Lanneselkä

Lanneselkä, or the lumbar region, is the lower part of the spine between the thoracic spine and the sacrum. It includes five lumbar vertebrae (L1–L5) and the surrounding soft tissues. The region features the lumbar lordosis, an inward curvature that helps bear body weight and facilitates movement.

Anatomically, each lumbar vertebra has a large, strong body and a vertebral arch. The intervertebral discs separate the vertebrae and act as cushions. The facet joints provide stability and guide motion. The spinal canal houses nerve roots that emerge to form the nerves of the lower body; the spinal cord proper ends higher up, and the cauda equina continues within the lumbar region.

Muscles in the area include the erector spinae, quadratus lumborum, and psoas major, which support posture and enable movement such as bending and lifting. Nerve supply comes from the lumbar nerves L1–L5, which contribute to the lumbar plexus and innervate the abdomen, pelvis, and lower limbs.

Common issues affecting the lanneselkä include acute and chronic low back pain, lumbar spondylosis, facet joint arthropathy, and intervertebral disc herniation, most often at L4–L5 or L5–S1. Symptoms range from localized ache and stiffness to radiating leg pain (sciatica) when nerve roots are affected.

Diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation and, if needed, imaging such as X-ray, MRI, or CT. Treatment emphasizes staying active, physical therapy, core strengthening, posture improvement, and pain relief with NSAIDs or acetaminophen. More persistent or progressive nerve compression may require injections or surgical decompression or stabilization.