Low back is a condition in which the first sacral vertebra (S1) does not fuse with the second, so that it appears to be part of the lumbar spine.
This article written by a physiotherapist explains this condition in detail, from symptoms to conservative and surgical treatment options.
Definition and anatomy
Normally the Lumbar spine consists of five vertebrae (qualified from L1 to L5) separated from each other by a intervertebral disc between each level. The last vertebra (L5) is connected to the sacrum, a triangular bone formed by the fusion of 5 sacral vertebrae (named S1 to S5).
The lumbosacral region (between the lumbar and the sacrum) has an important role in that it supports the majority of the body's weight, in addition to offering a protective role to the nerve roots coming from the spinal cord.
In some cases, the upper part of the sacrum, that is to say the S1 (or first sacral vertebra), can be separated from the rest of the sacrum instead of being welded to the S2 vertebra. It is then said to be part of the lumbar spine, and is sometimes referred to as the “L6 vertebra” or “transitional lumbar vertebra”. This phenomenon is known as lumbarization, and is present in approximately 2% Population.
Lumbar
Lumbarization is a congenital anomaly, that is, it is present in an individual from birth. As mentioned, the first sacral vertebra is not fused to the rest of the sacrum. Therefore, it seems that there are 6 lumbar vertebrae and only 4 sacral vertebrae.
This condition should not be confused with the sacralization lumbar. Sacralization is a type of birth defect in which the last lumbar vertebra (L5) is completely or partially fused with the sacrum (or hipbone in some cases). This fusion can occur on one side only (hemi sacralization) or on both sides.
Due to lumbar sacralization, the L5 vertebra appears more like a sacral vertebra. However, lumbarization rather concerns the first sacral vertebra (S1) which appears more like a lumbar vertebra.
To learn more about L5 lumbar sacralization, see the following article.
Symptoms of the disease
Contrary to what many people may imagine, low back pain is not necessarily synonymous with back pain. Indeed, it can be asymptomatic in some cases, mainly due to the adaptability of the human body. Thus, the relationship between low back pain and low back pain is not definitive, and people diagnosed with this condition can live without experiencing pain.
However, low back spinal alignment can cause clinical symptoms in some patients. Disabling lower back pain can appear and limit quality of life, as well as back movement.
From a biomechanical point of view, it must be understood that an “additional” vertebra modifies the functioning of the lumbar region and the sacrum. In particular, it affects trunk mobility, posture, the biomechanics of the upper and lower vertebrae, etc. This explains the pain and other associated disorders (muscle spasms, compensatory pain, nerve irritation, lumbar instability, etc.).
Diagnostic
Low back can be diagnosed with imaging tests, such as an x-ray of the spine. A front view and a side view of the lumbosacral spine allow an accurate diagnosis.
In some cases (such as in obese people), the x-ray will not allow the lumbarization to be clearly identified. A CT scan can then be used to clarify the diagnosis. Similarly, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will assess the integrity of the surrounding soft tissues, and determine if there is associated nerve damage.
Treatment
Since low back is a congenital condition, it is not possible to correct its cause with conservative treatment. Treatment will focus on relieving pain and improving quality of life. Among the available modalities are:
- Medication
- Lumbosacral infiltration
- Prolotherapy
- Kinesitherapy
- Osteopathy
A word about exercise in the presence of lower back pain
It is important to remain active despite the presence of lower back pain. Indeed, targeted exercises can tone the trunk muscles and improve flexibility, which would prevent painful episodes in the long term.
On the other hand, excessive movements could also worsen your symptoms. This is why it is preferable to follow a program of adapted and progressive exercises, for example guided by a physiotherapist.
Accessories and products against lower back
In addition to the treatments mentioned above, there are several products and accessories available on the market to relieve lower back pain related to lumbar sacralization.
In addition to treatments received by a therapist, many patients opt for back pain relief products and accessories because of their effectiveness on their pain.
Although we often observe beneficial effects linked to various accessories, we must realize that they have limits.
Mainly, the products available in the market do not address the cause of the herniated disc, and are especially useful for reducing pain in the short term.
