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LUMBAR SPINE DISEASES
The lumbar spine - or low back - is the third major region of the spine.
Most people have five bones or vertebrae in the lumbar spine, although it is not unusual to have six. Each vertebra is stacked on top of the other and between each vertebra is a gel-like cushion called a disc (intervertebral disc). The discs help to absorb pressure, distribute stress, and keep the vertebrae from grinding against each other.
LIGAMENTS, TENDONS
The vertebrae and discs are held together by groups of ligaments.
Ligaments connect bone to bone, where as tendons connect muscle to bone. In the spine, tendons connect muscles to the vertebrae. The ligaments and tendons help to stabilize the spine and guard against excessive movement in any one direction.
SPINAL JOINTS
The spine also has joints - similar to knees, elbows, and other joints. The spinal joints are called facet joints.
The facet joints have been described as finger-like and link the vertebrae together. The facet joints are located at the posterior area of the spinal column. In addition, the facet joints help to make the spine flexible.
NERVE CENTER
In the center of the spinal column is a vertical hole called the spinal canal; it contains the spinal cord. The bones that create the spinal canal serve as armor to help protect the spinal cord from injury.
Small nerve roots branch off from the spinal cord through spaces on between each vertebra and extend out into the entire body. The spinal cord and the nerves are part of the central nervous system that includes the brain. The nerves are the body's neural message system.
LUMBAR SPINE DISEASES
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