The document discusses the anatomy of the back, common causes of back pain, symptoms of back pain, and ways to maintain a healthy back. It describes the bones, discs, muscles, and nerves that make up the spine. Common sources of back pain are discussed as disc degeneration, muscle strain, osteoporosis, and spinal stenosis. Home treatments for back pain include rest, ice/heat, over-the-counter medications, and exercises after pain subsides. Maintaining a healthy back involves regular exercise, proper lifting technique, good posture, and stress reduction.

1. ANATOMY, YOUR ACHING BACK, AND KEEPING THE BACK HEALTHY All About the Back

2. Your healthy back: anatomy

4. Back: X-ray view Here is an x-ray view of the spine. Notice the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back) and lumbar (lower back) vertebra. See how vertebra change as you look down the spine. This reflects the different functions of the neck, mid back and lower back.

11. Osteoarthritis of spine Herniated disc Spinal Stenosis

15. Interventions: Video Spinal Fusion Low back surgery Acupuncture Uncommon pain relievers Distraction therapy Artificial discs Extreme exercise for back pain WebMD has a series of instructional videos. Here are a sampling of videos which help explain interventions for back pain. Click on the links.