The spine of an adult consists of 24 bones, called vertebrae, plus the bones of the sacrum and coccyx. The job of these bones is to protect the spinal cord, a major column of nerve fibers connected to the brain, that runs through the vertebrae via the spinal canal. A disc, made of cartilage and filled with a gel-like material that acts like a shock absorber, is found between each vertebra. Ligaments, muscles, tendons, and small joints, called facets, hold the vertebrae together.
There are many reasons for back pain, but the following are the most common:
1) Disc pain
If one of the discs is pushed out of place, usually as a normal part of aging, it’s called a ‘bulging’ disc. If a disc has some cracked cartilage due to an inherited trait, wear and tear, or sudden trauma, some of the gel inside the cartilage can protrude out. That’s called a ‘herniated’ (or ‘ruptured’ or ‘slipped’) disc. Both bulging and herniated discs can cause severe pain.
2) Degenerative Disc Disease
It’s not really a disease, but rather a catch-all term that refers to the condition of the discs, which lose their water content and sponginess with age, and can lead to osteoarthritis, herniated discs, or bulging discs.
3) Facet joint pain
Facet joints are supplied by two nerves, and if either becomes inflamed or pinched, it can be painful.
4) Pinched nerve
Discs pushed out of place may compress a nerve, causing severe pain, tingling, and numbness. Often, it’s the sciatic nerve (which runs out of the lower spine and into the leg) that is compressed or inflamed. This causes shooting pain called sciatica in the lower back, legs, and buttocks.
5) Spinal stenosis
This occurs when the spinal canal becomes narrowed, most often due to arthritis, and impinges on nerves, causing pain.
6) Muscle or ligament strain
When we lift something too heavy, our muscles are recruited to manage the load. When the load or force exceeds the muscles’ ability to cope, the force is shared with the ligaments. When ligaments are stressed beyond their strength, they can tear.
Local tissues swell when ligaments, muscles, tendons, or combinations become overstretched, overused, or torn. Swelling causes pain, tenderness, and stiffness, trying to protect the injured back by restricting movement.
7) Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis can make the spine unstable. In response, growths (called bone spurs) can form, causing the spine to stiffen.
Bio-Touch has been shown to relieve back pain. While not a substitute for standard medical care, Bio-Touch is an effective complement to medical protocols. Family members and friends can learn to help each other feel better using Bio-Touch, without being concerned about negative side effects.
The information presented here is for educational purposes only. Medical advice is neither offered nor implied. Please consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.
