These days, many patients and their families want to be able to understand the medical disorder that they are encountering. To understand a spinal condition it is helpful to first understand some basics about the spine. So, this section will present you with an overview of a healthy spine. These vertebrae are connected in the front of the spine by intervertebral discs. Discs are very strong tissues, which are filled with a gel.
Discs help to support the spine, and also allow it to move.
You may have heard your doctor using such terms as lumbar spine, or L5. These terms are easy and important to understand. The main purpose of these structures is to protect the spinal cord, and to enable the connection of the vertebrae of muscles and ligaments. These curves allow the head to position over the pelvis in a sitting and standing position, while allowing for load bearing and shock absorption in the spine. The neural elements consist of the spinal cord and nerve roots.