Are thoracic and lumbar the same?

The vertebral column can be divided into 5 regions: The cervical vertebrae gently curve inward, while the thoracic spine curves gently outward, followed by the lumbar spine, which curves inward again.

What is thoracic and lumbar spine?

These vertebrae are much larger in size to absorb the stress of lifting and carrying heavy objects. Sacrum – the main function of the sacrum is to connect the spine to the hip bones (iliac). There are five sacral vertebrae, which are fused together.

What is difference between lumbar and spine?

Each structural element of a lumbar vertebra is bigger, wider and broader than similar components in the cervical and thoracic regions. The lumbar spine has more range of motion than the thoracic spine, but less than the cervical spine.

What is a lumbar spine?

The lumbar spine (lower back) consists of five vertebrae in the lower part of the spine, between the ribs and the pelvis. Lumbar spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal, compressing the nerves traveling through the lower back into the legs.

Why is pain in the thoracic area considered a red flag?

Thoracic back pain is more likely than neck or low back pain to be caused by serious underlying pathology. However, many patients with thoracic back pain have a benign, mechanical cause. Red flags for possible serious spinal pathology include: Recent violent trauma (such as a vehicle accident or fall from a height).

Is lumbar in neck or back?

The lumbar spine consists of five or six lower back vertebrae, which are larger, support upper body weight, and allow your torso to bend and twist. Between the cervical and lumbar region lies the thoracic spine, which is more rigid and not as likely to cause spinal problems due to degeneration.

What is lumbar and sacral?

The lumbar vertebrae are the remaining vertebrae below the last thoracic bone and the top of the sacrum. The sacral vertebrae are caged within the bones of the pelvis, and the coccyx represents the terminal vertebrae or vestigial tail. These are the five vertebra of the lower back.

What does a lumbar spine xray show?

According to the Mayo Clinic, a lumbar spine X-ray can show whether you have arthritis or broken bones in your back, but it can’t show other problems with your muscles, nerves, or disks. Your doctor could order a lumbar spine X-ray for a variety of reasons. It can be used to view an injury from a fall or accident.