The spine protects the spinal cord and provides the structural support for the body, allowing us to stand upright.  The thoracic spine, or mid-back, includes 12 vertebrae (T1-T12) and the muscles and ligaments that connect them.  These 12 bones provide attachments for the ribs and give a great deal of stability and support to the upper body.  The thoracic spine is not designed for movement to allow for greater protection of the organs in the thorax.

The lumbar spine, or lower back, consists of 5 vertebrae (L1-L5) and is located between the thoracic spine and the sacrum.  The bones in this part of the spine are larger due to the increased load of weight they must carry.  The discs that provide padding in between the vertebrae (intervertebral discs) also carry more weight in the lumbar region and are therefore more prone to degradation and injury.

The lumbosacral joint, joining the lumbar spine and the sacrum, has a wide range of movement to allow for the rotation of the pelvis and hips while walking and running.  Large muscles in your lower back support your spine and power your twisting and bending movements.

The conditions that we treat in the middle and lower back include, but are not limited to:

Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease

Thoracic Herniated Disc

Lumbar Herniated Disc

Thoracic Facet Dysfunction

Lumbar Facet Dysfunction

Low Back Pain

Lumbar Radiculopathy

Sciatica

Spondylolysis/Spondylolisthesis