Back injuries can affect your range of motion. Common back injuries include sprains and strains, herniated discs and fractured vertebrae.
Back Injuries
Image by TheVisualMD
Back Injuries
What Are the Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis?
Image by Nevit Dilmen (talk)
What Are the Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis?
Neck MRI : Spinal Stenosis
Image by Nevit Dilmen (talk)
Back Injuries
Your back is made of bones, muscles, and other tissues extending from your neck to your pelvis. Back injuries can result from sports injuries, work around the house or in the garden, or a sudden jolt such as a car accident. The lower back is the most common site of back injuries and back pain. Common back injuries include
Sprains and strains
Herniated disks
Fractured (broken) vertebrae
These injuries can cause pain and limit your movement. Treatments vary but might include medicines, icing, bed rest, physical therapy, or surgery. You might be able to prevent some back injuries by maintaining a healthy weight, lifting objects with your legs, and using lower-back support when you sit.
Source: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Additional Materials (15)
Back pain with radiation into legs
Medical illustration of sciatica; pain going down the leg from the lower back.
Image by InjuryMap/Wikimedia
Man with back pain
Illustration of a man with upper back pain at various spots. Highlighted areas include the shoulder, below the shoulder blade (scapula), and above the shoulder blade.
Image by InjuryMap/Wikimedia
Head, Neck and Back Injuries
Video by ProCPR/YouTube
Back pain
An illustration showing typical lower back pain. A common musculoskeletal ailment.
Image by Injurymap.com
Upper back pain (48605563687)
Upper back pain
Image by Injurymap/Wikimedia
Back Injuries
Back Injuries
Image by TheVisualMD
How to Properly Diagnose Sports-Related Back Injuries
Video by Texas Children’s Hospital/YouTube
Lower Back Injury Prevention from Memorial Sports Medicine Center
Video by Memorial Healthcare System/YouTube
Head, Neck and Back Injuries
Video by ProCPR/YouTube
Lower Back Injuries
Video by U of U Health/YouTube
Bones and Joints: Spine, Neck and Lower Back Injuries
Video by University of California Television (UCTV)/YouTube
Shoveling snow: How to prevent back injuries
Video by Washington Post/YouTube
Back Injuries - Causes, treatments, tips and more
Video by Rehealthify/YouTube
Treating Back Pain Caused by Injury
Video by Howard County General Hospital/YouTube
Back pain in sport: how it happens and what you can do to help
Video by Top Doctors UK/YouTube
Back pain with radiation into legs
InjuryMap/Wikimedia
Man with back pain
InjuryMap/Wikimedia
3:35
Head, Neck and Back Injuries
ProCPR/YouTube
Back pain
Injurymap.com
Upper back pain (48605563687)
Injurymap/Wikimedia
Back Injuries
TheVisualMD
9:07
How to Properly Diagnose Sports-Related Back Injuries
Texas Children’s Hospital/YouTube
0:54
Lower Back Injury Prevention from Memorial Sports Medicine Center
Memorial Healthcare System/YouTube
3:52
Head, Neck and Back Injuries
ProCPR/YouTube
0:59
Lower Back Injuries
U of U Health/YouTube
1:22:53
Bones and Joints: Spine, Neck and Lower Back Injuries
University of California Television (UCTV)/YouTube
1:20
Shoveling snow: How to prevent back injuries
Washington Post/YouTube
1:09
Back Injuries - Causes, treatments, tips and more
Rehealthify/YouTube
1:34
Treating Back Pain Caused by Injury
Howard County General Hospital/YouTube
7:05
Back pain in sport: how it happens and what you can do to help
Top Doctors UK/YouTube
Sprains and Strains
Build Better Bones
Image by TheVisualMD
Build Better Bones
Your muscles can't make a move without your skeleton's support. Weight-bearing exercise stimulates the cells that grow new bone tissue. Regular exercise helps prevent bone loss, which can lead to the brittle-bone disease osteoporosis. Tendons and ligaments, the collagen-rich connective tissues that connect your bones and attach muscles to bones, are vital to keeping your frame strong.
Image by TheVisualMD
Sprains and Strains
A sprain is a stretched or torn ligament. Ligaments are tissues that connect bones at a joint. Falling, twisting, or getting hit can all cause a sprain. Ankle and wrist sprains are common. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and being unable to move your joint. You might feel a pop or tear when the injury happens.
A strain is a stretched or torn muscle or tendon. Tendons are tissues that connect muscle to bone. Twisting or pulling these tissues can cause a strain. Strains can happen suddenly or develop over time. Back and hamstring muscle strains are common. Many people get strains playing sports. Symptoms include pain, muscle spasms, swelling, and trouble moving the muscle.
At first, treatment of both sprains and strains usually involves resting the injured area, icing it, wearing a bandage or device that compresses the area, and medicines. Later treatment might include exercise and physical therapy.
Source: NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Additional Materials (20)
3D medical animation showing torn muscle fibers.
3D medical animation still showing tearing of muscle fibers.
Image by Scientific Animations, Inc.
sprain vs strains
Video by DrER.tv/YouTube
Wrist Ligament Sprain - Mayo Clinic
Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube
Wrist Sprain: Injury to the Scapholunate Ligament
Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube
Top 7 MCL Sprain Treatments - Ask Doctor Jo
Video by AskDoctorJo/YouTube
Knee sprain or ACL injury: How to tell the difference
Video by LifespanHealthSystem/YouTube
Can you walk on an ankle sprain?
Video by Mount Sinai Health System/YouTube
Ankle Pain, ankle ligaments sprain - Everything You Need To Know - Dr. Nabil Ebraheim
Video by nabil ebraheim/YouTube
Knee Sprain
Video by U of U Health/YouTube
Ankle sprain: how to heal as fast as possible
Video by Top Doctors UK/YouTube
What to do if an ankle sprain isn’t getting any better
Video by Top Doctors UK/YouTube
Child First Aid: Try first aid first for a sprain or strain
Video by British Red Cross/YouTube
Basic First Aid : How to Treat a Knee Sprain
Video by eHow/YouTube
How to treat a knee sprain | A Episode 61
Video by Pain Relief Expert/YouTube
Knee Injuries 101 (Health Short)
Video by Healthguru/YouTube
How to Heal a Sprained Ankle
Video by Howcast/YouTube
How to Treat a Sprained Ankle
Video by LIVESTRONG.COM/YouTube
Common Conditions Of The Thumb - Everything You Need To Know - Dr. Nabil Ebraheim
Video by nabil ebraheim/YouTube
Common Sports Injuries in Teens
Video by Children's Healthcare of Atlanta/YouTube
First Aid Tips : How to Treat a Jammed Finger or Toe
Video by eHow/YouTube
3D medical animation showing torn muscle fibers.
Scientific Animations, Inc.
4:21
sprain vs strains
DrER.tv/YouTube
3:58
Wrist Ligament Sprain - Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic/YouTube
4:23
Wrist Sprain: Injury to the Scapholunate Ligament
Mayo Clinic/YouTube
13:03
Top 7 MCL Sprain Treatments - Ask Doctor Jo
AskDoctorJo/YouTube
0:38
Knee sprain or ACL injury: How to tell the difference
LifespanHealthSystem/YouTube
1:18
Can you walk on an ankle sprain?
