Each vertebral segment consists of several parts: two vertebrae, an intervertebral disc located in between each vertebra, two nerve roots that extend out from the spinal cord exiting through either side of the vertebra, and two sets of facet joints which connect each vertebra to one another.
Vertebral Body/Spinal Canal- Each vertebra contains a cylinder-shaped bone in the front called the vertebral body. The vertebral body makes up the bulk of the vertebra and serves as the main weight-bearing structure. Behind the vertebral body is an opening called the vertebral foramen. These openings in the vertebrae create a channel for the spinal cord to travel through. This channel is known as the vertebral canal, also called the spinal canal.
Spinal Cord/Cauda Equina- The spinal cord consists of nerves that branch out at each level of the vertebral segment and travel to various parts of the body. The main function of the spinal cord is to carry messages to and from the brain. This allows us the ability to move our bodies, as well as being able to feel sensations, such as pleasure or pain. The spinal cord begins at the bottom of the brainstem and ends in the lumbar region near the L1/L2 vertebrae where it separates into bundles of nerve roots called the cauda equina.
Pedicle/Lamina- On either side of the vertebral canal are pedicle bones. These bones connect the vertebral body to the lamina. The lamina forms the outer wall of the vertebral canal, enclosing it. This provides cover and protection for the spinal cord.
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- Protruding from the back of the lamina is the
spinous process. This is the bony ridge that can be felt by running your hand down the center of your backbone. It provides an attachment point for ligaments and muscles that move and help stabilize the vertebrae.
Transverse processes protrude out from the sides of each vertebra and they also provide attachment points for ligaments and muscles.
Superior & Inferior Articular Facet Joints- There are four articular facets that form the joints connecting the upper and lower adjacent vertebrae. There is an upper set called the superior articular facet joints and a bottom set called the inferior articular facet joints. Each facet has a covering of cartilage where they attach that allows the vertebrae to move and flex.
Intervertebral Disc/Annulus Fibrosus/Nucleus Pulposus- In between each vertebral body are flexible intervertebral discs, which act as shock absorbers to the spine, such as when you are running or jumping. These discs are made up of two parts: the annulus fibrosus outer ring and the nucleus pulposus inner core.
The annulus fibrosus is the tough outer ring of the intervertebral disc. Its radial, tire-like structure consists of dense layers of collagen fibers that surround the soft inner core. The two main purposes of the annulus fibrosus is to securely connect the spinal vertebrae above and below the disc as well as to contain the inner core called the nucleus pulposus. The nucleus pulposus is mostly made of water and a loose network of collagen fibers. Its main purpose is to distribute pressure evenly across the disc, preventing a concentration of stress in one area. This allows it to act as a shock absorber for the vertebrae, as well as keeping separation in between them. Its main purpose is to distribute pressure evenly across the disc, preventing a concentration of stress in one area.
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Living with a ruptured, or herniated, disc can be an extremely painful and debilitating experience. It can impair your ability to perform even the most basic physical tasks, such as bending over or walking. Even something simple like crawling out of bed can be a daunting task. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), this condition can occur at any age but is most common in people between the ages of 30-50 years old with a male to female ratio of 2:1. Most pain associated with a herniated disc often occurs in the upper cervical and lower lumbar regions of the spine.
