Anatomy & Organs

Back – structure, function & diseases

The back

Medically, the back plays a major role, as it is often the source of pain. In fact, back pain has become a widespread disease. Almost 90% of the population suffers from pain occasionally or regularly.

What is the back

Coming from Latin, the back is also called dorsum. It describes the back of the upper body, strictly speaking the rear side of the torso. Vertically, it extends from the back of the neck to the lumbar region and tailbone . The central element of the back is the spine , which can be understood as a movable chain of links. A healthy human spine curves in the shape of a double “S”. This form benefits its function.

The back plays a major role in health and well-being. Back pain is not only common, it is also annoying. They restrict freedom of movement and can make everyday life more difficult. In some cases, severe back pain can prevent movement altogether or make it unbearable. Idioms like “stab someone in the back” are therefore no coincidence.

Anatomy & Structure

In addition to the spine with its vertebrae , intervertebral vertebrae and ligaments , the back includes the rear part of the ribs and the surrounding soft tissues. In short: It consists of bones , joints , ligaments and muscles . Often the shoulder blades are also counted as part of the back area. Towards the sides, the dorsum merges seamlessly into the abdominal and chest walls.

The spine consists of 33 vertebrae, which in turn are connected by intervertebral discs and ligaments. An exception to this rule are the first and second cervical vertebrae . The function of the vertebrae is to protect the underlying spinal cord. This consists of sensitive nerve fibers that are particularly susceptible to injury.

The spine is bordered on both sides by muscles called extensors. There are many muscles in the back that play a role in the movement of the head and limbs. The opponents to this are the abdominal and front neck muscles.

Function & Tasks

The S-shape of the spine ensures that people can stand upright. The entire back system supports the human body and prevents it from swaying sideways or falling over.

Generally speaking: The back is responsible for mobility and allows the body to stretch, bend and rotate. This is ensured by the ligaments that connect the vertebrae together.

What people take for granted is a complex interplay of tendons and muscles. If a doctor is forced to stiffen a vertebra due to an accident, rotation is no longer possible.

In the case of neck injuries, turning the head can cause pain years later. Depending on the case, the doctor and patient will discuss a fusion to relieve the entire area.

Diseases & Ailments

There are many diseases and complaints that can occur in the back area. However, the symptoms are mostly the same: back pain. They often vary only in intensity and localization.

Poor posture, lack of exercise or improper strain often cause pain. They are usually accompanied by tension . This tension is caused, for example, by lying down incorrectly or by spending hours in front of the television or computer in the wrong position.

Another reason for tension is one-sided movements or loads. This includes carrying bags on one side, especially for women. Heavy lifting can also lead to back pain caused by overexertion.

It is not uncommon for back pain to become a chronic problem due to long hours of office work. Elementary school children often complain of pain. In addition to a lack of exercise, heavy books and school bags are usually responsible for this.

Daily stress increases towards the lower lumbar region . Therefore, signs of wear usually occur in this area. These increase over the years. Herniated discs or the famous “ lumbago ” are often the result. Overweight people are particularly at risk because they put extra weight on their backs.

However, vascular diseases, infections and tumor diseases can also be reasons for back pain. Chronic pain in particular therefore requires clarification by a doctor. Radiating pain from the abdomen is also conceivable. Lower back pain is often associated with kidney disease . However, diseases of the pancreas can also cause back pain.

Basically, regular exercise is important to prevent back pain. In particular, exercises for 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 are also used to relax and loosen up the muscles. In this way, the back can be kept permanently healthy.

↳ More information: Home remedies for back pain

Lisa Newlon
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Hello! I am Lisa Newlon, and I am a medical writer and researcher with over 10 years of experience in the healthcare industry. I have a Master’s degree in Medicine, and my deep understanding of medical terminology, practices, and procedures has made me a trusted source of information in the medical world.