Mount Sinai Health System/YouTube
6:39
Ankle Pain, ankle ligaments sprain - Everything You Need To Know - Dr. Nabil Ebraheim
nabil ebraheim/YouTube
1:10
Knee Sprain
U of U Health/YouTube
1:38
Ankle sprain: how to heal as fast as possible
Top Doctors UK/YouTube
1:24
What to do if an ankle sprain isn’t getting any better
Top Doctors UK/YouTube
1:10
Child First Aid: Try first aid first for a sprain or strain
British Red Cross/YouTube
2:03
Basic First Aid : How to Treat a Knee Sprain
eHow/YouTube
2:31
How to treat a knee sprain | A Episode 61
Pain Relief Expert/YouTube
1:02
Knee Injuries 101 (Health Short)
Healthguru/YouTube
1:44
How to Heal a Sprained Ankle
Howcast/YouTube
2:42
How to Treat a Sprained Ankle
LIVESTRONG.COM/YouTube
4:32
Common Conditions Of The Thumb - Everything You Need To Know - Dr. Nabil Ebraheim
nabil ebraheim/YouTube
1:05
Common Sports Injuries in Teens
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta/YouTube
2:24
First Aid Tips : How to Treat a Jammed Finger or Toe
eHow/YouTube
What Is a Herniated Disk?
Lumbar Vertebrae Showing a Herniated Intervertebral Disc
Image by TheVisualMD
Lumbar Vertebrae Showing a Herniated Intervertebral Disc
A herniated disc (sometimes incorrectly called a \"slipped disc\") is an intervertebral disc that has ruptured. The center of a disc is composed of soft, springy material called nuclear tissue. It is held in place by an outer ring of fibrous tissue called the annulus. Sometimes the nucleus of the disc ruptures the annulus. This can occur because, as you age, your discs become thinner, dryer, and less flexible. Or, an injury to the spine may cause the annulus to develop cracks. The nucleus then bulges out of the disc. It may create pressure on one or more spinal nerves. Herniated discs usually occur in the lumbar vertebrae. If the displaced nucleus presses on the main nerve that travels down your leg, your sciatic nerve, it can cause sciatica-pain along the sciatic nerve that radiates to the buttock and the back of the thigh, possibly down to your foot. If the herniated disc presses on other nerves coming out of the spine, it can create pain or numbness in your arms and legs. Interestingly, many people with herniated discs don't experience any pain or any other symptoms from the condition.
Image by TheVisualMD
What Is a Herniated Disk?
Your backbone, or spine, is made up of 26 bones called vertebrae. In between them are soft disks filled with a jelly-like substance. These disks cushion the vertebrae and keep them in place. As you age, the disks break down or degenerate. As they do, they lose their cushioning ability. This can lead to pain if the back is stressed.
A herniated disk is a disk that ruptures. This allows the jelly-like center of the disk to leak, irritating the nearby nerves. This can cause sciatica or back pain.
Your doctor will diagnose a herniated disk with a physical exam and, sometimes, imaging tests. With treatment, most people recover. Treatments include rest, pain and anti-inflammatory medicines, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.
Source: NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Additional Materials (13)
herniated disc
Pain that presents with an observable stimulus is called nociceptive pain. An example is pain caused by an impingement of the spinal nerve by a herniated disc.
Image by TheVisualMD
Herniated Disc, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.
Video by Medical Centric/YouTube
Ghost Productions - Herniated DISC Animation
Video by Ghost Productions Medical Animation & VR Surgery/YouTube
Herniated Disc - DePuy Videos
Video by DePuy Synthes Companies/YouTube
Q&A - Herniated/ Slipped Disc
Video by Howard County General Hospital/YouTube
A herniated disc - What is it and what surgical treatments are available?
Video by Healthchanneltv / cherishyourhealthtv/YouTube
Top 3 Medically Proven Exercises for Herniated Disc or Pinched Nerve
Video by Bob & Brad/YouTube
Herniated Disc Surgery - Dr. Eric Elowitz
Video by NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/YouTube
Degenerative Disc Disease - Spine Degeneration
Video by OACMorthopedics/YouTube
Artificial Disc Replacement - The WVU Medicine Health Report
Video by WVU Medicine/YouTube
ACDF Patient Education Animation US
Video by El Paso Spine Center/YouTube
Cervical Radiculopathy - DePuy Videos
Video by DePuy Synthes Companies/YouTube
Lumber Discectomy
Video by TheArcstudios/YouTube
herniated disc
TheVisualMD
6:01
Herniated Disc, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.
Medical Centric/YouTube
1:23
Ghost Productions - Herniated DISC Animation
Ghost Productions Medical Animation & VR Surgery/YouTube
1:17
Herniated Disc - DePuy Videos
DePuy Synthes Companies/YouTube
2:37
Q&A - Herniated/ Slipped Disc
Howard County General Hospital/YouTube
3:12
A herniated disc - What is it and what surgical treatments are available?
Healthchanneltv / cherishyourhealthtv/YouTube
6:08
Top 3 Medically Proven Exercises for Herniated Disc or Pinched Nerve
Bob & Brad/YouTube
3:11
Herniated Disc Surgery - Dr. Eric Elowitz
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/YouTube
2:53
Degenerative Disc Disease - Spine Degeneration
OACMorthopedics/YouTube
2:18
Artificial Disc Replacement - The WVU Medicine Health Report
WVU Medicine/YouTube
2:39
ACDF Patient Education Animation US
El Paso Spine Center/YouTube
2:19
Cervical Radiculopathy - DePuy Videos
DePuy Synthes Companies/YouTube
1:08
Lumber Discectomy
TheArcstudios/YouTube
Intervertebral Discs
Intervertebral Disk
Image by TheVisualMD
Intervertebral Disk
3D visualization based on segmented human data of vertebral disks. The combination of strength, flexibility and armor is accomplished by an S-shaped stack of variously shaped irregular bones, interspersed with springy disks of tough cartilage. The disks act like ball bearings, absorbing forces of up to several hundred pounds per square inch during strenuous exercise.
Image by TheVisualMD
Intervertebral Discs
Intervertebral Discs and Ligaments of the Vertebral Column
The bodies of adjacent vertebrae are strongly anchored to each other by an intervertebral disc. This structure provides padding between the bones during weight bearing, and because it can change shape, also allows for movement between the vertebrae. Although the total amount of movement available between any two adjacent vertebrae is small, when these movements are summed together along the entire length of the vertebral column, large body movements can be produced. Ligaments that extend along the length of the vertebral column also contribute to its overall support and stability.
Parts of a Typical Vertebra. A typical vertebra consists of a body and a vertebral arch. The arch is formed by the paired pedicles and paired laminae. Arising from the vertebral arch are the transverse, spinous, superior articular, and inferior articular processes. The vertebral foramen provides for passage of the spinal cord. Each spinal nerve exits through an intervertebral foramen, located between adjacent vertebrae. Intervertebral discs unite the bodies of adjacent vertebrae.
Parts of a Typical Vertebra. A typical vertebra consists of a body and a vertebral arch. The arch is formed by the paired pedicles and paired laminae. Arising from the vertebral arch are the transverse, spinous, superior articular, and inferior articular processes. The vertebral foramen provides for passage of the spinal cord. Each spinal nerve exits through an intervertebral foramen, located between adjacent vertebrae. Intervertebral discs unite the bodies of adjacent vertebrae.
Intervertebral Disc. The bodies of adjacent vertebrae are separated and united by an intervertebral disc, which provides padding and allows for movements between adjacent vertebrae. The disc consists of a fibrous outer layer called the anulus fibrosus and a gel-like center called the nucleus pulposus. The intervertebral foramen is the opening formed between adjacent vertebrae for the exit of a spinal nerve.
Amphiarthrosis
An amphiarthrosis is a joint that has limited mobility. An example of this type of joint is the cartilaginous joint that unites the bodies of adjacent vertebrae. Filling the gap between the vertebrae is a thick pad of fibrocartilage called an intervertebral disc. Each intervertebral disc strongly unites the vertebrae but still allows for a limited amount of movement between them. However, the small movements available between adjacent vertebrae can sum together along the length of the vertebral column to provide for large ranges of body movements.
