The spine is separated into 4 areas:

Cervical spine (neck)                                   

Thoracic spine (mid back)

Lumbar spine (lower back)

Sacrum (part of the pelvis)

Cervical spine constitutes the first seven vertebrae which enable the head and neck to move in conjunction with each other or independently upon each other. They, like all other vertebrae, are also the pivot around which the soft tissues that attach and surround them, such as muscles, ligaments, discs, nerves and fibrous capsule control movement.

Thoracic spine. The primary role for the 12 thoracic vertebrae as a group is rotation of the upper body to the right and left, as well as contributing to the global movements of the spine in all directions. Bigger in size to their cervical counter parts  they nevertheless provide the same functions including; protection for the neural structures, muscle attachment to engineer movement, weight bearing and transfer and absorption of impact.

Lumbar spine is the 5 remaining non fused vertebrae which perform the same roles as the rest of the vertebrae of the spine. However the differences in design demonstrate the differences in responsibility. Larger in size than the other vertebrae to accommodate the increased weight bearing and transference there is also enlarged bony prominences primarily to enable the attachment of the larger muscle groups.

Sacrum combines with the innominate bones to create the pelvis. These four vertebrae are fused and therefore do not allow independent movement however as a group are involved in the movement of the spine, through flexion and extension, on the innominate bones. 

Common complaints include, stiffness, pain, referred pain, loss of function and movement and change in sensation. These symptoms can be individual in presentation or a combination of many and can significantly vary in presentation, severity and irritability in each individual.

Physiotherapy can help in diagnosing as well as treating conditions through a variety of interventions that include:

·        Mobilisation and manipulation

·        Nerve impingement release techniques

·        Muscle strengthening and stabilising

·        Posture and positioning advice

·        Soft tissue release and massage

·        Pain relief