The lumbar nerves transmit sensation and movement between the brain and body, with five nerves grouped into the lumbar plexus. Irritation or compression of a lumbar nerve can cause symptoms such as burning or tingling, difficulty moving, and sciatica. Treatment involves minimizing inflammation and stretching surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
A lumbar nerve is part of the network of wire-like fibers that transmit sensation and movement between the brain and body. In the human body, five lumbar nerves are grouped into a whole known as the lumbar plexus. The lumbar nerves are part of the peripheral nervous system that arise from the vertebrae or spinal bones in the lower back or lower back. These fibers connect to and work in the lower back, trunk, legs and feet.
Nerves, the main component of the nervous system, are connected pathways through the body that carry information using electrical signals. These impulses originate in the brain and spinal cord. The sensation, positioning, and movement of a body part are all controlled through a nerve’s communication pathway.
The first lumbar nerve begins at the level of the last thoracic, or trunk, and first lumbar, or lumbar, bones of the spine. Each nerve is divided into an anterior or anterior section and a posterior or posterior section. This placement determines the area to which the nerve sends signals. The lumbar nerve known as the obturator nerve, for example, arises from the second to fourth bones of the lower back and serves as a pathway to the hip, thigh, and knee. The sciatic nerve originates on the third spinal bone and carries signals from the lower back, down the back of the leg to the foot.
Irritation of a lumbar nerve can occur when the body recalls the inflammation process due to an injury. This can create abnormal pressure on a nerve or group of nerves, causing them to become compressed or trapped. When a lumbar nerve is pinched, it can produce symptoms ranging from a burning or tingling sensation to difficulty moving.
Excessive stress placed on the sciatic nerve can trigger problems in the lower back that travel the entire length of the nerve. Called sciatica, symptoms can range from localized low back pain to pain radiating to the thigh or calf. Severe entrapment can also result in a lack of bladder control or an inability to point your toes straight up.
When pain or other problems result from lumbar nerve restriction, it’s important to minimize the inflammation or swelling and open up the constraints that push against the nerve fibers. Initial swelling after an injury is commonly treated with the application of ice and a short period of rest. Once the swelling has dissipated, stretching the muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounding the lumbar nerve can relieve the abnormal pressure and push the nerve out of its confinement.
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