Lumbar Spine Therapeutic Exercise

This collection of flashcards covers key terminology and concepts related to the lumbar spine and therapeutic exercise, aiding in the study of anatomy, biomechanics, and clinical considerations in spinal care.

Lumbar Spine

The lower back region of the spine, comprised of five vertebrae (L1 to L5) that support the weight of the upper body and allow for flexibility and movement.

Vertebral Canal

The bony canal formed by the vertebrae that houses the spinal cord.

Intervertebral Disc

A fibrocartilaginous structure between vertebrae that acts as a cushion and provides flexibility to the spine.

Anulus Fibrosus

The outer ring of the intervertebral disc composed of tough, fibrous tissue.

Nucleus Pulposus

The soft, gel-like center of the intervertebral disc providing shock absorption.

Superior Articular Process

Projections from the vertebra that articulate with the inferior articular processes of the vertebra above.

Inferior Articular Process

Projections that allow a vertebra to articulate with the superior articular process of the vertebra below.

Facet Joint

Synovial joints formed between the superior and inferior articular processes of adjacent vertebrae.

Normal Lumbar ROM

Normal range of motion in the lumbar spine which includes flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and axial rotation.

Red Flags

Signs or symptoms indicating serious underlying conditions that may require immediate medical attention.

Yellow Flags

Psychosocial factors that may increase the risk of chronic pain development.

Cauda Equina Syndrome

A serious condition caused by compression of the cauda equina that can lead to permanent nerve damage.

Acute Low Back Pain

Low back pain lasting less than three months, often related to musculoskeletal injury.

Chronic Low Back Pain

Low back pain lasting longer than three months, often with no identifiable cause.

Exercise Interventions

Therapeutic activities aimed at improving strength, flexibility, and function in those with back pain.

Manual Therapy

Hands-on techniques used to alleviate pain and improve mobility.

Patient Education

Informing patients about their conditions, treatment options, and self-management strategies.

Muscle Strength and Endurance

The capacity of muscles to exert force and sustain activity over time, critical in managing back pain.

Spinal Manipulation

A therapeutic intervention involving controlled force applied to joints to improve function and reduce pain.

Soft Tissue Mobilization

Manual techniques applied to muscles and fascia to reduce tension and pain.

Biomechanics

The study of the mechanical laws relating to the movement or structure of the body.

Vertebral Foramen

The opening in each vertebra through which the spinal cord passes.

Interspinous Ligament

A ligament connecting the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae, providing stability.

Supraspinous Ligament

A ligament running along the tips of the spinous processes from the sacrum to the cervical vertebrae.

Filum Terminale Internum

A delicate structure that anchors the spinal cord to the coccyx.

Lumbosacral Plexus

A network of nerves supplying the lower limb derived from lumbar and sacral spinal nerves.

Coccygeal Nerve

The nerve that arises from the coccygeal spinal segment.

Spinous Process

The bony projection from the back of each vertebra that can be felt along the spine.

Dorsal Ramus

A branch of spinal nerves that innervates the muscles and skin of the posterior body.

Ventral Ramus

A branch of spinal nerves that innervates the anterior and lateral body.

Conus Medullaris

The terminal end of the spinal cord, marking the end of the nervous system structure.