The back of the vertebra is more complicated, with protrusions and valleys, each with a purpose integral to the spine. The bone extends out from the back of the vertebra to form canals for nerves ...

If nerves are compressed by collapsing spinal bones, there can also be arm or leg weakness, lack of muscle coordination, or the loss of bladder or bowel control. Talk with your healthcare provider ...

A lumbar puncture is used to take a sample of the cerebrospinal fluid from the lower back. This fluid flows around the spinal cord and the brain, and clears waste products. Levels of certain proteins ...