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How Much Do You Know About Your Back?

You probably take your back for granted—until it starts to hurt. Think about it—your back is a part of your body that's in nearly constant use. Whether you're sitting, standing, or moving, your back and its muscles are providing support all day, every day. Test your knowledge of the back by taking this quiz.

1. How many bones are in your spine?

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There are 33 bones are in the spinal column, from the skull to the tailbone.

A. 33B. 50C. 60D. 70

2. What position is best for your back when you sleep?

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The correct answer is

The best position for sleeping is on 1 side with the knees flexed toward the chest.

A. On your backB. On your stomachC. On 1 sideD. On 1 side with the knees flexed toward the chest

3. Which of these sports can cause dangerous back injuries?

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Rough contact, twisting, and sudden movements in these sports can cause back injury.

A. SoccerB. VolleyballC. RacquetballD. All of the above

4. How many Americans will suffer back pain at some time in their lives?

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Back pain is a frequent cause of short-term disability in people under age 45. Low back pain is the fifth leading reason that people visit their healthcare provider.

A. 2 out of 5B. 1 out of 2C. 1 out of 3D. 4 out of 5

5. What is the average recovery time for low back pain?

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The average is 1 month, but it can take up to 6 weeks.

A. 2 weeksB. 1 monthC. 3 monthsD. Indefinite period

6. Disks cushion vertebrae in the back. What are they made of?

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Ligaments encase the disk.

A. BoneB. TendonsC. CartilageD. Muscle

7. Which of these is a significant risk factor for backache?

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The correct answer is

Extra pounds strain muscles and joints.

A. Being underweightB. Being overweightC. Being tallD. Being short

8. Which of these measures will help a backache?

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The correct answer is

Apply ice or a cold pack the first 48 hours, then treat with heat. A massage by a certified massage therapist can help release tension and ease soreness. Staying in bed for long periods of time can make a backache worse because your muscles become stiff.

A. Several days of bed restB. MassageC. Ice packD. B and C

9. How should you lift a heavy object?

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Keep the back straight and use your knees to lift.

A. Bend from the waistB. Squat, then liftC. Twist to set the object downD. Lock your knees

10. What are the warning signs of a herniated disk?

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The correct answer is

A herniated disk puts pressure on nerves resulting in pain. Herniated disks are most likely to occur in the low back.

A. PainB. NumbnessC. Shooting back pain when you coughD. All of the above

Your score was:

Online Medical Reviewer: Campellone, Joseph, MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Fetterman, Anne, RN, BSN
Online Medical Reviewer: Turley, Raymond Kent, BSN, MSN, RN

Date Last Reviewed: 12/1/2022

© 2000-2023 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

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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.
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