The Lumbar Spine
The Lumbar Spine is the part of your
spine commonly referred to as your "lower back". It consists of
five large vertebrae, (L1 - L5). Although this is an area of the spine that
many people recognize when they think of pain, the nerves that exit this portion
of the spine have responsibilities for vital body functions. This area of
your spine has the largest and strongest vertebrae and some of the largest
muscles supporting it.
The nerves that exit from these areas
are large and control some very large muscles. These muscles include the large
and small muscles of the lower back, the muscles of the thigh, legs, calf
muscles, and feet. The sciatic nerve has its origin from the
nerves that exit from the lumbar spine. In addition to the muscles, many
joints in this area are also supplied by nerves from the lumbar spine including
the hips, knees, ankles and feet.
Many organs and tissues also get their nerve supply from nerves that exit from the lumbar spine. These include the large intestines, appendix, male or female reproductive organs, the bladder, prostate gland, and others.
Subluxations in these areas can have
a vast affect including pain in the lower back, legs, or sciatic pain.
Numbness in the back and legs is also possible. Muscle spasm or weakness
can also result. Scoliosis and joint problems are also possible.
If the organs supplied by these nerves are affected, the possible results include, constipation, diarrhea, cramps, varicose veins, bladder problems, menstrual problems, infertility problems, bed wetting, urination problems, and poor circulation, among others.