Spine and low back pain video

Return to Index Step 1: What Is Low Back Pain?Step 2: Know Your Back Anatomy Step 3: Causes of Low Back Pain Step 4: Are You At Risk?Step 5: What To Do When Pain Begins Step 6: Seeing Your Doctor Step 7: What Tests Might Be Ordered?Step 8: When Is Low Back Pain A Serious Sign?Step 9: Exercise and Physical Therapy Step 10: Change Your Work Habits Step 11: Medications Step 12: Other Treatments Key Points MedTest Glossary

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The vertebral column, also called the spine, provides support for the trunk of the body, protects the spinal cord, and provides attachment points for the ribs and muscles of the back and trunk.

The spine has 4 natural curves. This "S" shape allows for it to act more like a spring for the body rather than a straight stiff rod and helps to provide resilience for bearing the weight and motion of the body.

The vertebral column consists of 5 major divisions:

7 cervical vertebrae
12 thoracic vertebrae
5 lumbar vertebrae
Sacrum
Coccyx

Located between the individual vertebrae are cushions called intervertebral disks. These disks act like shock absorbers during physical activity such as walking, jumping, or lifting, and allow the spine to extend and flex.

Each vertebra and disk is named by its division and order. For example, the first lumbar vertebra is called "L1", the second is called "L2" and the disk in between is called the "L1 - L2 intervertebral disk." The lumbar portion of the spine supports most of the body's weight and is the most common area for back pain.

The vertebrae are designed to help protect the spinal cord and the spinal nerves that extend from the spinal cord to the various parts of the body. The protection of the spinal cord and its nerves are important for maintaining good body function and health. Each intervertebral disk consists of 2 parts. The center of the disk is called the nucleus pulposus, which acts like a rubber ball to provide cushioning during compression. The nucleus pulposus is surrounded by a tough fibrous outer covering called the annulus fibrosus. The annulus fibrosus protects the nucleus pulposus and keeps its jelly-like material contained within the disk.

Over time or as a result of injury, the outer covering of the disk may wear out or become torn. If this happens, the center jelly-like material may bulge out and put pressure on a nearby spinal nerve. The protrusion or rupturing of a disk is often called a "slipped disk." This condition may result in severe pain or even limit motion and your ability to do certain physical activities.

Other common causes of low back pain are:

Narrowing of the spinal canal, also called spinal stenosis
Small fractures to the vertebral bodies
Strains or tears of the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that support the spine
Poor alignment of the vertebrae
Spasms of the muscles in the back

Various treatments are available for low back pain, including medication, physical therapy, chiropractic treatments, acupuncture, massage therapy, and surgery. However, the best medicine of all is prevention through proper exercise, keeping good posture during working and resting times, and maintaining healthy living habits.

Review Date: 6/29/2011
Reviewed By: Andrew W. Piasecki, MD, Camden Bone and Joint, LLC, Orthopaedic Surgery/Sports Medicine, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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