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Back Owner’s Manual

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Anatomy of the Healthy Back

A healthy back is strong and flexible. It supports your upper body and protects your spinal cord. Attached to your backbone (spine) are muscles and ligaments that help the body move. The back has three natural curves: the neck (cervical) curve, the upper back (thoracic) curve, and the lower back (lumbar) curve. Each curve is made up of bones (vertebrae) and pads of soft tissue (disks). The lumbar curve has five vertebrae (L1 through L5). It is often where people have back pain. To be healthy, your back’s three curves should be aligned in a balanced position. To do this, they need to be supported by strong muscles.

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