Humans With Back Problems Could Have Chimpanzee-Like Spines

2015-04-28 11

A new research study has found that humans who suffer from intervertebral disc herniation, commonly known as a slipped disc, are likely to have vertebrae that more closely resemble chimpanzees and could indicate a less evolved spinal shape to walk upright.

Back pain may be more prevalent in people whose vertebrae resemble those of chimpanzees. 

A new study
has found that the condition intervertebral disc herniation, commonly
called a slipped disc, more likely affects people whose spines may be
less suited to walking upright on two feet. 

Researchers examined the vertebrae of humans, chimpanzees which walk on their knuckles, and orangutans which climb using all four limbs.

They found that those with Schmorl's nodes, a protrusion indicating a