Lumbar Spine

The lumbar spine is the region of the back in between the thoracic spine (above) and the sacrum (below). There are 5 lumbar vertebrae named L1 through L5. Sometimes a person is born with an L6 vertebra, also called a transitional vertebrae. This condition is harmless and rarely causes any problems.

This lower region of the spine has a lordotic curve that is shaped like a backward letter “C”. The lumbar region is designed for weight bearing, as well as flexibility. The intervertebral discs in the lower spine receive the most use and abuse of any in the body. Degenerative disc disease is a virtually universal occurrence in the lowest lumbar discs by the age of 30 and often far younger.

Normally, the spinal cord ends at the L2 vertebra, but it may end as high as T12 or as low as L3. The cauda equina (horse’s tail) is the group of nerves that continue from the base of the spinal cord through the lower lumbar and sacral spinal regions.

Lumbar Spine Pain Epidemic