What is the spine?
(spine) The bones, muscles, tendons, and other tissues that reach from the base of the skull to the tailbone. The spine encloses the spinal cord and the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. Also called backbone, spinal column, and vertebral column.
What are the 5 areas of the spine?
The spine is composed of 33 bones, called vertebrae, divided into five sections: the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine sections, and the sacrum and coccyx bones. The cervical section of the spine is made up of the top seven vertebrae in the spine, C1 to C7, and is connected to the base of the skull.
What does spine mean in anatomy?
Spine: 1) The column of bone known as the vertebral column, which surrounds and protects the spinal cord. The spine can be categorized according to level of the body: i.e., cervical spine (neck), thoracic spine (upper and middle back), and lumbar spine (lower back). See also vertebral column.
What is spine problem?
Your spine has spaces in it for your spinal cord and the nerves that branch out from it. When those spaces shrink, bones can press against nerves. You might not even notice it, but any time nerves are messed with, you could have pain, tingling, or numbness, or your muscles might seem weak.
What is spinal cord?
A column of nerve tissue that runs from the base of the skull down the center of the back. It is covered by three thin layers of protective tissue called membranes. The spinal cord and membranes are surrounded by the vertebrae (back bones). The spinal cord and the brain make up the central nervous system (CNS).
What are spinal nerves?
Spinal nerves are the major nerves of the body. A total of 31 pairs of spinal nerves control motor, sensory, and other functions. These nerves are located at the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal levels.
What are the most common causes of back pain?
7 common causes of back pain
- Pulled muscle or tendon. Lifting boxes or heavy objects working out and even sleeping in an awkward position can lead to a sore back.
- Inflammation.
- Arthritis.
- Osteoporosis.
- Injured herniated and ruptured discs.
- Stress.
- Fibromyalgia.
What causes pain in the spine?
Upper and middle back pain may be caused by: Overuse, muscle strain, or injury to the muscles, ligaments, and discs that support your spine. Poor posture. Pressure on the spinal nerves from certain problems, such as a herniated disc.
Can you live without a spine?
Your spine serves many important functions, including connecting your brain to other parts of your body and providing structural support. You can’t live without a spine. Some conditions, such as SCI and spina bifida, can affect the spinal cord, leading to symptoms like partial or complete loss of movement or sensation.
What are the symptoms of spine problems?
Symptoms of Spine Disorders
- Abnormally rounded shoulders or back.
- Back or neck pain that can be sharp and stabbing, dull and aching, or burning.
- Bladder or bowel dysfunction.
- Nausea and/or vomiting.
- Pain radiating in the arms or legs.
- Stiffness or tightness.
How can you tell if you have spine problems?
Emergency signs and symptoms
- Extreme back pain or pressure in your neck, head or back.
- Weakness, incoordination or paralysis in any part of your body.
- Numbness, tingling or loss of sensation in your hands, fingers, feet or toes.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control.
- Difficulty with balance and walking.