How a Lumbar Spine Injury Impacts The Rest Of The Body
Whether it’s the result of a traumatic injury or repetitive stress, a lumbar spine injury is no laughing matter. Pain in this area can be debilitating, but it can also be an indicator that this section of the spine and the systems to which it is connected for communication with the brain are in distress.
How Lumbar Spine Injury Happens
Accidents are unique, and there are myriad methods by which a slip, fall or unfortunate series of events could end in a lumbar spine injury. Comprised of the five largest unfused vertebrae in the entire spine, L1 through L5, the lumbar region is prone to injury as we get older. Subluxations or misalignments in this region can also have implications that reach far beyond simple lower back pain. It’s not uncommon for patients complaining of lower back pain to have other medical conditions, but sometimes the cause of those conditions can be traced back to misalignments or subluxations along the lumbar spinal region.
Injury to the L1 vertebrae can have a ripple effect on the nerves that control the large intestines and inguinal ring. Interference with normal nervous system activity surrounding the L1 vertebrae can cause diarrhea or constipation, hernias and colitis. L2, which is connected to the abdomen and areas of the upper leg, can set off cramps, difficulty breathing and even varicose veins.
The L3 vertebrae is connected to the reproductive organs, the uterus in female patients, the bladder and the knees. Complications arising from an L3 injury can include everything from knee pain and bladder troubles to bed wetting, sexual dysfunction and fertility. L4 injuries are often the culprit of the common lower back ache, but lumbago, sciatica and difficulties with urination may also be attributable to localized L4 injuries.
L5, the final vertebrae in the lumbar region, is connected to the lower extremities below the knee, including the calf, ankle and foot of both legs. This can inhibit circulation to the legs, causing swollen, weak or painful ankles, leg cramps and muscle weakness. Targeted treatment with a focus on the lumbar region has the potential to positively affect many systems throughout the body, especially when it’s part of a defined and comprehensive plan for chiropractic treatment.
Treating Lumbar Spine Injury for Whole-Body Health
Working with an experienced and knowledgeable chiropractor to address repetitive motion or traumatic injuries to the lumbar region can help you to find not only relief from pain and increased flexibility but may also provide relief from symptoms you never connected to a lumbar spine injury.
Understanding the role the spine plays in communicating signals between the brain and the rest of the body allows chiropractors to provide non-invasive, prescription free treatment for a wide range of conditions, which may initially seem unrelated to spine health. Working with an experienced chiropractor to develop a customized treatment plan may include spinal manipulation therapy, nutritional advice and supplements, massage and a personalized exercise routine, depending on the practitioner. Together, you can start treating the underlying cause of frustrating conditions while minimizing pain and maximizing your quality of life.
