The lumbar spine: structure, function, age changes and physiotherapy

Increasing age brings about inevitable changes in the structure, shape and function of the human lumbar spine. The primary structural age change which occurs is a selective loss of the transversely oriented trabeculae within lumbar vertebrae, which causes them to become shorter, wider and more concave at their end-plate region. This in turn leads to a progressive alteration to the shape of the lumbar discs and, together with biochemical and histological change, brings about a reduction in spinal posture, flexibility and compliance and in the ability of the lumbar region to cope with sustained loading. This information is important for physiotherapists in their treatment of lumbar spinal disorders.