How Your Spine Works

Your spine consists of 24 vertebrae plus your sacrum and coccyx. The first of your seven cervical (neck) vertebrae (C1), called the "atlas," holds the globe of the skull. Your second, (C2) the "axis", permits head turning and tilting. Cervical vertebrae C3 - C7 continue through the neck.

Your 12 thoracic (mid-back) vertebrae (T1 - T12) all connect to the ribs in the back, and all but two (T11 and T12, which "float") join the sternum (breastbone) in front.Your five lumbar (lower back) vertebrae are the biggest, thickest, and most massive vertebrae.  These support the weight of your entire spine, which is why so many spinal problems are in the lower back (lumbar) area. Your sacrum is made up of five fused vertebrae.  The sacrum and the hips on either side make up your pelvis. Your coccyx, four fused vertebrae, is what's left of your tailbone.

* Information provided by:  Ted Korean, D.C.  "Chiropractic, Bringing Out the Best in You"