The Anatomy Of The Back
Anatomy or the study of structures of the body part is essential in understanding the body part better. The anatomy of back deals with the internal structures that make our back. The back extends from the nape of your neck to the buttocks.
The back consists of three important components-
- The bony part
- The muscular part
- The nervous part
The bony part:
The bony part comprises of small bone blocks called vertebra. There are 33 vertebrae or bony blocks that are stacked upon one another to form a column. This is called the vertebral column. These stacked bony blocks are important to bear the body weight, almost all the body movements are supported by this bony column. In between each vertebra is a soft spongy disc. This is called as inter-vertebral disc. Theses discs act as shock absorbers and make the movements painless and frictionless. If this disc is not there the bones may rub with each other during movements. The disc degenerates with age causing back problems. If we do excessive weight-bearing act, the disc may slip out of its place and compresses upon the nerves nearby, producing acute back pain, which needs immediate medical attention.
The muscular part:
Muscles are tissues that contract and relax to produce a movement. The muscles of the back support the bony vertebral column and help to maintain correct posture. The strength of the back depends on the strength of back muscles. Any strain on the muscles puts stress on the back. This is usually what happens when there is no change of posture over long periods. The back muscles cannot withstand prolonged contraction and causes pain. This back pain resolves by itself with little or no treatment initially. Prolonged strain can permanently damage the muscle fibers, resulting in chronic back pain.
A few simple exercises can provide relief. Exercises increase the blood supply to the back and rejuvenate the overstretched muscles cells. They function with renewed vigor. Exercises also increase the endurance levels of the back muscles, helping them to cope with long workdays.
The nervous part:
Nerves are bundle of long thread like fibres that carry messages between brain and the body parts. Inside the hollow of bony vertebral column, spinal cord is situated. Spinal cord is the column of nerve tissue that runs from the brain to the lower back. From the spinal cord, nerves originate that connects to the various body parts.
Back ache may be severe if the nerves are affected. The slipped disc between bony vertebral column may affect it. It may also manifest by he body any loss of sensation or any bladder disturbances, like loss of bladder control.
Perils of chronic back pain:
Back pain is a painful burden not only to your family but also to the nation as a whole. Overall, back pain is a common reason for work absenteeism and loss of productivity. In the home, a chronic back problem prevents you from enjoying life and carrying out day-to-day activities. Even simple cooking, gardening or playing with your child becomes difficult. If cause of back pain is nerve problem, it may require a serious assessment. If back pain persists for more than six weeks, medical advice should be taken.
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| Wikipedia:Back Pain | FamilyDoctor.org | NINDS |
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| BBC | FDA | Spine Health |