Lumbar Spine Anatomy

One of the most common things I’ve treated over the almost 10 years of being a PT is low back pain. Low back pain is a pretty general term with lots of different possibilities for the pain generator. I find most patients have a very basic understanding of their low back and with some education of the anatomy it goes a long way on the path to feeling better.

The lumbar spine aka low back is comprised of five vertebrae with intervertebral discs located between. They are the largest of all the vertebrae in the spine because of they support the weight of the body in standing. The intervertebral discs act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae. At each level of the spine, a nerve root exists out each side forming the lumbo-sacral plexus which ultimately branch out to form the nerves of the pelvic region and lower extremity.

The lumbar spine is mobile allowing for forward flexion and extension, lateral flexion, but only a very small degree of rotation happens at each segment. Because the lumbar spine is a mobile segment between the more rigid thoracic spine due to the ribcage for support of the organs and the stable pelvis, it can have areas that are more prone to injury and “wear & tear.” These areas are located at the thoracolumbar junction where the thoracic and lumbar spine meet and at the base of the lumbar spine where it attaches to the sacrum and pelvis.

If you are interested in learning more or about treatment options, don’t hesitate to call/text 701-318-4731 or email alison@pinnalcetherapywellness.com to learn how we can help. Don’t forget to follow on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on the happenings at Pinnacle Therapy & Wellness.