The
Vertebral Column extends from the skull to the pelvis and is made up of 33
individual bones termed vertebrae.
The
vertebrae are composed of many elements that are critical to the overall
function of the spine, these include:
·
the Vertebal
body that transfers the majority of the body weight through them,
·
the Bony
processes which provide attachment sites for muscles tendons and ligaments,
·
the Intervertebral
discs that provides shock absorption between the vertebrae,
·
Facet joints that guide the movement of the spine.
The facet joints are like any
of the other joints of the body. They have cartilage surfaces and a joint
capsule with associated supporting ligaments nerves and blood vessels.
Facet joints can be sprained
like any other joint too when excessive or unusual forces are placed on them.
They are responsible for the majority of Back and Neck pain.
The muscles of the vertebral
column are extremely powerful as they are responsible for both movement and the
support of it.
The back muscles attach to the
Boney processes of the vertebrae and the Facet joints. Excessive contraction of
these muscles during an accident or due to having bad posture or ergonomics can
sprain the facet joints.
If you lift a 5kg weight with
bad posture; your centre of gravity falls forwards and your back muscles have
to lift the 5kg weight and the weight of your whole upper body! If this force is transmitted
through your facet joints they may be sprained or injured.
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