The vertebrae of the lumbar spine are numbered L1 through L5; the “L” stands for “lumbar.” They are: L1 : This vertebra begins the lumbar spine after the thoracic spine ends.

New technique preserves major nerves, blood vessels, and other critical structures in a hard-to-access area. In a ...

The spine, or backbone, is a long column of bones that runs down the center of a person’s back. It is essential for many functions, such as movement, support, and protecting the spinal cord.

Cervical spinal fusion: This surgery may result in some lost flexibility, but it will limit painful symptoms and stabilize the spine.To do so, your surgeon will remove the spinal discs between two ...

Cost-effectiveness for risk-stratified patients isn’t necessarily better than usual care for lower back pain in the military health system, according to a study in the July 15 issue of Spine.

What spinal stenosis treatment you need depends on which part of your spine is affected and how serious your symptoms are. For mild cases, you may not need any treatment.

While normal human anatomy includes 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, and 5 lumbar vertebrae, it is not uncommon to have an extra bone, to lack a bone somewhere in the spinal column, or to see a slight ...