What is the cause of back pain?
Back pain effects nearly 1/3 of all adult Americans with varying degrees of pain. One must first understand the anatomy of the spine to learn about their specific back pain and determine a proper treatment plan. A healthy spine can prevent back pain through a strong posture, flexibility, and rotation, while protecting the spinal cord from injury.
Elements of the spine:
- Vertebrae – 33 small bones that extend from the sacrum to the base of the skull
- Facet joints – cartilage between vertebrae that allows for movement and rotation
- Discs – gel-like cushions between vertebrae giving protective support
- Spinal cord – a column of nerves that transmits signal from the body to the brain
- Ligaments & tendons – connect and hold the bones and muscles for full support during movement
The anatomy of the spine
The spine is made up of five segments: the neck (Vertebrae C1-C7) , the Thoracic (Vertebrae T1-T12), Lower Back (Vertebrae L1-L5) ,the Sacrum, and the Coccyx. Each segment has a function to provide structure, stability, and movement in the back and the body.
Back pain causes:
- lifestyle choices such as poor posture from lack of weight bearing exercise and dietary choices leading to being overweight or obese.
- Occupational choices such as poor ergonomic workspace setting or repetitive on-the -job movements.
- Trauma or accidents
- Osteoporosis or bone loss
- Primary or genetic disorders like scoliosis
- Disease related