Lumbar Spine Anatomy

Introduction

Physiotherapy in Edmonton for Lower Back

Welcome to Revive Spine and Sport Physiotherapy Clinic's patient resource about Lumbar Spine problems.

Knowing the main parts of your low back and how these parts work is important as you learn to care for your back problem.

Two common anatomic terms are useful as they relate to the low back. The term anterior refers to the front of the spine. The term posterior refers to the back of the spine. The section of the spine that makes up the low back is called the lumbar spine. The front of the low back is therefore called the anterior lumbar area. The back of the lower spine is called the posterior lumbar area.

This article gives a general overview of the anatomy of the low back. It should help you understand:

  • what parts make up the low back
  • how these parts work

Hear from some of our patients who we treated for Back Pain
Paul helped me in a situation where no one else would. My wife had extreme sciatica pain after she delivered a baby. He helped me throughout the treatment when she wasnt able to put any weight on...
 Paul helped me in a situation where no one else would. My wife had extreme sciatica pain after she delivered a baby. He helped me throughout the treatment when she wasnt able to put any weight on the leg, we are still visiting Paul for her physio sessions. Paul is best at what he does. 
Mandeep R
Edmonton, AB
I went to see Paul for a soft tissue injury and he has fixed that as well he has help with back problems I have had for 20 years Thumbs up for Paul assume place to go for injuries
 I went to see Paul for a soft tissue injury and he has fixed that as well he has help with back problems I have had for 20 years Thumbs up for Paul assume place to go for injuries 
Dwight M
Edmonton, AB
I have been to a lot of physio places over my work career. This by far is the best I have been to. Very intense and targeted to the area needed. In my case the strengthening of my leg and the lower...
 I have been to a lot of physio places over my work career. This by far is the best I have been to. Very intense and targeted to the area needed. In my case the strengthening of my leg and the lower back 
Ray H
Edmonton, AB
I came here with back pain and Dr. Siva has been an absolute lifesaver. His expertise and dedication have been nothing short of remarkable.
 I came here with back pain and Dr. Siva has been an absolute lifesaver. His expertise and dedication have been nothing short of remarkable. 
Thomas N
Edmonton, AB
I have had such a good experience at Revive Physiotherapy. I am so grateful for the sessions I have had here with Siva as they have helped ease so much of my back pain. Siva is always patient, kind...
 I have had such a good experience at Revive Physiotherapy. I am so grateful for the sessions I have had here with Siva as they have helped ease so much of my back pain. Siva is always patient, kind and informative when showing me how to do new exercises and stretches. Revive provides a very clean and relaxed space and the front staff is super friendly as well. I highly recommend coming here! 
Paige P
Edmonton, AB
I have been to a few physio places for back problems, but I am just blown away by this place. If you have the chance, go see Shane. He is truly a very knowledgeable and professional chiropractor. He...
 I have been to a few physio places for back problems, but I am just blown away by this place. If you have the chance, go see Shane. He is truly a very knowledgeable and professional chiropractor. He doesn't just crack your back. He takes the time to explain why you have the pain in the first place and gives you ideas for exercises that will take the pain away forever. He can explain why your whole body is hurting (e.g. he explained why my back and achilles tendonitis are connected). Simply amazing. Just started going to this place, but I am already so impressed and feeling the benefits. Definitely recommend! 
The Anxious Moose
Edmonton, AB
Went in with multiple years of back pain and decreased mobility. After the first session there was a noticeable improvement. As I have continued with my therapy my pain continues to decrease and my...
 Went in with multiple years of back pain and decreased mobility. After the first session there was a noticeable improvement. As I have continued with my therapy my pain continues to decrease and my mobility improves. I wish I hadn’t waited so long. 
J A
Edmonton, AB
Revive Spine and Sport Physiotherapy Clinic is one of the best clinics for Physiotherapy. Dr. Sudharshan is a great doctor and I would highly recommend him to anyone who needs Physiotherapy. He knows...
 Revive Spine and Sport Physiotherapy Clinic is one of the best clinics for Physiotherapy. Dr. Sudharshan is a great doctor and I would highly recommend him to anyone who needs Physiotherapy. He knows what he is doing and is quite friendly to ensure that you have a pleasant time during your visit. I had a lower back issue which was undiagnosed for the longest time. Dr. Sudharshan correctly identified the issue and gave me an action plan to work with. Quite a knowledgeable and friendly doctor. In addition to that, the front staff is very kind and extremely helpful. They have tried their best to accommodate me whenever I needed. I would highly recommend Revive! 
Sreya C
Edmonton, AB
Had 5 visits with Rachel Fowler for treatment of a lower herniated disc. All treatment was explained before implementing. Treatment was spot on as I'm as good as before. Would defiantly recommend and...
 Had 5 visits with Rachel Fowler for treatment of a lower herniated disc. All treatment was explained before implementing. Treatment was spot on as I'm as good as before. Would defiantly recommend and will go absolutely revisit Revive and Rachel in the future if I need treatment. The clinic is clean with efficient staff. 5 stars. 
Brad F
Edmonton, AB
Had 5 visits with Rachel Fowler for treatment of a lower herniated disc. All treatment was explained before implementing. Treatment was spot on as I'm as good as before. Would defiantly recommend...
 Had 5 visits with Rachel Fowler for treatment of a lower herniated disc. All treatment was explained before implementing. Treatment was spot on as I'm as good as before. Would defiantly recommend and will go absolutely revisit Revive and Rachel in the future if I need treatment. The clinic is clean with efficient staff. 5 stars. 
Ivan J
Edmonton, AB
I absolutely love Revive! The receptionists are always so kind and always find a way to squeeze me in. Shayne is the best chiropractor I’ve ever had! Super knowledgeable, easy to chat with & just an...
 I absolutely love Revive! The receptionists are always so kind and always find a way to squeeze me in. Shayne is the best chiropractor I’ve ever had! Super knowledgeable, easy to chat with & just an overall amazing chiropractor. My boyfriend & I both see Shayne for our chiropractic needs & even if I moved to the other side of Edmonton, I would drive to see Shayne! Thank you guys so much for everything you’ve done to help me with my back & my partner with his I wish I could give you guys more than 5 stars 
Allison P
Edmonton, AB
Paul was wonderful in helping me regain strength in my lower back. Thank you!
 Paul was wonderful in helping me regain strength in my lower back. Thank you! 
John T
Edmonton, AB
I got a back strain two months before and approached Revive for therapy.I was given 15 sessions by physiotherapists Mr. Varghese Paul and Mr.Shiva.I was guaranteed complete recovery at the end of...
 I got a back strain two months before and approached Revive for therapy.I was given 15 sessions by physiotherapists Mr. Varghese Paul and Mr.Shiva.I was guaranteed complete recovery at the end of these sessions.As said,I have a great relief at present and I am continuing exercises advised by Mr.Varghese Paul.I am sincerely thankful for the care given to me and I would recommend this highly professional place to my friends and family. 
Anoop P
Edmonton, AB
I love this clinic! Staff is friendly and professional. Facility is clean and well designed. But most importantly I was looked very well by Siva (one of the physiotherapist). I initially went there...
 I love this clinic! Staff is friendly and professional. Facility is clean and well designed. But most importantly I was looked very well by Siva (one of the physiotherapist). I initially went there due to dizziness from a past concussion but was so pleased that I also asked for advice for a long recurring problem I have with my back (slipped disc). Siva took the time to explain me what was going wrong in both cases and how we would solve the problem. He gave me clear exercises that have been very effective over time. Siva is extremely knowledgeable. After my second visit I was already convinced and referred my spouse for he frozen shoulder. She has seen improvement too. I would absolutely recommend that you give the clinic a try! 
Hugo G
Edmonton, AB
Really helped my back and hip pain. The hip pain was almost completely gone after my first visit, and the stretches and exercises given being simple and easy to do at home make the back pain much more...
 Really helped my back and hip pain. The hip pain was almost completely gone after my first visit, and the stretches and exercises given being simple and easy to do at home make the back pain much more manageable. I would recommend anybody to come here if they have body pain. 
Rochelle C
Edmonton, AB
Close

