Lumbar spine | healthdirect

<!DOCTYPE html>  <html lang="en-AU"> <head> <title>Lumbar spine | healthdirect</title> <script src="https://www.google.com/recaptcha/api.js?render=6LeuO7AbAAAAAFFZKM3tkkJpyASWHzTJ-_fpMK7y" async defer></script> <meta name="apple-itunes-app" content="app-id=1021494621"> <meta name="description" content="Your lumbar spine lets you move, supports you and protects your spinal cord. Injury is common. Prevent it by handling loads safely and being active."> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0"> <meta name="referrer" content="always" /> <meta name="DC.Format" schema="DCterms:IMT" content="text/html" /><meta name="DC.Type" content="text/html"> <meta name="DC.Title" xml:lang="EN" content="Lumbar spine" /> <meta name="DC.Creator" content="Healthdirect Australia"> <meta name="DC.Subject" xml:lang="EN" content="Spine,Back Pain"> <meta name="DC.Publisher" content="Healthdirect Australia"> <meta name="DC.Date" scheme="ISO8601" content="2024-10-22T02:31:58.857Z"> <meta name="DC.Description" xml:lang="EN" content="Your lumbar spine lets you move, supports you and protects your spinal cord. Injury is common. 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}; function onError(error) {}</script> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> initialiseSocialShare('socialshare-node-desktop-mode', "https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/lumbar-spine"); </script> </span> </div> <div id="readspeaker_button1" class="rs_skip rsbtn rs_preserve"> <a rel="nofollow" class="rsbtn_play" accesskey="L" title="Listen to this page using ReadSpeaker" href="//app-oc.readspeaker.com/cgi-bin/rsent?customerid=8207&lang=en_au&readid=mainContentArticleText&url=https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/lumbar-spine"> <span class="rsbtn_left rsimg rspart"><span class="rsbtn_text"><span>Listen</span></span></span> <span class="rsbtn_right rsimg rsplay rspart"></span> </a> </div> </header> <div class="main_content-body-text"><div class="cont_layout-standout"> <h2 id="key-facts">Key facts</h2> <ul> <li>Your lumbar spine (lower back) includes 5 bones (vertebrae L1 to L5), discs, muscles, ligaments and blood vessels.</li> <li>Your lumbar spine supports your upper body, distributes your body weight, allows you to move and protects your spinal cord.</li> <li>Conditions affecting your lumbar spine include osteoporosis, trauma, cancer and infections.</li> <li>You can help prevent back injury by keeping active, being a healthy weight and handling heavy loads safely.</li> <li>Treatments for back injury depend on the cause, and may include exercise, physiotherapy, cognitive behaviour therapy, medicines or surgery.</li> </ul> </div> <nav class="cont_nav-index-table__double-col"> <h2>On this page</h2> <ul> <li><a href="#what-is">What is the lumbar spine?</a></li> <li><a href="#function">What does the lumbar spine do?</a></li> <li><a href="#conditions">What health conditions affect the lumbar spine?</a></li> <li><a href="#prevent">How do I prevent back injuries?</a></li> <li><a href="#treated">How are lumbar spine issues treated?</a></li> <li><a href="#doctor">When should I see my doctor?</a></li> <li><a href="#resources">Resources and support</a></li> <li><a href="#searchGeneralResults">Related information on Australian websites</a></li> </ul> </nav> <h2 id="what-is">What is the lumbar spine?</h2> <p>Your lumbar spine (lower back) includes 5 <a href="/bones-muscles-and-joints">bones (vertebrae L1 to L5), discs, muscles, ligaments</a> and <a href="/blood-and-blood-vessels">blood vessels</a>. It is a part of your spine, found below your <a href="/upper-back-thoracic-pain">thoracic spine</a> (middle part of your spine) and above your sacrum (lowest part of your spine, connected to your pelvis). It curves slightly inwardly. The lumbar vertebrae (lower back bones) are larger than your other vertebrae.</p> <div class="cont_layout-container"> <div class="cont_layout-col"> <p>Your spine protects your <a href="/central-nervous-system">spinal cord</a> by wrapping around it. Your spinal cord ends at the top of your lumbar spine. Nerve roots called ‘cauda equina’ at the end of your spinal cord travel through your lumbar spine to your sacrum.</p> <p>3 groups of muscles attach to your lumbar spine:</p> <ol> <li>Extensor muscles — these hold up your spine and allow you to bend backwards.</li> <li>Flexor muscles — these allow you to bend forwards, and lift and arch your lower back.</li> <li>Oblique muscles — these help you rotate your spine and have good <a href="/how-to-improve-your-posture">posture</a>.</li> </ol> <p>Overall, your lumbar spine lets you walk, run, sit, lift and move your body in many directions.</p> </div> <div class="cont_layout-col"> <figure> <img src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/inline/original/spine-regions-b5b281.jpg" title="Spine Regions" alt="Illustration showing of the different regions of the spine; cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum and coccyx." data-hda-inline-image=""> <figcaption>Diagram of the different regions of the spine.