Imaging of the Lumbar Spine

<jats:p>Back pain affects all of us at some point during our lifetimes. I view the spine as similar to the mast of a ship. The mast/spine is inherently weak unless supported by the fixed cables and rigging. In the spine the rigging and cables are provided by the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that surround the spine and the more lateral and superficial musculature that provides the attachment points of that rigging. Although there is probably a genetic component to muscular and ligamentous strength, we can all benefit by exercise which can strengthen our fibrous soft tissues and muscles, improving the stability of the spine.</jats:p>