Spine · Irregular bone
Lumbar Vertebrae (Lower Back)
The lumbar vertebrae are the five large bones of the lower back. They bear much of the body's weight and are the most common site of back pain.
What it is
The lumbar vertebrae are the five largest, strongest movable vertebrae, in the lower back.
Where it is
The lower back, between the mid-back and the pelvis.
What it does
Bear much of the upper body's weight, allow bending and twisting of the lower back, and protect the lower spinal nerves.
Connections
Joints and connections
- Joints with neighbouring vertebrae and the sacrum
When things go wrong
Common injuries and conditions
- Lower back pain (extremely common)
- Slipped (herniated) disc causing sciatica
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing) in older adults
Education and reference only. This explains the anatomy in plain terms; it is not a diagnosis. A severe injury, a visibly deformed limb, or the inability to move or bear weight needs urgent assessment — call 999 or go to A&E for a serious injury.
Did you know?
An interesting fact
Because the lumbar spine carries so much load and moves so much, it is the single most common source of back pain in adults.
Answers
Lumbar Vertebrae: frequently asked questions
How many bones are in the lower back?
The lower back has five lumbar vertebrae — the largest movable vertebrae, which bear much of the body's weight.
Explore the spine
Related bones
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Anatomy and body systems
- Gray's Anatomy for Students (Drake, Vogl, Mitchell)
- TeachMeAnatomy — skeletal system
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