Chiropractic Review: Primary Spinal Anatomy

Arn Strasser, DC Chiropractor Strasser Chiropractic Center Portland, Oregon, USA

Even a brief survey of the cervical spine highlights its exquisite construction. Seven delicate vertebrae make up the bony structure of the neck, cushioned by the same disc material as is found in our low backs. These discs, made up of concentric circles of fibrous material with a firm, gel-like center, act as shock absorbers for the considerable mechanical demands placed on the neck.

Primary Spinal Anatomy
The image above is a general illustration of spinal
anatomy and is not an exact replica of the cervical spine.

Strong ligaments along the front and rear of the body of the vertebrae along with additional ligaments between the vertebrae's bony prominences bind the vertebra together. These ligaments also have a neurological function: nervous elements in ligaments help the brain to know where the body is in space.

Spinal Ligaments
The image above is a general illustration of the spine's
ligaments and is not an exact replica of the cervical spine.

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