L-spine
Medical abbreviation · Anatomy
| Stands for | Lumbar spine |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
L-spine stands for Lumbar spine, an anatomy abbreviation.
The five large vertebrae of the lower back (L1 to L5), which bear most of the body's weight and allow bending and twisting. Low back pain, herniated discs, sciatica and spinal stenosis most often involve the L-spine, especially its two lowest levels.
Example: MRI L-spine: broad-based disc bulge at L4-L5 with moderate canal stenosis.
Usage notes
In adults the spinal cord ends at about L1 to L2 (the conus medullaris), and below that only nerve roots, the cauda equina, fill the canal, which is why lumbar punctures are done lower down. Imaging is generally not needed for acute low back pain without red flags. Some people have transitional anatomy, such as a partly fused L5 or a sixth lumbar-type vertebra.
Related abbreviations
More anatomy abbreviations
- GB – Gallbladder
- ICA – Internal carotid artery
- ICS – Intercostal space
- IJ – Internal jugular (vein)
- IMA – Inferior mesenteric artery
- IT band – Iliotibial band
- L4-L5 – Fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae (intervertebral level)
- L5-S1 – Fifth lumbar and first sacral vertebrae (lumbosacral junction)
- LCL – Lateral collateral ligament
- LE – Lower extremity
- LLQ – Left lower quadrant
- LN – Lymph node
See all 70 anatomy abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.