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Glossary

What Is the Sacrum?

Sacrum is a triangular bone at the base of the spine that connects the lumbar spine to the pelvis. It forms the back wall of the pelvic region and joins the hip bones at the sacroiliac joints. The sacrum helps transfer forces between the spine and pelvis during standing, walking, and movement.

Quick Facts About Sacrum

Category

Pelvic and spinal bone

Used for

Spine and pelvis assessment

Common confusion

Often confused with the coccyx

Also called

Sacral Bone, Sakrum

Often discussed with

Back Pain Treatment, Chiropractic Adjustment

Key Takeaways About Sacrum

  • The sacrum is triangular and sits below the lumbar spine.
  • Sacroiliac joints connect the sacrum with the pelvis.
  • The sacrum is not the same structure as the coccyx.

How Sacrum Works

A hand holds a pale, hole-pocked bone fragment over a wooden table near a window

Sacrum functions as a firm connection between the lower spine and the pelvic bones. Its broad upper surface meets the lumbar spine, while its sides connect with the hip bones through the sacroiliac joints. These joints allow small movements that support changes in position and load.

Related glossary terms: Sacroiliac Joint, Lumbar Spine, Pelvic Floor.

During walking or standing, the sacrum helps distribute force through the pelvis. Clinicians assess its position and motion alongside the lumbar spine, hips, and surrounding muscles. A sacral finding may relate to pelvic alignment, restricted joint motion, or soft tissue tension, so the structure is evaluated as part of the broader back and pelvic region.

Two men sit indoors facing each other, one speaking while touching the other’s arm and side in a calm room with a window

From the Arrowhead Clinic - Lithia Springs team

When we assess the sacrum, we consider its relationship with the lumbar spine, pelvis, hips, and sacroiliac joints. We combine posture findings, movement checks, and the person’s reported symptoms to guide care within Back Pain Treatment. Our team treats the sacrum as part of a connected region, not as an isolated structure.

Sacrum in Practice: A Real-World Example

A person with low back discomfort may report symptoms during walking, bending, or prolonged standing. During Back Pain Treatment, the clinician may assess sacral movement along with the lumbar spine, pelvis, and hip muscles to identify contributing movement patterns.

Related Terms

Sacroiliac Joint

Sacroiliac Joint is the connection between the sacrum at the base of the spine and the…

Lumbar Spine

The lumbar spine is the lower section of the vertebral column, located between the thoracic spine…

Pelvic Floor

Pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues that supports pelvic organs and helps…

Anterior Pelvic Tilt

Anterior Pelvic Tilt is a forward rotation of the pelvis that increases the inward curve of…

Arrowhead Clinic - Lithia Springs

Have Questions About Sacrum?

Contact Arrowhead Clinic - Lithia Springs for practical guidance on Sacrum and related chiropractor work in Lithia Springs.

The health and wellness information on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult a qualified licensed provider in Lithia Springs, Georgia, United States about your specific condition before making care decisions. Individual results vary.

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