Another example of an amphiarthrosis is the pubic symphysis of the pelvis. This is a cartilaginous joint in which the pubic regions of the right and left hip bones are strongly anchored to each other by fibrocartilage. This joint normally has very little mobility. The strength of the pubic symphysis is important in conferring weight-bearing stability to the pelvis.
Intervertebral Disc. An intervertebral disc unites the bodies of adjacent vertebrae within the vertebral column. Each disc allows for limited movement between the vertebrae and thus functionally forms an amphiarthrosis type of joint. Intervertebral discs are made of fibrocartilage and thereby structurally form a symphysis type of cartilaginous joint.
Intervertebral Disc
An intervertebral disc is a fibrocartilaginous pad that fills the gap between adjacent vertebral bodies (see image). Each disc is anchored to the bodies of its adjacent vertebrae, thus strongly uniting these. The discs also provide padding between vertebrae during weight bearing. Because of this, intervertebral discs are thin in the cervical region and thickest in the lumbar region, which carries the most body weight. In total, the intervertebral discs account for approximately 25 percent of your body height between the top of the pelvis and the base of the skull. Intervertebral discs are also flexible and can change shape to allow for movements of the vertebral column.
Each intervertebral disc consists of two parts. The anulus fibrosus is the tough, fibrous outer layer of the disc. It forms a circle (anulus = “ring” or “circle”) and is firmly anchored to the outer margins of the adjacent vertebral bodies. Inside is the nucleus pulposus, consisting of a softer, more gel-like material. It has a high water content that serves to resist compression and thus is important for weight bearing. With increasing age, the water content of the nucleus pulposus gradually declines. This causes the disc to become thinner, decreasing total body height somewhat, and reduces the flexibility and range of motion of the disc, making bending more difficult.
The gel-like nature of the nucleus pulposus also allows the intervertebral disc to change shape as one vertebra rocks side to side or forward and back in relation to its neighbors during movements of the vertebral column. Thus, bending forward causes compression of the anterior portion of the disc but expansion of the posterior disc. If the posterior anulus fibrosus is weakened due to injury or increasing age, the pressure exerted on the disc when bending forward and lifting a heavy object can cause the nucleus pulposus to protrude posteriorly through the anulus fibrosus, resulting in a herniated disc (“ruptured” or “slipped” disc) (image). The posterior bulging of the nucleus pulposus can cause compression of a spinal nerve at the point where it exits through the intervertebral foramen, with resulting pain and/or muscle weakness in those body regions supplied by that nerve. The most common sites for disc herniation are the L4/L5 or L5/S1 intervertebral discs, which can cause sciatica, a widespread pain that radiates from the lower back down the thigh and into the leg. Similar injuries of the C5/C6 or C6/C7 intervertebral discs, following forcible hyperflexion of the neck from a collision accident or football injury, can produce pain in the neck, shoulder, and upper limb.
Herniated Intervertebral Disc. Weakening of the anulus fibrosus can result in herniation (protrusion) of the nucleus pulposus and compression of a spinal nerve, resulting in pain and/or muscle weakness in the body regions supplied by that nerve.
Ligaments of the Vertebral Column
Adjacent vertebrae are united by ligaments that run the length of the vertebral column along both its posterior and anterior aspects (image). These serve to resist excess forward or backward bending movements of the vertebral column, respectively.
The anterior longitudinal ligament runs down the anterior side of the entire vertebral column, uniting the vertebral bodies. It serves to resist excess backward bending of the vertebral column. Protection against this movement is particularly important in the neck, where extreme posterior bending of the head and neck can stretch or tear this ligament, resulting in a painful whiplash injury. Prior to the mandatory installation of seat headrests, whiplash injuries were common for passengers involved in a rear-end automobile collision.
The supraspinous ligament is located on the posterior side of the vertebral column, where it interconnects the spinous processes of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. This strong ligament supports the vertebral column during forward bending motions. In the posterior neck, where the cervical spinous processes are short, the supraspinous ligament expands to become the nuchal ligament (nuchae = “nape” or “back of the neck”). The nuchal ligament is attached to the cervical spinous processes and extends upward and posteriorly to attach to the midline base of the skull, out to the external occipital protuberance. It supports the skull and prevents it from falling forward. This ligament is much larger and stronger in four-legged animals such as cows, where the large skull hangs off the front end of the vertebral column. You can easily feel this ligament by first extending your head backward and pressing down on the posterior midline of your neck. Then tilt your head forward and you will fill the nuchal ligament popping out as it tightens to limit anterior bending of the head and neck.
Additional ligaments are located inside the vertebral canal, next to the spinal cord, along the length of the vertebral column. The posterior longitudinal ligament is found anterior to the spinal cord, where it is attached to the posterior sides of the vertebral bodies. Posterior to the spinal cord is the ligamentum flavum (“yellow ligament”). This consists of a series of short, paired ligaments, each of which interconnects the lamina regions of adjacent vertebrae. The ligamentum flavum has large numbers of elastic fibers, which have a yellowish color, allowing it to stretch and then pull back. Both of these ligaments provide important support for the vertebral column when bending forward.
Ligaments of Vertebral Column. The anterior longitudinal ligament runs the length of the vertebral column, uniting the anterior sides of the vertebral bodies. The supraspinous ligament connects the spinous processes of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. In the posterior neck, the supraspinous ligament enlarges to form the nuchal ligament, which attaches to the cervical spinous processes and to the base of the skull.
Source: CNX OpenStax
Additional Materials (15)
Lumbar Vertebrae Showing a Degenerated Intervertebral Disc
Intervertebral discs are spongy pads of cartilage packed between each of the unfused vertebrae, cushioning and stabilizing them. About 80% of a disc is water. The gel-like inner material of a disc is called the nucleus pulposus (or simply nucleus). The firmer outer material of a disc, which contains the nucleus, is called the annulus fibrosus (or just annulus). Degenerative disc disease is the gradual deterioration of the disc between the vertebrae. As people age, the intervertebral discs lose their flexibility, elasticity, and shock-absorbing characteristics.
Image by TheVisualMD
Intervertebral Disc
An intervertebral disc unites the bodies of adjacent vertebrae within the vertebral column. Each disc allows for limited movement between the vertebrae and thus functionally forms an amphiarthrosis type of joint. Intervertebral discs are made of fibrocartilage and thereby structurally form a symphysis type of cartilaginous joint.
Image by CNX Openstax
Intervertebral Disk
Intervertebral discs. Shown in red.
Image by Anatomography
Spinal Cord Compression
The nerve roots extending from the lumbar spine are susceptible to compression, leading to CES. Intervertebral discs can be dislocated to different degrees, contributing to such compression.
Image by Page tfw
Parts of a Typical Vertebra
A typical vertebra consists of a body and a vertebral arch. The arch is formed by the paired pedicles and paired laminae. Arising from the vertebral arch are the transverse, spinous, superior articular, and inferior articular processes. The vertebral foramen provides for passage of the spinal cord. Each spinal nerve exits through an intervertebral foramen, located between adjacent vertebrae. Intervertebral discs unite the bodies of adjacent vertebrae.
