It is often times helpful to review the anatomy of an affected area in order to understand the source of the pain, terminology of the affected area, mechanism that causes the pain, and proposed treatments.

Pain can arise from almost all the structures of the body. Most pain patients are seen for pain arising from the spine. The spine is divided into the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral vertebrae. Pain from the spine typically arises from one or more of the following: the intervertebral disc, facet joints, sacroiliac joint, and nerve roots.

Other common sources of pain include: pain that arises from peripheral nerves, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints Please follow the links depending on the location of your pain. These links will provide generalized descriptions, pictures, animations, and definitions.