Medical term:
Lumbar
lumbar
[lum´bahr]pertaining to the loins.
lumbar puncture introduction of a hollow needle into the subarachnoid space of the spinal canal, usually between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae; see also cisternal puncture. Called also spinal puncture.
It may be done for diagnostic purposes to determine the pressure within the cerebrospinal cavities, to determine presence of an obstruction to flow of cerebrospinal fluid, to remove a specimen of cerebrospinal fluid for laboratory examination, or to inject air or other contrast medium into the spinal canal to take an x-ray of the cerebrospinal system.
It may be done for diagnostic purposes to determine the pressure within the cerebrospinal cavities, to determine presence of an obstruction to flow of cerebrospinal fluid, to remove a specimen of cerebrospinal fluid for laboratory examination, or to inject air or other contrast medium into the spinal canal to take an x-ray of the cerebrospinal system.
Patient Care. Before the procedure is begun the patient is given a simple explanation of the nature and purpose of the test and is told that there is no danger of damage to the spinal cord during a lumbar puncture because the spinal cord does not extend below the second lumbar vertebra. For a cisternal puncture, the back of the neck may be shaved.
The patient is positioned so that the knees and head are flexed as much as possible and is assisted in maintaining this position during the entire procedure. A local anesthetic is injected subcutaneously to anesthetize the skin and underlying tissues. The patient should be warned not to move suddenly and told there may be a slight feeling of pressure when the puncture needle is inserted.
Strict adherence to the rules of aseptic technique is necessary to avoid the possibility of introducing microorganisms into the spinal canal. The attendant may be asked to assist in the Queckenstedt test during the lumbar puncture. This test involves compression of the veins of the neck, first on one side, then on the other and finally on both sides at once. The cerebrospinal fluid pressure is measured each time the veins are compressed. This test determines whether there is an obstruction in the spinal canal. Care must be taken that the trachea is not constricted while the neck veins are being compressed.
After the procedure the patient is observed for signs of pulse changes, respiratory difficulty, or cyanosis. These rarely occur, but headache is common and may be partially relieved by keeping the patient flat in bed for 8 hours after the procedure. An ice cap and aspirin may help alleviate the discomfort.
The patient is positioned so that the knees and head are flexed as much as possible and is assisted in maintaining this position during the entire procedure. A local anesthetic is injected subcutaneously to anesthetize the skin and underlying tissues. The patient should be warned not to move suddenly and told there may be a slight feeling of pressure when the puncture needle is inserted.
Strict adherence to the rules of aseptic technique is necessary to avoid the possibility of introducing microorganisms into the spinal canal. The attendant may be asked to assist in the Queckenstedt test during the lumbar puncture. This test involves compression of the veins of the neck, first on one side, then on the other and finally on both sides at once. The cerebrospinal fluid pressure is measured each time the veins are compressed. This test determines whether there is an obstruction in the spinal canal. Care must be taken that the trachea is not constricted while the neck veins are being compressed.
After the procedure the patient is observed for signs of pulse changes, respiratory difficulty, or cyanosis. These rarely occur, but headache is common and may be partially relieved by keeping the patient flat in bed for 8 hours after the procedure. An ice cap and aspirin may help alleviate the discomfort.
Technique of lumbar puncture. Needle is inserted between vertebrae and advanced through dura mater to the subarachnoid space. Cerebrospinal fluid is thus withdrawn from the spinal cavity.
Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.
lum·bar
(lŭm'bar), Avoid the misspelling lumber.Relating to the loins, or the part of the back and sides between the ribs and the pelvis.
[L. lumbus, a loin]
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
lumbar
(lŭm′bər, -bär′)adj.
Of, near, or situated in the part of the back and sides between the lowest ribs and the pelvis.
n.
A lumbar artery, nerve, vertebra, or part.
The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
lumbar
adjective Referring to the lower back.Segen's Medical Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.
lum·bar
(lŭm'bahr)Relating to the loins, or the part of the back and sides between the ribs and the pelvis.
[L. lumbus, a loin]
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012
lumbar
Relating to the LOINS and lower back.Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005
Patient discussion about lumbar
Q. I have a low back pain that radiates to my leg when i pick up stuff. Is it a disc herniation? I am a 43 years old bank teller. During the past 5 months I've suffered from a low back pain. The pain is not very strong, but it gets much worse while doing physical activity. When i walk or lift heavy things the pain is even stronger, and it radiates to my left leg. Can it be signs for disc herniation?
A. It's possible that you have a nerve impingement from a disc herniation, but not necessarily so. What you need to know is that even if you have a herniated disc, the question is what would the recommended treatment be?
90% or more of herniated discs resolve without surgical treatment within 6 months. MRI imaging is generally only indicated if one is considering surgery; in other words, your pain and neurological status is such that surgery is clinically indicated. Then, an MRI may be helpful for the surgeon. If surgery is not indicated based on clinical/symptoms, then it probably is unwise to get an MRI. They often show abnormalities that are simply 'red herrings' and often prompt people to proceed with surgery that really is not needed. Beware!
90% or more of herniated discs resolve without surgical treatment within 6 months. MRI imaging is generally only indicated if one is considering surgery; in other words, your pain and neurological status is such that surgery is clinically indicated. Then, an MRI may be helpful for the surgeon. If surgery is not indicated based on clinical/symptoms, then it probably is unwise to get an MRI. They often show abnormalities that are simply 'red herrings' and often prompt people to proceed with surgery that really is not needed. Beware!
Q. What is the best way to strengthen the low back muscles? After having a low back strain I've been told I need to work better on the lower back muscles as too much stress is on them and they're not strong enough to handle it...any suggestions?
A. i have lower back strains but that is because i run. my back muscles are stronger then abdomen muscles and that causes an imbalance. the best way is starting swimming. the best sport for the body... and a thing to do for now (not instead of swimming just for the time being until you'll develop muscles)- lay on your stomach on a bed with your head sticking out for about 10-15 minutes every now and then. this will lengthen your back muscle and prevent strains for now.
Q. I have developed a low back pain from some heavy lifting over the weekend. What tests in the doctor's office can I expect to confirm this. And what should the treatment be. I suspect a sacriliac strain.
A. More than likely you have developed some muscle strain. If the pain goes away on it's own after rest for a few days, I suspect that's all it is. If the pain persists and starts to radiate down your buttocks and leg(s), then you should see an orthopedic surgeon for more extensive tests. Good luck to you.
More discussions about lumbarThis content is provided by iMedix and is subject to iMedix Terms. The Questions and Answers are not endorsed or recommended and are made available by patients, not doctors.
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