Anatomy Of Back Pain
Everyone experiences some wear and tear to the discs and vertebrea that make up the structural components of our spines.
A. Joint and Nerve Problems:
(1.) Spinal arthritis is inflammation of the facet joints between the vertebrae which can cause stiffness and pain.
(2.) Sciatica is characterized by pain that radiates down one or both legs. It may be caused by compression of the sciatic nerve.
B. Disc Problems:
(1.) A normal disc consists of a soft, gelatinous interior surrounded by a tough, fibrous membrane, with no sign of trauma or illness.
(2.) A degenerative disc is a disc that is gradually wearing down and thinning over time, most likely due to the natural ageing process.
(3.) A bulging disc is one that is shifting out of it’s normal radius, extending beyond the circumference of the vertebrae.
(4.) A herniated disc occurs when the inner material of the disc pushes through it’s outer membrane into the spinal canal.
C. Vertebrae Problems:
(1.) A bone spur occurs when the body builds more bone as a natural response to the age - related deterioration of vertebrae.
(2.) Spinal stenosis refers to a narrowing of the spinal canal, typically as a result of bone spurs or joint enlargement.
(3.) Spondylisthesis is a forward or backward slippage of one vertebre relative to another, causing pressure on spinal nerve.
(4.) Osteoporosis is a disease marked by progressively decreasing bone. In the spine, this can lead to a compression fracture.
Have a physician check your back when it’s in pain.
Mr. Details