Physiotherapy: Back structure and how the back functions

Basically, the back serves to:

• Support the body. Therefore, it must be solid.
• Allow movement. Therefore, it should be flexible.
• Contribute to maintaining a stable center of gravity at rest and, especially, when in motion.
• Protect the spinal cord with a bony encasement.
  

The back must be solid in order to support the body. It is composed of very sturdy bones and powerful muscles.

The spine must be flexible to allow for movement. This is why it is not composed of one solid bone, but 33 separate vertebrae, which are set one on top of the other and connected by a system of muscles and ligaments.

In order to maintain a stable center of gravity, back muscles should be strong so they may act as a counterweight and able to contract in order to compensate for body movements.

"The higher your energy level, the more efficient your body,"