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Anatomy of the Spine

To understand the various causes of back pain, it is important to have some understanding of the design (anatomy) of our spine and the tissues surrounding it.

The spinal column is extremely well designed so as to provide communication to the brain and make the movement of our head, arms and legs possible. It also aids in the complex interaction of bones, ligaments, the muscle structures of the back and the nerves to support mobility and sensation in the body.

The spine is made of many small bones called vertebrae. Humans are born with 33 seperate vertebrae. As a part of their normal developmental process, certain vertebrae fuse together so that by adulthood the spine has 24 vertebrae. They are cervical vertebrae (7), thoracic vertebrae (12) and lumbar vertebrae (5). The lumbar vertebrae stack between the buttocks.

All vertebrae are separated by discs to allow the spine to bend. The discs are pads that serve as 'cushions' to minimize the impact of any injury on the spinal column. Each disc is designed like a donut with a softer component in the centre (nucleus pulposus). Ligaments are tissues that keep vertebrae firmly attached together. Ligaments also surround the discs.

The vertebrae and discs together make the spinal column. The center of the 'donut' makes the spinal canal through which runs the spinal cord. Each vertebra has a bony prominence around the spinal cord to protect the spinal nerves.

The nerves that provide sensation and stimulate muscles of the low back and thighs, legs, feet and toes pass through the spinal canal. Many muscles responsible for the movement of the waist, thighs and legs are attached to the spine. Lymph glands and nervous tissue, which are important in maintaining bladder and bowel control, are based very close to the spine. The kidneys are on either side of the lumbar area of the spine.

Low back pain is often related to symptoms originating from lumbar vertebrae, discs between vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves and muscles of the low back. Pain can also be related to internal organs of the pelvis and abdomen.

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