The Anatomy of Lumbar Pain
The lower back consists of two main parts: the lumbar spine and the sacrum, as well as the vertebral discs that lie in between the bones. A deeper understanding of the basic anatomy of the lower back can prevent back pain.
The lumbar spine is the part where most of the injuries occur. In normal cases, the lumbar spine consists of five vertebrae between the pelvis and ribcage, but there are cases when congenital defects are present.
For example, the lowermost vertebra (L5) can be attached to the sacrum below it, which can be either on one side or on both sides. This is a serious issue for athletes because the defect results in moderate joint stiffness.
And then there’s the area of the flexible lumbar spine, where it meets the rigid thoracic spine as well as the area where the lumbar spine attaches to the rigid pelvis below. These areas have high risks for injuries, such as excessive strains, especially among dancers.
Majority of back injuries occur in the lumbosacral spine, the lowermost segment in the back. When stretching, dancing, or twisting, the lumbosacral spine can be subjected to extreme stress. This increases the risks for stress fractures, disc diseases, and muscle strains.
In the case of muscle strains, which are the most common injuries in the lumbosacral regions, the symptoms include pain, stiffness and spasm. This pain may or may not radiate into the buttocks without the legs being affected. The pain can be relieved by rest, physical therapy, and mild anti-inflammatory medicines.
When you have problems with your lumbar and lumbosacral spine, you should not dismiss your symptoms. Visit your Healthpointe doctor at a clinic nearest you, such as in Garden Grove that can be visited by people from Stanton, Santa Ana, and Westminster.
Take good care of your lower back for your career’s success. Visit us at any of our clinics, such as the one in Colton by people from Rialto, Bloomington, San Bernardino, Loma Linda, Highgrove, and Grand Terrace.
Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Colton by Rialto, Bloomington, San Bernardino, Loma Linda, Highgrove, and Grand Terrace. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit Healthpointe.net.