</figcaption> </figure> </div> </div> <h2 id="function">What does the lumbar spine do?</h2> <p>Your lumbar spine has important functions, including the following:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Supporting your upper body and distributing your body weight</strong>: It supports your head and the 2 upper sections of your spine (cervical and thoracic). It connects to your pelvis, transferring body weight from your upper body to your legs. It allows you to lift and carry.</li> <li><strong>Allowing you to move your body</strong>: The muscles in your lumbar spine allow you to move your lower back in all directions; front to back, side to side, and twist. The cauda equina nerves control leg movement and feeling.</li> <li><strong>Protecting your spinal cord and cauda equina</strong>: Your vertebrae wrap around your spinal cord and protect it.</li> </ul> <h2 id="conditions">What health conditions affect the lumbar spine?</h2> <p>Many health conditions can develop in your lumbar spine, including:</p> <ul> <li>lumbar <a href="/spondylolisthesis">spondylolisthesis</a> and lumbar <a href="/spinal-stenosis">stenosis</a></li> <li>herniated disc and degenerative disc disease</li> <li>vertebral compression fracture</li> <li>cauda equina syndrome</li> <li>lumbar lordosis — when your lower back becomes too curved, putting pressure on your vertebrae</li> </ul> <p>Other conditions affecting your lumbar spine include:</p> <ul> <li>tumours and <a href="/cysts">cysts</a></li> <li><a href="/what-is-a-congenital-disorder">congenital problems</a> (problems present from birth)</li> <li><a href="/osteoarthritis">osteoarthritis</a></li> <li><a href="/back-injuries">injury</a> or trauma</li> <li>infections</li> <li>muscle spasms</li> </ul> <p><a href="/lower-back-pain#causes">Lower back pain</a> can also be caused by some lifestyle factors.</p> <h3>Conditions that can affect the lumbar spine</h3> <p>The conditions that affect your lower back can cause chronic (long-term) symptoms of:</p> <ul> <li>lower back pain</li> <li><a href="/sciatica">sciatica</a></li> <li>reduced movement in your back or hips</li> <li>weakness, numbness, tingling in your back, hips, thighs or legs</li> </ul> <h2 id="prevent">How do I prevent back injuries?</h2> <p>You can reduce your chances of having back injuries by taking these steps: </p> <ul> <li><strong>Being physically active</strong>: Regular <a href="/fitness-and-exercise">exercise</a> improves flexibility, muscle strength and bone health. <a href="/tips-for-getting-active">Start slowly</a> and gradually increase intensity. A <a href="/physiotherapy">physiotherapist</a> or <a href="https://ahpa.com.au/allied-health-professions/exercise-physiology/" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">exercise physiologist</a> can create a program for you.</li> <li><strong>Maintaining a healthy body weight</strong>: If you are living with overweight or <a href="/obesity">obesity</a>, your spine carries an extra load.</li> <li><strong><a href="/quit-smoking-vaping">Quitting smoking</a></strong>: Smoking increases your risk of <a href="/arthritis">arthritis</a>, <a href="/osteoporosis">osteoporosis</a> and back pain.</li> <li><strong>Safe manual handling</strong>: If you have a physical job, you are <a href="/accidents-and-injuries">at risk of back injury</a>. Your employer must keep your <a href="/workplace-health">workplace</a> safe and teach you how to handle heavy loads safely.</li> <li><strong>Ensuring healthy workplace design and posture</strong>: Your work may require you to sit or stand for many hours. Poor posture can cause back injury or pain. Your workstation should be designed to allow you to stand and sit in a way that supports your back.</li> <li><strong>Managing your stress</strong>: When you’re <a href="/stress">stressed</a>, the muscles in your body may tense up which can make back pain worse. Learning some <a href="/relaxation-techniques-for-stress-relief">relaxation techniques</a> can help.</li> </ul> <h2 id="treated">How are lumbar spine issues treated?</h2> <p>Treatments for lumbar spine issues include:</p> <ul> <li>exercise and physiotherapy</li> <li>ice or heat</li> <li><a href="/cognitive-behaviour-therapy-cbt">cognitive behaviour therapy</a></li> <li>medicines — <a href="/pain-relief-medicines">pain relievers</a>, muscle relaxants, <a href="/anti-inflammatory-medicines">anti-inflammatories</a> or steroid injections</li> <li>surgery — lumbar spine decompression (<a href="/laminectomy">laminectomy</a>), lumbar disc replacement surgery, or lumbar fusion (which permanently joins together one or more vertebrae)</li> </ul> <p>Your doctor may recommend surgery if your condition is urgent, other treatments failed or your symptoms are getting worse, if you are healthy enough for surgery. Read about <a href="/preparing-for-surgery">preparing for surgery</a>.