Lumbar Vertebral Column, An Amazing Part Of The Human Body

The spine is one of the most important structures in the human body. The spine is located in the dorsal cavity and consists of 24 bones, called vertebrae. These vertebrae play a crucial role in protected the body’s command center, the spinal cord. But what happens when a disorder prevents the spinal column from functioning correctly? Scoliosis is a musculoskeletal disorder that causes abnormal lateral curvature of the spine and it effects millions of people in the US per year. I have chosen this disorder because I am aspiring to become a chiropractor and scoliosis is a typical condition that chiropractors help treat on a daily basis.

This can be due to several causes such as fatigue, overuse, or improper muscle use. Muscle strains usually occur in the back in the lower back, neck, or shoulder (Healthline, 2015). The mid back, or thoracic back, is both a unique and complex anatomical structure. The complexity that makes the back so unique also predisposes the back to injury. Twelve vertebral bones comprise the thoracic spinal column, the ribs, muscles, tendons, nerves, discs, and blood vessels according to Martini (Martini et al, 2014). These tissues function to give support to the upper body while aiding in the movement of the upper body and arms. Vertebrae T1-T10 articulate with each rib in two locations, and restricts mobility of this area of the spine (Martini et al,

Our spine is made out of vertebrates and soft cushion in between. When the spine weakens, it allows this flexible area to be damaged, allowing the leakage of the gel within the spine to bulge. This is called a Herniated Disc. It can occur at all levels of the spine, where the lumbar spine being the most common. Secondly, this event seldomly occurs in the cervical spine, which is the neck area, and in the upper back, which is part of the thoracic spinal area.

Patient lost consciousness and awoke in the hospital. Radiograph were performed; x-rays of the chest, cervical spine, and lumbar spine as well. Results indicated fracture at the right transverse process of L4 vertebra and no significant findings in the cervical spine. However, upon referral with a diagnosis of cervical strain and lumbar strain three weeks after the accident. He presents in the clinic stating increased dizziness, headaches, and unable to move his neck. Pain is intolerable and pain medications did not make any difference. Per patient, unable to sleep owing to increased pain in the neck radiating to his spine. Upon assessment, increased a sharp pain in the bottom of the neck with tingling and numbness radiating to the side of her little finger. Pain is unrelieved with rest. HE also demonstrates weakness in his grip strength and always drops his objects when he tries to grip

A lumbar fracture is a break in one of the bones of the lower back. Lumbar fractures range in severity. Severe fractures can damage the spinal cord.

Spinal cord injuries result from a fracture or dislocation of the vertebrae that is typically due to a sudden, forceful blow to the spine (“NINDS Spinal Cord Injury Information Page”, 2016). According to Early (2006), A traumatic accident, such as a shooting, stabbing, car accident, or diving accident, may result in a spinal cord injury (p. 535). According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (2016), Damage to the spinal tissue results from displaced or shards of vertebral bone fragments, damaged ligaments, or discs that bruise or tear the delicate tissue and destroy axons. Destruction of axons result in the inability to carry signals from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body (“NINDS Spinal Cord Injury

A sudden injury such as a herniated disc from a fall may also begin the process. When the space between the vertebra get smaller there is less padding and the spine can become unstable. The body reacts to this by building up calcium or bone spurs. Bones can cause pressure to the spinal nerves or

DOI: 3/18/2016. Patient is a 31-year old female who sustained a work related injury to the lower back. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with strain of muscle, fascia and tendon of lower back, initial encounter. As per medical report dated 4/7/16, patient returns for recheck of injuries. The patient states she is not feeling better. Patient has been referred to physical therapy. On the review of system-musculoskeletal, back pain was noted. Lumbosacral spine shows tenderness at L2 to L5 at the left paraspinal (muscular, paraspinal L2, L3 and L4) and right paraspinal (muscular, paraspinal L2, L3 and L4).

In this condition, the bones get eroded, become weak and fragile hence more prone to fractures. Vertebrae fractures as a result of osteoporosis may lead to spinal injuries and debilitation. Unlike during childhood, bone growth and repair in old people is impaired. Thus, management of fractures poses a lot of challenges to the physicians. Factors that predispose to osteoporosis include COPD, menopause (due to the reduction in estrogen secretion in women), mal-absorption syndromes, heavy alcohol intake, smoking and use of certain medications that decrease the bone

Human race has been affected by back pain and leg pain since the beginning of history. Even though there are various pathological conditions which present as back pain, most common condition giving rise to back pain is LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION.

There are 33 vertebrae in the spinal column. Each vertebra is separated from the next by a spongy intervertebral disc that consists of a gel-like substance (nucleus pulposus). These discs are the spine’s shock absorbers; however, if these spongy discs

The spinal column is the base of the musculoskeletal structure, and when it is in the right alignment, people can move with no pain or restrictions. An injury or medical condition can alter the alignment causing pain in other areas of the body. At some point, everyone will experience

Theres always alternative treatment for any type of injury. Alterntives inlcudes like NASIDs and muscle relaxnts to control the pain. Some doctors may recommend physical therapy to improve balance, maintain flexibility on the spine etc. If nothing works then the doctor would recommand surgery like Laminectomy which removes the back part thats affecting the vertebra. Laminotomy which removes lamina.

Online scholarly article that briefly discusses the spinal column. The article states that there are four regions of the spine: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral. The main function of the cervical region of the spine is to hold up the head. The first vertebrae is called the atlas and the second is referred to as the axis. The main function of the thoracic region of the spine is to protect the chest organs. The lumbar region of the spine is known as the “weight-bearing” region of the spine.

Spinal Cord lies within spinal Canal present in each vertebrae of vertebral column that is back bone. Injury to the vertebrae in the form of fracture or dislocation can lead to injury to spinal cord.