To understand back pain you first need to understand the back and its functional anatomy:

The normal disc in the spine is a marvel of creative engineering. The center of the disc is filled with a gel-like substance called the “nucleus” which serves to provide cushioning and flexibility to the bones(vertebrae) above and below.

The outer fibrous rings are called the “annulus” and provide strength and integrity to the disc. Each ensuing cartilagenous layer, one upon another, runs the opposite direction of the previous layer. This criss-crossing of layers is what gives the annulus its strength and durability.

In the center of the spinal canal the delicate spinal cord passes down from the brain through the entire spine giving off spinal nerve roots between every two adjoining vertebrae. These spinal nerve roots comprise the nerves exiting the spine that travel to every tissue in the body.

The largest of these nerves is the Sciatic nerve. Most often, back pain is the result of a structural problem that if not corrected will continue to cause pain and discomfort.

The human spine is composed of 25 movable bones called vertebrae. In between every two vertebrae is a fibrous cartilage structure called a disc that contains a ‘jelly-like’ center called the nucleus pulposus. The job of the nucleus pulposus is to provide both flexibility and cushioning for the spine.

Housed within the vertebral or spinal column is the delicate spinal cord which is an extension from your brain. It is from this spinal cord that the vast system of nerves branch off from the spine to the organs, muscles and tissues of the neck, arms, back, hips and legs. The nervous system functions like a master computer to control the entire human organism.

Unfortunately it is easy for the vertebrae or bones of the spine to shift, and this often results in pressure (compression) being placed on these important nerve fibers. Many activities and accidents can cause this improper movement of the spine and lead to pain syndromes ranging from minor irritations to severe and often lasting pain in the lower back and or legs. It is not unusual for a person to experience a number of minor injuries that over a period of time result in small tears to the fibrous structure of the disc.

Repetitive injuries can often lead to the ‘straw that broke the camel’s back’ and suddenly result in a more serious tear or rupture of the disc itself. This bulging, herniated or ruptured disc often results in lower back and/or leg pain in one or both legs. One of the most common causes of these types of injuries is a lifting or twisting event due to incorrect methods.

Add to the list falls, on the job injuries, obesity and pregnancy.

These spinal conditions can result in a number of different diagnoses such as the following:

* Disc Herniation
* Sciatica
* Facet Syndrome
* Arthritis
* Spinal stenosis
* Internal Disc Derrangment
* Sacroiliac Dysfunction and Piriformis Syndrome

For more information on the any of the above conditions, place your mouse pointer over the condition and click.

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