</p> <a href="/question-builder" class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout"> <i class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-left dor-icon_question"></i> <p class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-right"><strong>ASK YOUR DOCTOR</strong> — Preparing for an appointment? Use the <strong class="cont_underline">Question Builder</strong> for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.</p> </a> <h2 id="doctor">When should I see my doctor?</h2> <p>You should see your doctor if:</p> <ul> <li>your pain is getting worse over a few weeks</li> <li>you are in distress</li> <li>your ability to move is limited</li> </ul> <h3>When is back pain an emergency?</h3> <p>You should go to a hospital emergency department if you have back pain and you have:</p> <ul> <li>changes in your <a href="/incontinence">bladder and bowel movements</a>, especially if you <a href="/urinary-retention">cannot pass urine</a></li> <li>changes in feeling around your bottom and inner thighs</li> <li>sudden significant weakness or <a href="/limb-numbness">numbness</a>, or pins and needles in your legs</li> <li>a <a href="/fever">fever</a></li> </ul> <a href="/australian-health-services" class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout"> <i class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-left dor-icon_hospital"></i> <p class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-right"><strong>FIND A HEALTH SERVICE</strong> — The <strong class="cont_underline">Service Finder</strong> can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.</p> </a> <h2 id="resources">Resources and support</h2> <ul> <li>Visit <a href="https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">WorkSafe Victoria</a> to watch <a href="https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/hazardous-manual-handling" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">videos</a> explaining manual handling in the workplace and how to prevent injury.</li> <li>Find a physiotherapist — use the <a href="https://australian.physio/" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">Australian Physiotherapy Association</a> <a href="https://choose.physio/find-a-physio" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">search tool to find physiotherapists</a> to prevent or treat lumbar spine injury.</li> <li>See the <a href="https://msk.org.au/" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">Musculoskeletal Australia</a> website for <a href="https://msk.org.au/back-pain/" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">information about back pain</a> and tips to manage and prevent back pain.</li> <li>Learn about <a href="https://choose.physio/your-wellbeing/physical-activity" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">why it is important to be physically active</a> at the <a href="https://australian.physio/" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">Australian Physiotherapy Association</a> website.</li> </ul></div> <footer class="main_content-article-text-footer"> <div> <h4>Source<span>s</span>:</h4> <span> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov" target="_blank" title="StatPearls Publishing">StatPearls Publishing</a> <em>(Anatomy, Back, Lumbar Spine)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://msk.org.au" target="_blank" title="Musculoskeletal Australia">Musculoskeletal Australia</a> <em>(Understanding back pain)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au" target="_blank" title="WorkSafe Victoria">WorkSafe Victoria</a> <em>(Hazardous manual handling health and safety guide)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/" target="_blank" title="Safe Work Australia">Safe Work Australia</a> <em>(Sitting and Standing)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://tgldcdp.tg.org.au" target="_blank" title="Therapeutic Guidelines Limited">Therapeutic Guidelines Limited</a> <em>(Low back pain)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.townsville.health.qld.gov.au/" target="_blank" title="Townsville Hospital and Health Service">Townsville Hospital and Health Service</a> <em>(Acute low back pain)<span></span></em> </span> </div> </footer> <p>Learn more here about the <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/about-our-content">development and quality assurance of healthdirect content</a>.