The human back is a complex structure that consists of bones, intervertebral discs, joints, ligaments, nerves and muscles. The spine consists of 33 bones - 24 cervical and dorsal vertebrae, a sacrum of 5 fused vertebrae and 4 rudimentary vertebrae of the coccyx. All of them make a chain from the skull to the pelvis.
The structure of the spine of the lumbar
The most mobile and at the same time loaded part of the spine is the lumbar region. It is formed by 5 massive and durable vertebrae. With large loads on the intervertebral discs, a pressure of several centners per square meter is exerted. The structure of the lumbar vertebrae differs from the others in the spinal column in size. The lumbar vertebrae are the most powerful in the entire spinal column, which is explained by the increased load on the lower spine. The five lumbar vertebrae of the person and the sacrum provide complex turns and tilts of the human body.
Lumbar vertebrae
The lumbar vertebrae are cylindrical bodies - strong bone bases that are located in front of the bone marrow and serve as support for all organs and tissues located above the pelvis. An arc covering the spinal cord is attached to each such cylinder at the back. This arch protects the spinal canal. The processes extend from it: backwards are spinous, transverse to the sides, and articular up and down. The spinous process of the lumbar vertebra protects the spinal cord from external influences. It is articular form that combine with other vertebrae.
The vertebrae of the lumbar region are designed so that, when connected together, they create a strong, but mobile support for the body, protecting the spinal cord from external negative influences. The intervertebral discs are used to absorb the joints between the vertebral bodies. They protect against excessive external influences on the spine. Lumbar vertebrae create lumbar lordosis, which is formed in infancy during the first attempts to stand and walk. The lumbar spine is the most active cushioning task, which is weakened in old age.
Lumbar vertebra function
Each vertebra performs its function. If abnormalities occur in the first vertebra, it can cause a hernia, constipation, colitis or diarrhea, and damage to the second vertebra leads to diseases such as appendicitis, intestinal colic, pain in the thigh and groin. Malfunctions in the third vertebra lead to diseases of the bladder, impotence, and knee problems. Damage to the fourth vertebra leads to sciatica and lumbago. And finally, the fifth vertebra affects the work of the legs, feet and toes. Edema, leg pain and flat feet are the result of a fifth vertebra malfunction.
Possible diseases of the lumbar vertebrae
• Intervertebral hernia.
• Ankylosing spondylitis.
• Displacement of the vertebrae.
• Fractures of the lumbar vertebrae.
With age, bone density and strength decrease, which increases the risk of a disease that destroys them - osteoporosis. The risk of spinal fractures increases with it. Most people with osteoporosis are not even aware of it until they suddenly experience a fracture.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a bending inflammation of the vertebrae, especially the sacroiliac, holding the spine to the pelvis. Usually it manifests itself as the first symptoms - pain and stiffness of the lower back, especially in the morning. Inflammation can spread up the spine, capturing the entire back. Without proper treatment, the spine may bend, and the back will be stiff and painful.
Vertebral displacement
Causes of displaced vertebrae:
1. Displacement of the lumbar vertebrae may result from a congenital defect of the vertebra, usually the fifth lumbar vertebra, which is displaced relative to the sacrum.
2. Vertebral wear is found mainly in the elderly, especially in menopausal women.
3. Injuries to the spine. Fatigue fractures, which are characteristic of individual sports, as well as compression fractures caused by osteoporosis. A strong displacement of the vertebra is fraught with infringement of the spinal nerves, manifested by numbness, tingling and shooting pain and weakness in the legs. Displacement is characterized by pain and decreased mobility in the lower back.
Vertebral fracture
Fracture is the most common bone injury, most often caused by injury, shock, or falling. The vertebrae may have a compression fracture resulting from compression of the bone, when part of it is completely destroyed. Lumbar vertebrae affected by osteoporosis are especially affected. In the affected area, pain is felt, which is exacerbated by palpation and exertion, back movements become painful and difficult. Both a possible fracture and a displacement of the vertebra are detected using x-ray, which allows you to determine the nature of the pathology and prescribe the appropriate treatment or surgical intervention.
Lumbar vertebra treatment
In case of damage to the vertebrae, the use of traditional and non-traditional methods of treatment is appropriate.
Methods for the treatment of diseases of the spine:
• chiropractic;
• osteopathy;
• acupuncture;
• shiatsu;
• hirudotherapy,
• exercise therapy.
Special physical education is aimed at relieving symptoms, maintaining mobility and preventing spinal deformity. Very useful swimming. The lumbar region is the least stable due to the combination of high loads with intense mobility, which is why it is most often injured. This is due to the fact that the entire upper body presses on it.
Prevention of diseases of the lumbar vertebrae
The best prevention is physical education, supporting the strength and tone of the vertebrae and muscles. Regular exercise helps maintain a strong and flexible lower back:
1. Bending in the supine position with bent legs to the sides.
2. Tilts forward while standing.
4. Paging the press.
5. Extension of the back.
Some of the age-related changes are inevitable. From a certain age, the mass of bones and muscles begins to decrease. In women after 45, a drop in estrogen levels accelerates a decrease in bone mass - up to 3-5% annually. The same is observed in males older than 50 years. At the same time, changes gradually affect posture and coordination of movements. Between 65 and 80 years, the spine can be shortened by 2.5 cm due to asymptomatic destruction of the vertebrae and a decrease in the elasticity of the intervertebral discs. These age-related changes are inevitable, but proper nutrition and moderate physical activity allow you to maintain a healthy spine and normal functioning of the musculoskeletal system at any age. It should be remembered that maintaining bone density is much easier than increasing it; therefore, prevention of osteoporosis must be tackled without waiting for its development.