Essential Guide to the Spine Anatomy The spine consists of a column of bones (vertebrae) rising from the rear of the pelvis and forms the main scaffolding to support the trunk, skull and upper limbs.

Essential Guide to the Spine Anatomy The spine provides attachment for our ribs, muscles and ligaments which make up the trunk. It is divided into 3 regions: Neck (cervical) 7 vertebrae Thoracic 12 vertebrae Lumbar 5 vertebrae

Essential Guide to the Spine Anatomy The vertebra consists of a squat cylindrical portion of bone at the front, which forms the main load bearing column. To the rear there are 3 bony processes which allow muscle, ligaments and ribs to attach. Each vertebra joins to its neighbour by 2 interlocking pegs called the facet joints. This structure makes the column stable

Essential Guide to the Spine Anatomy The vertebral discs are situated between the vertebral bodies and act as shock absorbers, cushioning the stress of movement, impact and load which the spine is subjected to hundreds of times a day.

Essential Guide to the Spine Anatomy The outer part of the disc is made up of layers of a fibrous gristly material which is very firmly attached to the vertebral bodies above and below. The softer centre (nucleus) is more fluid - like toothpaste. Ageing causes fluid loss from the nucleus in late middle age and the disc will slowly become almost uniformly gristly and slightly thinner.

“Slipped Disc” This is a misleading term giving rise to the belief that the disc is like an unstable packing piece and can be pushed back into place. A slipped disc is a bulge of the disc usually caused by increased pressure (bending) or even a split of the gristle layer allowing the nucleus to protrude through.

“Slipped Disc” This trauma causes both mechanical and chemical irritation to the highly sensitive structures in the area. Dependant on the level of the disc affected and the severity of the damage; pain/numbness/pins and needles/weakness can be experienced in the back, buttock, groin, leg or foot.

Common Back Problems 4 Muscle sprain 4 Overuse syndrome 4 Ligament sprain 4 Over exertion - lifting too much weight 4 Incorrect lifting - bending the back! 4 Bad posture - slumping in soft chairs

Self Help - Acute Stage 4 Bed rest is not recommended. 4 Take painkillers as your doctor has prescribed. 4 Stay as active as you can and try to continue with some normal daily activities. 4 Do not stay in one position or do any one thing for more than 30 minutes without a break.

Self Help - Acute Stage 4 Try to slowly increase your physical activity every day. 4 Heat or cold may give some relief. A bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel for 5-10 minutes at a time or a hot water bottle or bath for 10 minutes at a time.

Self Help - After Acute Stage 4 Increase your exercise slowly and steadily until you get back to ‘normal’ 4 Use heat or ice to ease any spasm or pain 4 Seek professional help if you are not getting any better 4 Stay positive 4 Maintain a level of daily exercise to stay fit