The human spine is extremely remarkable. Made up of 33 individual bones called vertebrae, it provides the structural framework for the upper body. From supporting our head to allowing us to stand, the spine also has the vital function of protecting the spinal cord and nerves which run through it.
Plus, the spine can flex and move allowing us to bend over and twist our back due to its many interrelated parts like:
- muscles
- discs
- ligaments
- and facet joints
The 33 interlocking vertebrae that make up the spine are numbered and segmented into four regions.
The four regions of the spine are:
- Cervical Spine (Neck area) – Numbered C1 to C7, these cervical vertebrae support the head, protect the brain stem, and allows for a wide range of flexibility in the movement of the head.
- Thoracic Spine (Upper body) – Numbered T1 to T12, the thoracic vertebrae has rib attachments which help protect vital organs in the upper body.
- Lumbar Spine (Lower body) – Numbered L1 to L5, the lumbar vertebrae support most of the body’s weight and are broader and larger than cervical and thoracic vertebrae. The lumbar spine allows for more range of movement than the thoracic spine does, but not as much as the cervical spine allows.
- Sacrum (Pelvic area) – Numbered S1 to S5, the sacral vertebrae are fused together into a triangular shape and connects the spine to the pelvis.
A healthy spine has a natural S-curve shape which is maintained by strong abdominal and back muscles. Weak muscles, poor posture, and excess body weight can put undue stress and strain on the spine and force it out of alignment.
When you start to experience back pain, it could be due to an issue involving the spine. Some of the more common problems related to the spine are:
- Slipped Disc – Round discs filled with a gel-like substance are located in between the vertebrae to keep them from rubbing against each other. Dry, flattened discs from age or too much strain on your back could make a disc tear or break, causing back pain.
- Osteoarthritis – When cartilage wears down and begins to deteriorate, the vertebrae can start to grind or rub against one another resulting in a stiff and painful back.
- Sciatica – If the sciatic nerve gets pinched or compressed by a bone spur, slipped disc, or other spine problem, you could experience shooting pain running all the way from your lower back through your buttocks and down to your lower leg.
- Broken back – Either from injury or bone loss due to age, vertebrae can fracture or become broken, which could damage your spinal cord.
Some spinal problems causing back pain can be alleviated with proper rest, stretches, heating or cooling pads, or over the counter pain relievers. However, always visit your doctor first to make sure the condition does not become worse. When it comes to back pain and issues with the spine, it’s not worth the risk to ignore it. If not treated soon enough, some underlying causes of back pain could result in permanent injury or disability.
