They are smaller than the other vertebrae, allowing for better movement. The middle twelve vertebrae are referred to as the thoracic spine and are mostly used for rotational motion. The lower 5 vertebrae are called the lumbar spine . They are larger and thicker than the other vertebrae because they must support the most weight. The ligaments are tissues that hold the vertebrae in place.
Muscles surround the spine to give it strength and help with movement.
The muscles are attached to the spine by tendons . There are discs located between each vertebrae. The nucleus of the disk is filled with a gelatinous substance which allows the disk to act as a shock absorber between each two vertebrae. The spinal cord is comprised of bundles of nerves that run down the spine from the brain through a central hole in the vertebrae. Common Causes of Back Pain Non-Specific Pain Back pain often seems to have no clear or specific cause.