The normal anatomy of the spine is described in three major sections: cervical the vertebrae in the neck, thoracic from the shoulders to the waist, lumbar from the waist to the hips and sacrum from the hips to the pelvis. Each section is made up of individual bones called vertebrae. There are seven cervical vertebrae, 12 thoracic vertebrae, five lumbar vertebrae and two sacrum vertebrae.
An individual vertebra is composed of several parts. Fibrous discs which separate each of the vertebrae, the lamina which covers the spinal canal and the spinal nerves are in the center of the canal. There are four facet joints associated with each vertebra. These interlock with the adjacent vertebrae and provide stability to the spine. The vertebrae are separated by discs which act as cushions between the bones. Each disc is made up of two parts. The annulus, a hard, tough outer layer surrounds the soft, liquid interior called the nucleus. When one or several of these components are damaged or diseased pain, discomfort and loss of function can occur.
The Specialists credentialed with The Surgical Center of the Treasure Coast provides comprehensive evaluation and management for a wide range of spinal illnesses including disc problems, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, sciatica, fractures and dislocations, tumors, osteoporosis, spine infections, and unsuccessful previous surgery.