Lumbosacral spine: bone structure, whether the vertebrae are mobile or not

Lumbar radiculopathy (radicular syndrome) is a neurological condition caused by compression of one of the L1-S1 roots, which is characterized by low back pain radiating to the leg. Compression of the root can be manifested not only by pain (sometimes of a shooting nature), but also by impaired sensitivity, numbness, paresthesia or muscle weakness. Radiculopathy (radicular syndrome) can occur in any part of the spine, but it most often occurs in the lumbar region. Lumbosacral radiculopathy occurs in approximately 3-5% of the population, in both men and women, but, as a rule, the syndrome occurs in men at the age of 40 years, and in women the syndrome develops between the ages of 50 and 60 years. Treatment of radicular syndrome of the lumbosacral spine can be carried out using both conservative methods and surgical techniques.

Interesting structural anomaly

The number of vertebrae in each person can be different, usually 33 or 34. There are 7 segments in the cervical, 12 in the thoracic, 4 or 5 in the coccyx. The lumbosacral spine, which has 10 vertebrae, deserves special attention. Some people have one vertebra more than expected, which indicates lumbarization, but the situation has no clinical significance. If the segment is attached to the sacrum, then there is 1 less, and this condition is called sarcalization.

This does not bother most people and does not pose a health risk. But if a pathology is detected, it is recommended to register and undergo periodic examinations in order to take timely measures to prevent the development of scoliosis. Since there is a risk of premature onset of pathology.

Anatomical features

The lumbosacral region is a complex system that provides full motor activity. Most often, diseases affect this area of the spine, since when walking, sitting or performing most exercises, the load falls on this part. Interesting anatomical features of the described area are:

Why does my back hurt in the lumbar region?

The vertebrae follow each other, and between them a hollow opening is formed through which the spinal canal passes. It contains the brain, ending in the 2nd lumbar segment.
The lumbar region contains 5 spinal motion segments. The last of them is formed from the 5th lumbar and 1st sacral vertebrae.
The lumbar vertebrae have the most massive processes.
The lumbar sacrococcygeal region has a normal physiological curve, which is called lordosis. It is formed in childhood and plays a key role in walking upright.
The sacral segment has a curve that is directed backwards. It's called kyphosis.

Small deviations in the structure in some cases do not indicate pathology. Whereas strong displacements of physiological curves in one direction or another cause deformations, disorders of internal organs and other problems.

A visual representation of the structure of the lumbar region

Features and benefits of CT

A CT scan of the lumbar spine is a layer-by-layer scan using X-rays that are absorbed by body tissues. This is the main difference between the method and MRI, where the study is carried out under the influence of a magnetic field.

Computed tomography of the spine provides numerous images in various projections. After processing them with a special computer program, a three-dimensional image is formed. Thus, a CT scan of the lumbar region shows any changes in the shape and structure of objects. Despite the use of X-rays, the technique is characterized by low radiation exposure.

Tomography has a number of advantages over radiography. The first allows you to examine the object under study from all sides, the second provides only two-dimensional images, and at the same time has a negative effect on the body.

Main functions

The lumbar region accounts for the maximum total weight of a person. It is this department that redistributes the load onto the stronger structures of the lower body (pelvis, legs). The main functions of this motor segment are:

Protection of the spinal cord and nerve bundles from various negative influences.
Cushioning for jumping, running and heavy work.
Mobility of the human body.
Redistribution of a person's weight to other areas.
Helps maintain balance.
Protection of the pelvic organs.
Participation in the birth process.

If the functionality of the lumbar or sacral vertebrae is impaired, a person experiences severe pain, and if the situation becomes more complicated, paralysis, paresis and other pathological conditions appear.

Relationship with other bodies

The lumbar region of the adze is connected to other parts and vital human systems, and if it is injured, this affects the general condition and reduces performance. The lumbosacral region is responsible for the work of the following organs:

Pelvic bones and lower limbs.
Appendix and large intestine.
Reproductive system.
Uterus and ovaries in women.
Bladder.
Sciatic nerve.
Buttocks and thighs.
Feet, calves, toes.
Anus and rectum.

