Lower Back in : Lumbar vertebrae (L1–L5)

A minority of cases involve identifiable causes such as disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or spondylolisthesis, and a very small proportion present with red-flag features suggesting infection, fracture, or cauda equina syndrome that require urgent medical attention. This page covers the region's anatomy, common conditions, assessment approaches, and general rehabilitation patterns.

Population studies suggest that a large majority of adults will experience at least one episode of low back pain during their lifetime, making it one of the most frequent reasons for clinic visits. Is bed rest recommended for low back pain? Current guidelines, including those from the American College of Physicians, generally advise against prolonged bed rest and instead recommend staying as active as tolerated.

Does a disc herniation always require surgery? Most disc herniations improve with conservative management such as exercise and time; surgery is typically reserved for cases with significant, persistent nerve compression or red-flag features. Sciatica describes pain radiating along the sciatic nerve path into the buttock and leg, usually caused by irritation of a lumbar nerve root rather than the sciatic nerve itself being diseased.