</p> <p>Last reviewed: March 2024</p> <div class="main_content-back-to-top"><a href="#backToTop"><i class="dor-icon_caret-up"></i><br><span class="tablet-up__inline">Back To </span>Top</a></a></div> </main>  <section class="main_content-links print-hidden"> <section class="related-concept-section"> <h2>Search our site for</h2> <ul> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Back Pain" title="Search results for:Back Pain">Back Pain</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Spinal Stenosis" title="Search results for:Spinal Stenosis">Spinal Stenosis</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Laminectomy" title="Search results for:Laminectomy">Laminectomy</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Spinal Diseases" title="Search results for:Spinal Diseases">Spinal Diseases</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Spinal 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class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Arthritis Australia website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Arthritis Australia" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/Arthritis-Australia_logo.png"> </a> <a href="https://mydr.com.au/pain/back-pain/" data-partner-url="partners/mydr" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|dba4fb5e-d152-479c-866a-4e0e652d08d1"> <h3>Back pain - myDr.com.au</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Most Australian adults will experience low back pain at some time. Most uncomplicated low back pain resolves after a period of active recovery in 4 weeks.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on MyDoctor website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MyDoctor" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mydoctor-new_logo-1f39cc.png"> </a> <a href="https://muscha.org/back-pain/" data-partner-url="partners/musculoskeletal-health-australia" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|433cc307-bdc1-4e97-b1de-fb11d85db286"> <h3>Back Pain — Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment | MSK Australia</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Do you have back pain? Find out about the different causes, how you can manage your musculoskeletal condition, and where to find support. Call us: 1800 263 265</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Musculoskeletal Health Australia website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Musculoskeletal Health Australia" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mha-logo---horizontal-transparent(1)-c25236.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/back-pain-disc-problems" data-partner-url="partners/better-health-channel" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|a2d921f3-6c7e-491d-bece-547f3775480d"> <h3>Back pain – disc problems - Better Health Channel</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Most disc problems resolve without specific treatment.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Better Health Channel website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Better Health Channel" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/bhc-rectangle-image-e99950.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.choosingwisely.org.au/resources/consumers-and-carers/acute-short-term-low-back-pain" data-partner-url="partners/choosing-wisely-australia" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|73c7fab6-cae1-4caa-bc1a-6c8c7b1dcf78"> <h3>Acute short-term low back pain - Choosing wisely</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>The exact cause of low back pain can be difficult to identify. Download a factsheet about managing back pain.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Choosing Wisely Australia website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Choosing Wisely Australia" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/choosingwisely_logo-16cac9cb-c4b0-4807-affa-7791a2bae9b8.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/key-racgp-guidelines/view-all-racgp-guidelines/first-do-no-harm/patient-resources/imaging-in-adults-with-acute-low-back-pain" data-partner-url="partners/racgp-the-royal-australian-college-of-general-practitioners" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|0962c4c7-a038-4a77-9e4d-354755548a55"> <h3>RACGP - Imaging in adults with acute low back pain</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Reproduced with permission from The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on RACGP - The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="RACGP - The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/racgp_master_rgb-f5ccb3.png"> </a> <a href="https://myra.org.au/article/your-arthritis-what-ra/areas-body-back-pain" data-partner-url="partners/arthritis-australia" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|19933bab-9606-4b89-8bc3-210e6cad78e1"> <h3>Areas of the body (back pain) | Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) support program - homepage | Arthritis Australia</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Low back pain is pain that is felt in the lower part of the spine. It is very common with.... MyRA is designed to help people with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) seize control and become active participants in their journey with RA</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Arthritis Australia website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Arthritis Australia" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/Arthritis-Australia_logo.png"> </a> <a