What do you know about your spine?

True or False

1. You have the same number of vertebrae in your neck (the cervical portion of the spine) as a giraffe does.
2. The primary cause of common back pain is injury to a disk in the spine.
3. Your spine can be compared to which musical instrument?
4. Those with the highest rate of back injuries are: Truck Drivers, Professional Athletes or Weekend Gardners.
5. If I go to an orthopaedic surgeon for my back problems, I’ll have to have surgery. 

Answers:

1. True. Both you and the giraffe have 7 vertebrae in your neck. His are just much, much bigger!
2. False. Actually in 80% of the cases, back pain is caused by muscle and ligament sprain, not spinal injury.
3. An Accordion. Like an accordian, your spine lengthens when you bend over and shortens when you stand up again.
4. Truck Drivers. Truck drivers are most prone to back injuries. This is because they sit in one position for long hours and their backs are exposed to stress from the vibration.
5. False. Most top-notch orthopaedic surgeons will try many non-surgical methods before advising surgery.

If you are interested in learning more about our programs and spine care for yourself or your patients if you are a referring physician, call us at
713-523-8884.