Disc is a cushion like strecture lying between the vertebral bones. Jelly like substance within the disc(Nucleus pulposus) is responsible for the flexibility of back bone. Some times the jelly like substance comes out of its boundary and is called as disc prolapse .

Disc prolapse if occurs in the neck it causes neck pain with arm pain. If it occurs in low back it causes lowback pain with leg pain.Pt might also have weakness and numbness of arm or leg depending upon the severity of nerve compression.

Xray is the first investigation needed. MRI may be needed if pain or weakness is severe.

Mostly pain will subside with physiotherapy , rest and pain medications. Discectomy surgery might be needed if pt has persistent arm or leg .

Disc is a cushion like strecture which acts like a shock absorber and is needed for flexibility of back bone.When the disc gets dehydrated (loss of flexibility) because of wear and tear/ heavy mechanical work it is called as a degenerated disc. It commonly occurs in lumbar spine (Low back region)

Many pts with degenerative disc disease will be asymptomatic while some may have low back pain on bending and other strenous activities.

Xray is the first investigation and MRI might be needed if pain is severe.

The treatment is mainly physiotherapy and back strengthening exercises.

Age related wear and tear occuring in the back bones is called as spondylosis.

Lumbar spondylosis- occurs in the low back region

Cervical spondylosis – occurs in the neck region

Majority of the patients will be asymptomatic. Some patients will have neck pain in cervical spondylosis and low back pain in lumbar spondylosis.

Xray of the concerned part will be helpful in diagnosis.

The treatment is mainly physiotherapy and back/neck strengthening exercises.

Physiotherapy includes – traction., IFT and wax bath.

Low back pain arising out of injury to the muscles or ligaments around the low back region (Lumbosacral region) is called as lumbosacral strain / sprain.

Arises out of sudden bending activity or lifting heavy weight.

Patients might have varying degree of low back pain related to activities.

Xray might be needed in some patients.

The treatment is mainly physiotherapy , rest for short duration and pain medications.

Physiotherapy includes – traction., IFT and wax bath.

Fracture in the vertebral body disturbing the continuity in the alignment of back bones is called as spine fracture. Commonly occurs due to road traffic accident and fall from height.

In simple fracture patient will have back or neck pain .In severe injury patient might have weakness of arms or legs.

Xray is the initial investigation . MRI and CT may be required dependin on the severity of the injury.

The treatment for simple fracture is rest and supportive appliances such as belt/ collar and orthosis. Complex fracture with displacement or with weakness might require surgery for stabilisation.

Vertebra is the basic bone in spinal column. It serves as building blocks of vertebral column. There are 33 vertebrae in our body.

It is bundle of nervous tissue connecting brain with other parts of the body. It lies within the vertebral column.

Originates from spinal cord and transmits signals to the muscles.

Cushion like substance between the vertebrae serving as shock absorbing system.

Upper part of vertebral column which constitutes neck.