href="https://youngpainhealth.com.au/pain-conditions/low-back-pain/" data-partner-url="partners/youngpainhealth" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|37ad3635-f4bd-4f3b-beec-d1de3311fc54"> <h3>Low back pain - young painHEALTH</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>For 95% of people back pain is ‘non-specific’</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on youngpainhealth website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="youngpainhealth" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/youngpainhealth_logo-5ceff7.png"> </a> <a href="https://muscha.org/complementary-treatments/" data-partner-url="partners/musculoskeletal-health-australia" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|26d5207b-2d92-47a7-8d53-3d48205abab3"> <h3>Complementary and alternative treatments - MSK</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Complementary treatments are widely used by people with arthritis, back pain and other musculoskeletal conditions to manage their condition. Find out more.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Musculoskeletal Health Australia website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Musculoskeletal Health Australia" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mha-logo---horizontal-transparent(1)-c25236.png"> </a> <a href="https://mydr.com.au/sports-fitness/sciatica-treatment/" data-partner-url="partners/mydr" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|d4d0df42-b5ae-4cec-9652-de8c24f042d6"> <h3>Sciatica: treatment - myDr.com.au</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Struggling with Sciatica Pain? Here's How to Find Relief. Most sciatica gets better within a few weeks. If not, there are treatments that may help relieve your sciatica pain. Tired of sciatic nerve pain? Discover effective treatments to get you back on your feet. From at-home remedies to physical therapy and other options, find lasting relief for your sciatica.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on MyDoctor website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MyDoctor" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mydoctor-new_logo-1f39cc.png"> </a> <section class="main_content-search-show-more "> <button class="main_content-search-show-more-btn" title="Show more search results" rel="nofollow">Show more</button> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-show-more-loading"></i> </section> </section> <section id="searchProfessionalResults" class="hidden" data-total-records="11"> <p>Top results</p> <a href="https://www.ausmed.com/learn/articles/low-back-pain" data-partner-url="partners/ausmed-education" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|4ed1c236-7c4b-4063-8713-d70dc643f457"> <h3>Investigating and Managing Low Back Pain | Ausmed</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>About 16% of Australians (4 million) are currently affected by back problems, and about 70 to 90% of people are expected to experience low back pain at some point during their lifetime. Back pain is a leading cause of disability that may adversely affect all aspects of daily functioning. Between 10 and 40% of adults with low back pain are estimated to experience persistent and disabling symptoms.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Ausmed Education website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Ausmed Education" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ausmed-new-logo-872e67.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.ausmed.com/learn/articles/pregnancy-related-back-pain" data-partner-url="partners/ausmed-education" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|3cd4cefb-0d6e-42d8-b4c0-a8f9579a7934"> <h3>Pregnancy-Related Back Pain | Ausmed</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Low back pain (LBP) during pregnancy is often accepted as normal - and even though multiple research studies suggest that the quality of life for patients is adversely affected, many are still advised to self-manage.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Ausmed Education website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Ausmed Education" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ausmed-new-logo-872e67.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/handi/handi-interventions/musculoskeletal/exercise-for-chronic-low-back-pain" data-partner-url="partners/racgp-the-royal-australian-college-of-general-practitioners" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|3372316e-2f5f-4422-9734-172fbde86d9d"> <h3>RACGP - Exercise for chronic low back pain</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Reproduced with permission from The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on RACGP - The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="RACGP - The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/racgp_master_rgb-f5ccb3.png"> </a> <a href="https://painhealth.csse.uwa.edu.au/pain-self-checks/" data-partner-url="partners/painhealth" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|85e65728-dd63-447d-924e-1aab6ccaf957"> <h3>Pain Self Checks - painHEALTH</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Use our evidence-based pain self-checks to identify if you are experiencing any potential muscularskeletal pain conditions and who may be able to assist</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on painHEALTH website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="painHEALTH" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/painhealth-logo.