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Have you ever asked, "Why do so many people suffer from low back pain?" The
answer involves a brief overview of the lumbar spine. Although the entire spine
is involved in everyday activities of rest and movement, the low back can be
vulnerable to many pain-provoking disorders. Simple sprains and strains from
overexertion, a herniated disc from a slip and fall, degenerative disc disease
or spinal stenosis from normal aging, and other disorders can cause low back
pain. To help you understand back pain, the following brief and illustrated
anatomy lesson is provided.
What is the Lumbar Spine?
The lumbar spine - or low back - is the third major region of the spine (Figure
1). Most people have five bones or vertebrae in the lumbar spine, although it
is not unusual to have six. Each vertebra is stacked on top of the other and
between each vertebra is a gel-like cushion called a disc (intervertebral disc).
The discs help to absorb pressure, distribute stress, and keep the vertebrae
from grinding against each other.
Figure 1. Spinal Column
Ligaments, Tendons
The vertebrae and discs are held together by groups of ligaments (Figure 2).
Ligaments connect bone to bone, where as tendons connect muscle to bone. In
the spine, tendons connect muscles to the vertebrae. The ligaments and tendons
help to stabilize the spine and guard against excessive movement in any one
direction.
Figure 2. Spinal Ligaments
Spinal Joints
The spine also has joints - similar to knees, elbows, and other joints. The
spinal joints are called facet joints (Figure 3). The facet joints have been
described as finger-like and link the vertebrae together. The facet joints are
located at the posterior area of the spinal column. In addition, the facet joints
help to make the spine flexible.
Figure 3. Spinal Facet Joints
Nerve Center
In the center of the spinal column is a vertical hole called the spinal canal;
it contains the spinal cord. The bones that create the spinal canal serve as
armor to help protect the spinal cord from injury. Small nerve roots branch
off from the spinal cord through spaces on between each vertebra and extend
out into the entire body (Figure 4). The spinal cord and the nerves are part
of the central nervous system that includes the brain. The nerves are the body's
neural message system.
Figure 4. Spinal Nerve Structures
To learn more about disorders that affect the lumbar spine, you
are invited to click on any of the links below.
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