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Meet Your Back
A healthy back is strong, flexible and pain free. It supports the
upper body, protects the spinal cord, and allows for maximum mobility.
Many complex, interrelated parts help the back to perform these
function.
The Spinal Column
Your spinal column is made of 24 bony segments called vertebrae,
properly aligned and connected by a series of joints, ligaments
and muscles. Interlocking joints called facets allow the vertebrae
flexibility of movement, while discs between the vertebrae perform
a protective, cushioning function. The vertebrae and discs in the
lower back are the largest and carry the greatest body weight. Strong
back and abdominal muscles give the back the support it needs and
are especially important for the low back area.
Disc Anatomy
Discs are pads of cartilage between the vertebrae that
absorb the pressure of continuous body weight on the spinal column.
Their jelly-like nucleus is surrounded by a tough, fibrous covering,
making them an ideal cushion. Aging and normal wear and tear can
cause the discs to distort, putting painful pressure on the sensitive
spinal nerves.
Your back is naturally flexible and strong, but its parts are in
delicate balance. Proper alignment and the support of strong back
muscles and ligaments, as well as strong abdominal muscles, keep
a healthy back functioning properly.
Nerves
Your spine is the channel connecting your brain with the nerves
throughout your body. Spinal nerves branch off from the spinal cord
and pass through the foramina and goes out to the body. Nerves from
the neck and upper back supply the arm and nerves from the low back
supply the legs.
Understanding the Problem
With nerve root problems, the spinal nerves that pass through the
vertebrae in your spine become pinched and irritated. You may experience
sharp pain shooting down your arm (often triggered by turning your
head), down your leg, or tingling, weakness, and numbness in your
arms and hands or legs and feet. A nerve root problem can be caused
by a variety of joint and disc problems, such as facet problems,
a ruptured (herniated) disc, or severe osteoarthiritis. Left untreated,
further problems can develop.
The nervous system is the most important system in the body because
it basically controls the rest of the body – it’s like
the fuse box in your house – if there is a blown fuse or a
problem in the nervous system – no nerve impulse gets to certain
areas of the body – just like no electricity gets to certain
parts of the house.
Soft Tissue
Soft tissue includes muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Muscles work
together to move and support your head. Tendons are tough tissues
that connect muscle to bone. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue
that stabilize and connect the vertebrae.
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