Medically, the back plays a major role as it is often the starting point for pain. In fact, back pain has become a common disease. Almost 90% of the population suffer from pain in between or regularly.
What is the back?
Back pain is a classic symptom of the Western world. Sitting for long periods of time and little exercise promote this discomfort. The back, coming from Latin, is also called the dorsum. It refers to the back of the upper body, specifically the posterior side of the torso. Vertically, it extends from the neck to the lumbar region and the tailbone. The central element of the back is the spine, which can be understood as a movable chain of links. A person’s healthy spine has a curvature in the shape of a double “S”. This shape benefits its function. The back plays a major role in health and well-being. Back problems are not only common, but also annoying. They restrict freedom of movement and can thus make everyday life more difficult. In some cases, severe back pain can prevent movement altogether or make it unbearable. Sayings like “stabbing someone in the back” are therefore no coincidence.
Anatomy and structure
In addition to the spine with its vertebrae, intervertebrae and ligaments, the back includes the back of the ribs and the surrounding soft tissues. In short, it consists of bones, joints, ligaments and muscles. Often, the scapulae are also counted as part of the back. Towards the sides, the dorsum transitions smoothly into the abdominal and thoracic walls. The spine consists of 33 vertebrae, which in turn are connected by intervertebral discs and ligaments. The first and second cervical vertebrae are an exception to this rule. The function of the vertebrae is to protect the deeper spinal cord. This consists of sensitive nerve fibers that are particularly susceptible to injury. On both sides, the spine is delimited by muscles called extensors. In the back region lie a large number of muscles that play a role in the movement of the head and limbs. The counterparts to these are the abdominal and anterior cervical muscles.
Function and tasks
The S-shape of the spine ensures that a person can stand upright. The whole back system supports the person’s body and prevents him from swaying sideways or falling over. Generally speaking: The back is responsible for mobility and allows the body to stretch, bend and turn. This is provided by the ligaments that connect the vertebrae. What appears to be self-evident to humans is a complex interplay of tendons and muscles. If a doctor is forced to stiffen vertebrae due to an accident, rotation is no longer possible. In the case of neck injuries, pain may occur years later when turning the head. Depending on the case, the doctor and patient will consult about fusion to relieve pressure on the entire area.
Diseases and complaints
The diseases and complaints that can occur in the back area are varied. However, the symptoms are usually the same: Back pain. Often they vary only in intensity and localization. Pain often occurs due to incorrect posture, lack of movement or incorrect loading. In most cases, they are accompanied by tension. These tensions are caused, for example, by incorrect lying or hours of incorrect posture in front of the TV or PC. Another reason for tension is one-sided movements or stresses. For women in particular, this includes carrying bags on one side. Heavy lifting can also cause back pain from overloading. It is not uncommon for back pain to become a chronic problem due to long periods of office work. Even elementary school children often complain of pain. In addition to lack of exercise, heavy books and school bags are usually responsible for this. The daily load increases to the area of the lower lumbar spine. Therefore, signs of wear and tear usually occur in this area. These increase with the years. Herniated discs or the famous “lumbago” are often the result. Overweight people are particularly at risk, as they put additional weight on the back. But vascular diseases, infections and tumor diseases can also be reasons for back pain. Therefore, chronic pain in particular requires clarification by a physician.Pain radiating from the abdomen is also conceivable. For example, pain in the lower back is often associated with diseases of the kidneys. But diseases of the pancreas can also manifest themselves in back pain. In general, regular exercise is important to prevent back pain. In particular, exercises to build up the back muscles can permanently prevent pain. Stress can also be the cause of tension in the back. It is therefore advisable to take regular breaks in everyday life. Massages also help to relax and loosen up the muscles. In this way, the back can be kept healthy in the long term.
