Become Pain Free | Pain Specialist in Texas

Pain Free Blog
Become Pain Free is a group of doctors specializing in pain relief.

Basic Anatomy of the Spine

Spinal Pain To understand spinal pain, we need to understand the basic anatomy of the spine. The spine is composed of strong bones, large muscles, flexible tendons and sensitive nerves. The spine is designed to be very strong and flexible, protecting our nerve endings while at the same time providing great mobility. You can experience spinal pain when the spine's nerves are irritated, the muscles are strained, injury or a slipped disk. We will have a brief overview of the anatomy of the spine to help target the source of your pain. The cervical spine. This is your neck area. The cervical spine is comprised of seven bones and supports our heads and protects the nerves that connect the brain to the rest of the body. Pain in this area is usually associated with strained muscles or ligaments from stress or other minor injuries. Common pain does not usually require medical attention and can be alleviated with acetaminophen and ice or heat. If your pain lasts longer than two weeks or is accompanied by arm pain, numbness or tingling, this is an anatomical problem and could be signs of a herniated disk. The thoracic spine. The upper back is composed of 12 bones that attach to the rib cage, providing stability and support. There is very little ability for mobility in this area of the back. The thoracic spine is designed for protection of the vital organs in this area of the body. Injuries to this part of the spine are very rare, but extreme muscle strain could cause pain in this area. If you are suffering an injury to this area of the spine, contact a doctor immediately. The lumbar spine. The lumbar spine, also known as the lower back, carries the weight of our upper bodies. This area of the spine is the most frequently injured. The upper disks of the lumbar spine are prone to wear and tear, thus a concern for osteoarthritis, while the lower disks are more likely to herniate. Though a cause for concern in later years of life, the lumbar spine mostly is a source of pain caused by muscle strain. The sacral region. This is the bottom of the spine, a single bone shaped like a triangle that connects the spine to the lower half of our bodies. Pain in this area is more common among women and is usually prone to bruising. Become Pain Free is the area's most diverse, comprehensive network of physicians whose sole purpose is to relieve every patient's pain. Call us today for an appointment - (214) 396-3647 or (888) 373-3720