This Is What's Causing Your Back Pain

The video begins by addressing the common experience of back pain, varying in severity and cause. It introduces an exploration of the spinal anatomy, including vertebrae, nerves, discs, and muscles, to better comprehend potential sources of back pain. The spine is divided into five regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal, each with specific functions and vulnerabilities. The cervical region consists of seven vertebrae, the thoracic region has twelve, and the lumbar region comprises five vertebrae, all of which are mobile and thus more prone to injury. The sacral and coccygeal regions are fused bones, contributing to the less mobile part of the spine. The video emphasizes the spine's role in protecting the spinal cord, transmitting forces and weight, and facilitating movement, while also highlighting the increased risk of injury due to mobility.

The second paragraph discusses specific causes of back pain, such as the intervertebral disc, and introduces Helix Sleep as a sponsor providing customized mattresses to alleviate disc pressure. The speaker shares their personal experience with the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress, noting its comfort and the company's sleep quiz that caters to individual preferences. The benefits of a good mattress for spinal health are emphasized, and the video provides a link for a special discount on Helix mattresses. The discussion then returns to spinal health, focusing on the importance of the intervertebral discs, their degeneration, and the resulting pain from disc issues or injury, such as herniated or bulging discs. The potential irritation or damage to nearby structures, particularly spinal nerves, is also highlighted as a source of back pain.

This section delves deeper into the anatomy of intervertebral discs and their degeneration, as well as the impact on spinal nerves. The video uses a cadaver dissection to illustrate the narrowing of discs and the resulting effects on the vertebral bodies. It explains how the degeneration of the intervertebral foramen can compress and irritate nerves, leading to sharp, shooting pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. The concept of sciatica and its relation to herniated lumbar discs and the sciatic nerve is introduced, emphasizing the widespread effects of lower back disc issues on the leg and foot.

The fourth paragraph discusses two additional causes of back pain: osteoarthritis and muscular back pain. Osteoarthritis involves the degeneration of cartilage in facet joints throughout the spine, leading to pain and stiffness. Factors contributing to arthritis include injury, wear and tear, improper mechanics, and aging. Muscular back pain, often associated with the phrase 'throwing out one's back,' involves strains or spasms in the deep back muscles, such as the Erector Spinae and multifidus. The video explains that these issues can occur simultaneously with other spinal problems, exacerbating pain and discomfort.

The final paragraph wraps up the discussion on back pain by acknowledging that not all types of back pain were covered in the video but focuses on the mechanical forms originating from the spine and related structures. The video suggests various supportive therapies for managing back pain, such as heat application, massage, exercise, physical therapy, and medication. It also mentions more advanced treatments like injections and surgical procedures for cases that do not improve with conservative approaches. The video concludes with advice on proper lifting techniques, spine mobilization, and muscle strengthening to prevent back pain, inviting viewers to suggest topics for future videos and promoting a healthy lifestyle for spinal health.