Figure 3 is a lateral view that illustrates how two individual lumbar vertebra are connected together to form the spinal or intervertebral joint. Accordingly, the intervertebral joint is often referred to as the three joint complex. It is this joint complex that allows for all the spinal movements we make during the course of our day and at the golf course. Golfers can also injure spinal ligaments and muscles, both of which are illustrated in upcoming figures. Figure 4 illustrates the many ligaments that further connect adjacent vertebra.
Ligaments are important for the structural stability of the spine as they prevent excessive motion.
The spinal cord is located in the vertebralforamen or spinal canal. Figure 5 illustrates the position of the spinal cord in the vertebral foramen of the first cervical vertebra called the atlas. Figure 6 illustrates the vertebral foramen in three different vertebrae. Notice that several structures are highlighted in this figure. Regarding back pain and spinal injury, it is the extremely uncommon case when the spinal cord and nerves get injured.