Ann Arbor chiropractor, Michael Tannenbaum, D.C. presents another blog post: The Spinal Column.

The spinal column is used to house and protect the spinal cord and is integral in the flexibility and strength of the body. It is an extremely important, very complicated and integrated body structure. Chiropractors are experts in the physiology of the spine and how the spinal column effects the bodies health. Here are some interesting facts about the spinal column we talk to our patients about at our Ann Arbor chiropractic office.

1. When born our spine consists of 33 individual spinal bones (vertebrae).

2. As we age the lower 5-10 bones of the spine fuse together to from the sacrum and coccygeal bones.

3. You have 7 vertebrae in what is called the cervical (neck) part of the spine.

4. You have 12 vertebrae in what is called the thoracic (upper and mid back) part of the spine.

5. You have 5 vertebrae in what is called the lumbar (lower back) part of the spine.

6. Humans and most land mammals have the same number of neck vertebrae. For example, giraffes and humans have 7 cervical vertebrae.

7. The top cervical vertebrae, which sits below the skull, is often called the Atlas. Named the Atlas in reference to the Greek god Atlas, who carried the world on top of his head.

8. The spinal column includes 120 muscles, 220 ligaments and at least 100 joints to give the spine it's amazing strength and flexibility.

9. A quarter of the spines length is made up of cartilage. The cartilage in the spine makes sponge-like discs that separate most of the vertebrae from one another. The discs also work to maintain the openings that allow bundles of nerves (nerve roots) to go between the vertebrae unimpeded.

10. Car accidents are a major cause of neck pain, mid back pain, low back back pain and spinal column and spinal cord injuries.

11. The leading cause of disability in the U.S. is back pain.

12. You can keep your spine healthier and prevent back pain by having good posture and by stretching and strengthening your back muscles.

The spinal column is an amazing and fascinating part of the human body. It's complexity matches it's importance to the bodies ability to function properly and to the bodies health. If you have neck pain, mid back pain, low back pain, headaches or other nerve and/or musculoskeletal problems you should have a chiropractor check the health of your spinal column. Also, if you have questions about this blog post you can contact Tannenbaum Chiropractic in Ann Arbor at [email protected].