What Is the Sacrum?
The sacrum is a broad, triangular bone at the base of the spine. It connects the lumbar spine with the pelvis through the sacroiliac joints and continues into the coccyx. The sacrum helps transfer forces between the upper body and legs while supporting pelvic stability during movement and pregnancy.
Quick Facts About Sacrum
Category
Pelvic and spinal bone
Used for
Force transfer and pelvic support
Common confusion
Often confused with the coccyx
Also called
Sacral bone
Often discussed with
Prenatal Chiropractic Care
Key Takeaways About Sacrum
- The sacrum has a triangular shape and sits between the hip bones.
- Sacroiliac joints connect the sacrum with the pelvis.
- The sacrum is not the same as the coccyx.
How Sacrum Works
The sacrum works as a bridge between the lower spine and the pelvis. Its broad upper surface receives load from the lumbar spine, while its lower end joins the coccyx. The sacroiliac joints connect the sacrum with the left and right sides of the pelvis. These joints allow small, controlled movements as the body bends, walks, and changes position.
Related glossary terms: Lumbar Spine, Pelvic Alignment, Facet Joint.
Clinicians assess the sacrum by considering pelvic position, spinal motion, muscle tension, and movement patterns. A sacroiliac joint assessment can help distinguish discomfort near the back of the pelvis from symptoms linked to the lumbar spine or hip. During pregnancy, changing posture and pelvic loading may affect how the sacrum functions within the surrounding region.
From the Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor team
When we assess the sacrum during prenatal chiropractic care, we consider pelvic motion, posture, muscle tension, and the way movement affects the surrounding joints. We use those findings to guide gentle, pregnancy-appropriate care and to monitor changes across visits.
Sacrum in Practice: A Real-World Example
A pregnant patient may notice discomfort near one side of the low back when standing or turning in bed. A prenatal assessment may examine sacral and pelvic movement along with nearby muscles before care is planned.
Related Services
Related Terms
Lumbar Spine
The lumbar spine is the lower section of the vertebral column between the thoracic spine and…
Pelvic Alignment
Pelvic Alignment is the relationship among the pelvis, sacrum, hips, and lower spine as they support…
Facet Joint
A facet joint is a small, paired connection between the back portions of neighboring spinal bones…
Sciatic Nerve
The sciatic nerve is the body’s largest peripheral nerve, formed by nerve roots in the lower…
Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor
Have Questions About Sacrum?
Contact Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor for practical guidance on Sacrum and related chiropractor work in Atlanta.