Causes/Anatomy/Function

Back pain is one of the most common ailments in modern society. The causes of back pain are manifold, but in most cases they result from incorrect posture, too little movement or lack of muscular stability. In some cases a pelvic obliquity or ISG blockage is responsible for back pain.

The back is a complex system of passive and active structures, which gives the trunk its stability but also mobility and the person its posture. The spine is the center of the back and also the origin of many pains. It is shaped like a large double S. This special shape allows for better absorption of stress and balancing of the body.

The spine is subdivided into vertebral bodies (7 cervical vertebral bodies, 12 thoracic vertebral bodies and 5 lumbar vertebral bodies) and intervertebral discs located in between. The entire spinal column is connected by many different ligaments and small joints, but also by muscles. These devices ensure stability and enable movement.

More information about back pain caused by inflammation of the ligaments of the spine can be found in the article Ligaments of the spine. There are the holding muscles, which primarily ensure that the spine is optimally supported and that an upright posture is adopted. Malpositions that can be promoted by muscular imbalances of the support muscles are, for example, scoliosis or hyperlordosis (hollow back).

Here it is important to strengthen the correct muscles. Then there is the musculature that provides movement, i.e. tilts, turns and stretches the trunk. The abdominal muscles and the muscles of the pelvic floor are also part of the muscle system that braces the long spinal column.

If a part of these whole systems is no longer in balance, the body can compensate for this for some time, but at some point pain (back pain) and restricted movement will occur as a result. Many symptoms can occur in the back. They manifest themselves in the form of arthrosis in the vertebral joints, herniated discs, spondylolisthesis, painful muscle tension, malposition of the spine, lack of stability, stiffening such as ankylosing spondylitis, osteoporosis, dislocations, blocked ribs, and much more.

Tense muscles cause painful pulling, constrictions cause stinging, and wounded or jammed nerves send a shooting sting, tingling or numbness.Since the back is the center of the body, from which all nerve supply of the entire body originates (through the nerves originating from the spinal cord), back problems (back pain) can cause pain not only on the spot, but also in all other areas of the body. For example, a slipped disc in the lower spine can lead to numb toes. Then there is the musculature that provides movement, i.e. tilts, turns and stretches the trunk.

The muscular system that braces the long spine pole also includes the abdominal muscles and the muscles of the pelvic floor. If a part of these whole systems is no longer in balance, the body can compensate for this for some time, but at some point pain (back pain) and restricted movement will occur as a result. Many symptoms can occur in the back.

They manifest themselves in the form of arthrosis in the vertebral joints, herniated discs, spondylolisthesis, painful muscle tension, malposition of the spine, lack of stability, stiffening such as ankylosing spondylitis, osteoporosis, dislocations, blocked ribs, and much more. Tense muscles cause painful pulling, constrictions cause stinging, and wounded or jammed nerves send a shooting sting, tingling or numbness. Since the back is the center of the body, from which all nerve supply of the entire body originates (through the nerves originating from the spinal cord), back problems (back pain) can cause pain not only on the spot, but also in all other parts of the body.

For example, a slipped disc in the lower spine can lead to numb toes. Since the development of humans from quadrupeds to bipeds and now the many sitting, a much higher load is placed on the physical structures – especially the spine. This may be the cause of the great back problem in our society.

Because 90% of all back pain is non-specific, i.e. there is no recognizable disease or cause. In most cases, the only thing needed here is a balance to the many sitting and bent posture. Movement (coordination exercises, mobilization exercises) and muscle building is the keyword against long lasting back pain. The following articles may also be of interest to you:

Physiotherapy for a LWS syndrome
Lumbago
Effective exercises against back pain