Back Facts
Resources for your health and well-being
Understanding your anatomy
Knowing some basic information about your spine can be very helpful as you talk with your doctor.
The 24 bones of your spine, called vertebrae, are stacked on top of each other. The vertebrae are
arranged to create a hollow passage that protects and supports the spinal cord and its many nerves.
Gel-like cushions, called disks, separate the vertebrae. These soft discs of cartilage act as shock absorbers
between the vertebrae. The disks keep the bones from rubbing against each other and allow you to
stand upright or bend and twist. They also protect the delicate spinal cord from injury.
Cervical Spine
• The neck, or cervical spine, starts at the bottom of the skull, and ends
just above the shoulders
• These seven vertebrae support the weight of the head
• Provides more movement than the other segments of the spine
Thoracic Spine
• The mid-back, or thoracic spine, protects the organs of the chest.
• These 12 vertebrae have a normal kyphosis (or “C” curve)
• Allow for less movement than the rest of the spine
Lumbar Spine
• The lower back, or lumbar spine, has five of the largest vertebrae
• Carry most of the body’s weight
• Responsible for a majority of bending and twisting
Other Parts of the Spine
• Lamina - forms the back of the spinal canal.
• Foramen - a small opening where a nerve
leaves the spinal canal.
• Transverse Process - the wing on either
side of each vertebra.
• Spinous Process - what you feel through
your skin.
• Disks - lie between each of the vertebrae.
858.613.6252 • 855.35.ACTIV
www.pph.org/ActivCentre
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care.
Always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.
cervical
thoracic
lumbar
sacrum
coccyx
Back Facts
Resources for your health and well-being
Who gets back pain?
Anyone can have back pain, but some things that
increase your risk are:
•
Getting older. Back pain is more common the
older you get.
•
Poor physical fitness.
•
Being overweight. A diet high in calories and
fat can make you gain weight. Too much weight
can stress the back and cause pain.
•
Heredity. Some causes of back pain have
a genetic component, such as ankylosing
spondylitis, a form of arthritis.
•
Other diseases. Some types of arthritis and
cancer can cause back pain.
•
Your job. If you have to lift, push, or pull while
twisting your spine, you may get back pain. If
you work at a desk all day and do not sit up
straight, you may also get back pain.
•
Smoking. Your body may not be able to get
enough nutrients to the disks in your back if
you smoke. Smoker’s cough may also cause
back pain. People who smoke are slow to heal,
so back pain may last longer.
What Is the Difference Between
Acute and Chronic Pain?
Acute pain starts quickly and lasts less than
6 weeks. It is the most common type of back
pain. Acute pain may be caused by things
like falling, being tackled in football, or lifting
something heavy. Chronic pain lasts for more
than 3 months and is much less common.
Can Back Pain Be Prevented?
Yes, the best things you can do are:
• Exercise - keep your back muscles strong.
• Maintain a healthy weight or lose weight
if you weigh too much. To have strong
bones, you need to get enough calcium and
vitamin D.
• Try to stand up straight and avoid heavy
lifting when you can. If you do lift something
heavy, bend your legs and keep your back
straight.
858.613.6252 • 855.35.ACTIV
www.pph.org/ActivCentre
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care.
Always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.
Back Facts
Resources for your health and well-being
Relieving Back Pain
Back pain is a common problem. You can strain back muscles by lifting
too much weight or just by moving the wrong way. Back strain can be
uncomfortable, even painful. And it can take weeks to heal. To help
yourself feel better and prevent future back strains, try these tips:
Important Note: Do not give
aspirin to children or teens.
Ice
• Ice reduces muscle pain and swelling. It helps most during the
first 24 to 48 hours after an injury.
• Wrap an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas in a dishcloth. (Never
place ice directly on your skin.)
• Place the ice where your back hurts the most.
• Don’t ice for more than 20 minutes at a time.
• You should use ice several times a day.
Medications
• Over-the-counter pain relievers include aspirin, acetaminophen,
and ibuprofen. They can help ease discomfort. Some also reduce
swelling.
Ice helps most during the first
day or two after an injury.
• Tell your doctor about any medications you are already taking.
• Take medications only as directed.
• A warm shower can relax sore muscles.
Heat
• After the first 48 hours, heat can relax sore muscles and improve
blood flow.
• Try a warm bath or shower. Or use a heating pad set on low. To
prevent a burn, keep a cloth between you and the heating pad.
• Don’t use a heating pad for more than 15 minutes at a time.
Never sleep on a heating pad.
A warm shower can relax
sore muscles.
858.613.6252 • 855.35.ACTIV
www.pph.org/ActivCentre
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care.
Always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.