Common causes of lower lumbar pain include muscle strain, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis. To effectively manage lower lumbar pain, treatment options may include physical therapy, medication, hot/cold therapy, and in some cases, surgery. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
DefinitionCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is a group of laboratory tests that measure proteins, sugar (glucose), and other chemicals in the fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord.Alternative NamesCerebrospinal fluid analysisHow the test is performedA sample of CSF is needed. A lumbar puncture, also called a spinal tap, is the most common way to collect this sample. For information on this procedure, see lumbar puncture. Other methods for collecting CSF are rarely used, but may be recommended in some cases. See also:Cisternal punctureRemoval of CSF from a tube that is already in the CSF, such as a shunt or ventricular drainVentricular punctureAfter the sample is taken, it is sent to the laboratory for evaluation.How to prepare for the testSee: Lumbar punctureHow the test will feelSee: Lumbar punctureWhy the test is performedAnalysis of CSF can help detect certain conditions and diseases. All of the following can be, but are not always, measured in a sample of CSF:Antibodies and DNA of common virusesBacteria (including that which causes syphilis; see:VDRL test)Cell countChlorideCryptococcalantigenGlucoseGlutamineLactate dehydrogenaseOligoclonal banding to look for specific proteinsTotal proteinWhether there are cancerous cells presentNormal ValuesAntibodies and DNA of common viruses: NoneBacteria: No bacteria grows in a lab cultureCancerous cells: No cancerous cells presentCell count: less than 5 white blood cells (all mononuclear) and 0 red blood cellsChloride: 110 to 125 mEq/LFungus: NoneGlucose: 50 to 80 mg/100 mL (or greater than two-thirds of blood sugar level)Glutamine: 6 to 15 mg/dLLactate dehydrogenase: less than 2.0 to 7.2 U/mLOligoclonal bands: 0 or 1 bands that are not present in a matched serum sampleProtein: 15 to 60 mg/100 dLNote: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.What abnormal results meanAn abnormal CSF analysis result may be due to many different causes, including:CancerEncephalitis(such as West Nile and Eastern Equine)Hepatic encephalopathyInfectionInflammationReye syndromeMeningitis due to bacteria, fungus, tuberculosis, or a virusWhat the risks areFor information regarding risks of a spinal tap, see: Lumbar punctureReferencesGriggs RC, Jazefowicz RF, Aminoff MJ. Approach to the patient with neurologic disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 418.
The components of the SNS (Sympathetic Nervous System) include nerve fibers originating in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord, neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, adrenergic receptors on target tissues, and the fight or flight response it elicits in the body.
DefinitionA CSF glucose test measures the amount of sugar (glucose) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is a clear fluid that flows in the space surrounding the spinal cord and brain.See also:Glucose test - bloodGlucose test - urineAlternative NamesGlucose test - CSF; Cerebrospinal fluid glucose testHow the test is performedA sample of CSF is needed. A lumbar puncture, also called a spinal tap, is the most common way to collect this sample. For information on this procedure, see the article on lumbar puncture.Other methods for collecting CSF are rarely used, but may be recommended in some cases. They include:Cisternal punctureVentricular punctureRemoval of CSF from a tube that is already in the CSF, such as a shunt or ventricular drainAfter the sample is taken, it is sent to a laboratory for evaluatoin.How to prepare for the testSee: Lumbar punctureHow the test will feelSee: Lumbar punctureWhy the test is performedThis test may be done to diagnose tumors, infections, inflammation of the central nervous system, delirium, and other neurological and medical conditions.Normal ValuesThe glucose level in the CSF should be 50 - 80 mg/100 mL (or greater than 2/3 of the blood sugar level).Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.What abnormal results meanAbnormal results include increased and decreased glucose levels. Abnormal results may be due to:Infection (bacterial or fungus)Inflammation of the central nervous systemTumorWhat the risks areSee: Lumbar punctureReferencesGriggs RC, Jozefowicz RF, Aminoff MJ. Approach to the patient with neurologic disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier. 2007: chap 418.
The straw-colored fluid you are referring to is likely cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is a clear and colorless fluid found in the brain and spinal cord. CSF helps protect the brain and spinal cord, provides nutrients, and removes waste products. It is typically obtained through a procedure called a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) for diagnostic purposes.
Swayback in horses can be identified by an exaggerated curvature in the lumbar region of the spine, creating a dip in the back. This condition can lead to back pain, stiffness, and reduced performance in affected horses. It is important to work with a veterinarian and possibly a chiropractor or equine bodyworker to help manage and mitigate the effects of swayback in horses.
lumbar vertebrae
myalgia
Lumbar rotary levoscoliosis is a deformity of the spine. This causes a curvature of the spine that may also cause the ribs and lumbar area to be rotated slightly.
Extremely uncommon.
Any disorder with the ribs can certainly cause lumbar pain. Perhaps the body is favoring the ribs and carrying itself in a way that causes lumbar strain.
A strain is a medical term meaning there has been abnormal stretching on a muscle and its tendons. This generally causes a painful contraction of the muscle in an attempt to protect itself from further damage. A lumbar strain is a strain in the lumbar region of the back, specifically, the region of the back from below the ribcage to where the spine attaches to the pelvis. This is a very common cause of back pain.
Most likely it was the Lumper -- what's a 'Lumbar' potato?
Lumbar
Blockage of the vertebra causes nerve pain down extremity
Sacralization is the fusion of the last lumbar vertebrae with the first segment of the sacrum.
Quadratus Lumborum
Lumbar stenosis is arthritis of the spinal cord which can cause severe back pain. It causes the spinal cord cavity to narrow and to put pressure on the nerves.