Image by CNX Openstax
Vertebra
Illustration of Human vertebra
Image by OpenStax College
Lamina in the Spine (Vertebral Lamina)
Vertebra Posterolateral
Image by OpenStax College
Human vertebral column
Your spine is an amazing creation. The 33 vertebral bones protect the delicate spinal cord that sends out nerves to every part of your body. The vertebrae of the spinal column, divided into the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae, are composed of porous bone surrounded by harder cortical bone. They increase in diameter as you go down the spine because they must carry more weight. The intervertebral discs are spongy pads of cartilage packed between the unfused vertebrae, cushioning and stabilizing them. The spinal cord runs through the cervical and thoracic vertebrae. It ends at the bottom of the thoracic vertebrae, where nerve roots come off the end of the spinal cord like the hairs of a horse's tail. A huge array of muscles, arranged in layers, allow you to stand upright and give you a broad range of motion. But this broad range of motion can cause problems when the soft tissues of your back are damaged.
Image by TheVisualMD
Artificial Intervertebral disc
Artificial Intervertebral disc
Image by Rama
Lumbar Vertebrae Showing a Degenerated Intervertebral Disc
Intervertebral discs are spongy pads of cartilage packed between each of the unfused vertebrae, cushioning and stabilizing them. About 80% of a disc is water. The gel-like inner material of a disc is called the nucleus pulposus (or simply nucleus). The firmer outer material of a disc, which contains the nucleus, is called the annulus fibrosus (or just annulus). Degenerative disc disease is the gradual deterioration of the disc between the vertebrae. As people age, the intervertebral discs lose their flexibility, elasticity, and shock-absorbing characteristics.
Image by TheVisualMD
Intervertebral Disc
The bodies of adjacent vertebrae are separated and united by an intervertebral disc, which provides padding and allows for movements between adjacent vertebrae. The disc consists of a fibrous outer layer called the anulus fibrosus and a gel-like center called the nucleus pulposus. The intervertebral foramen is the opening formed between adjacent vertebrae for the exit of a spinal nerve.
Image by CNX Openstax
Intervertebral Disk of Lumbar Vertebrae
Between each vertebra is an intervertebral disk which acts as a ligament to hold the vertebrae together and serves as a shock absorber when the load on the spinal column is suddenly increased. Back pain can be caused by spinal problems. Spinal stenosis, the narrowing of areas of your spinal canal, can put pressure on spinal nerves and cause sciatica: pain or numbness through the hips and back of the leg. A herniated disc is an intervertebral disc that has ruptured, creating pressure on one or more spinal nerves. In spondylosis (spinal osteoarthritis), the discs between your vertebrae become thinner, allowing vertebral joints to press together. The cartilage between the joints deteriorates, creating pain and stiffness. Spondylolysis is a condition in which a portion of a vertebra, the pars interarticularis, breaks down. Spondylolisthesis may be caused by spondylolysis. In spondylolisthesis, one vertebra slips over the front the vertebra below it. Both of these conditions may be present without any symptoms. Spinal osteoporosis causes vertebrae to weaken and become susceptible to fractures. In cauda equina syndrome the lumbar nerves are compressed, usually by a herniated disk and more rarely by spinal stenosis.
Image by TheVisualMD
Cervical vertebrae
Cervical vertebra with intervertebral disc. (Nucleus pulposus labeled at center right, and is visible at center in light blue.)
Image by user:debivort
Herniated Disk
Image by heblo
Thoracic Vertebrae
A typical thoracic vertebra is distinguished by the spinous process, which is long and projects downward to overlap the next inferior vertebra. It also has articulation sites (facets) on the vertebral body and a transverse process for rib attachment.
Image by CNX Openstax
Lumbar Vertebrae Showing a Degenerated Intervertebral Disc
TheVisualMD
Intervertebral Disc
CNX Openstax
Intervertebral Disk
Anatomography
Spinal Cord Compression
Page tfw
Parts of a Typical Vertebra
CNX Openstax
Vertebra
OpenStax College
Lamina in the Spine (Vertebral Lamina)
OpenStax College
Human vertebral column
TheVisualMD
Artificial Intervertebral disc
Rama
Lumbar Vertebrae Showing a Degenerated Intervertebral Disc
TheVisualMD
Intervertebral Disc
CNX Openstax
Intervertebral Disk of Lumbar Vertebrae
TheVisualMD
Cervical vertebrae
user:debivort
Herniated Disk
heblo
Thoracic Vertebrae
CNX Openstax
What Are Vertebral Compression Fractures?
vertebral compression fracture
Image by Mikael Häggström
vertebral compression fracture
A potential complication of a vertebral compression fracture is avascular necrosis of the vertebral body, which is called Kümmel's disease, and may appear with the intravertebral vacuum cleft sign (at white arrow in image)
Image by Mikael Häggström
What Are Vertebral Compression Fractures?
Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) of the spinal column occur secondary to an axial/compressive (and to a lesser extent, flexion) load with resultant biomechanical failure of the bone resulting in a fracture. VCFs by definition compromise the anterior column of the spine, thereby resulting in compromise to the anterior half of the vertebral body (VB) and the anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL). This leads to the characteristic wedge-shaped deformity.
VCFs do not involve the posterior half of the VB and do not involve the posterior osseous components or the posterior ligamentous complex (PLC). The former distinguishes a compression fracture from a burst fracture. The implications of these compression fractures are related to the stability of the resulting structure and potential for deformity progression. Compression fractures are usually considered stable and do not require surgical instrumentation.
Source: Donnally III CJ, DiPompeo CM, Varacallo M. Vertebral Compression Fractures. [Updated 2021 Jul 18]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Availabl
Additional Materials (13)
Compression fracture of the fourth lumbar vertebra post falling from a height.
Image by James Heilman
Vertebral fracture - Compression of the vertebrae
Bone fractures - Vertebral fracture - Compression of the vertebrae
Image by Laboratoires Servier/Wikimedia
Compression fracture
X-ray of the lumbar spine with a compression fracture of the third lumbar vertebra.
Image by BruceBlaus
Vertebral Compression Fracture - DePuy Videos
Video by DePuy Synthes Companies/YouTube
Compression Fracture: How it happens- what is it?
Video by Bob & Brad/YouTube
Spinal compression fractures Anatomy
Video by Age2B/YouTube
Spinal Compression Fracture Symptoms
Video by Age2B/YouTube
Spinal Compression Fracture Reasons
Video by Age2B/YouTube
Vertebroplasty Procedure Animation
Video by Stryker Corporation Interventional Spine/YouTube
Kyphoplasty: Treating Spinal Compression Fractures | UPMC On Topic
Video by UPMC/YouTube
Spinal fractures. Definition
Video by Age2B/YouTube
Fast Fix for Fractured Spine
Video by Lee Health/YouTube
Breaking down spinal fractures
Video by Lee Health/YouTube
Compression fracture of the fourth lumbar vertebra post falling from a height.
James Heilman
Vertebral fracture - Compression of the vertebrae
Laboratoires Servier/Wikimedia
Compression fracture
BruceBlaus
1:04
Vertebral Compression Fracture - DePuy Videos
DePuy Synthes Companies/YouTube
7:39
Compression Fracture: How it happens- what is it?
