The first seven vertebrae - those that run from the base of the skull to the bottom of the neck - are called cervical vertebrae. The next 12 vertebrae of the spine - those that run between the base of the neck to the small of the back - are known as thoracic vertebrae. The following five vertebrae are called lumbar vertebrae. These are followed by another five vertebrae, which are fused together, forming a structure known as the sacrum. The four fused discs of the coccyx (pronounced “cok-siks”), or tailbone, are immediately below the sacrum.

The discs between the vertebrae act as shock absorbers. They consist of a soft, jelly-like material held inside a fibrous elastic outer casing. When this outer shell is damaged, the inner jelly may protrude or leak out, giving rise to a disc prolapse (commonly known as a “slipped disc”).

The spinal column is reinforced and held in position by an intricate network of muscles, tendons and ligaments.

The Purpose of the Spine
The spinal column provides the main means of support for your body. It allows you to stand upright, to bend and twist, while protecting the spinal cord from injury.

When a baby is born, its spine is C-shaped. As an infant grows and begins to crawl, then walk, the spine adjusts to accommodate two-legged locomotion. In an upright position, the spine is constantly being pulled forward by the weight of the body. Viewed from the side, the adult spine forms an S-shape. These curves work like a coiled spring, giving the spine remarkable flexibility and resilience, and helping to maintain balance.

What Causes Back Pain?
Eight out of ten North Americans will experience one or more episodes of back pain in his or her lifetime. Low back pain is second only to the common cold as a cause of lost workdays.

Almost all incidents of back pain result from weakness of the back muscles caused by leading a sedentary lifestyle. This includes back pain resulting from stress. When you tense up, or if you have been doing something strenuous like gardening, the back muscles often go into spasm. (This can also happen when you have been in an awkward position for a long time and move suddenly, or make a sudden twisting motion.) The lowest region of the back - the lumbar region - is the most vulnerable area. This is because the lower part of the spine bears the entire weight of the upper body. Since it is flexed, twisted and bent more than any other part of the spine, it suffers more wear and tear.

When Should You Call the Doctor?
Spasm of the back muscles can cause intense pain, often leading the sufferer to believe that something is seriously wrong. In most cases, the pain dissipates within one or two days. If you are experiencing back pain that lasts more than 48 hours, that is getting worse, or is accompanied by numbness, pins and needles or pain down the the back or side of the leg, you should call your doctor as soon as possible.

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