The lumbar spinal cord consists of five bones in your lower back. They are responsible for allowing you to lift and twist – but what happens if they are injured? Sitting, running, jumping, and skipping are all controlled by the lumbar spine, and lumbar spinal cord injuries can be quite serious. Keep reading to learn what they are and then contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 if you require a free legal consultation.
What the Lumbar Spine Does
The five vertebrae in your lower back, known as the lumbar spine, connect your thoracic spine to the sacral spine. This is essentially located in the curve of your abdomen. This is where you get your power from when you twist and lift, and it is the part of your body that bears the most weight – which means that it can become damaged over time. In fact, lower back pain is one of the most common conditions people experience as they age due to the fact that the back starts to breakdown.
Chronic Lumbar Spinal Cord Injuries
Over time, the cartilage between the joints of the bones in the lumbar spinal cord can disintegrate. When this happens, osteoarthritis or spinal stenosis can occur, which is what causes the low back pain many older adults are familiar with. The best way to prevent this is to exercise several times per week, paying special attention to strengthening your core and stretching out your hamstrings. If that is too much, even a short walk outside is better than nothing, and low-impact options like Yoga and tai chi can help too.
The Lumbar Spinal Column Can Have Many Issues
There are a number of issues a person with a damaged or injured lumbar spinal column might have to deal with. These include muscular problems, damaged facet joints, degenerated discs, osteoarthritis, lumbar stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
The good news about damage to the lumbar spinal cord is that it is less likely to cause long-term injury or paralysis that is likely to occur if the cervical or thoracic regions are injured. While some people with injury to the lumbar spinal cord might end up as paraplegic, they can still generally use wheelchairs on their own, or walk short distances.
Have You Suffered a Spinal Cord Injury?
If you have been injured and someone else was at fault, then you should determine what your legal rights are. You can do so easily by contacting Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation. We are standing by to answer your questions, help you understand your options, and give you the help you need to move forward.
