 Fractures  Especially in the lumbar spine  From compression from a fall  Should be spine boarded and sent to the ER.  Spondylolysis  Bone degeneration  Located at the pars interarticularis  May cause instability in the spine if it doesn’t heal.  Allows the vertebrae to slide forward.  Called spondylolisthesis LUMBAR BONE INJURIES

 Most common  Disk bulge or slipped disk  Jelly like portion oozes through the rings of cartilage.  Bulge happens posteriorly  Rarely to the anterior side  Bulge puts pressure on the nerve roots.  Numbness  Tingling  Pain  Caused mainly by poor posture. LUMBAR DISK INJURIES

 Mild to moderate strains to the lumbar muscles are common.  Pain may be referred to the opposite side.  Ice  Stretching  ROM exercises are used to reduce pain. LUMBAR MUSCLE AND TENDON INJURIES

 Usually caused by flexion  Or flexion with rotation  May perform a stress test, but not if fracture symptoms exist.  Active rest is recommended.  Neutral spine  Gentle stabilizing exercises  Flexibility as the pain allows. LUMBAR LIGAMENT INJURY