Spine Basics

How the Spine Works

Understanding your spine and how it works can help you better understand some of the problems that occur from aging or injury.

Many demands are placed on your spine. It holds up your head, shoulders, and upper body. It gives you support to stand up straight, and gives you flexibility to bend and twist. It also protects your spinal cord.

 

Learn About Parts of the Spine
spine-side

Anatomy of the Spine

This short video describes how the many parts of the spine —  including the vertebrae, invertebral disks, and facet joints — work together to allow us to stand and move.

Animation courtesy Visual Health Solutions, Inc.