About the spine
The spine is central to the skeletal system. It supports the head and encloses the spinal cord. It is made up of 33 vertebrae which are classified into five regions:
- Cervical vertebrae – there are 7 cervical vertebrae in the neck region.
- Thoracic vertebrae – there are 12 thoracic vertebrae in the upper back region.
- Lumbar vertebrae – there are 5 lumbar vertebrae in the lower back region.
- Sacral vertebrae – the 5 sacral vertebrae are fused together to form the sacrum.
- Coccygeal vertebrae – the 4 small coccygeal vertebrae are fused together to form the coccyx or tailbone.
Running down the centre of the spine is the spinal cord. The spinal cord is made up of millions of nerve fibres. These nerves are the communication link between the brain and all other parts of the body. Messages about feeling or sensation are sent to the brain via the spinal cord, and the brain sends movement or functional messages to the body, also via the spinal cord.
The diagram to the right illustrates the various levels of the spine and the extent of paralysis which occurs to the body when the spinal cord is injured at a certain level.
… that’s how one client, Josh Burry, views his personal care assistants. 
In 2008 the Toowoomba Post Polio Support Group launched their shoe exchange program. 
By purchasing Spinal Injuries Association pens you can help us to enhance the lives of people with a spinal cord injury while proudly displaying your support. 
