In a healthy back, the vertebra joints make up the spinal column. These joints work together and permit multiple degrees of motion. For patients with degenerative disc disease, Osteoarthritis, or a weak or unstable spine caused by infections or tumors, fractures, Scoliosis or other deformities, abnormal and excessive motion of the back may result in pain. After examination and review of your medical history, our surgeon will discuss possible methods of treatment for your problem, and let you know if surgery is necessary.

How The Spine Works
The spine has 25 joints connecting with 33 individual bones and is basically, made up of 5 main segments:

• The neck or cervical vertebrae, which supports the skull
• The chest or thoracic vertebrae which is connected to the ribs
• The lumbar vertebrae
• The bottom 4 bones of the spine that are fused together to form the tailbone (coccyx)
• And the 5 bones above that which are fused together to form the sacrum; all caged within the bones of the pelvis

Each bone in the spine is called a vertebra. The vertebrae are kept separate by disks of cartilage and the cartilage prevents the vertebrae in the spine from wearing against each other. The interconnected series of deep muscles and ligaments keeps the spine supported.