Spine Anatomy

Spinal nerves exit through openings between vertebrae, branching into peripheral nerves and damage to these nerves can lead to neuropathic pain.

The coccyx is a triangular arrangement of bone that makes up the final segment of the vertebral column and represents the vestigial tail.

The piriformis muscle is a small, flat, and pear-shaped muscle located deep in the buttock. When overused or fatigued, it can spasm and irritate the nearby sciatic nerve, causing piriformis syndrome.

Back muscles can be a cause of back pain. Explore the mechanism of back pain from weak muslces and learn about the effective strategies to strengthen your back with exercise.

C1 and C2 vertebral and spinal segment injuries are usually treated using nonsurgical methods. Surgery may be indicated in cases of spinal instability or chronic nerve pain.

Conditions affecting the C2-C5 spinal motion segments are first treated with nonsurgical methods. Spinal cord compression and/or progressive nerve problems may need to be surgically treated.

Typically, conditions affecting the C5-C6 spinal motion segment are first treated with nonsurgical methods. Persistent and/or progressive spinal cord or spinal nerve problems may need to be surgically treated.

Treatment of the C6-C7 spinal motion segment includes both nonsurgical and surgical methods.

Treatment of the C7-T1 spinal motion segment includes both nonsurgical and surgical methods. Nonsurgical methods are usually tried first.