Dr. Jian Shen - Understanding Your Spine
Dr. Jian Shen is a general surgeon practicing in Winston Salem, NC. Dr. Shen specializes in abdominal contents including the esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas and often thyroid glands. General surgeons are able to deal with almost any surgical or critical care emergency, also involving the skin or soft tissue... more
What are the parts of the spine?
Understanding how your spine works can help you better understand the common causes of back pain.
Vertebrae. Your spine is made up of vertebral bones that are stacked on top of one another. These bones connect to create a canal that protects the spinal cord.
Spinal cord and nerves. These “electrical cables” travel through the spinal canal carrying messages between your brain and muscles. Nerves branch out from the spinal canal through openings in the vertebrae.
Muscles and ligaments. These provide support and stability for your spine and upper body. Strong ligaments connect your vertebrae and help keep the spinal column in position.
Facet joints. Between vertebrae are small joints that help your spine move.
Your spine is a complex structure that does a lot. There are always demands being placed on your spine.
Your spine holds up your head, shoulders, and upper body. It gives you support to stand up straight, and gives you the flexibility to bend and twist. It also protects your spinal cord.
Understanding how your spine works can help you understand why you have back pain.
