Spinal Segments Explained

There is a rule in anatomy and physiology that structure reflects function. The spinal segments’ shape reflects this rule.

Cervical Spine

The cervical spine (C1-C7), which connects the skull to the torso and allows movement of the head through quite a good range of motion, has smaller and more mobile spinal segments, making it more prone to injury, such as fractures and dislocations, particularly in cases of whiplash or car accidents.

If the injury is severe and interrupts the spinal cord, it can be fatal. Otherwise, the injured person may need to wear a collar or have surgery, depending on the stability of the fracture.

Thoracic Spine

The thoracic section, which consists of 12 spinal segments (T1-T12), is thicker and stronger than the cervical spine and is less mobile due to the supporting structure of the ribs.

If it’s injured, it can cause anterior wedge fractures or burst fractures, which may be treated with braces like thoracolumbosacral orthosis, cervical collars with a thoracic extension, Boston Overlap Braces, Minerva Braces, High Taylor Braces, or MP45 braces, and so forth.

Lumbar Spine

The lumbar spine, which is the largest and strongest section of the spine, is located in the lower back and is highly mobile and also carries the most load, making it prone to injuries and wear and tear.

Surgeons may need to trim away bone spurs and fragments or fuse those sections, and afterwards, they may use braces like High Taylor Braces, Low Taylor Braces, or lumbosacral orthosis to help the area recover and reduce pain.

Sacrum

The sacrum, which is formed by six fused bones that drop into the pelvis, is rarely injured, and if it is, it’s usually the coccyx or tailbone that’s affected.

However, people with sacroiliac joint pain, a spinal problem that’s a combination of spine and pelvis issues, can benefit from braces that provide compression and protection to help reduce pain in that area.

View a 3D Model of the Spine

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Contact Orthotics Plus Today

Orthotics Plus is a professional Orthotist company in Melbourne.

  • We have multiple clinic locations
  • We were established in 2012 and gained experience in spinal treatments during this time
  • Our staff have worked in tertiary trauma Hospitals who specialise in spinal management
  • We work collaboratively with Allied health providers
  • You will be treated with compassion and care

To enquire about spinal bracing, please use our clinic locations page to get started, we’d love to hear from you!