ANATOMY OF THE BACK

The back bone is divided into two main parts;

1. The spine

2. Back muscle

The spine is made up of a bone called vertebra,

This vertebra is divided into five bones which include:

1. Neck bone: they are also called cervical vertebra and are seven in number. They are usually assigned as follows; C1, C2, C3… C7.

2. Chest bone: they are also called thoracic vertebra and are twelve in number. They are assigned as follows; T1, T2, T3…T12.

3. Waist bone: they are also called lumbar vertebra and are five in number. They are assigned as follows; L1, L2, L3, L4 and L5 respectively.

4. Sacrum bone: they are also called sacral vertebra but are five in number and fused together. They are assigned as follows; S1, S2, S3, S4 and S5 respectively.

5. Tail bone: they are found below the hip or waist region. They are four in number and these four bones are fixed together.

These vertebras are joined together by the facet joints. Disc separate the vertebra, these discs acts as cushions in between the vertebra and absorb shocks and vibrations which are produced when sitting, jumping, walking, etc. The function is to allow the spine bend to any direction it desires.

Nerves are like branches of trees connecting the brain with the spinal cord, carrying messages from the brain to the muscles, limbs and organs. These nerves also carry sensations such as pains from different part of the body to the brain. The spine is linked to the hip by the sacroiliac joints an immovable or fixed joint.

The back is a compact and big organ which has nerves moving everywhere. The human back is the power house of the entire body, supporting the trunk and making movement of the head, arms and legs possible.