They should therefore not replace comprehensive care including appropriate and progressive physical exercises. Obviously, it is best to consult a health professional so that they can suggest the best tools to use, as well as other treatments specific to your condition.
Among the best-known accessories are:
acupressure mat
- 🧘 𝐔𝐍 𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐐𝐔𝐄 𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐓-𝐄𝐍-𝐔𝐍 – Wellax acupressure set leaves nothing to desire: For a complete and perfect wellness experience, you will receive a matching spiked cushion with our acupressure mat!
- 🧘 𝐋𝐈𝐁È𝐑𝐄 𝐃𝐄 𝐋𝐀 𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍 – Our fakir mat stimulates the muscles, promotes circulation and can thus effectively relieve tension. This is how you fight annoying back and neck pain!
- 🧘 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐏𝐄 𝐋𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐄𝐑 – Whether after a training session, a match or a hard day work: The Wellax acupuncture mat is the ideal support for releasing daily tension. Pure relaxation for body and soul!
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Lumbar belt heated
- 【Powerful 360° Support】With 4 stainless steel supports and 2 steel springs placed along the waist, the back brace for heavy lifting provides strong 360° vertical support for the lower back and allows for optimal decompression of the spine, thereby preventing back injuries caused by lifting dumbbells, prolonged standing or sitting, household chores and work.
- 【Relieve Pain】The ergonomic back support provides strong support for the lower back and abdominal muscles, increasing pressure around the waist to prevent fatigue, strain and other back-related injuries. Relieve waist muscles, herniated discs, sciatica, scoliosis, etc. when wearing the back support belt.
- 【3 Heating Modes】The back brace for lower back pain contains a heating pillow fixed by Velcro, which you can easily operate via the controller. There are 3 heating settings (low, medium, high) that allow you to adjust the temperature as needed to promote blood circulation and relieve back pain.
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Ergonomic back cushion
- ✨Premium Material: Our lumbar support cushion is filled with new temperature sensitive sponge, the lumbar support can adjust the contour of your back according to the temperature. The outer layer of lumbar cushion is made of high quality breathable fabric. The back support cushion fabric is comfortable and soft, not easy to fade. The parts of the lumbar cushion have been certified and are safe and harmless to human health.
- ✨High-quality design: The back support cushion for chair is ergonomic, and the pillow for back pain has a partitioned design, the memory foam back cushion can support your back curve and promote healthy posture. The lumbar support cushion for chair uses elastic straps to keep the lumbar support cushion for sofa firmly fixed on the seat.
- ✨Protect your health: With our car back support, you can better protect your spine, car back support office chair Helps relieve lower and middle back tension caused by prolonged sitting or driving. If you often experience back pain due to prolonged sitting, you should definitely try an office chair back cushion.
Last updated on 2025-05-12 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API
massage gun
- DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE GUN – ALDOM Muscle Massage Gun for Athletes is ideal for relieving muscle pain, soreness and stiffness, promoting blood circulation and helps speed up warm-up and cool-down. It also helps restore the body faster and can be used as your percussion massager at the gym or sports club, is held with one hand and has a comfortable handle.
- 6 MASSAGE HEADS + 30 SPEED - The deep tissue massage gun comes with 6 different massage heads to help relieve sore muscles, 30 adjustable speed modes, Choose the speed and massage heads that best suits your needs. your needs (1 to 800 pulses per minute) to target different body parts and muscle groups, Integrate a percussive massage experience. Reduce muscle recovery time.
- SUPER QUIET AND POWERFUL MASSAGE GUN - Professional handheld percussion massager. Featuring a powerful, high-penetration motor, the deep tissue massager is designed to send waves of relaxation and relief throughout the body, and increase everyday mobility and flexibility with percussive therapy for pain relief joints and muscle pain and prolongs the duration of muscle massage
Last updated on 2025-05-12 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API
As a last resort, surgery can be considered to correct the lower back. The most common surgical option is fusion of the first sacral vertebra (arthrodesis). However, success rates vary, and the decision to operate will have to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
What about natural remedies?
Like accessories and anti-back pain products, natural products and grandmother's remedies are very popular with people suffering from back pain.