Bob & Brad/YouTube
0:59
Spinal compression fractures Anatomy
Age2B/YouTube
0:59
Spinal Compression Fracture Symptoms
Age2B/YouTube
1:01
Spinal Compression Fracture Reasons
Age2B/YouTube
0:40
Vertebroplasty Procedure Animation
Stryker Corporation Interventional Spine/YouTube
2:51
Kyphoplasty: Treating Spinal Compression Fractures | UPMC On Topic
UPMC/YouTube
1:41
Spinal fractures. Definition
Age2B/YouTube
1:22
Fast Fix for Fractured Spine
Lee Health/YouTube
1:58
Breaking down spinal fractures
Lee Health/YouTube
Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion
Image by Blausen.com staff. \"Blausen gallery 2014\". Wikiversity Journal of Medicine. DOI:10.15347/wjm/2014.010. ISSN 20018762
Spinal fusion
Stabilization rods used after spinal fusion surgery. Harrington Rods used in Spinal Fusion
Image by Blausen.com staff. \"Blausen gallery 2014\". Wikiversity Journal of Medicine. DOI:10.15347/wjm/2014.010. ISSN 20018762
Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion is used to strengthen the spine and prevent painful movements in people with degenerative disc disease or spondylolisthesis (following laminectomy). The spinal disc between two or more vertebrae is removed and the adjacent vertebrae are “fused” by bone grafts and/or metal devices secured by screws. Spinal fusion may result in some loss of flexibility in the spine and requires a long recovery period to allow the bone grafts to grow and fuse the vertebrae together. Spinal fusion has been associated with an acceleration of disc degeneration at adjacent levels of the spine.
Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Additional Materials (11)
Spinal fusion
This is an anterior-posterior X-ray of a case of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis post-fusion - specifically, my spine. There was originally a thoracic curve of 30 degree and a lumbar curve of 53 degree (Cobb angle - see scoliosis) and these curves have been reduced to less than 15 degree each. This was taken at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital. The largest curve (53 degree) is of a magnitude typically near the lower surgery boundary, although many factors decide whether surgery is necessary on a scoliosis case.
Image by Silverjonny
Spinal fusion
Fusion of L5 and S1
Image by PumpingRudi
Kyphosis
A post-operative X-ray of a 22-year-old male with Scheuermann's disease. After a 13-level spinal fusion to correct the excessive curvature, the patient shows a normal degree of kyphosis.
Image by MusicNewz
Approaches to Spinal Fusion | FAQ's
Video by Johns Hopkins Medicine/YouTube
Scoliosis Spinal Fusion Animation
Video by Brontë Hampton/YouTube
Spinal Fusion | Richard Shetter's Story
Video by Johns Hopkins Medicine/YouTube
High school runner excels after spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis
Video by AkronChildrens/YouTube
Laminectomy Animation
Video by Heath and Beauty/YouTube
Spondylolisthesis - DePuy Videos
Video by DePuy Synthes Companies/YouTube
Teen Scoliosis Causes and Treatment Options- DePuy Videos
Video by DePuy Synthes Companies/YouTube
Meet Brandi: Living with scoliosis
Video by AkronChildrens/YouTube
Spinal fusion
Silverjonny
Spinal fusion
PumpingRudi
Kyphosis
MusicNewz
4:24
Approaches to Spinal Fusion | FAQ's
Johns Hopkins Medicine/YouTube
2:22
Scoliosis Spinal Fusion Animation
Brontë Hampton/YouTube
3:45
Spinal Fusion | Richard Shetter's Story
Johns Hopkins Medicine/YouTube
2:47
High school runner excels after spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis
AkronChildrens/YouTube
1:35
Laminectomy Animation
Heath and Beauty/YouTube
1:42
Spondylolisthesis - DePuy Videos
DePuy Synthes Companies/YouTube
1:22
Teen Scoliosis Causes and Treatment Options- DePuy Videos
DePuy Synthes Companies/YouTube
1:35
Meet Brandi: Living with scoliosis
AkronChildrens/YouTube
What Is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis
Image by Injurymap.com
Spinal stenosis
Spinal stenosis is an abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal or neural foramen that results in pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. Symptoms may include pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs.
Image by Injurymap.com
What Is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis happens when the spaces in the spine narrow and create pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that comes out of the base of the brain and runs down the center of the spine. The nerve roots branch out from the cord. The narrowing usually occurs over time and involves one or more areas of the spine:
The spinal canal, the hollow space in the center of each vertebrae (bones in the spine that protect the spinal cord); the spinal cord and nerve roots run through the spinal canal.
The space at the base or roots of nerves branching out from the spinal cord.
The openings between vertebrae, through which nerves leave the spine and go to other parts of the body.
There are many different structures in the anatomy of the back that work together to support your body. There are four regions of the spine:
Cervical spine.
Thoracic spine.
Lumbar spine.
Sacrum and coccyx.
Spinal stenosis most commonly develops in the lumbar spine and cervical spine.
Source: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIH)
Additional Materials (20)
Who Treats Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal Stenosis
Image by Blausen.com staff. \"Blausen gallery 2014\". Wikiversity Journal of Medicine. DOI:10.15347/wjm/2014.010.ISSN 20018762
Lumbar Vertebrae Showing Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of one or more areas of your spinal canal. This can put pressure on your spinal nerves and cause sciatica-sharp pain or numbness through the buttock and the back of the leg. Spinal stenosis can also cause pain or numbness in your back, neck, shoulders, or arms; limb weakness and lack of coordination; and problems with urination or bowel movements. Spinal stenosis is usually caused by age-related changes in the spine, such as osteoarthritis, disc degeneration, and thickened ligaments. It tends to happen in older people. Other causes of spinal stenosis include cancerous tumors in the spine, spinal injuries, and Paget's disease.
Image by TheVisualMD
Spinal stenosis: Mayo Clinic Radio
Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube
Diagnosing and Treating Spinal Stenosis
Video by Lee Health/YouTube
Q&A - Spinal Stenosis
Video by Howard County General Hospital/YouTube
How Is Spinal Stenosis Diagnosed?
Moderate to severe spinal stenosis a the levels of L3/4 and L4/5
Image by James Heilman, MD
What Causes Spinal Stenosis?
Lumbar spine stenosis L4-3-2-1
Image by Philmarin
Intervertebral Disk of Lumbar Vertebrae
Between each vertebra is an intervertebral disk which acts as a ligament to hold the vertebrae together and serves as a shock absorber when the load on the spinal column is suddenly increased. Back pain can be caused by spinal problems. Spinal stenosis, the narrowing of areas of your spinal canal, can put pressure on spinal nerves and cause sciatica: pain or numbness through the hips and back of the leg. A herniated disc is an intervertebral disc that has ruptured, creating pressure on one or more spinal nerves. In spondylosis (spinal osteoarthritis), the discs between your vertebrae become thinner, allowing vertebral joints to press together. The cartilage between the joints deteriorates, creating pain and stiffness. Spondylolysis is a condition in which a portion of a vertebra, the pars interarticularis, breaks down. Spondylolisthesis may be caused by spondylolysis. In spondylolisthesis, one vertebra slips over the front the vertebra below it. Both of these conditions may be present without any symptoms. Spinal osteoporosis causes vertebrae to weaken and become susceptible to fractures. In cauda equina syndrome the lumbar nerves are compressed, usually by a herniated disk and more rarely by spinal stenosis.
Image by TheVisualMD
Male Figure with Vertebral Column
Back pain can be caused by spinal problems. Spinal stenosis, the narrowing of areas of your spinal canal, can put pressure on spinal nerves and cause sciatica: pain or numbness through the hips and back of the leg. A herniated disc is an intervertebral disc that has ruptured, creating pressure on one or more spinal nerves. In spondylosis (spinal osteoarthritis), the discs between your vertebrae become thinner, allowing vertebral joints to press together. The cartilage between the joints deteriorates, creating pain and stiffness. Spondylolysis is a condition in which a portion of a vertebra, the pars interarticularis, breaks down. Spondylolisthesis may be caused by spondylolysis. In spondylolisthesis, one vertebra slips over the front the vertebra below it. Both of these conditions may be present without any symptoms. Spinal osteoporosis causes vertebrae to weaken and become susceptible to fractures. In cauda equina syndrome the lumbar nerves are compressed, usually by a herniated disk and more rarely by spinal stenosis.
