Skip to main content

Vanderbilt Health

MENU

×

Doctor Directory

Locations and Parking

Request an Appointment

A-Z Services

Health Library

Patient and Visitor Information

Pay Your Bill

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt University

Research

For Patients and Visitors

Resources for Employees and Researchers

Locations and Parking

Search for a Location

Feedback

What area of Vanderbilt University Medical Center would you like to leave feedback?

My Health at Vanderbilt

Patient Experience and Care

www.Vanderbilthealth.com

Note: feedback is for non-emergency questions and suggestions regarding patient services and website functionality.

If you require immediate care, please call 911 or visit the Emergency Room.

Comments and Suggestions about www.Vanderbilthealth.com

Your E-mail (optional)

Your Phone Number (optional)

Cancel or

Home

Related Reading

Español

Español

Health Library Explorer

Search Library:

Browse A-Z Listings: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A-Z Listings Contact Us

Conditions & Treatments
Health Centers
Drugs, Herbs & Supplements
Nutrition & General Wellness
Your Family
News Center
Healthy Living
Tools & Multimedia

Take the Spine Health Quiz

Back pain is one of the most common nerve-related illnesses in the United States. Keeping your spine in good health is one way to avoid back pain. Learn more about your spine and back pain by taking this quiz, based on information from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

1. How many healthcare provider visits each year are because of back problems?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

Eight in 10 people will have back pain sometime in their life.

A. 5 millionB. 12 millionC. 20 millionD. 22 million

2. The spinal cord is an extension of what?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

The spinal cord is part of the central nervous system (the brain is the other part). The spine or spinal column is made up of bones called vertebrae that are separated and cushioned by disks of cartilage. The vertebrae also are covered by cartilage and are held in place by ligaments and muscles, which keep the spine stable. The spinal cord runs within the spine. Spinal nerves branch off from the cord and emerge through the spaces between the vertebrae. These nerves connect with nerves throughout the body. The spinal cord is also protected by the meninges, a three-layer membrane that also encases the brain. Spinal fluid flows around the spinal cord inside the meninges.

A. The pelvisB. The legsC. The brainD. The arms

3. One of the most common back injuries is a slipped, or herniated, disk. What does this mean?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

Disks are made of tough, elastic tissue. They are found between each of the vertebrae of the spine. The elastic tissue acts as a shock absorber for the vertebrae.

A. A spinal disk has moved down the spineB. A spinal disk has twistedC. Disk material has bulged into the spinal canalD. None of the above

4. What causes a slipped disk?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

The most common cause of a slipped disk is aging. The elastic tissue of the disk breaks down and weakens with age. The ligaments holding the disk in place also weaken as you grow older. Some people are more prone to having a slipped disk, so a sudden twisting or sudden strain on the back may result in one.

A. A strain on the backB. AgeC. Sudden twisting movementD. All of the above

5. A sprain or strain of the ligaments and muscles in the back is one of the most common causes of back pain. How can a sprain or strain occur?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

Back strains and sprains that occur when exercising may be caused by weightlifting, turning quickly when dribbling a basketball, or swinging a bat or golf club. Back injuries occur more often when a person isn't in good physical shape and his or her back muscles are weak. Other causes of back sprain or strain include poor posture, obesity, and fatigue.

A. Lifting a heavy objectB. ExercisingC. In a fall or vehicular accidentD. All of the above

6. Spinal stenosis refers to a narrowing of the spinal canal. This is associated with aging, as the disks become drier and start to shrink. Where does pain from spinal stenosis usually occur?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

Spinal stenosis also can cause sciatic pain, running from the lower back down the back of one leg. An older person with degenerative osteoarthritis often has spinal stenosis. It also can be caused by infection or birth defects.

A. Upper backB. LegsC. Lower backD. B and C

7. What happens when osteoarthritis occurs in the spine?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

When osteoarthritis occurs in the spine, the cartilage deteriorates and the space between the vertebrae decreases. The spinal nerves can become pinched, causing pain. As the condition worsens, the person may feel numbness, weakness in the back, muscle spasms, and stiffness.

