explain
pain
3
section
55
page
LAFT facts
1.
The outer layers of all LAFTs have a nerve supply,
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so danger sensors can be activated if those layers are
in danger. If the LAFT is injured, surrounding
structures also full of danger sensors are probably
affected as well. In fact, the nerve supply to the LAFT
is not as rich as the nerve supply to surrounding
ligaments and bones. Remember that we are in the
area of the spinal cord so it is sensible to pack the
surrounding tissues with danger sensors – wouldn’t
you install a sensitive alarm system to protect your
most precious possessions?
2.
An injured LAFTmaynot necessarily result in pain. As
the LAFT slowly inflames, painmay emerge 8-12hours
later. It is quite common that a LAFT injurywill result
in pain and stiffness the day after injury but if you are
aware of this, you shouldn’t be too bothered.
3.
LAFTs degenerate naturally. Degeneration is a
normal part of aging of all tissues. It does not have
to contribute to a pain experience. The LAFT is
married to the bones (vertebrae) around it and they
stick together and age together and dance through
life. At least 30% of people who have no low back
pain, have LAFTs bulging into their spinal canal,
sometimesmarkedly. This fact has been known for
many years but it is still not common knowledge
among the general public.
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4.
LAFTs never slip. They age, bulge, sometimes
herniate, and only sometimes squeeze onto a nerve
or release chemicals that irritate a nerve. Despite
these dramatic sounding changes this does not
necessarily alarm the nervous system. In fact, the
most common kind of LAFT injury is a strain of its
ligament tissue – a bit like twisting your ankle.
5.
LAFTs heal slowly, but they will always be a bit tatty
around the edges. Age changesmay be
indistinguishable from injury changes.
6.
LAFTs, spinal joints and nerves are not delicate
structures. Watch a person playing sport and
contemplate the forces that go through these
structures.
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