Image by TheVisualMD
Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis
Video by University of California Television (UCTV)/YouTube
Small Spinal Canal
This illustration shows a cross section of a small spinal canal. Small spinal canals can be inherited and may cause spinal stenosis.
Image by niams.nih.gov
Illustration of the spinal bones
Your back is a complicated structure, and a lot can go wrong with it. Protect your back by learning about the causes, treatment, and prevention of back pain.
Image by NIH News in Health
Exercises for sciatica: spinal stenosis | NHS
Video by NHS/YouTube
What is Spinal Stenosis? - Lumbar Spinal Stenosis - DePuy Videos
Video by DePuy Synthes Companies/YouTube
Spinal stenosis side
Image by Injurymap.com
Low Back Pain Symptoms
Back Pain Symptoms : Low back pain may be acute, subacute, or chronic. Acute back pain lasts up to a few weeks and is often due to straining or spraining your back muscles or ligaments. Pain is usually confined to your back and often starts after you've fallen or lifted something heavy. Sciatica is a type of chronic (lasting longer than 3 months) back pain. It's caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve by a herniated disc. Pain may radiate into your hips and leg. Pain caused by spinal stenosis (narrowing of part of the spinal canal) is usually felt in both legs and may be relieved when you sit down. Pain caused by degenerative disc disease is felt in the lower back and tends to come and go. Spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra) may cause pain in your lower back, hips, and legs. Pain caused by facet joint osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) is felt in the lower back and may be accompanied by stiffness.
Image by TheVisualMD
Surgical Treatments
Back Pain Surgery : Surgery is usually reserved for cases where spinal nerves are compressed and are causing numbness in your leg or incontinence, or when nonsurgical measures haven't helped severe, chronic pain. Surgery can sometimes relieve debilitating pain. But if you're considering an operation, bear in mind that spinal surgery fails in nearly 30% of patients.
Image by TheVisualMD
Spinal Stenosis
Video by OACMorthopedics/YouTube
A-B-C degenerative changes
A-B-C degenerative changes. (a) A-changes. The degenerative process usually starts within the nucleous pulposus representing A-changes. (b) B-changes. The abnormalities extend to the disc, annulus fibrosus, end plates and bone marrow of the adjacent vertebral bodies. (c) C-changes. The advance degeneration may eventually involve distant structures and lead to facet joint osteoarthrosis, ligamentum flavum hypertrophy (not shown) and spinal canal stenosis (not shown)
Image by Irina Nefedova
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
MRI of a lumbar spinal stenosis L4-L5. L4-L5 antherolisthesis of grade I. Hypertrophy of interspinous ligaments in relation to Baastrup's disease. 67 years old man.
University of California Television (UCTV)/YouTube
Small Spinal Canal
niams.nih.gov
Illustration of the spinal bones
NIH News in Health
5:57
Exercises for sciatica: spinal stenosis | NHS
NHS/YouTube
1:59
What is Spinal Stenosis? - Lumbar Spinal Stenosis - DePuy Videos
DePuy Synthes Companies/YouTube
Spinal stenosis side
Injurymap.com
Low Back Pain Symptoms
TheVisualMD
Surgical Treatments
TheVisualMD
3:15
Spinal Stenosis
OACMorthopedics/YouTube
A-B-C degenerative changes
Irina Nefedova
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Jmarchn
What Is Lower Back Pain?
Female Experiencing Back Pain
Image by TheVisualMD
Female Experiencing Back Pain
Individuals with chronic back pain are at least four times more likely to experience major depression than people in the general population. Many are reluctant to accept a separate diagnosis of depression, feeling that the 'depressive’ symptoms diagnosed by a doctor would disappear if only the pain would go away. In another case of mind-body give-and-take, individuals with depression are also more prone to developing back pain. The reasons remain unclear.
Image by TheVisualMD
What Is Lower Back Pain?
If you have had lower back pain, you are not alone. Back pain is one of most common reasons people see a doctor or miss days at work. Even school-age children can have back pain.
Back pain can range in intensity from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp or shooting pain. It can begin suddenly as a result of an accident or by lifting something heavy, or it can develop over time as we age. Getting too little exercise followed by a strenuous workout also can cause back pain.
There are two types of back pain:
Acute, or short-term back pain lasts a few days to a few weeks. Most low back pain is acute. It tends to resolve on its own within a few days with self-care and there is no residual loss of function. In some cases a few months are required for the symptoms to disappear.
Chronic back pain is defined as pain that continues for 12 weeks or longer, even after an initial injury or underlying cause of acute low back pain has been treated. About 20 percent of people affected by acute low back pain develop chronic low back pain with persistent symptoms at one year. Even if pain persists, it does not always mean there is a medically serious underlying cause or one that can be easily identified and treated. In some cases, treatment successfully relieves chronic low back pain, but in other cases pain continues despite medical and surgical treatment.
Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke /NIH
Additional Materials (33)
The Vertebral Column
Your vertebral column is an amazing creation. Its design accommodates a large menu of needs-strength, stability, flexibility, and protection-with elegance and economy. Strong vertebral bones protect the delicate spinal cord that sends out nerves to every part of your body, allowing communication with the brain. The vertebrae of the spinal column are composed of porous bone surrounded by harder cortical bone, providing both durability and lightness. They increase in diameter, but not weight, as they progress toward the base of the spine, because the lower bones must carry more of your body's weight. A huge array of muscles, arranged in layers, allow you to stand upright and give you a broad range of motion. Together with the muscles, flexible ligaments join the spine's many bones into a structure that is dynamic and fluid, yet stable.
Image by TheVisualMD
Spinal Cord and Peripheral Nerve
3D visualization reconstructed from scanned from human data of the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. The body requires rapid, two-way communications with all its territories. Branching symmetrically from the spinal cord, 31 pairs of nerves penetrate every inch of muscle and skin and every gland via a 30,000 mile network that relays information almost instantaneously to and from the brain. The peripheral nerves - the main trunk lines - subdivide the body into front and back, then again by region. The regions in the trunk are roughly horizontal, but those in the limbs are aligned lengthwise.
Image by TheVisualMD
Spinal Cord and Peripheral Nerve
3D visualization reconstructed from scanned from human data of the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. The body requires rapid, two-way communications with all its territories. Branching symmetrically from the spinal cord, 31 pairs of nerves penetrate every inch of muscle and skin and every gland via a 30,000 mile network that relays information almost instantaneously to and from the brain. The peripheral nerves - the main trunk lines - subdivide the body into front and back, then again by region. The regions in the trunk are roughly horizontal, but those in the limbs are aligned lengthwise.
Image by TheVisualMD
Low Back Pain
Video by DocMikeEvans/YouTube
Low Back Pain - Everything You Need To Know - Dr. Nabil Ebraheim
Video by nabil ebraheim/YouTube
Low Back Pain Animation
Video by Benson Asamoa/YouTube
The Basics of Back Pain (Back Pain #1)
Video by Healthguru/YouTube
Chronic Low Back Pain : Understanding lower back structures and treatment approaches
Video by Quebec Pain Research Network - Réseau québécois de recherche sur la douleur/YouTube
Mechanics of Human Lower Back and Occupational Low Back Pain with Babak Bazrgari
Video by Center for Occupational and Environmental Health/YouTube
3 Scientific Reasons Why Your Back Hurts
Video by Seeker/YouTube
Low Back Pain: Should We Recommend Chiropractic Care?
Video by Medscape/YouTube
Back Pain
Image by TheVisualMD
Low back pain in women
Image by wuestenigel
Low Back Pain / Normal Vertebra
Low Back Pain / Normal Vertebra
Image by TheVisualMD
Lower Back Pain - Causes and Tips to Prevent Low Back Pain
Video by SingHealth/YouTube
Low Back Pain - Disc Herniation ,Sciatica - Everything You Need To Know - Dr. Nabil Ebraheim
Video by nabil ebraheim/YouTube
Lower back pain (a.o. sciatica, herniated disk) - It's causes, symptoms and treatment.
