What Is the Lumbar Spine?
The lumbar spine is the lower section of the vertebral column, located between the thoracic spine and the sacrum. It contains vertebrae, discs, joints, nerves, ligaments, and supporting muscles. This region helps support the upper body and contributes to bending, turning, walking, and other movements involving the lower back.
Quick Facts About Lumbar Spine
Category
Lower spinal region
Used for
Back pain assessment
Common confusion
Not the entire lower back
Also called
Lower Spine, Lumbar region
Often discussed with
Back Pain Treatment, Chiropractic Adjustment
Key Takeaways About Lumbar Spine
- The lumbar spine connects the mid-back with the pelvis.
- Its joints, discs, nerves, and muscles work together during movement.
- Lumbar spine pain is not the same as sciatica.
How Lumbar Spine Works
The lumbar spine works as a mobile support structure between the rib-bearing part of the back and the pelvis. Its vertebrae provide a protective passage for the spinal cord and nerve roots, while discs help distribute pressure during daily movement. Facet joints guide motion between neighboring vertebrae.
Related glossary terms: Thoracic Spine, Sacrum, Facet Joint.
Assessment considers how the sacroiliac joint, hips, muscles, and nerves relate to lumbar movement. A clinician may observe posture, walking, bending, and range of motion to identify patterns linked with back pain. These observations help separate local lumbar discomfort from symptoms that extend into the buttock or leg.
From the Arrowhead Clinic - Lithia Springs team
When we assess the lumbar spine, we review movement, posture, muscle tension, and nearby joints together. Our team connects these findings with the person’s reported symptoms before selecting an approach within Back Pain Treatment.
Lumbar Spine in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person with pain after lifting may have limited lumbar movement and guarded lower-back muscles. During Back Pain Treatment, the examination may also consider the hips and pelvis because those areas influence how the lumbar spine moves.
Related Services
Related Terms
Thoracic Spine
The Thoracic Spine is the middle section of the spinal column, located between the cervical spine…
Sacrum
Sacrum is a triangular bone at the base of the spine that connects the lumbar spine…
Facet Joint
A facet joint is a small paired joint at the back of the spine that connects…
Nerve Root Compression
Nerve Root Compression is pressure on a spinal nerve root near where the nerve leaves the…
Arrowhead Clinic - Lithia Springs
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