Anatomy of the Spine

The spinal column:

• Protects your spinal cord
• Is comprised of a number of bones, called vertebrae
• Vertebrae run from the skull to the pelvis and are stacked on top of each other
• Vertebrae are grouped in four regions

What do vertebrae do?

• Vertebrae are the weight bearing structures of the spinal column
• Upper body weight is distributed through the spine to the sacrum and pelvis
• Natural curves in the spine provide resistance and elasticity to distribute body weight and loads sustained during movement