The Lumbar Carries the Load

The lumbar region is the lower back area, opposite the abdomen, just between the diaphragm and the pelvis. Compared to the vertebrae that make up the rest of the spine, the five located in the lumbar region are the largest and strongest. The spinal cord ends just between the first and second vertebrae, however this is also the area in which the roots of the sciatic nerve begin. Thus, when an injury or disorder develops in the lower back it can affect the sciatic nerve, causing pain to run down both legs and into the feet.

The lumbar region is the one area of the spine that carries the most weight and has the most flexibility demanded of it. The complex network of muscles located in the lower back assist with, not only flexibility, but also rotation and strength. All of these factors together mean the lumbar region is very susceptible to strain or injury. Of course there are also several other factors causing conditions of the lumbar, such as lordosis and anatomical factors created either naturally or through repetitive strains.

Lumbar hyperlordosis is the most common of lumbar conditions, it is identified by stress or extra weight causing the lumbar region to arch excessively. Often referred to as swayback, this state will force the muscles into such into such stress that they spasm and cause the sufferer great pain. Beginning with factors occurring naturally in the body, the occurrence of too many or not enough vertebrae in the lumbar region can lead to lordosis. Too many vertebrae would cause more flexibility than the muscles can adequately handle, and too few would cause to little flexibility. In the case of the latter, the individual could push for more flexibility and end up injuring themselves.

One of the most common contributors to lordosis is uneven muscle strength. The basic concept of muscle function is based on each muscle having another working in opposition to it. The muscles in the lumbar region must therefore have equal strength to those opposing them, in the abdomen. If the stomach muscles are stronger than those in the lumbar area, swayback will occur. This is a very common event in high level weight training.

In the care of the back and fostering good posture, medical professionals use the term 'neutral spine'. It refers to the three natural curves of the healthy spine, their description and normal position. Ideally, from the beginning of the cervical stem, the spine curves out in the thoracic area and inwards to the lumbar, and just slightly out again for the pelvic region. Also, in a perfect scenario the ears, shoulders, hips, knees and ankles should all line up as if a wire was strung straight down through the torso. When the spine is in its proper curvature, muscles are relaxed as well as stress on the joints and vertebrae is greatly reduced.

An un-neutral spine occurs when alignment is off. Undue stress is put on the joints and muscles, causing eventual lower back pain. Whether the individual practices improper posture when they are walking or sitting or both, it can cause damage in the long run. Consider a working life of sitting for five to seven hours a day with an un-neutral spine. The diaphragm is perpetually pushed up and not permitted to fully inflate or deflate. Therefore the body is not able to take in full breaths of air, lowering oxygenation in the blood, which then leads to fatigue and impaired thought processes. Depending on the overall health of the individual, long periods of improper posture can impede organ function as well. With increased pressure on the abdomen, organs cannot work efficiently; specifically the liver, kidneys and lungs.

The neutral spine is more easily attained than it may sound. By seeking the assistance of a professional, one can learn what the proper posture feels and looks like in all three positions (sitting, standing, lying prone), and practice achieving it on their own. If a normal work environment entails long periods of sitting, then it may be prudent to obtain suitable seating that will help maintain the neutral spine. Support specifically designed for your individual height, weight, body type and common work movements will mean the difference between a neutral spine and an un-neutral spine. The same plan of action could also be taken for a mattress. Since it is near impossible to maintain a specific posture during sleep, consider taking care of the problem with a specialized mattress that will comfortably support your body in the best position.

The lumber region is a fairly sensitive area if we consider the intricate system of nerves and muscles intertwined with the largest vertebrae in the human body. Ironically, it is also the most used region of the back. Without a functional lumbar region we could not maintain mobility, and certainly not function normally. Look after your lumber carefully; after all it does carry the load.