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Back Facts
lumbar /
cervical /
back facts
/
clinical research
/ decompression
Four
out of five adults experience significant low back pain at some
point in their lives.
Back pain costs the U.S. about $100 billion each year; 20% in
direct costs and 80% in lost productivity.
In one study, 54% of participants (which translates to 100
million American adults) reported having low back pain that
interfered with their daily activities.
In the same study, 48% of participants thought surgery is the
only real cure (even though surgery is appropriate in less than
5% of people with back pain).
Back pain is one of the
most common physical complaints worldwide. Doctors generally
agree that most back problems are caused by a subluxation or
dislocation of a sacroiliac joint, trigger points, stress, weak,
and/or
over-used muscles.
As societies around the
world become more mechanized and computerized, they have also
become less exercised. We lock ourselves behind desks and in
front of computers. When we sit, our back muscles hold us erect,
but our stomach and hip muscles are inactive. When they are not
exercised, stomach and hip muscles become weaker, putting a
painful strain on the back muscles. Sitting actually places
higher loads inside the lumbar disc than standing (between 150%
to 250% depending on posture).
When we do exercise, we're
often rushed or are only able focus on one or two aspects of our
fitness program. Too often, the most important components for
maintaining good back health are overlooked: strength training
the core muscle groups and flexibility. The condition of your
back is very important to your health. A better back can lead to
a better body.
Anatomy of the Back
Briefly
explained, your spine is made up of the following components:
1) Vertebrae - the
bones that make up your spine
2) Nerves - your entire nerve system runs through your
spine
3) Discs - spongy material that separates your vertebrae,
allowing the nerves to run between each bone segment. Discs act
like shock absorbers and allow the spine to flex.
Each vertebrae is held in
its proper place by three different kinds of soft tissue-discs,
ligaments, and muscles. Almost all back problems are related to
the dysfunction of one of these three. To understand the sources
of your particular back problem and/or how to prevent back pain,
it helps to understand the anatomy of your spine.
Each
vertebrae is held in its proper place by three different kinds
of soft tissue-discs, ligaments, and muscles. Almost all back
problems are related to the dysfunction of one of these three.
To understand the sources of your particular back problem and/or
how to prevent back pain, it helps to understand the anatomy of
your spine.
The natural curves of the spine are vitally important for giving
your back strength and resilience. There are 24 vertebrae in
your spinal column. The lumbar vertebrae are approximately two
inches in diameter reflecting their weight-bearing role. The
cervical vertebrae are smaller, since they must support only the
head. Facet joints are located in pairs on the back of the
spine, where one vertebra slightly overlaps the next. The facet
joints guide and restrict movement of the spine. To the rear of
each vertebra is a hole and when the vertebrae are stacked up,
these holes form a continuous channel which holds the spinal
cord.
The spinal cord provides a
vital link between the brain and all body functions below the
neck. Spinal nerves emerge from the spinal cord through gaps
between the main body of the vertebrae and the facet joints. One
frequent cause of back pain is a worn facet joint, which can
result in a pinched nerve. Therefore, it is very important to
keep your vertebrae in good shape.
 This
drawing shows a normal disc. The main function of your discs is
to act as shock absorbers and provide separation between each
vertebrae. The outer layers of your discs are formed from tough
cartilage. The inner core of your disc is a jelly-like nucleus.
In
total, your discs account for one-quarter the length of your
vertebral column- 4.50" to 6" (12 to 15 cm) for most people. The
disc acquires its nourishment through fluid-attracting and
fluid-absorbing qualities of its jelly-like nucleus.
With no blood supply of its own, the disc is dependent on sponge
action for attracting and absorbing nutrients from adjacent
tissues. During non-weight bearing activities (sleeping) the
discs expand as they soak up fluid, increasing the length of the
spine by as much as one inch overnight. During weight bearing
activities (sitting, standing, exercising), this fluid is
squeezed back into the adjacent soft tissue.
Your vertebra are
supported and moved by many different muscles. Muscles are used
for three basic functions; support, movement, and posture
control. If muscles are tight or weak, they create or worsen
back pain. Joints are controlled by at least two sets of
muscles, flexors which bend the joint, and extensors which
straighten it. In addition, most joints have rotator muscles
that twist and rotate your bones. Good posture is only possible
if the flexors, extensors, and rotators are in proper balance.
Your paraspinal muscles
(which run parallel to your spine) rotate your spine, bend it
backwards, and sideways, and influence posture by creating and
maintaining the curves of your spine. Your erector spine muscles
are involved in movement and run the length of your spine. These
muscles help you to bend over by resisting the force of gravity,
and to straighten up by contracting and exerting great
compressive force on your spine.
Your abdominal muscles
play an important role in helping to support the spine by
maintaining pressure inside the abdomen. This pressure is an
essential measure of counter support to the spine.
Your psoas muscles (hip
flexors) are a large group of muscles in the abdomen. These
muscles help to flex your hips when walking or climbing stairs.
They play an important role in maintaining posture for sitting
and standing.
Intravertebral joints are
supported by ligaments, tough and inelastic fibers which support
the spine and hold it together by allowing only a limited range
of movement in any one direction. Ligaments require regular
movement and loading, otherwise they will eventually become
stiff and weak.
Summary
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There are 24 vertebrae in your back which encase your spinal
cord.
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Spinal nerves run through each vertebral joint in your
spinal column.
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Your discs act as shock absorbers.
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With no blood supply of their own, discs depend on
sponge-like action to soak up nutrients.
Muscles
and ligaments require regular movement in order to maintain
flexibility.
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