Each lumbosacral joint can cause dysfunction of the listed organs. If they are insufficiently mobile, injured or displaced, a person may develop circulatory problems, hemorrhoids, swelling, blockage or swelling of the ankles, cystitis, sciatica, infertility or impotence.

The spine affects the functioning of internal organs

Risk factors

The main risk factors for the development of pathologies of the lumbar and sacral region are excess weight, high growth and lack of normal physical activity. In some people, the problems may be congenital, due to spinal abnormalities and anatomical defects. A high probability of pathology of the lower back or sacrococcygeal joint appears if the following points are present in a person’s life:

Passive lifestyle. Constantly being in a sitting position makes the muscle corset weak; over time, it keeps the vertebrae in one position worse and worse, and they are subject to an excessively high load, which shifts them to one side or another.
Exhausting physical labor. Moving heavy objects, lifting bags or boxes, constant exhaustion of the body leads to the early appearance of radiculitis, osteochondrosis, arthritis or other pathologies. Experts recommend wearing orthopedic devices that support the belt during exercise to avoid the development of intervertebral hernia.
Flat feet or curvature of bone tissue. The onset of pathological processes in the spine in other places also negatively affects the lower back. Because the pressure on it increases and the load is redistributed incorrectly.
Spinal injuries. Fractures of the sacral bone, cracks in other parts (anterior sacral foramen, ramus, horns, vertebrae, promontory), and muscle sprains that are not treated properly or become complicated can cause lower back pain, problems with walking or other functions.
Lack of proper nutrition, excess weight. If the human body does not receive the components, vitamins, and minerals necessary for normal development, this leads to serious consequences. Excess weight in this case only aggravates the situation, creating an extra load on the bones of the lumbosacral region, leading to severe deformities.

Some lower back diseases develop due to natural causes, such as aging. Bones and cartilage gradually wear out, blood circulation in neighboring tissues becomes worse, useful elements practically do not reach them, so deformations become worse.

Osteochondrosis is the most common pathology of the lumbar region

Exercise therapy training exercises for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine

For exercise therapy of the lumbar region, training exercises are indicated while the pain subsides. During the acute stage they are prohibited.

Tasks:

Completely form the muscle corset.
Normalize the range of motion in the leg joints.
Repeat the number of exercises that include movements in the lumbar region strictly in accordance with the training plan.

1. Lying on your back.

Bend your legs at the hip and knee joints. The shins should rest on the support. Join your fingers behind your head into a “lock.” Lift your head and shoulders off the floor. Do 6-8 times.
The shins rest on the support. Hold the ball between your feet. Move it to the left, then to the right. Do 6-8 reps.
Hold the heavy ball with your feet. The shins rest on the support. Your task is to pull your knees towards your chin, lifting your head off the floor. Perform 6–8 times.
Bend your legs at the hip joint. The shins should rest on the support. Take dumbbells in your hands and stretch them along your body. Try to sit down. Do 6-8 times.
Take dumbbells in your hands and move them to the right. At the same time, tilt your knees to the left. Repeat 6-8 times.
Bend your knees and hold the ball between your feet. Take dumbbells. Try to sit down and hold this position. Do 6-8 reps.

2. Lying on your stomach.

Stretch your hands in front of you. Raise your head and shoulders at the same time. Move your right arm behind your back, accompanying this movement by turning your torso to the right. Repeat the same with your left hand.
Place your arms straight behind your back. At the same time, lift your head, shoulders and upper body off the floor. Raise your legs with your knees bent. Repeat 6-8 times.
The legs need to be bent and then straightened at the knee joint in turn. Only 15–20 times.

Don't forget to take your heart rate before and after your workout. Its optimal value is 120–140 beats per minute. Exceeding the normal heart rate indicates that the load is high for you.

