The lumbar spine is situated in your lower back directly above the 5 fused vertebrae that make out your sacrum bone and is the first 5 vertebrae (named L1 to L5) from the bottom and provides support for the weight of your body. These 5 block shaped vertebrae are also the largest vertebrae of the whole spine.
The lumbar spine provide stability to your back and spinal column and is the balancing centre of your body. Many ligaments and muscles are attached to the lumbar spine and together they are responsible for basic mobility like walking, sitting, lifting and carrying items and also moving your body in all directions (front to back, side to side, circular etc.). Lumbar spine protects your spinal cord and nerves within your spine. These nerves that branches from the lower spinal cord are responsible for leg movement.
The lumbar spine is tough and resilient, but need to deal with a lot of stress daily especially carrying heavy loads. That is why lower back pain and lower back injuries are so prominent.
