| Condition | Mechanism | Effect | |-----------|-----------|--------| | | Disc compresses nerve root in intervertebral foramen | Radiculopathy (pain/numbness in dermatome) | | Spinal stenosis | Narrowing of vertebral canal or foramina | Neurogenic claudication | | Foraminal encroachment | Osteophytes (bone spurs) from vertebrae compress nerve | Cervical or lumbar radiculopathy | | Spondylolisthesis | Vertebra slips forward, stretching/tethering nerve roots | Lower limb weakness, bladder issues (cauda equina risk) | | Shingles (Herpes zoster) | Virus reactivates in dorsal root ganglion | Dermatomal rash and pain |
The runs within the vertebral canal from the foramen magnum to approximately L1–L2 in adults. From the cord emerge: vertebrae with nerves
The nerves that arise from the vertebrae are: The spinal cord is protected by the vertebrae
Each spinal nerve exits the vertebral canal through an – an opening formed by: passes through the vertebral canal
The vertebral column is closely associated with the nervous system. The spinal cord, which is a part of the central nervous system, passes through the vertebral canal, a narrow tube formed by the vertebrae. The spinal cord is protected by the vertebrae and is responsible for transmitting messages between the brain and the rest of the body.