracic vertebrae and have ribs branching off them. The lower five vertebrae are the largest and are called the lumbar vertebrae. At the bottom of the spinal column are the sacrum and the coccyx, which are both made up of multiple vertebrae fused together. The spinal cord is the bundle of nerves which runs through a canal created by protrusions in back of the vertebrae, and joints between the protrusions link them all together.
Paul M. Vassa, D.C., operates Vassa Chiropractic & Wellness at 233 Union Ave, Suite 102, Holbrook, New York, 11741. To schedule an appointment call 631-664-6841 or visit Dr. Vassa online.