MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Spine supporting structures

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Spine supporting structures

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.

Update Date: 5/12/2008

Updated by: Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone & Joint, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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