BACK ANATOMY
INTRODUCTION
In this section we discuss the anatomy of the human spine and what happens at a basic, structural, level when we experience back pain. There are many things that can go wrong with the spine, but, in essence, up to 98% of all back pain is either caused by or directly linked to, compression. That is the term used to describe the spine when it becomes squashed, or shortened from its natural length. However, the spine is not a completely solid structure. If it were, it would be very difficult to compress. Instead, it is made up of individual vertebrae, or units of bone, that are stacked on top of each other, joined, or linked, by facet joints. Ultimately, it is the facet joints that become compressed and, as a result, the spine becomes squashed.
When this happens, we become stiff (a common symptom of back pain) because the joints are not able to move freely. In addition to this, the compression reduces the space between the vertebrae, which, in turn, leads to compression of the intervertebral discs. If the pressure becomes too great, the disc ruptures, a condition commonly referred to as a herniated or slipped disc (shown below).
When this happens, we become stiff (a common symptom of back pain) because the joints are not able to move freely. In addition to this, the compression reduces the space between the vertebrae, which, in turn, leads to compression of the intervertebral discs. If the pressure becomes too great, the disc ruptures, a condition commonly referred to as a herniated or slipped disc (shown below).