Where is l1 on spine

Of course, this means that it can also be injury prone and when it gets out of alignment, called a subluxation, it can result in a range of different injuries and symptoms, especially when such a misalignment puts pressures on the important nerves in your spinal cord. Because the L1 supports so much of the weight above it, it can be particularly susceptible to compression injuries, wherein the discs and joints between bones deteriorate.

This can create a condition called spondylolisthesis. It can also result in ruptured and bulging discs. The pressure this places on your nerves can create lower back pain and radiant pain in the buttocks, legs and sides.

This pain can be debilitating and interfere with daily life. A big part of avoiding these injuries is ensuring that your spine is in its proper alignment and that you maintain good posture. However, many back problems that don't get better within a few months are caused by some type of problem with a spinal disc or nerve.

Spinal discs are located in between each of the vertebral bodies along the back bone and may also be referred to as an intervertebral disc, spinal disc, or disk. Each disc is named according to which two vertebral bodies it lies between. For instance:. The disc and vertebra above and below the disc comprise one segment of the spine - usually called a spinal level or spinal segment. The L4 vertebra and L5 vertebra, along with the disc in between them, make up the L4-L5 segment.

Discs are always labeled for the vertebrae that they lie between, and this is consistent throughout the length of the spine - for the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. In the L1 vertebra, it points more inferiorly than it does in any other lumbar vertebra, making it somewhat resemble the spinous processes of the neighboring thoracic vertebrae.

Many muscles that flex, extend, rotate and stabilize the lumbar spine attach to the spinous process. Finally, a pair of articular processes extends vertically from the vertebral arch, with one connecting to the T12 vertebra above and the other to the L2 vertebra below.

These articular processes play a vital role in stabilizing the spine while providing a small range of flexibility. Each process forms a rounded planar joint with the articular process of the neighboring vertebrae, locking the bones together but allowing them to glide relative to each other.

The superior articular processes end in concave surfaces that surround the convex articular processes of the T12 vertebra above. The jejunum is one of three sections that make up the small intestine. Learn about its function and anatomy, as well as the conditions that can affect…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Read this next. C5 Medically reviewed by the Healthline Medical Network. T10 Medically reviewed by the Healthline Medical Network.

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