lumbar

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Definition - What does lumbar mean?

Lumbar refers to a section of spine composed of the 5 lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5) and their corresponding discs in the lower back. The lumbar spine lies between the thoracic spine and the sacrum. The lumbar spine is also commonly known as the low back, or lower back. Low back pain is the most common cause of job-related disability and a leading contributor to missed work days.

SureHire explains lumbar

The lumbar region is the area where most back pain occurs. Approximately 80% of adults experience low back pain in their lifetime. Common causes of low back pain are sprains and strains, intervertebral disc degeneration, herniated discs, radiculopathy, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, and skeletal irregularities. Individuals can also be predisposed to low back pain if they have a history of inflammatory diseases of the joints, osteoporosis, endometriosis, or fibromyalgia.

Occupational risk factors to developing low back pain include heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, and twisting or vibrating tasks, as well as sedentary work in poor postures. Low back pain causes are commonly diagnosed with an X-ray, MRI, CT scan, bone scan, or ultrasound imaging.

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