The spinal cord, which contains nervous tissue carrying messages to and from the brain, is protected by the spine. Nerves from the spinal cord come out from between the vertebrae in the neck to take and arms. A major blood vessel called the vertebral artery also runs alongside the vertebrae to carry blood to the rear (posterior) part of the brain.
Strong ligaments attach to adjacent vertebrae to given extra support and strength. Various muscles attached to the spine enable the spine to bend and move in various ways.
Back pain – causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
Back pain is something most of us suffer from at some point in our lives. While some aches may be acute (sudden and quick to subside) others may be the start of a chronic condition. Here is all you need to know about back pain and what it could probably indicate.
WHY DOES IT HAPPEN ?
The human back is made of a number of element – vertebrae, muscles, nerves; inter vertebral discs and the spinal column. When either one of these components is injured, strained or is out of alignment it leads to back pain. Often in the case of a back pain the pain can radiate to other adjoining areas like the abdomen, flanks, down the legs or around the buttocks. In cases where the back pain is higher up, (just below the neck) it can lead to pain down the arms and in the shoulders.
WHO IS AT RISK ?
Women and pregnant women are most likely to suffer from back pain. This is usually due to a change in posture and excessive pressure on the back.
Old age is also another factor – As people age their bones and muscles tend to become weaker and more worn out, leading to back pain.
Obesity – People who are obese usually suffer from this condition due to the fact that their weight puts a lot of pressure on the area. Another reason for this is that obesity also leads to a drastic alternation in one’s hormonal levels; which might sometimes lead to leeching of bone mass making them brittle and more prone to displacement and pain.
A sedentary lifestyle – When you don’t exercise or sit for long periods of time, the back becomes inactive and increasingly weak. This can also lead to back pain.
Strenuous physical activity – This is observed among people who do strenuous activities repeatedly that require bending at the back. The repeated action and constant wear and tear of the back can lead to back pain, for example bending to pick up a heavy object.
Anxiety and depression – Anxiety and depression was linked to back pain.