A. It damages the cartilageB. It damages the joints in the spineC. A and BD. None of the above

8. What can be done to prevent back pain?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

Also important, according to the NINDS: Don't slouch while sitting or standing, don't stand or work in any one position for a long time; don't smoke; sleep on your side with your knees drawn up; and try to reduce stress in your life that causes muscle tension.

A. Maintain a healthy weightB. Exercise regularlyC. Lift objects while bending at the knees, not the waistD. All of the above

9. Spondylolysis can cause back pain in young athletes. What is it?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

The fracture usually occurs in the fourth or fifth lumbar vertebra of the lower back. A similar condition, called spondylolisthesis, is a stress fracture caused by degenerative disk disease in women older than 40.

A. A virus that attacks the back musclesB. A stress fracture in a vertebraC. Curvature of the spineD. None of the above

Your score was:

Online Medical Reviewer: Adler, Liora C, MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Sather, Rita, RN

Date Last Reviewed: 4/1/2018

© 2000-2020 The StayWell Company, LLC. 800 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

Doctor Call to Action

Appointment Call to Action

Locations Call to Action

Doctor Directory Request an Appointment Locations and Parking

Related Items

Patient Education

After Back Surgery: Going Home

After Back Surgery: More Tips for Daily Living
View All 81

Diseases and Conditions

Back and Neck Pain

Back Pain in Pregnancy
View All 13

Tests and Procedures

Cervical Disk Replacement Surgery

Computed Tomography (CT) Scan of the Spine
View All 7

Articles

A Rotation That Starts at the Waist

A Safer Way to Get Out of Bed
View All 19

News

A Simple Fix to Keep Back Pain at Bay

Health Tip: Preventing Backpack Injuries
View All 11

Drug Reference

Acetaminophen biphasic or extended-release tablets

Acetaminophen chewable tablets
View All 31

Interactive Tools

Back Care Quiz

Back Pain Quiz
View All 3

Videos

How to Get Out of Bed with Back Pain

Keeping Your Back Healthy
View All 3

StayWell Disclaimer

Request an Appointments

If you are having a medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency medical help immediately.

We will contact you within one business day to review your appointment request.

1. Type of care and preferred times

Some specialties may require a referral prior to scheduling an appointment.

Briefly describe the reason for the appointment

Select a day

Check all that apply

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

No Preference

Select a time

Check all that apply

Morning

Afternoon

No Preference

2. About the patient

Has the patient received care at Vanderbilt before?

Yes No Don't Know

Did you know you can request an appointment directly with one of your doctors at My Health at Vanderbilt?

Patient first name

Patient last name

Patient date of birth

/ /

Patient Zip Code

Phone number

Best time to reach you

Check all that apply

Morning

Afternoon

Evening

Facebook
Twitter
Youtube
Google+
Read our blog

Health Library
Doctor Directory
Patient & Visitor Info
Locations
My Health at Vanderbilt

For Referring Physicians
Giving
Volunteer
Media
Quality Answers

Careers
Pay your Bill
About VUMC
Privacy Policy

Popular Links
A-Z Services
Medical Record Information
Key Telephone Numbers
Request an Appointment

Vanderbilt University Medical Center
1211 Medical Center Drive
Nashville, TN 37232

Through the exceptional capabilities and caring spirit of its people, Vanderbilt will lead in improving the healthcare of individuals and communities regionally, nationally and internationally. We will combine our transformative learning programs and compelling discoveries to provide distinctive personalized care.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center is committed to principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action.
Copyright © 2017 by Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Vanderbilt®, Vanderbilt University Medical Center®, V Oak Leaf Design®, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt® and Vanderbilt Health® are trademarks of The Vanderbilt University.

Feedback

What area of Vanderbilt University Medical Center would you like to leave feedback?

My Health at Vanderbilt

Patient Experience and Care

www.Vanderbilthealth.com

Note: feedback is for non-emergency questions and suggestions regarding patient services and website functionality.

If you require immediate care, please call 911 or visit the Emergency Room.

Comments and Suggestions about www.Vanderbilthealth.com

Your E-mail (optional)

Your Phone Number (optional)

Cancel or

Doctors Directory

Last Name

First Name

Search by name, specialty or location.

Insurance Plans accepted by all of our doctors >

Insurance Plans

Vanderbilt University Medical Center accepts the following insurance plans. For information about specific contract coverage, please contact your health plan directly.