Neck pain or back pain, caused by an injury or disorder, can make simple tasks a challenge. Neck or back problems may affect walking, driving a car, even getting through your workday.

The spine is your body’s main structure, providing support and flexibility that allows you to move, turn, sit, stand, twist, stretch, and bend over. The spine extends from the base of your skull to the tip of your tailbone and is a complicated series of bones, discs, muscles, nerves, and ligaments. The three main areas of the spine, which are susceptible to spine problems, are the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar.

The cervical spine is the neck region, containing the first seven spinal bones (or vertebrae). The vertebrae of the cervical spine protect nerves and the spinal cord, support your skull, and give you the ability to move your head.

The thoracic area is at the level of your chest and contains twelve vertebrae, connected to the ribs, which help protect vital organs.

The lumbar is the lower part of the spine, containing five vertebrae. These vertebrae are the largest and strongest in the spine, because they carry the majority of your body's weight. The nerves located in the lumbar area of the spine enable your legs and feet to feel and move.

Because of the spine’s complex arrangement, successfully diagnosing and treating neck, back, and spine conditions requires specialized knowledge and training.

If you are currently living with neck, back, or spine problems, talk with your primary care physician about a referral to VOA Spine Services or call VOA at 425-656-5060.

Spine Surgery - Physicians

Christopher R. Howe, M.D.
Mark C. Remington, M.D., Ph.D.
Jason H. Thompson, M.D.

The Spine Center at Valley Medical Center
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Neck Surgery
North American Spine Society
Spine-Health