OSHA: How Your Back Works

Which of the following are risk factors that can lead to back injuries?

-Poor posture -Excessive twisting and bending -Improper lifting -Overexertion

_________ separate the vertebrae and act like shock absorbers by providing a cushion between them

Discs

A _______ is a sudden, involuntary tensing up of the muscle until it becomes a hard lump

Muscle spasm

Most back injuries are caused buy:

Repeated stress over time

Draw a line from the term on the left to the definition on the right

1. Discs - Separate the vertebrae and act as shock absorbers by providing a cushion between them 2. Ligaments- Strong bands of fibrous tissues that connect bones at the joint and limit their range of motion 3. Muscles - Moves bones at the joints and are connected to bones by tendons

Draw a line from the term on the left to the definition on the right.

1. Muscle Strains - An injury to the muscles and tendons that provide movement to a joint 2. Muscle Spasms - A sudden, involuntary tensing up of the muscle until it becomes a hard lump 3. Ligament Sprains - May be the result of overstretching or tearing 4. Damaged disks - Results in pain, tingling and numbness in the back and legs

Draw a line from the term on the left to the definition on the right.

1. Spinal Colum - Made up of 33 vertebrae, it supports the head and allows the body to bend and twist 2. Facet Joints - Provide stability and allow movement to the front, back and sides 3. Spinal Cord - Carries impulses between the brain and other parts of body while also serving as a reflex center

What is the strong fibrous tissue that attaches bones to each other called?

Ligament

A _______ is an injury to the muscles and tendons that provide movement to a joint

Muscle strain

_______ move bones at the joints and are connected by tendons

Muscles

Most back injuries occur in the ________

Muscles, ligaments, and discs