There are 5 vertebrae in the lumbar (lower back) region, and for convenience in medical terminology, they are numbered from L1 to L5. For example, the abbreviation L4 - L5 refers to the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae. I would like to briefly explain the meanings of some terms that patients suffering from low back pain or diagnosed with a herniated disc, as well as their relatives, often hear from their doctor and frequently encounter in MRI / CT reports, in order to provide clarification.
- Lumbar Region: Lower back region
- Lumbo - Sacral Region: Tailbone - lower back region
- Sacrum: Tailbone bone
- Sacro - Iliac Joint: The joint formed by the tailbone and the pelvic bone ( It is present on both sides, right and left. )
- Lumbago: Low back pain
- Lumbosciatalgia: Pain radiating from the lower back to the back of the leg along the sciatic nerve.
- Disc Herniation: Herniated disc
- Scoliosis: Sideways curvature or deformity of the spine
- Lordosis: The curved condition of the spine with convexity facing forward ( The lumbar vertebrae are normally in a lordotic position )
- Intervertebral: Between the vertebrae
- Postero - Lateral: Back – side
- Foraminal: The opening through which the nerve root exits
- Central: Midline, central
- Extraforaminal: Outside the foramen
