by guest blogger Jody Perrecone
Nearly
80% of Americans will have back pain in their lifetime. Americans spend at
least $50 billion a year on back pain. Lower back pain is the leading cause of
disability according to the Global Burden of Disease 2010. Various back
disorders include sprains, strains, herniated disc, sciatica, spinal stenosis,
and degeneration of disc.
The
spine consists of 30 vertebrae and is the body’s main support structure. The
vertebrae protect the spinal cord running through the central opening of the
vertebrae called the vertebral canal and the nerve roots that extend from the
sides of the vertebrae to various areas of the body. Muscles and ligaments that
move and stabilize the vertebrae attach to the spinous process located at the
backside of each vertebrae and to the transverse process located on the side of
each vertebrae. Discs are flexible cushions located between each vertebra and
hold the vertebrae together. They allow the vertebrae to bend and twist and
minimize stress on the spinal column.
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