A column of bones called vertebrae make up your spine. These bones are named based on their location. The cervical vertebrae are in your neck; thoracic vertebrae are in your upper back, and the lumbar vertebrae are in your lower back. Fused bones at the bottom of your spinal column are called the sacrum and coccyx. Small, circular cushions called disks located between each vertebra, act as shock absorbers when you move your back.