Medical care is geared to each person's individual needs, so not all information presented here will apply to your specific treatment or results.
The patient education information on this website is for your general reference only. Information you read on this site cannot replace the relationship that you have with your health care provider.
You should always talk to your physician and other members of your health care team for specific information about your medical condition, diagnosis and treatment. Discuss potential risks, complications, and benefits of spinal surgery with your doctor prior to receiving treatment. Only your doctor can determine whether you are a suitable candidate for this treatment.
Patient Resources
See articles and images from our Health Library to further illustrate the backbone and its bony parts, as well as the complexity of the human neck.
Spine Anatomy
The vertebral column, also called the spine or backbone, is made up of multiple vertebrae that are separated by spongy disks. Your spine has three sections:
- Cervical spine: the seven vertebrae that run from the base of the skull to the upper chest
- Thoracic spine: the 12 vertebrae spanning from the upper chest to mid-back
- Lumbar spine: the five vertebrae at the lower end. The lumbar spine meets the five fused vertebrae of the sacrum.
See basic spine anatomy >>
See basic neck anatomy >>
Exercises
See common exercises devised specifically to help with aleviating back pain.
See back exercises >>
Glossary
See a list of terms commonly used within the specialties of orthopedics and neurology as they apply to spine care.
See glossary >>
Health Library
Provided as a resource for our patients, visit the Health Library to see additional articles and helpful tips on back and neck care, neurological topics, orthopedics and pain management.
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