If we are going to understand lower back pain, then we are going to need to take a closer look at the back in general. The back can be thought of as the body's trunk. Spanning from the neck to the pelvis the back is made up of a structure of bones, muscle, and other tissues.
Supporting the upper body's weight and being the centerpiece of the back is the spinal column. The spinal column also houses and protects the spinal cord. The spinal cord is the delicate nervous system structure that carries signals that control the body's movements and convey its sensations. The spinal column, also referred to as the spine, is made up of more then 30 bones stacked on top of each other. Each of these bones contain a roundish hole that when stacked together make up a channel that surround and protect the spinal cord.
The spinal cord of an adult starts at the base of the brain and descends to just below the rib cage. Entering and emerging from the spinal cord through the spaces between the vertebrae are small nerves or “roots”. In the spaces between the vertebrae acting like a shock absorber to allow flexibility in the lower back are the intervertebral discs. This disc is a round and spongy pad of cartilage. Bands of tissue known as ligaments and tendons hold the vertebrae in place and attach the muscles to the spinal column.
Starting at the top, the spine has four regions:
Seven cervical vertebrae (labeled C1–C7), (Neck)
Twelve thoracic vertebrae (labeled T1–T12), (Upper back)
Five lumbar vertebrae (labeled L1–L5), (Lower Back)
Fused together at the base of the spine is the sacrum and coccyx.
The lumber region of the back supports the weight of the body. Lower back pain is the most common form of back pain.
Looking at the complexity of the back, it is easy to see that there are many influences on lower back pain. These can range from bonespurs, herniated discs, arthritis in the back and other serious chronic conditions.
The good news about lower back pain is that for most people it is acute and not chronic. People suffering from acute lower back pain will find that the lower back pain will generally last for a few days up to three weeks. Lower back pain exercises can be done to help build and strengthen weakened back muscles to create more support for the bodies weight.
Article Source: http://www.fitnesshealtharticles.com.
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Laser Back Surgery. Minimally invasivelaser spine surgery.
What is Lower Back Pain.