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.ausmed.com/learn/articles/spinal-cord-injury" data-partner-url="partners/ausmed-education" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|73453837-61f9-49b9-b236-bfa20208721c"> <h3>Acute Management of Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury | Ausmed</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>A spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when the spinal cord is damaged via compression (axial loading), bruising, hyperflexion, hyperextension, rotation or penetration, causing loss of feeling or functional mobility. Patients with an SCI may experience a complete or partial loss of sensory and/or motor function in their arms, legs and/or body. The extent of symptoms depends on the severity of the injury and the area of the spinal cord that was damaged. In serious cases, SCI may affect continence, breathing, heart rate and blood pressure.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Ausmed Education website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Ausmed Education" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ausmed-new-logo-872e67.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.insideradiology.com.au/ig-lumbar-nerve-root-sleeve/" data-partner-url="partners/inside-radiology" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|d6e9e300-6cc3-4383-8f92-f233eb29db7b"> <h3>Image guided lumbar nerve root sleeve injection - InsideRadiology</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>InsideRadiology provides free and easily accessible, accurate, up to date and credible information about medical imaging tests and procedures.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on InsideRadiology website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="InsideRadiology" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/InsideRadiology_logo.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.insideradiology.com.au/ig-lumbar-epidural/" data-partner-url="partners/inside-radiology" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|5a243616-4751-42fb-a45c-cf7a160b8962"> <h3>Image Guided Lumbar Epidural Corticosteroid Injection - InsideRadiology</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>What is an image guided lumbar epidural corticosteroid injection?</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on InsideRadiology website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="InsideRadiology" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/InsideRadiology_logo.png"> </a> <a href="https://australianprescriber.tg.org.au/articles/treating-osteoporosis-risks-and-management.html" data-partner-url="partners/australian-prescriber" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|488801a2-6f12-45b4-9b37-f4e0a5a43bd6"> <h3>Risks and management for treating osteoporosis</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Given the high prevalence of osteoporosis, many cases are likely to be undetected and undertreated.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Australian Prescriber website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Australian Prescriber" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/australian-prescriber_2023_logo-5f8e5b.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/prevention-of-falls-and-fractures" data-partner-url="partners/australasian-menopause-society" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|cc8358d0-a722-4d0c-8f4a-e400e9adf2c9"> <h3>Prevention of falls and fractures - Australasian Menopause Society</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Prevention of falls and fractures</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Australasian Menopause Society website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Australasian Menopause Society" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/amslogo-9e3e88.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.ausmed.com/learn/articles/osteoporosis" data-partner-url="partners/ausmed-education" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|e48ccae9-edd2-41c8-9b6f-121b5a6fda4a"> <h3>An Overview of Osteoporosis | Ausmed</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>The aptly-named osteoporosis (meaning ‘bones with holes’) is a condition causing bones to become more porous due to loss of density. This decreased density means the bones are weaker, thinner and more fragile, which makes them more susceptible to breakage. 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