Visiting the back surgeon Plano TX can seem like a frightening thing; we all are afraid of the unknown. But once you understand how the spine works, maybe it won’t seem so intimidating. Terms like “back surgery” appear vague and scary, but with a little bit of education on how your back works, you can approach back surgery with less fear and more confidence.

Back Surgeon Plano TX: The Basics of How the Spine Works

While the spine’s length will depend on the height of the individual, men generally have a spine of 71 cm, while women’s spines are usually around 61 cm.

The spine is composed of four unique regions:

• Cervical region: This is your neck area. Made up of 7 different vertebrae, the cervical region is the most flexible part of the spine.
• Thoracic region: This is what we refer to as our upper back---it has 12 vertebrae.
• Lumbar region: This is the lower part of your back. It curves inward naturally and requires the most support when you sit and drive. It has 5 vertebrae, and this is where most back pain occurs.
• Sacral region: This section of the spine contains one sacrum (5 sacral vertebrae fused together) and a tailbone (otherwise known as the coccyx).

Back Doctor Plano: Why Is Your Spine So Flexible?

Each vertebrae in your spine is joined and separated by ligaments and spinal discs. According to the National Library of Medicine, spinal discs are “a circular piece of cushioning tissue situated between each vertebrae of the spine. Each disk has a strong outer cover and a soft jelly-like filling.” These little miracles can deteriorate over time, though, so modern medicine has invented replacements like the Prestige LP Cervical Disc, which Brain and Spine Center of Texas’s own Dr. Rebecca Stachniak helped develop.

Plano Spine Institute: Your Spine Helps You Keep Your Balance, Too

If you were to stand a broom up and then let go, it would obviously fall---so why don’t we fall too?

One reason is that our spines aren’t in a straight line like a broom. The spine has four natural curves, according to the National Library of Medicine. Each of the four regions of the spinal column has its own natural curvature to help you keep your balance and absorb shock as you perform daily activities.

To learn more about the fascinating aspects of the human spine, John Hopkins Medicine is a reputable place to get started. If you find yourself facing debilitating back pain, call Brain and Spine Center of Texas at (972) 943-9779. We’ll get you back on your feet again and help take away your pain---it’s what we do best.