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Spine supporting structures

Spine supporting structures

Overview

The spine is surrounded by many muscles and ligaments which give it great strength and flexibility. If these muscles or ligaments become damaged, back pain results.

Review Date 4/24/2023

Updated by: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.