Diseases of the lumbosacral region

The main problem of many people is excess weight, as well as excess physical stress. In the sacrococcygeal joint, blood circulation is disrupted, metabolic processes in soft tissues slow down, which affects the condition of the vertebrae. If you believe the statistics, lower back diseases are diagnosed more often than other spinal pathologies. The most common of them are:

Osteochondrosis. Degenerative processes in the vertebrae, leading to severe pain. Due to the impact on the intervertebral discs, joint mobility decreases, the patient feels numbness in the limbs, and dysfunction of the pelvic organs. In some cases, urinary incontinence occurs, as well as nerve compression.
Spondylosis. When the load on the lower back and tailbone is too intense, the height of the intervertebral discs gradually decreases, and processes in the form of spikes appear on the sides, which injure neighboring cartilage. The disease leads to serious neurological disorders and decreased joint mobility.
Protrusion. Negative factors affecting the spine cause loss of elasticity of the fibrous membrane, which protrudes. It is this process that is protrusion. It can pinch nerves, causing pain and stiffness.
Hernia. This is a complication of protrusion, when the pulp comes out as a result of compression. The condition manifests itself in the form of discomfort and severe pain. If measures are not taken in time, the pathology can lead to leg paresis or paralysis.
Sciatica. This is radiculitis, which manifests itself as an inflammatory process in the sciatic nerve. The patient cannot sit, lie or walk normally. You always feel a dull pain or shooting.

The lumbar region often suffers from diseases such as arthritis, arthrosis, and lordosis. Almost all pathologies manifest themselves in the form of severe pain or limitation of motor activity. Therefore, only a doctor can differentiate the disease and prescribe the correct treatment.

Professional massage is an effective way to restore back health

A set of exercises for the back

Prices for mats for yoga and fitness

Step 1. After the general warm-up has been completed, it is recommended to do several pelvic tilts while lying on your back. They strengthen the muscles of the back, buttocks, and abdominal cavity well. To perform this exercise, you need to lie on your back on a gymnastics mat and place your feet on the floor closer to your buttocks, hip-width apart. Next, you need to raise your lower back along with your hips up, stay in this position for 5-10 seconds, and then lower to the floor. Approximately 10 repetitions are performed.

Pelvic tilt while lying down

Step 2. The next exercise is a reverse bridge. It works well on the lower back and is recommended for preventing pain in this area. To do it, you need to lie on your stomach, stretch your arms forward and legs back, slightly bending your knees. Next, you need to lift your limbs up, lifting them off the floor. In the top position you need to linger for 5-10 seconds, and then relax and lower your limbs to the floor. You need to do 10 repetitions.

Reverse bridge

Step 3. To do the next exercise, you need to lie on your back and place your feet on your feet. After this, you need to strain your hips and lower back so that a small gap appears between the floor and your lower back. 10-20 repetitions are performed.

This is where the hips and lower back become tense.

Step 4. The following exercise will help not only strengthen your lower back, but also stretch it and develop balance. To perform, you need to get down on all fours and alternately stretch one of your arms forward along with the opposite leg back. Perform up to 20 repetitions.

Exercise with stretching legs and arms

Step 5. Next, lunges are made. You need to stand up and put your feet shoulder-width apart, take a step forward with one of your legs, while the knee of this leg bends, your back remains straight - you cannot bend at the waist. The leg is placed in front of the body, a right angle is formed between the lower leg and the thigh, the thigh is parallel to the floor. You need to stand in this position for a few seconds, then return to the starting position and change legs.

Lunges

Step 6. The side plank will help pump up the abdominal muscles, lateral abs, and lower back. You need to do it like this - you need to lie on your side with emphasis on the elbow of your lower arm. Next, raise your lower back and fix it on the weight so as to form an even line with your body. You can also do a regular plank - to do this, you should turn your face to the floor and lean on your elbows and toes, and then raise your body to form a straight line.

Regular and side plank

Step 7. You can use a fitball to train your lower back. You should lie on it with your back, rest your feet on the floor and try to make a bridge.

Using a fitball

Fitballs and medicine balls for fitness

Prevention and treatment

Tactics for combating pathologies of the lumbosacral region are determined after diagnosis and test results. The specialist, taking into account the patient’s condition (external examination, checking reflexes), the person’s complaints, prescribes an x-ray to obtain an image of bone tissue, CT, ultrasound and MRI (if soft tissue inflammation is present). Only after the diagnosis has been carried out are the most effective treatment methods selected. The main ones are the following.

