The Back and Spine
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The spine is a curved column of vertebral bodies that act as a support for about half of the weight of the body, with the other half supported by the muscles. The flexibility of the spine allows the body to bend forward, sideways, and, to a lesser extent, backward.
The cervical spine (neck - C1 through C7) has seven vertebral bodies. These vertebrae are the smallest in the spinal column.
The thoracic spine (upper and mid back - T1 through T12) has 12 vertebral bodies. This level has very little motion because they are attached to the ribs and sternum (breastbone).
The lumbar spine (lower back - L1 through L5) has five vertebral bodies. This level extends from the lower thoracic spine to the sacrum (bottom of the spine). The vertebral bodies are stacked on top of each other with a disc in between each one. These vertebrae are the largest in the spinal column.
Each vertebra has a bony arch that is positioned so that the space they enclose is, in effect, a tube, the vertebral canal which protects the spinal cord. Between each vertebra is a disc that is described as having a tough outer core with a jelly-like substance inside. Its primary function is to act as a shock absorber. But, if the disc is injured or starts to degenerate due to age, it can become painful.
Injury, stress, and poor postural habits can cause progressive loss of motion and weakness in muscles in the spine, which in turn limits movement, resulting in structural and muscle dysfunction. The body can develop and maintain adjustments for lack of flexibility and strength, but only for a while. These inefficiencies can take their toll on the body, with more and more bone and muscle breakdown.