About Back Pain
Anatomy
The spinal column is made up of 33 bones called vertebrae that connect to form what is commonly referred to as the backbone. Together, these vertebrae create structure and support for the human body, as well as encircle the spinal cord to provide valuable protection for important spinal nerves. The bones of the spine are connected by intervertebral discs and joints called facet joints. In addition to strength and stability, these joints also ensure a proper amount of flexibility to the spine.
To better understand your condition and treatment options, it may be helpful to understand the five specific regions of the spine:
The spine is made up of four segments:
- Cervical – The top seven vertebrae (C1-C7). Extends from the base of the skull to the bottom of the neck.
- Thoracic – The middle 12 vertebrae (T1-T12). Begins at the bottom of the neck and extends to the lower part of the back.
- Lumbar – The lower five vertebrae (L1-L5). This is the lower area of the back (often referred to as the “small” of the back).
- Pelvic – The sacrum is a group of vertebrae that connect the spine to the pelvis.
Spinal Discs (A)
Between each spinal bone, or vertebra, is a soft spinal disc that cushions and absorbs shock in the body during loading and bending activities. Each spinal disc is composed of two parts—the tough outer layer called the Annulus and the soft interior called the Nucleus. As the body ages, the discs naturally lose water, and as a result, they no longer cushion the spine as well as they should. This process, called Disc Degeneration, often leads to disc herniation, pain, and instability. Trauma or injury to the disc can result in similar problems and symptoms.
Spinal Nerves (B)
The spinal cord is a bundle of nerve fibers that act as the main carrier of information between the body and the brain. The spinal cord extends from the base of the brain through the central spinal canal to the lower back, ending in the upper lumbar region. Spinal nerves extend from the spinal canal to carry constant signals to and from the organs, muscles and tissues of the body. The nerves of the lower spine control motor function and sensation in your lower back and legs and are commonly associated with spinal problems. These problems include disc space collapse, instability, and malalignment. If any of these lower spinal nerves become impinged, you may experience back, groin and/or leg pain or numbness.
Spinal Ligaments (C)
Another important component to the stability of the spine are the spinal ligaments. The ligaments are tough bands of elastic tissue that connect the bones together and help restrain excessive motion at the joints and also stabilize the spine during movement.
Back and Trunk Muscles
The final stabilizers of the spine are the muscles that attach to it. Back muscles are called the paraspinal muscles and run up and down the center of, and alongside, the spine. The muscles on the side of the trunk are called the abdominal oblique muscles. Trauma to this group of muscles tends to be less disabling than to the muscles of the center back, making the side a superior point of access to the spine. The XLIF® back surgery procedure was specifically designed to enter from the side to minimize muscle trauma to vital back muscles which allows for a faster recovery.
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