Often, these remedies include anti-inflammatory properties to relieve various body pains.
On the other hand, it should be noted that most of these natural products are not scientifically proven. It is therefore important to speak to your doctor before using them, particularly to avoid any interaction with your medications.
Natural remedies that could relieve symptoms include:
Turmeric
Thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers very powerful, turmeric is one of the most used plants in a culinary and therapeutic context. The composition of turmeric is essentially made of essential oils, vitamins (B1, B2, B6, C, E, K) and trace elements. But it is to its composition rich in curcumin and curcuminoids that we owe them and calm skin of this spice.
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Ginger
In addition to the particular flavor it brings to cooking and its aphrodisiac properties, ginger is a root well known for its anti-inflammatory powers. THE gingerol gives it its anti-inflammatory action. It is an active component acting on the inflammatory pain related to chronic joint inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, rheumatic diseases, etc. It has been proven that this active element is also effective in acting on the inflammation linked to arthritis and sciatica. Ginger also has other benefits thanks to its high potassium content and its richness in trace elements (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium) and vitamins (provitamin and vitamin B9).
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Omega-3
Omega-3s are polyunsaturated fatty acids that play a very important role in the functioning of our body. They are provided by food in three natural forms: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), alpha linolenic acid (ALA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Beyond their action on the brain and the cardiovascular system, omega-3s prove to be very effective against inflammation. Indeed, they have the ability to act on the inflammatory mechanisms in osteoarthritis by slowing down cartilage destruction, thus they reduce the intensity of osteoarthritis pain. Since sciatica is most often linked to inflammation secondary to a herniated disc, it can also respond to omega-3s if you consume them regularly.
- ✔ WHY NUTRAVITA OMEGA 3 FISH OIL? – Our Omega 3 Fish Oil is naturally sourced from the rich waters of the Peruvian coast. The oils are then distilled for increased purity to provide the highest levels of contaminant-free Omega 3 fatty acids – EPA and DHA, removing metals, PCBs and other toxins. At 2 capsules per daily serving, our supplement provides a maximum strength of 660 mg of EPA and 440 mg of DHA. You also get 240 capsules per bottle for a 4 month supply.
- ✔ WHY OMEGA 3? – Each recommended daily dose of our premium Omega 3 fish oil supplement provides high-potency essential fatty acids – Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) both contribute to the maintenance of various bodily functions, most importantly the normal functioning of the heart. DHA, on the other hand, supports the maintenance of normal brain function and normal vision. All claims are substantiated by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority).
- ✔ 3RD PARTY LAB TESTED – Each ingredient is quality tested before the manufacturing process begins, each batch of our supplement undergoes rigorous quality testing. Our products have been third party tested for heavy metals and unwanted compounds by one of the best testing centers in Europe, the lab is Ukas accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards. The results are then analyzed and certified by another top lab.
Last updated on 2025-05-12 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API
Lemon eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is a plant most often used in the form of herbal tea or essential oil. She would have anti-inflammatory effects which give it the ability to act on the bone and joint pain in general and the pain of sciatica in particular.
- Eucalyptus Citriodora Essential Oil.
- 100% pure.
- Botanical name: eucalyptus citriodo.
Last updated on 2025-05-12 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API
wintergreen
Wintergreen is a shrub from which a very interesting essential oil is extracted. It is one of the essential oils most used in aromatherapy. This oil, extracted from the shrub of the same name, is used in massage to relieve sciatica and act like a analgesic. Indeed, it provides a heating effect thanks to its ability toactivate blood circulation locally.
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Reference
- https://radiopaedia.org/articles/lumbosacral-transitional-vertebra
- https://samarpanphysioclinic.com/lumbarization-exercise/
My name is Anas Boukas and I am a physiotherapist. My mission ? Helping people who are suffering before their pain worsens and becomes chronic. I am also of the opinion that an educated patient greatly increases their chances of recovery. This is why I created Healthforall Group, a network of medical sites, in association with several health professionals.
My journey:
Bachelor's and Master's degrees at the University of Montreal , Physiotherapist for CBI Health,
Physiotherapist for The International Physiotherapy Center