Bones and Ligaments Osteophytes

(eg, bone spurs) may form adjacent to the end plates, which may compromise blood supply to the vertebra. Further, the end plates may stiffen due to sclerosis; a thickening or hardening of the bone under the end plates. Ligaments are bands of fibrous tissue connecting spinal structures (eg, vertebrae) and protect against the extremes of motion (eg, hyperextension). However, degenerative changes may cause ligaments to lose some of their strength. The ligamentum flavum (a primary spinal ligament) may thicken and buckle posteriorly (behind) toward the dura mater (a spinal cord membrane).

There are numerous mechanical causes of back pain including:

• Spondylosis : (Osteo-Arthritis) : Spinal disease, associated with degenerative discs.

• Facet Joints (or Zygapophyseal Joints) : Each vertebral body has four facet joints.

• Bones and Ligaments Osteophytes : Bone spurs affecting blood supply to the vertebra.

• Spondylosis Symptoms : Spondylosis may affect cervical (neck) or lower (lumbar) spine.

• Spondylolisthesis : Spondylolysis with a forward translation of the vertebra.

• Back Strain or Back Sprain : Pulled back muscles, caused by overloading or overuse.

• Sciatica: Travelling back, buttock & leg pain, tingling, numbness or weakness.

• Spinal Stenosis : Narrowing of the spinal canal, causing pressure on the spinal cord.

• Herniated Discs : Slipped discs occur when a spinal disc splits or ruptures.