Video by Healthchanneltv / cherishyourhealthtv/YouTube
Fluoroscopy to Pinpoint Low Back Pain Source
Video by Lee Health/YouTube
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for Low Back Pain
Video by Journal of Osteopathic Medicine/YouTube
Tests For Examination Of The Lower Back - Everything You Need To Know - Dr. Nabil Ebraheim
Video by nabil ebraheim/YouTube
The do's and don'ts of exercise with low back pain
Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube
Common Causes of Low Back Pain - Everything You Need To Know - Dr. Nabil Ebraheim
Video by nabil ebraheim/YouTube
Approach to Low Back Pain Physical Exam - Stanford Medicine 25
Video by Stanford Medicine 25/YouTube
Are you at Risk for Back Pain?
Video by Coury & Buehler PT/YouTube
A herniated disc - What is it and what surgical treatments are available?
Video by Healthchanneltv / cherishyourhealthtv/YouTube
Sciatic Nerve , Anatomy , 3D animation - Everything You Need To Know - Dr. Nabil Ebraheim
Video by nabil ebraheim/YouTube
Piriformis Syndrome , sciatica - Everything You Need To Know - Dr. Nabil Ebraheim
Video by nabil ebraheim/YouTube
What's causing your back pain? Spinal specialist explains | BMI Healthcare
Video by BMI Healthcare/YouTube
Diagnosing Low Back Pain
Video by UW - Department of Family Medicine and Community Health/YouTube
Low Back Pain: Myths vs. Facts | Sid Anandkumar | TEDxChilliwack
Video by TEDx Talks/YouTube
Treating Lower Back Pain with Medial Branch Radiofrequency Ablation | UPMC
Video by UPMC/YouTube
Pain: Considering Complementary Approaches
This eBook is your guide to complementary
health approaches for pain. It comes from
the National Center for Complementary and
Integrative Health (NCCIH), which is part of
the Federal Government’s National Institutes
of Health (NIH).
Document by National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
Noninvasive Treatments for Low Back Pain: A Summary of the Research for Adults
This information is right for you if:-- You have low back pain-- Your low back pain is not caused by:-- Injury or pressure on the nerve roots in the spine (radiculopathy)-- A high-speed injury (such as from a car accident)-- Pregnancy-- Cancer, an infection, problems with your nervous system, a broken bone, or certain types of arthritis-- You are age 18 or older. This information is from research on adults.
Document by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
The Vertebral Column
TheVisualMD
Spinal Cord and Peripheral Nerve
TheVisualMD
Spinal Cord and Peripheral Nerve
TheVisualMD
11:06
Low Back Pain
DocMikeEvans/YouTube
7:32
Low Back Pain - Everything You Need To Know - Dr. Nabil Ebraheim
nabil ebraheim/YouTube
1:06
Low Back Pain Animation
Benson Asamoa/YouTube
3:42
The Basics of Back Pain (Back Pain #1)
Healthguru/YouTube
6:05
Chronic Low Back Pain : Understanding lower back structures and treatment approaches
Quebec Pain Research Network - Réseau québécois de recherche sur la douleur/YouTube
52:25
Mechanics of Human Lower Back and Occupational Low Back Pain with Babak Bazrgari
Center for Occupational and Environmental Health/YouTube
5:13
3 Scientific Reasons Why Your Back Hurts
Seeker/YouTube
1:07
Low Back Pain: Should We Recommend Chiropractic Care?
Medscape/YouTube
Back Pain
TheVisualMD
Low back pain in women
wuestenigel
Low Back Pain / Normal Vertebra
TheVisualMD
4:26
Lower Back Pain - Causes and Tips to Prevent Low Back Pain
SingHealth/YouTube
6:03
Low Back Pain - Disc Herniation ,Sciatica - Everything You Need To Know - Dr. Nabil Ebraheim
nabil ebraheim/YouTube
2:43
Lower back pain (a.o. sciatica, herniated disk) - It's causes, symptoms and treatment.
Healthchanneltv / cherishyourhealthtv/YouTube
1:39
Fluoroscopy to Pinpoint Low Back Pain Source
Lee Health/YouTube
4:21
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for Low Back Pain
Journal of Osteopathic Medicine/YouTube
6:03
Tests For Examination Of The Lower Back - Everything You Need To Know - Dr. Nabil Ebraheim
nabil ebraheim/YouTube
1:12
The do's and don'ts of exercise with low back pain
Mayo Clinic/YouTube
15:30
Common Causes of Low Back Pain - Everything You Need To Know - Dr. Nabil Ebraheim
nabil ebraheim/YouTube
8:35
Approach to Low Back Pain Physical Exam - Stanford Medicine 25
Stanford Medicine 25/YouTube
3:11
Are you at Risk for Back Pain?
Coury & Buehler PT/YouTube
3:12
A herniated disc - What is it and what surgical treatments are available?
Healthchanneltv / cherishyourhealthtv/YouTube
2:12
Sciatic Nerve , Anatomy , 3D animation - Everything You Need To Know - Dr. Nabil Ebraheim
nabil ebraheim/YouTube
5:12
Piriformis Syndrome , sciatica - Everything You Need To Know - Dr. Nabil Ebraheim
nabil ebraheim/YouTube
3:25
What's causing your back pain? Spinal specialist explains | BMI Healthcare
BMI Healthcare/YouTube
9:57
Diagnosing Low Back Pain
UW - Department of Family Medicine and Community Health/YouTube
14:34
Low Back Pain: Myths vs. Facts | Sid Anandkumar | TEDxChilliwack
TEDx Talks/YouTube
2:56
Treating Lower Back Pain with Medial Branch Radiofrequency Ablation | UPMC
UPMC/YouTube
Pain: Considering Complementary Approaches
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
Noninvasive Treatments for Low Back Pain: A Summary of the Research for Adults
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
Back Pain Anatomy
Vertebral Column
Vertebral Column
Vertebral Column - Lumbar spine
Vertebral Column
1
2
3
4
Bones of the Vertebral Column
Interactive by TheVisualMD
Vertebral Column
Vertebral Column
Vertebral Column - Lumbar spine
Vertebral Column
1
2
3
4
Bones of the Vertebral Column
Your vertebral column is divided into four regions: the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spines. Vertebrae are increasingly large toward the bottom of the spine to support the weight of the upper body. Most back pain originates in the lumbar spine.
Interactive by TheVisualMD
Back Pain Anatomy
Back pain is one of the most common medical problems in the United States. It can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain. Sometimes it can come on suddenly – from an accident, a fall, or lifting something heavy, or it can develop slowly because of age-related degenerative changes to the spine. In some cases, inflammatory disorders or other medical conditions cause back pain.
Treatment varies depending on the cause and symptoms; however, there are steps you can take to improve your health and lower your chance of developing chronic or long-lasting back pain.
Understanding the Anatomy of the Back
There are many different structures in the anatomy of the back that work together to support your body. Problems with any one of these structures can cause back pain.
There are four regions of the spine:
Cervical spine.
Thoracic spine.
Lumbar spine.
Sacrum and coccyx.
Parts of the spine and back include:
Vertebrae – small bones stacked on top of one another, which protect the spinal cord.
Spinal cord – long bundle of nerves that run down the back through a canal in the vertebrae.
Intervertebral discs – cushion-like pads between the vertebrae that act like shock absorbers and spacers for the spine.
