Watch Your Back!

Our back is made up of small bones called vertebrae The
vertebrae are stacked on top of each other to form a column
Between each vertebra is a cushion known as a disc The
vertebrae are held together by ligaments, and muscles are
attached to the vertebrae by bands of tissue called tendons
This is what constitutes our back
Openings in each vertebra line up to form a long hollow canal
The spinal cord runs through this canal from the base of the
brain Nerves from the spinal cord branch out and leave the
spine through the spaces between the vertebrae
The lower part of the back holds most of the body’s weight Even
a minor problem with the bones, muscles, ligaments, or tendons
in this area can cause pain when a person stand, bends, or moves
around Less often, a problem with a disc can pinch or irritate
a nerve from the spinal cord, causing pain that runs down the
leg, below the knee called sciatica
Back Problems Even with today’s technology, the exact reason or
cause of back problems can be found in very few people Most
times, the symptoms are blamed on poor muscle tone in the back,
muscle tension or spasm, back sprains, ligament or muscle tears,
joint problems
Sometimes nerves from the spinal cord can be irritated by
“slipped” discs causing buttock or leg pain This may also cause
numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs
People who are in poor physical condition or do work that
includes heavy labor or long periods of sitting or standing are
at greater risk for back problems These people also get better
more slowly Emotional stress or long periods of inactivity may
make back symptoms seem worse
Back problems are often painful But the good news is that very
few people turn out to have a major problem with the bones or
joints or the back or a dangerous medical condition
What to do when you have back problems
Many people who develop mild low back discomfort may not need to
see a health care provider right away Often, within a few days,
the symptoms go away without any treatment A visit to your
health care provider is good idea if y our symptoms are severe;
if the pain is keeping you from doing things that you do every
day; and the problem does not go away within a few days
While Your back is getting better, tt is important to remember
that even though you are having a problem with your back now,
most likely it will begin to feel better soon
It is also important to keep in mind that you are the most
important person in taking care of your back and in helping to
get back to your regular activities It may also help you to
remember that most low back problems last for a short amount of
time and the symptoms usually get better with little or no
medical treatment
Low back problems can be painful But pain rarely means that
there is serious damage to your back Exercise can help you to
feel better faster and prevent more back problems A regular
exercise program adds to your general health and may help you
get back to the things you enjoy doing

Tags | health, ligaments, muscle, nerves, reason, result, spinal, sprains, stress, tears, tension