The spinal column has three
main sections-the cervical spine,
the thoracic spine, and the lumbar spine.
The first seven vertebrae form the cervical
spine. The mid back, called the thoracic spine,
consists of 12 vertebrae. The lowest part
of the spine is called the lumbar spine.
The lumbar spine usually has five vertebrae.
However, sometimes people are born with a
sixth vertebra in the lumbar region. The base of your spine
(called the sacrum) is a group of specialized
vertebrae that connects the spine to the pelvis.
When one of the
bones forms as a vertebra rather than part
of the sacrum, it is called a transitional
(or sixth) vertebra. This occurrence is not
dangerous and does not appear to have any
serious side effects.
The lumbar spine's
shape has a lordotic curve-shaped like a backward
"C". The vertebrae in the lumbar spine area
are the largest of the entire spine. The lumbar
spinal canal is also larger than in the cervical
or thoracic parts of the spine. The size of
the lumbar spine allows for more space for
nerves to move about.
