If you’ve even been to a chiropractor, then you know that a lot of cracking is involved. Though it seems innocuous enough, the sound may still be unnerving. In this short video, learn what causes the cracking sound that occurs during chiropractic adjustments. By viewing a model, you can see how the spine’s synovial joints move during an adjustment, and how the escaping gas makes a cracking sound.

If you’re feeling any back pain or discomfort, then visit the Spine Institute of Nevada . Dr. Perry and his knowledgeable staff use the most advanced techniques to diagnose and treat your spinal issues, allowing you to enjoy pain-free living. For more information, give us a call today at (702) 239-3787 . 

Though your spine makes all of your movement possible, you may not think about it too much. To many, the spine seems straightforward enough—just a set of bones that attaches the top half of your body to your bottom half. Yet in fact, the spine is an incredibly complicated structure made up of many individual components. Here’s a brief look at the human spine and all of its complexities:

The Vertebrae

Though the spine is often called the “backbone,” it is in fact comprised of 33 vertebrae—nine of which are fused together to make up the coccyx and sacrum of the lower spine. The three regions of the spine are called the cervical (upper), thoracic (middle), and lumbar (lower), and are made up of 7, 12, and 5 vertebrae respectively.

Discs

Between each of the vertically-stacked vertebrae are discs, which are made of cartilage and act as shock absorbers. If the discs didn’t exist, then our spines wouldn’t bend, making life very difficult. One of the most common culprits of lower back pain is a herniated disc, which is when one of the discs moves out of alignment and pinches a nerve.

The Spinal Cord

Perhaps the most important part of the spine is the spinal cord, a long tube of nerve tissue that runs down the length of your spine. Spinal cord injuries are extremely serious, as they can result in paralysis: Your spinal cord is the highway through which all of your body’s neural signals pass, making it responsible for all of the feeling and movement below your head.

If you’d like to learn more about your spine, then contact the Spine Institute of Nevada . We know how complicated the spine is, which is why we take extra care with diagnosing and treating difficult spine disorders. If you’re feeling any pain or discomfort in your spine, then call (702) 239-3787 right away.

As we go about our daily lives, most of us take our spines for granted. In reality, a strong and healthy spine is essential for living a long, healthy life. For more information, follow these helpful links:

• Want to learn about the history of spinal treatment ? Be sure to visit this page from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
• Osteoporosis is the thinning of bone density over time, affecting around 1 in 5 women over fifty. To learn more about it, take a look at this page from PubMed Health.
• Learn how to take better care of your spine at this page from eHow.com.
• The spine is essential for our everyday mobility. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons explains the basics of the spine . 
• A vertebral compression fracture can cause severe pain if left untreated. For more information, take a look at this page from eMedicineHealth.com.

For more information, call the Spine Institute of Nevada at (702) 239-3787 .