Lower back pain link to chimpanzee spine shape

People with lower back problems are more likely to have a spine similar in shape to the chimpanzee, says new research published in BMC Evolutionary Biology.
Experts analysed the vertebrae of chimpanzees, orangutans and ancient human skeletons to assess the relationship between the shapes of the bones of the spine, upright movement and the health of the human spine.
“Our findings show that the vertebrae of humans with disc problems are closer in shape to those of our closest ape relatives, the chimpanzee, than are the vertebrae of humans without disc problems,” explains Prof Mark Collard, who is involved in the research. “Our study suggests that the pathological vertebrae of some people may be less well adapted for walking upright.”
These people have a lesion called a Schmorl’s node, which is a small hernia that can occur in the disc between the vertebrae. There is no single cause for the node but it is thought to be linked to stress and strain on the lower back.
The findings could help predict who may be at particular risk of back problems.

Click here to read the original research.

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Image credit Buffa