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How does it work?
Advanced Explanation |
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| In the previous section, we explained (briefly) how the
backrack works. To explain this in detail, however, we must first describe the structure
of the human spine and the main, underlying cause of back pain. From this, the design
principles of the backrack will become clear. |
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The human spine consists of a number of
vertebrae, or units of bone, arranged in a vertical structure – a structure known as
the spinal column.
In new-born children, the column comprises 33 distinct, or physically separate, vertebrae.
Over time, however, the units at the base of the column fuse together to form the coccyx,
or 'tailbone', and the sacrum, which forms part of the pelvis.
As can be seen from the diagram, the column itself actually consists of five, distinct
regions – these are known (from top to bottom) as the:
- cervical spine (red)
- thoracic spine (yellow)
- lumbar spine (green)
- sacrum (turquoise)
- coccyx (dark blue)
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The mechanical function of the spine is two-fold: it
must provide structural support for the body, and allow us to move freely in three
dimensions (bending over and rotating as necessary).
In order to achieve this, the vertebrae in the top three sections must be allowed to move
relative to one another, without compromising the structural rigidity of the back. This is
achieved by the use of facet joints, which lock the vertebrae together whilst allowing for
articulated movement (an articulated lorry provides a useful analogy). |
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The joints are referred
to as facet joints, because they are formed when the faces of two bones come
together. Contrast this, for example, with the hip joint, which consists of a ball and
socket. |
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Facet joints are very good at allowing a broad range of
movement. For example, they allow us to bend forward, backwards, and to the side; they
also allow us to rotate (both to the left and to the right), and to combine these
different movements. Compare this, for example, with the knee, which only allows for
bending in one direction – you can’t bend it to the side, or rotate it very far.
Unfortunately, facet joints can also be compressed relatively easily (where the faces
slide too far towards each other). When this happens, the vertebrae in the spine can no
longer move freely; in turn, this prevents us from moving freely – put simply,
we become stiff. In addition to this, we experience back pain. In actual fact, up to 98%
of all back pain is either caused by, or directly linked to, compression of these joints.
If you would like to understand this in more detail, please visit our section on the Anatomy of Back Pain.
So, how does it work? |
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| Patients are instructed to lie on the
rack, in a central position, with their knees bent (as mentioned in the Introduction). |
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| As can be seen from the diagram, the backrack mirrors
the natural curvature of the spine. As a result, the back is fully supported – it
rests in a neutral position. Note: This is very important – the backrack is
designed to remove any unwanted stress on the spine. It will also apply stress that is wanted. |
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In this position, the spine is physically
suspended in the central channel. To understand how this happens, consider an individual
vertebra, sitting on the rack.
Note: If you imagine a friend of yours lying on the rack, the view is taken with
you looking up the rack from the bottom edge.
Now, each vertebra has a number of processes – thin units of bone that extend from
the main section. |
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The transverse processes extend from either side of the
vertebra – these sit on the wooden rollers. The spinous process extends to the rear
(it can be seen, and felt, just below the skin in the middle of the back) – this
sits, suspended in the central channel. The spinous process bears no weight.
The diagram, below, shows what happens from a side-view of the backrack. Note: The
black square on the left hand side is reproduced, and then magnified, on the right hand
side: |
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| The wooden rollers push up under the transverse
processes. In turn, this lifts the individual vertebrae, causing them to pivot about the
facet joints. As a result of this, the joints are decompressed, and the spine lengthens
– joint mobility (and soft-tissue elasticity) increases; stiffness is therefore
reduced. |
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In addition to this, the
pressure on the joints and the intervertebral discs is lowered – this lowers the risk
of spinal osteoarthritis and bulging, or herniated discs.
Finally, the pressure on the spinal nerves is reduced – this will treat symptoms such
as acute, local pain; sciatica; and pins and needles. |
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Recall that up to 98% of
all back pain is either caused by, or directly linked to, compression of the facet joints.
If we can decompress these joints – something which the backrack does – we can
treat the causes (and hence the symptoms) of back pain. |
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