The lumbar spine usually curves slightly inward, called lordosis.

Problems with the lumbar spine may cause pain and limited motion in your back or hips.

The lumbar spine has a slight forward curve called a lordotic curve.

Symptoms of Low Back Strain

Verywell / Gary Ferster

This curve helps keep the discs and muscles in proper alignment.

The lumbar spine rests upon thesacrum.

The place where they meet is called thelumbosacral joint, or L5-S1.

These muscles include:

Discs

Above and below each vertebra is anintervertebral disc.

Ligaments

The ligaments in your lumbar spine help keep it move and keep it stable.

The spinal cord is responsible for sending messages between your brain and muscles.

Nerves

Nerves branch off from the right and left sides of the vertebra in your lower back.

These nerves control pain signals and movement in your lower limbs.

These blood vessels supply the vertebrae, muscles, and ligaments of your lumbar spine.

They can diagnose your condition and get you the right treatment.

Both surgical and non-surgical options may be considered.

Nonsurgical

Treatment for lumbar spine problems usually involves a combination of stretching and strengthening exercises.

Most episodes of back pain resolve within a few weeks of onset.

you’re able to expect to be back to normal within a month or so.

Surgical

Some conditions may require surgery.

It’s usually better to try more conservative therapies before considering surgery.

Surgery is typically only considered if other therapies haven’t helped, or if your symptoms are getting worse.

You must also be in good health to be a candidate for lumbar spine surgery.

Summary

The lumbar spine includes the five vertebrae in your lower back.

Surgical and non-surgical treatments can help reduce pain and improve mobility and function.

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