Important Structures

The important parts of the lumbar spine include:

  • bones and joints
  • nerves
  • connective tissues
  • muscles
  • spinal segments

This section highlights important structures in each category.

Bones and Joints

The human spine is made up of 24 spinal bones, called vertebrae. Vertebrae are stacked on top of one another to form the spinal column. The spinal column is the body's main upright support.

From the side, the spine forms three curves. The neck, called the cervical spine, curves slightly inward. The middle back, or thoracic spine, curves outward. The outward curve of the thoracic spine is called kyphosis. The low back, also called the lumbar spine, curves slightly inward. An inward curve of the spine is called lordosis.

Three Curves in Spine


The lumbar spine is made up of the lower five vertebrae. Doctors often refer to these vertebrae as L1 to L5. The lowest vertebra of the lumbar spine, L5, connects to the top of the sacrum, a triangular bone at the base of the spine that fits between the two pelvic bones. Some people have an extra, or sixth, lumbar vertebra. This condition doesn't usually cause any particular problems.

Lower Vertebrae

Each vertebra is formed by a round block of bone, called a vertebral body. The lumbar vertebral bodies are taller and bulkier compared to the rest of the spine. This is partly because the low back has to withstand pressure from body weight and from movements such as lifting, carrying, and twisting. Also, large and powerful muscles attaching on or near the lumbar spine place extra force on the lumbar vertebral bodies.

A bony ring attaches to the back of each vertebral body. This ring has two parts. Two pedicle bones connect directly to the back of the vertebral body. Two lamina bones join the pedicles to complete the ring. The lamina bones form the outer rim of the bony ring. When the vertebrae are stacked on top of each other, the bony rings form a hollow tube that surrounds the
spinal cord and nerves. The laminae provide a protective roof over these nerve tissues.

