What Is the Lumbar Spine?
A lumbar spine is the lower section of the spinal column between the thoracic spine and sacrum. It contains five vertebrae that support much of the body's weight and allow bending, extension, and rotation. Discs, facet joints, muscles, ligaments, and nerves work around this region to support movement and stability.
Quick Facts About Lumbar Spine
Category
Lower spinal region
Used for
Assessing lower-back movement and support
Common confusion
Often confused with the sacrum
Also called
Lower Spine, Lower back
Often discussed with
Back Pain Treatment
Key Takeaways About Lumbar Spine
- The lumbar spine forms the lower back region.
- Its joints and discs support movement and load.
- The lumbar spine is not the same as the sacrum.
How Lumbar Spine Works
The lumbar spine works as a mobile support section of the back. Vertebrae provide structure, while discs help distribute pressure between neighboring bones. Facet joints guide motion, and nearby muscles and ligaments help control movement during standing, walking, bending, and lifting.
Related glossary terms: Cervical Spine, Facet Joint, Nerve Root.
Health professionals assess this region through movement observation, posture checks, and a review of symptoms. They may consider range of motion, muscle control, joint movement, and nerve-related signs together. The nerve roots that leave the lower spine connect with areas of the hips and legs, so irritation in this region can affect movement or sensation beyond the back.
From the Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractic - Albany team
When we assess the lumbar spine, we combine movement findings with posture, muscle control, and the person’s reported symptoms. Our team considers nearby joints and soft tissues because lower-back discomfort can involve more than the spinal bones alone. We use these findings to guide care within Back Pain Treatment.
Lumbar Spine in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person with lower-back discomfort after repeated lifting may show limited bending and guarded movement. During Back Pain Treatment, the lumbar spine is considered alongside the hips, pelvis, muscles, and nerve-related signs.
Related Services
Related Terms
Cervical Spine
The cervical spine is the neck section of the spinal column. It connects the skull with…
Facet Joint
Facet Joint is a small, paired joint at the back of each spinal segment that connects…
Nerve Root
A nerve root is a bundle of nerve fibers that leaves the spinal cord through an…
Range of Motion
Range of Motion is the degree through which a joint can move in a specific direction…
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