When you stand, the lower body must support the upper body.
The majority of this work is done by the vertebral column. While muscles and
other tissues assist, the lowest portion of the vertebral column—known as the lumbar spine—provides support as you
bend, twist, and extend your upper body.
In addition to providing structure and movement, the
vertebral column provides protection for the spinal cord, a long tube of
nervous tissue connected to the brain. Branches of the spinal cord spread all
over the body to communicate information to and from the brain.
The lumbar spine consists of five vertebrae in most people
(some have six), and these are the largest vertebrae of the spine because they
bear the most weight.
The vertebrae of the lumbar spine are numbered L1 through
L5; the “L” stands for “lumbar.” They are:
- L1: This
vertebra begins the lumbar spine after the thoracic spine ends.
- L2-L4: These vertebrae are the middle of
the lumbar spine.
- L5:
This is the last vertebra of the lumbar spine and connects to the sacrum.
A squishy pad between each vertebra protects them from
grinding against one another and creates a small joint that makes movement
possible. Called intervertebral dics,
these pads absorb shocks and distribute pressure on each vertebra. These discs
can become damaged, whether through injury or deterioration, and this often
causes long-term pain.
Below the five lumbar vertebrae lies the sacrum. It consists of five vertebrae
that fuse together as you mature to create a singular triangle-shaped bone. The
sacrum is wedged into the space in the back of the pelvis at the hips.
The coccyx is
last section of the lumbar spine as well as the spinal column. Better known as
the tailbone, it is composed of three to five fused vertebrae. It is considered
a vestigial tail, or one that lost its function as humans evolved. The modern
coccyx serves as an anchor for several tendons and ligaments and acts as a type
of tripod when you sit.
