Contact

Lumbar Spine (Lower Back)

The lumbar spine, or lower back, plays a vital role in the structure, support, flexibility, and movement of your mid-body. It is also the most common area for spinal pain and injuries due to its high mobility and the amount of weight it bears.

It consists of five vertebrae (L1 to L52). The size and shape of each lumbar vertebra is designed to carry most of the body’s weight. Each structural element of a lumbar vertebra is bigger, wider and broader than similar components in the cervical and thoracic regions.

Our clinic specialises in diagnosing, treating, and managing various lumbar spine conditions with an approach tailored to each patient’s needs, utilising the latest in medical advancements and surgical techniques, to provide you with the best possible outcomes.

The lumbar spine, or lower back, plays a vital role in the structure, support, flexibility, and movement of your mid-body. It is also the most common area for spinal pain and injuries due to its high mobility and the amount of weight it bears.

It consists of five vertebrae (L1 to L52). The size and shape of each lumbar vertebra is designed to carry most of the body’s weight. Each structural element of a lumbar vertebra is bigger, wider and broader than similar components in the cervical and thoracic regions.

Our clinic specialises in diagnosing, treating, and managing various lumbar spine conditions with an approach tailored to each patient’s needs, utilising the latest in medical advancements and surgical techniques, to provide you with the best possible outcomes.

Lumbar spine L4/L5 disc prolapse ("slipped disc").
Lumbar spine L4/L5 disc prolapse ("slipped disc").
Biomechanics of the lumbar spine.
Biomechanics of the lumbar spine.

Lumbar Spine Videos

Common Lumbar Spine Conditions

  • Overview: Lumbar spondylosis is a term that refers to the degenerative changes in the vertebrae and intervertebral discs of the lumbar spine, which can lead to chronic back pain and stiffness.
  • Causes: The primary causes include age-related wear and tear, although repetitive stress and genetic factors can also contribute.
  • Symptoms: Symptoms typically include persistent lower back pain and stiffness. In advanced cases, there may be radiating pain, tingling, or weakness in the lower extremities.
  • Risks: Risk factors primarily include aging, but lifestyle factors such as obesity and a sedentary lifestyle also contribute.
  • Treatment: Management often involves a combination of physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and lifestyle modifications to relieve symptoms. In more severe cases, surgical options such as spinal fusion may be considered.
  • Overview: This occurs when the nucleus pulposus (inner gel-like core) of an intervertebral disc pushes through a tear in the annulus fibrosus (tough outer ring), compressing nearby nerve roots.
  • Causes: Degeneration due to ageing, sudden pressure from lifting heavy objects, or twisting movements are common causes.
  • Symptoms: Pain, numbness, or weakness in the lower back, legs, or buttocks; sciatica is a frequent symptom, characterised by sharp, shooting pain through the buttock and down the leg.
  • Risks: Risk factors include age, physical labour, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and smoking.
  • Treatment: Non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, medications, and injections are preferred initially. Surgery such as a microdiscectomy may be considered for severe or persistent symptoms.
  • Overview: A narrowing of the spinal canal in the lumbar region, which compresses the spinal cord or nerves.
  • Causes: Mostly caused by age-related changes like degenerative arthritis but can also result from congenital conditions or spinal injuries.
  • Symptoms: Symptoms include pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs or feet, worsening with walking or standing and relieved by sitting or leaning forward.
  • Risks: Older age is the primary risk factor, alongside past spinal injuries and certain genetic conditions.
  • Treatment: Conservative management may include medications, physical therapy, and epidural steroid injections. Surgical options like laminectomy or fusion might be recommended in more severe cases.
  • Overview: Often known as sciatica, this condition is characterized by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back down through the hips and legs.
  • Causes: Typically caused by compression of the nerve roots, such as from a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.
  • Symptoms: Sharp, shooting pain in the lower back, buttocks, and down the legs. Numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in the affected leg can also occur.
  • Risks: Risk factors include herniated discs, lumbar spinal stenosis, and trauma to the spine.
  • Treatment: Non-surgical treatments include physical therapy, pain medications, and steroid injections. Surgical treatments might be considered if symptoms are severe or persist despite conservative management.
  • Overview: This is not a disease per se, but rather a condition that occurs when one or more discs between the vertebrae of the lumbar spine lose their protective cushioning ability.
  • Causes: The primary cause is the natural ageing process, with genetics and lifestyle factors such as smoking and physical activity also contributing.
  • Symptoms: Chronic low back pain, which may radiate to the hips, or pain that worsens with sitting but improves with movement.
  • Risks: Age is the predominant risk factor, along with physical stress on the spine and genetic predisposition.
  • Treatment: Treatment usually involves pain relief measures, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications. In cases where conservative treatments fail, surgical intervention may be necessary.
  • Overview: This condition occurs when one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, often causing lower back pain and nerve compression.
  • Causes: Causes can be degenerative, from wear and tear on the spine, or congenital, from birth defects in the structure of the vertebrae.
  • Symptoms: Lower back pain, stiffness, and muscle tightness with possible radiating pain down the legs due to nerve compression.
  • Risks: Risk factors include genetics, overuse injuries from sports or work, and conditions like arthritis.
  • Treatment: Treatments may include physical therapy, braces or supports, and pain management. Surgery to fuse the affected vertebrae may be necessary in severe cases.

Why Choose Us?​

We understand that dealing with lumbar spine issues can be daunting.

We are dedicated to quality patient care and optimising  health outcomes, rooted in the latest advanced, non-invasive and surgical treatment options.

To achieve this, we employ a best-practice, patient-centric, multidisciplinary model of care, incorporating a wide range of allied health professionals and specialist physicians in your care where necessary, coordinated by your lead neurosurgeon, Dr Raoul Pope.

We offer a compassionate environment where you are listened to and respected, where a comprehensive diagnosis of your underlying condition is conducted, and a tailored treatment plan is developed in order to reduce or eliminate your pain and dysfunction, and improve your quality of life.

Book an Appointment

If you are experiencing symptoms or concerns related to a lumbar spine condition, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing further complications and enhancing recovery.

Book Now

Dr Raoul Pope is a highly experienced Neurosurgeon and sub-specialised Spine Surgeon with 20+ years of experience. He consults and operates across Sydney.

Dr Pope completed a sub-specialised, dedicated, international training fellowship in complex neurosurgical and orthopaedic spine surgery at a recognised, high-volume Centre of Excellence in spine surgery, in Canada.

He offers telehealth consultations and welcomes both private and public patients.

Learn More About Me

Phone

Hours

  • 8:30am ~ 5:00pm (Mon to Fri)

Areas of Expertise

Clinic Info

Contact

All Rights Reserved © 2024 DR Raoul Pope