Bony Ring

A bony knob projects out at the point where the two lamina bones join together at the back of the spine. These projections, called spinous processes, can be felt as you rub your fingers up and down the back of your spine. Each vertebra also has two bony knobs that point out to the side, one on the left and one on the right. These bony projections are called transverse processes. The projections in the low back are broader than in other areas of the spine because many large back muscles attach and impart powerful forces on them.

Between the vertebrae of each spinal segment are two facet joints. The facet joints are located on the back of the spinal column. There are two facet joints between each pair of vertebrae, one on each side of the spine. A facet joint is made of small, bony knobs that line up along the back of the spine. Where these knobs meet, they form a joint that connects the two vertebrae. The alignment of the facet joints of the lumbar spine allows freedom of movement as you bend forward and back.

Facet Joints

The surfaces of the facet joints are covered by articular cartilage. Articular cartilage is a smooth, rubbery material that covers the ends of most joints. It allows the ends of bones to move against each other smoothly, without friction.

Articular Cartilage

On the left and right side of each vertebra is a small tunnel called a neural foramen. (Foramina is the plural term.) The two nerves that leave the spine at each vertebra go through the foramina, one on the left and one on the right. The intervertebral disc (described later) sits directly in front of the opening. A bulged or herniated disc can narrow the opening and put pressure on the nerve. A facet joint sits in back of the foramen. Bone spurs that form on the facet joint can project into the tunnel, narrowing the hole and pinching the nerve.

Neural Foramen

Nerves

The hollow tube formed by the bony rings on the back of the spinal column surrounds the spinal cord. The spinal cord is like a long wire made up of millions of nerve fibers. Just as the skull protects the brain, the bones of the spinal column protect the spinal cord.

Spinal Cord

The spinal cord extends down to the L2 vertebra. Below this level, the spinal canal encloses a bundle of nerves that goes to the lower limbs and pelvic organs. The Latin term for this bundle of nerves is cauda equina, meaning horse's tail.

Between vertebrae, two large nerves branch off the spinal cord, one on the left and one on the right. The nerves pass through the neural foramina of each vertebra. These spinal nerves group together to form the main nerves that go to the organs and limbs. The nerves of the lumbar spine (cauda equina) go to the pelvic organs and lower limbs.

Connective Tissues

Connective tissues are networks of fiber that hold the cells of the body together. Ligaments are strong connective tissues that attach bones to other bones. Several long ligaments connect on the front and back sections of the vertebrae. The anterior longitudinal ligament runs lengthwise down the front of the vertebral bodies. Two other ligaments run full-length within the spinal canal. The posterior longitudinal ligament attaches on the back of the vertebral bodies. The ligamentum flavum is a long elastic band that connects to the front surface of the lamina bones (just behind the spinal cord). Thick ligaments also connect the bones of the lumbar spine to the sacrum (the bone below L5) and pelvis.

Ligaments

A special type of structure in the spine called an intervertebral disc is also made of connective tissue. The fibers of the disc are formed by special cells, called collagen cells. The fibers may be lined up like strands of nylon rope or crisscrossed like a net.

An intervertebral disc is made of two parts. The center, called the nucleus, is spongy. It provides most of the shock absorption in the spine. The nucleus is held in place by the annulus, a series of strong ligament rings surrounding it.

Two Parts of Intervertebral Disc

Muscles

The muscles of the low back are arranged in layers. Those closest to the skin's surface, the superficial layer, are covered by a thick tissue called fascia. The middle layer, called the erector spinae, has strap-shaped muscles that run up and down over the lower ribs, chest, and low back. They join in the lumbar spine to form a thick tendon that binds the bones of the low back, pelvis, and sacrum. The deepest layer of muscles attaches along the back surface of the spine bones, connecting the low back, pelvis, and sacrum. These deepest muscles coordinate their actions with the muscles of the abdomen to help hold the spine steady during activity.

Low Back Muscles

Spinal Segment

A good way to understand the anatomy of the lumbar spine is by looking at a spinal segment. Each spinal segment includes two vertebrae separated by an intervertebral disc, the nerves that leave the spinal column at each vertebra, and the small facet joints that link each level of the spinal column.

The intervertebral disc separates the two vertebral bodies of the spinal segment. The disc normally works like a shock absorber. It protects the spine against the daily pull of gravity. It also protects the spine during heavy activities that put strong force on the spine, such as jumping, running, and lifting.

The spinal segment is connected by two facet joints, described earlier. When the facet joints of the lumbar spine move together, they bend and turn the low back.

Summary

Many important parts make up the anatomy of the back. Understanding the regions and structures of the lumbar spine can help you be more involved in your health care and better able to care for your back problem.

Portions of this document copyright MMG, LLC.