Drug treatment

Conservative treatment involves taking medications that help improve the general condition of the back. Modern medicines are highly effective and have few contraindications. Therefore, they are included in complex therapy aimed at slowing down or completely stopping degenerative and inflammatory processes in tissues. Usually the doctor prescribes the following medications:

Painkillers – to relieve pain.
Anti-inflammatory - to relieve swelling.
Muscle relaxants - to eliminate stiffness and excess tone in the muscles.
Chondroprotectors - to stop the destruction of cartilage in the space between the vertebrae.
Multivitamins - to improve the general condition of the patient, normalize the emotional background.

How much medication to take, and in what quantity, the doctor decides individually with each patient. As the condition improves, medication use is reduced to a minimum or stopped altogether.

Physiotherapy

Exercise therapy is one of the components of any spinal therapy. It is a set of exercises aimed at increasing blood circulation, normalizing metabolic processes between tissues, and improving tone. For patients in serious condition, simple exercise is recommended, even if it has a significant effect on well-being. The main advantage of this technique is that there are practically no contraindications to it.

The complex is selected individually, taking into account the nature of the pathology, as well as the age of the patient. It usually includes leg raises from a supine position, chest bends, hanging on a horizontal bar with bent legs, bending over with additional weight, and other approaches. You can achieve the effect after just a few weeks of regular exercise.

Work with the diseased area is carried out exclusively by a specialist

Massage effects

After making a diagnosis, the doctor usually recommends scheduling a massage with a specialist. It is worth taking the course during the period of stabilization. Exposure to pain and inflammation will only make the situation worse. The massage therapist uses the following techniques to improve blood circulation:

Stroking.
Rubbing.
Effleurage.
Vibrations and stuff.

The main indications for use are lower back pain, sciatica, protrusions, vertebral displacement or incipient osteochondrosis. Regular exposure will relieve muscle spasms, recover faster from injuries, and improve the movement of lymph in the body. Massage requires preparation and, depending on the technique chosen, can be relaxing, tonic and analgesic.

Surgery

When conservative treatment does not give the desired result and the lower back continues to hurt, surgery is used. Restoring the vertebrae in this way allows you to almost completely restore health and slow down the development of neurological processes. They resort to such treatment only when there is a threat of paralysis or other dangerous consequences for the patient.

Symptoms

Pain in the sacrum manifests itself differently depending on the underlying disease.

Osteochondrosis provokes acute, aching pain radiating to the buttock and leg.
Protrusion and disc herniation by pain in the morning, after prolonged standing. The intensity of the pain syndrome varies; often the patient is forced to take a special position in order to alleviate his condition.
Damage to the sacroiliac joint is characterized by unilateral pain in the sacral region, lameness and muscle cramps.
With radiculitis, the pain is shooting or aching, radiating to the leg and buttock.
Pathology of the pelvic vessels is accompanied by diffuse pain in the sacrum, lower back, and lower abdomen.
Gynecological diseases are accompanied by nagging pain in the sacral and lumbar region. Pain intensifies before menstruation, during sexual intercourse and defecation.
Prostate diseases are accompanied by a dull pain in the sacrum, radiating to the groin.

Maintaining the health of the lower back and sacrum

Prevention of the development of diseases in the lumbosacral region and coccyx is an important measure. It will allow you to maintain normal functioning for many years, without stiffness of movement, complications of conditions, pain and discomfort. To do this, a person from an early age must adhere to the following simple rules:

Always monitor your posture and correct body position while walking, working and sleeping.
Select only high-quality accessories for a night's rest (orthopedic mattress, pillow of sufficient height).
Don't wear high heels every day.
Give up bad habits (smoking, drugs, alcohol).
Play sports with stretching elements.
Do not overcool the body, avoid drafts, wear clothes according to the season.
Distribute weights evenly between your hands, do not carry heavy bags.
Do not sit in one position for a long time; during sedentary work, take breaks of 5 minutes to warm up.

Such simple rules will allow you to maintain excellent health, prevent diseases of internal organs and degenerative processes in bone tissue. In addition to preventive measures, it is necessary not to forget to undergo regular examinations, treat identified disorders, without waiting for complications in the early stages. This is important for maintaining health for many years and preventing the development of chronic pathologies.

The lumbosacral region is an important area in the human back. It must be protected from injuries and various pathologies in order to maintain excellent health for many years.