Chiropractic lumbar spine anatomy refers to the section of the spine casually known as your lower back, or your lumbar region. It consists of five vertebrae which physicians refer to as L1-L5. These vertebrae are located on the spinal column below the cervical and thoracic areas and above the sacrum. Your spinal cord runs inside of these vertebrae all the way to the lowest vertebrae, named L1, and then branches out into nerve roots that go to your lower body, legs and feet. Understanding how to properly care for this area of your spine anatomy can help you to avoid spine trauma and possibly, spine surgery.
In between each vertebra are discs that are flat, circular pieces of tissue which act like shocks on a car or bike, cushioning the vertebrae and protecting the spinal cord. Muscles and ligaments also surround the lumbar spine vertebrae, all of which are designed to protect the vulnerable spinal cord inside the spinal canal. The spinal cord is responsible for the transference of nerve impulses to and from muscles in the body communicating with the brain. This cord of nerve fibers is delicately bathed in spinal fluid and is encased in a tough membrane so the messages being sent up and down the column can pass uninterrupted.
The lumbar region of the back supports a great deal of weight, so it is heavily muscled. The vertebrae and corresponding discs are constructed of tough, strong material to protect the vulnerable spinal cord from injury. The muscles of the lumbar region are often a cause of pain to many people because of the great pressure put on this area. Sometimes steroids or anesthetics may be injected into the space between the membrane encircling the spinal cord, referred to as the "dura," and the spinal canal for temporary pain relief. This procedure is referred to as an epidural.
It's important to protect your lumbar region while lifting heavy objects and participating in high risk sports to avoid injuring this important part of your body.
 | Chiropractic care is a form of holistic healing that focuses on the entire body's well-being-not just the back. Chiropractic treats a wide range of health concerns by focusing on the relationship between your spinal cord and brain and your nervous system. |
 | Different chiropractic clinics may employ different techniques, but most clinics offer standard procedures that are widely accepted in chiropractic circles. The following is a list of common chiropractic techniques and their definitions. |
 | If low back pain is keeping you sidelined, know that relief is possible. There are chiropractic tips to prevent low back pain that can help you feel better. |
If you are interested in pursuing a career in chiropractic health, you have come to the right place. Here, we will take a much closer look at what one needs to do in order to become a chiropractor. |
Chiropractic care for children is not what usually comes to mind when we think about a chiropractor. However, many times there is injury to the spinal column during birth that goes on undetected until much later in life. |
