Lumbar Vertebrae, Function, Structure, Problems and Preventive Measures

The Lumbar Vertebrae are the bones that make up the spinal cord or the backbone and more specifically the lower end of the backbone. These bones are below the thoracic and cervical vertebrae and are above sacrum and pelvis.

The Lumbar is one of the largest unfused vertebrae that are larger than the bones that are located in the Spinal Joint. There are 5 Lumbar joints which are named as L1, L2, L3, L4 & L5. L1 is located closer to thoracic joint and L5 is located near to the pelvic joint.

The Lumbar vertebrae lack foramina in the traverse process and it can be differentiated with this feature. They also do not have ribs or facets to articulate with the ribs. The lumbar joints are found adjacent to the thoracic vertebrae in humans and as a cervical vertebra in species like Lizard and these bones produce a concave structure and curves at the lower back. 

The function of Lumbar vertebrae

The lumbar vertebrae are one of the most important vertebrae in the human body as it supports the body to allow certain movements such as lifting up weights, objects. The Lumbar vertebrae will extend through rotation and movements which will help to flex. The lumbar joints in animals such as gorillas and chimpanzees are few which tend to lack the ability to curve when compared to the humans.

These bones also protect the spinal cord and the nerves connected to provide support, these are the largest vertebral bones and they tend to increase in size as they go down as they help to support body weight.

Problems of Lumbar Spine

L5 of Lumbar Spine is the common site for spondylolisthesis and spondylolysis. Spondylolisthesis is the condition where the vertebra will have forward displacement compared to the bone below it and Spondylolysis is the condition for stress-related fracture or a defect in the vertebral arch. These symptoms will be asymptomatic in the early years. Usually, the condition works with people who have more lumbar vertebrae and they generally have the L5 affected. 

Lumbar Vertebrae as many different types of vertebrae suffers from similar issues such as Disc Hernia, cauda equina, fracture, ligament tear, muscle strain etc. Muscle Injury is one of the most common problems that lumbar suffers as it supports the bodyweight of an individual.

Additionally, other inflammatory diseases such as spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis also are problems such as faced by Lumbar Joints. 

Lumbar joints also suffer from cancer which might be secondary carcinomas, meningitis and infections in the spinal cord also possible. 

Prevention

There are multiple ways to prevent Spinal cord problems and Lumbar related problems in general. You can undergo exercise regularly which include Low-Impact Cardiovascular exercise, exercise ball workouts, water therapy.

Have an ergonomic chair which will help you to align your back and thighs correctly, Also, you can place a small rolled-up tunnel at the back for additional support. 

While lifting heavy objects take additional precaution, try to bend your knees and not the lower back. After lifting hold the object close to the chest rather than any place which impacts your spine.

Use support devices such as LumboTrain and LumboLoc Back Brace which will help you to provide pain relief even for chronic pain. These devices will also help with mobility and posture, along with an effective massage pad that will help you to reduce tension and pain while doing daily chores.

The support devices helps to prevent the degenerative condition of the lumbar spine like osteochondrosis, osteoarthritis, lumbar deformities, & Facet syndrome.

One should stretch your back muscles before lifting heavy weights as this is known to help prevent hamstring. Stretching before the exercise also helps to relieve pressure on your pelvis and lower back.