Part 2/13:
A healthy back isn’t just about avoiding discomfort; it’s about enabling effortless movement, reducing injury risk, and supporting mental health. Back pain can stem from structural issues like herniated discs, nerve impingement, or muscular weaknesses, but pain perception also involves psychological and social factors—a biopsychosocial model explained in-depth in a previous podcast episode with Stanford pain expert Dr. Shawn Mackey. Regardless of etiology, proactive strengthening and mindful movement are key.
Anatomy and Physiology of the Back
Structural Components
The back comprises a complex interplay of bones, discs, nerves, and muscles:
- Vertebrae: Bony segments forming the spine, categorized into cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal regions.