Understanding the Anatomy of the Human Back
Your back is basically a powerhouse for the whole body. Yes, you should regard it as such because it allows your head, arms, and legs to move. On top of that, it offers support for the trunk. It is without question that the human spinal column is one of the most critical parts of the body as its tremendous design provides many bodily functions.
For instance, the spinal column and vertebrae are responsible for protecting the spinal cord, which provides essential communication to the brain, affecting the body’s mobility and sensations via the interaction of the bones, ligaments and muscles of the back as well as the nerves that surround it.
However, it is well worth noting that the vertebrae and their joints are able to move in approximately six different directions, and all of that movement means there’s a reasonably good chance that at some point, something is pretty likely to go wrong.
However, it is well worth noting that the vertebrae and their joints are able to move in approximately six different directions, and all of that movement means there’s a reasonably good chance that at some point, something is pretty likely to go wrong.
The Infrastructure of the Human Back
We human beings are born with thirty-three vertebrae that are separated from one another. However, once we reach adulthood, most of us are left with only twenty-four vertebrae. Such occurrence can be attributed to the fact that during normal development, the vertebrae end up fusing together in certain parts of the spine. There is a special manner in which each vertebra is formed, so upon becoming stacked with one another, the spinal cord receives protection by the bones of the whole spinal column.
The first seven vertebrae form the cervical spine. Right underneath the skull is where the structure begins, and concludes at the top of the thoracic spine. The cervical spine possesses a backward C-shape and its mobility is substantially better than both thoracic and lumbar regions of the spine.
The cervical spine is rather unique compared to other regions of the spine due to the one-of-a-kind gaps present with every single vertebra. These gaps or openings are very important because they make it possible for the arteries to transport blood to the brain in a smooth fashion.
Right in the middle of the lumbar vertebrae and cervical resides the thoracic, which is actually the chest level region of the spine. The structure of the thoracic comprises of a total of twelve vertebrae labeled as Tl to Tl2, and they function as attachment points for our ribs. Because of this, the thoracic provides only minimal movement. The area that supports the most amount of weight is the lumbar and it comprises of a total of only five vertebrae, which are labeled L1 to L5. Since it holds most of the weight, the majority of back problems occur here.
Underneath the lumbar spine, the nine vertebrae at the base grow together. Five vertebrae are stacked together forming a triangular bone known as the sacrum. Most people have two dimples in the low back, and this area - where the sacrum joins the hipbones - is known as the sacroiliac joint.
The lowest four vertebrae, which are fused, form the tailbone, or the coccyx. Running through the center of the spine is the spinal canal, and through the canal is the spinal cord. Our nerves are able to deliver messages to and from the brain thanks to the spinal cord, which relays actions and sensations such as temperature, muscle control and pain.
Common Back Ailments
Every year, many adults seek medical attention regarding backache. This ailment is extremely common and according to several studies, it is a disability factor that affects numerous adults that are below the age of forty-five. The spinal region, particularly from the neck to the buttocks, is very much susceptible to muscle, ligament, or bone injury. Fortunately, proper care that includes maintaining correct posture and avoiding physical stress can help a person from experiencing extreme backache.
Even though the majority of back problems are musculoskeletal-related, kidney infections, gastrointestinal distress, reproductive organ issues as well as many other internal disorders can be the cause of some back pain. That’s why it’s so crucial to visit the doctor and seek medical help if you are experiencing prolonged or persistent pain.
Mechanical and Developmental Disorders
LOW BACK PAIN: In most cases, it affects young adults or people in early middle age. It exhibits a range of symptoms from feeling stiffness in the morning to abrupt pain in either side of the body, and also the inability to stand up straight.
Strain within the ligaments is often the factor and/or muscles or an intervertebral disk that has slipped (the disks absorb the shock of motion). Treatment for low back pain varies according to injury, but generally, maintaining good posture and regular exercise can help to substantially decrease issues associated with low back pain.
LORDOSIS AND KYPHOSIS: The forward or inward curvature of the spine is a disorder recognized as lordosis. It often hits the lumbar (lower) region and it is a common disorder among obese people. Lordosis can occur during pregnancy and can sometimes be caused by incorrect posture.
Kyphosis is an excessive curvature in the thoracic (upper middle) region, which can result in the condition usually referred to as hunchback. Kyphosis is very frequently associated with scoliosis, a lateral curvature of the spine. It can sometimes occur due to an injury to the back or by congenital malformation.
HERNIATED DISK: Pressure is exerted on the disk as the spine bends, which can cause the soft center (nucleus pulposus) to rupture through the outer ring (anulus fibrosus). This rupture then presses on a nerve running from the spinal cord to a different part of the body.
The pain is felt in the area that the nerve supplies. The area of the back most commonly affected is the lumbar region, because those disks take the most strain. If this occurs, pain within the buttock will be felt and it flows down the leg hitting the foot, therefore resulting in ailment referred to as sciatica. Apparently, young men are more prone to experiencing herniated disks compared to women.
COCCYGODYNIA: The coccyx is a small bone located in the lowest area of the spine. If there is chronic and persistent pain originating from the coccyx, it means the person is likely suffering from coccygodnynia. When sitting or while defecating, the pain level increases, but decreases when the person stands up. This ailment can last for a few months and is generally caused by falling heavily backward and landing in a sitting position.
SCOLIOSIS: It is okay to have some curvature in the neck, as well as upper and lower trunk. Proper balance of the upper body as well as alignment over the pelvis won’t be possible without the assistance of these curves, so humans are required to have them. What is NOT okay is to have side-to-side (lateral) curves. It is abnormal to possess such curves.
A curvature of the spine to one side is known as scoliosis and this particular disorder often occurs during childhood. Causes include the alteration in the position of the underlying bones or by a reaction of the spinal muscles. Both causes can make the spine temporarily change position.
If diagnosed early, measures can be taken to reduce severity. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis or often abbreviated as AIS happens to be the most common form of scoliosis and its formation begins in young adults around the onset of puberty. Scoliosis can also be the result of injury. Avoiding use of the injured area causes a person to compensate his or her posture, which can result in scoliosis.
SCIATICA: A pain that begins in the hip and buttock and continues all along the sciatic nerve, running into the back of the thigh and all the way down the leg, is referred to as sciatica. Occasionally, the condition is followed by low back pain. In some cases, the pain in the lower back can be much more intense than the leg pain itself. Onset can sometimes be totally unexpected and is usually caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve, which may be a result of a herniated disk or even osteoarthritis.
If you have persistent back pain or you think you may have a specific back condition, please see your doctor as soon as possible. Self-diagnosis or improper diagnosis may result in more serious injury.