What Is the Lumbar Spine?
The lumbar spine is the lower section of the spinal column, located between the thoracic spine and the sacrum. It contains five vertebrae that support the trunk, protect nerve structures, and help the body bend, twist, and transfer forces during movement. This region forms the main bony framework of the lower back.
Quick Facts About Lumbar Spine
Category
Spinal anatomy
Used for
Lower-back assessment
Common confusion
Lumbar spine versus sacroiliac joint
Also called
Lower Back Spine, Lower back
Often discussed with
Back Pain Treatment
Key Takeaways About Lumbar Spine
- It forms the lower back section of the spinal column.
- Its joints and discs help distribute movement and load.
- Lower-back pain does not always come from the lumbar spine.
How Lumbar Spine Works
Lumbar spine movement comes from vertebrae, discs, facet joints, ligaments, and nearby muscles working together. The vertebrae create a stable column, while the discs help manage pressure between adjacent bones. Nerves leave the spinal canal through openings near these structures and continue toward the pelvis and legs.
Related glossary terms: Thoracic Spine, Sacroiliac Joint, Facet Joint.
Clinicians assess this region through the person’s movement, posture, strength, sensation, and reported symptoms. A limited bend may reflect joint stiffness, muscle strain, disc irritation, or another source of pain. The facet joint and sacroiliac joint can produce nearby symptoms, so a lower-back complaint does not identify one structure by itself.
From the Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Marietta team
When we assess the lumbar spine during Back Pain Treatment, we consider movement, posture, muscle tension, and symptoms together. We also check nearby regions, such as the pelvis and hips, because their movement can influence lower-back function.
Lumbar Spine in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person may feel lower-back discomfort after repeated lifting and notice stiffness when rising from a chair. A lumbar spine assessment helps relate those symptoms to movement patterns and nearby tissues before care is planned.
Related Services
Related Terms
Thoracic Spine
The thoracic spine is the middle section of the spinal column, located between the cervical spine…
Sacroiliac Joint
The Sacroiliac Joint is the connection between the sacrum at the base of the spine and…
Facet Joint
Facet Joint is a small synovial joint at the back of the spine that connects neighboring…
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