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The Marvellous Back

The back is a marvellous structure. Click on the pictures to find out some interesting back related facts:

 

The arch                            

 

Fact 1: the arch

 

 

The arch was invented in about 2000BC and perfected by the Romans. The arch has an amazing ability to support load, and has been called architecture’s greatest invention.

 

If only the Roman's had looked at their backs, they could have invented it years earlier. Your spine has two arches. These make it very strong.

 

 

 

Fact 2: the vacuum

 

 

 

A vacuum cleaner uses negative air pressure to suck dirt off the floor. Negative pressure also sucks your back joints together. This allows the joint surfaces to slide against each other, but back joints cannot move out of place.

 

 

 

 

 

Fact 3: armour

 

 

 

Armour is used to protect important stuff. It has been used by dinosaurs, animals, and soldiers. Your back bones are armour for your spinal cord. They are made out of some of the strongest bone in your body.

 

 

 

 

 

Fact 4: alarm systems

 

 

Meerkat sentries look out for danger. They bark if they see something, warning the clan to find safety. Sensors in your back act like sentries. They send warning messages to your brain. This means your back is very good at warning you about danger and stopping injury.

 

To read more about how meerkats act like your pain system click here.

 

 

 

Fact 5: discs

 

 

Discus throwing is an ancient sport whereby a heavy disc is thrown as far as possible. Its use can be traced back to 708BC. Discus' are made out of plastic, wood, fiberglass, carbon fiber or metal with a metal rim and a metal core to make them heavy.

The discs in your back are made out of cartilage like the hard part of the outside of your ear. They are functionally part of the back bone above and below which fortunately means that they can't be thrown (or slip) anywhere.

The best thing to do to your disc is move it a lot as this helps oxygen and nutrients to get distributed throughout.

 

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  • Home
    • Back Pain
    • Summary
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
  • Understand
    • Pain
    • Myths
    • Marvels
    • Health Professionals
  • Recover
    • Use
    • Move
    • Exercise
    • Start Here
  • Share
    • Work
    • Family/Whānau
  • Resources
    • Print
    • Support for FREE
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