Ligaments – short bands of tough, flexible tissue that hold the vertebrae in place.
Tendons – cord of tissue that connects muscle to bone.
Muscles – a bundle of dynamic fibers that support your spine and upper body and help you move.
Source: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Additional Materials (14)
Back Pain Infographic
Image by painpix
This browser does not support the video element.
What Is Back Pain?
Set out on a voyage of discovery into one of the miracles of nature: your back. Dynamic, multilayered views of the spine and the hundreds of muscles that support it reveal the hidden architecture of your vertebrae and discs. Go deep inside the spine to see exactly what happens when a disc herniates or spinal stenosis, spinal osteoarthritis, and other disorders develop. Noted back experts Dr. Mark Liponis of Canyon Ranch, Dr. Norman Marcus of NYU, and many others talk about what causes most back pain and the difference between chronic and acute pain. See therapists in action using both standard and alternative treatments, from physical and thermal therapy to acupuncture and massage.
Video by TheVisualMD
Low Back Pain Animation
Video by Benson Asamoa/YouTube
This browser does not support the video element.
Back Pain Prevention Tips
The single most important thing you can do to prevent lower back pain is to strengthen your core muscles through exercise. Regular exercise (at least 3 days a week) stretches your muscles so that they are much less likely to strain or spasm. By strengthening your back and abdominal muscles, you support your spine. If you're carrying too much fat, exercise helps you to lose weight.
Video by TheVisualMD
Low Back Pain - Everything You Need To Know - Dr. Nabil Ebraheim
Video by nabil ebraheim/YouTube
Lower back pain (a.o. sciatica, herniated disk) - It's causes, symptoms and treatment.
Video by Healthchanneltv / cherishyourhealthtv/YouTube
This browser does not support the video element.
Weight Gain & Back Pain
Stress can contribute to, or possibly even cause, back pain. People with unmanaged stress may unconsciously tighten their back muscles, and over time this may result in muscle stiffness or spasm. Some researchers think that stress can also cause constriction in the back’s blood vessels that results in lack of oxygen supply to the soft tissues (like muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves), creating tension, spasm, and pain in the area.Poor posture, like hunching over a keyboard or steering wheel for long periods of time, may not cause back pain, but it does increase your risk for back pain if your back has previously been strained or injured. Being overweight, and especially having a big belly, may increase your risk by straining your back. If you are carrying a lot of weight in your abdomen you probably have weak abdominal muscles, and this lack of muscle support can lead to back pain.
Video by TheVisualMD
Back Pain Linked to Knee Pain
Video by Lee Health/YouTube
The Basics of Back Pain (Back Pain #1)
Video by Healthguru/YouTube
Lower Back Exercises for Back Physical Therapy : Physical Therapy
Video by ehowhealth/YouTube
Chronic Low Back Pain : Understanding lower back structures and treatment approaches
Video by Quebec Pain Research Network - Réseau québécois de recherche sur la douleur/YouTube
Lower Back Pain - Causes and Tips to Prevent Low Back Pain
Video by SingHealth/YouTube
Back Pain Management: Treatment of Chronic Back Pain | UCLA Health
Video by UCLA Health/YouTube
Muscles of the Back (3D Anatomy Tutorial)
Video by Geeky Medics/YouTube
Back Pain Infographic
painpix
4:59
What Is Back Pain?
TheVisualMD
1:06
Low Back Pain Animation
Benson Asamoa/YouTube
2:31
Back Pain Prevention Tips
TheVisualMD
7:32
Low Back Pain - Everything You Need To Know - Dr. Nabil Ebraheim
nabil ebraheim/YouTube
2:43
Lower back pain (a.o. sciatica, herniated disk) - It's causes, symptoms and treatment.
Healthchanneltv / cherishyourhealthtv/YouTube
0:20
Weight Gain & Back Pain
TheVisualMD
1:44
Back Pain Linked to Knee Pain
Lee Health/YouTube
3:42
The Basics of Back Pain (Back Pain #1)
Healthguru/YouTube
2:03
Lower Back Exercises for Back Physical Therapy : Physical Therapy
ehowhealth/YouTube
6:05
Chronic Low Back Pain : Understanding lower back structures and treatment approaches
Quebec Pain Research Network - Réseau québécois de recherche sur la douleur/YouTube
4:26
Lower Back Pain - Causes and Tips to Prevent Low Back Pain
SingHealth/YouTube
6:45
Back Pain Management: Treatment of Chronic Back Pain | UCLA Health
UCLA Health/YouTube
10:57
Muscles of the Back (3D Anatomy Tutorial)
Geeky Medics/YouTube
What Is Back Pain?
Depiction of a person suffering from back pain
Image by https://www.myupchar.com
Depiction of a person suffering from back pain
Depiction of a person suffering from back pain. The common causes of back pain have been shown.
Image by https://www.myupchar.com
What Is Back Pain?
Back pain is one of most common reasons people see a doctor or miss days at work. Back pain can range in intensity from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp or shooting pain. There are two types of back pain:
Acute (short-term) back pain lasts a few days to a few weeks. It usually resolves on its own within a few days with self-care and there is no long-term loss of function.
Chronic back pain is pain that continues for 12 weeks or longer, even after an initial injury or underlying cause of back pain has been treated.
Risk factors for low back pain
Age: The first attack of low back pain typically occurs between the ages of 30 and 50 and may become more common as you age.
Fitness level: Back pain is more common among people who are not physically fit, as their muscles may not properly support the spine.
Weight gain: Being overweight, obese, or quickly gaining significant amounts of weight can put stress on your back and cause pain.
Genetics: Some causes of back pain, such as ankylosing spondylitis (a form of arthritis that affects the spine), have a genetic component.
Job-related factors: Job that requires heavy lifting, pushing or pulling, or twisting or vibrating the spine can injure your back, as can sitting at a desk all day, especially if you have poor posture or sit in a chair with not enough back support.
Mental health: Anxiety, mood, and depression can influence how you perceive your back pain and stress can cause muscle tension.
Smoking: This can restrict blood flow and oxygen to your discs, causing them to degenerate faster.
Backpack overload in children: A backpack overloaded with schoolbooks and supplies can strain the back and cause muscle fatigue.
Recommendations for keeping your back healthy
Avoid movements that jolt or strain your back.
Exercise regularly to keep your muscles strong and flexible. Consult a physician for a list of low-impact, age-appropriate exercises that are specifically targeted to strengthening lower back and abdominal muscles.
Maintain a healthy weight and eat a nutritious diet that promotes new bone growth.
Use ergonomically designed furniture and equipment at home and at work.
Switch sitting positions often and periodically walk around the office or gently stretch your muscles to relieve tension. Put your feet on a low stool or a stack of books when sitting for a long time.
Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes.
Sleeping on your side with your knees drawn up in a fetal position can help open up the joints in the spine and relieve pressure by reducing the curvature of the spine. Always sleep on a firm surface.
Don't try to lift objects that are too heavy. Lift from the knees, keep a straight back, and objects close to the body.
Quit smoking. Smoking reduces blood flow to the lower spine, which can contribute to spinal disc degeneration. Smoking also increases the risk of osteoporosis and impedes healing. Coughing due to heavy smoking also may cause back pain.
Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Additional Materials (2)
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Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube
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Discectomy
Discectomy
Image by BruceBlaus
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Image by BruceBlaus
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Discectomy and microdiscectomy involve removing a herniated disc through an incision in the back (microdiscectomy uses a much smaller incision in the back and allows for a more rapid recovery). Laminectomy and discectomy are frequently performed together and the combination is one of the more common ways to remove pressure on a nerve root from a herniated disc or bone spur.
Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)
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