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Usually the 5 Lumbar vertebrae (backbones between the chest/ribs and the hips) are separate, distinct bones, just like the 19 above them (12 thoracic or dorsal that typically each have ribs, and the 7 cervical in your neck).
Sometimes the bottom lumbar vertebra (#5) looks like it's trying to fuse with the sacrum. It's not completely separate, but it's not completely fused (usually) like the other bones in the sacrum (which form the triangular bottom of the spine and connect to the two hip bones through the sacroilliac joints).
Similarly, one can have "lumbarization of the first sacral segment" in which the first part of the sacrum looks like it's trying to unfuse from the rest of the sacrum!
The final note is this: either one of these situations might cause a tendency to get Back pain and YOUR pain probably led to the x-ray that revealed this condition in you. But nothing surgical needs to be done about either condition. The best advice is to (a) slowly strengthen your back, and (b) strengthen your back slowly! (smile) Ask your doctor/physical therapist/chiropractor/etc.
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Name the lower back vertebrae?
The lower back vertebrae are called the lumbar vertebrae and there are typically five of them in the human spine, designated as L1 to L5.
What bone articulates with the sacrum?
The sacrum articulates with the ilium bones of the pelvis to form the sacroiliac joints.
What is bone marrow edema within the right L5 pedicle mean?
Bone marrow edema within the right L5 pedicle is a sign of increased fluid in the bone marrow of the vertebral body at the L5 level. This can be caused by inflammation, injury, or stress to the bone, and is often associated with conditions like degenerative disc disease or spondylolisthesis. It may result in pain and stiffness in the lower back.
Which intervertebral disc is the largest?
The largest intervertebral disc is typically found between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae in the lower back. This disc is known as the L4-L5 disc and tends to be larger due to the increased weight-bearing and range of motion demands placed on the lower back.
Which area of the spine has the most vertebrae?
The lumbar spine has the most vertebrae, typically consisting of five lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5).
