Is There Such A Thing As An Extra Lumbar Vertebra? | Musculoskeletal Issues medical answers | Body & Health Conditions center

The L6 vertebra

The lumbar region of the spine, also known as the lower back, consists of 5 bones or vertebrae. These bones are given a numerical sequence and named L1 to L5. In 10% of adults a spinal abnormality can occur due to genetics and this can cause the presence of an extra or transitional vertebra called L6.

The presence of this extra vertebrae doesn't necessarily cause any more problematic spinal conditions that would occur in those who don't have the extra bone. The L6 vertebra is subject to the exact same pathology as patients would experience at the L5 vertebra. Any pathology at the L6 vertebrae is referred to as an issue at the L6-S1 level rather than L5-L6 levels. This is to emphasize that L6 is associated with the sacral region which is situated below the lumbar region of the back.

Specific L6 vertebra conditions

There is a specific issue which can affect L6 and that is "sacralization" of the bone which means that it's attached to the sacrum by a rudimentary joint which results in additional motion being created in the back. The risk of lower back pain due to increased motion related stressors is then elevated.

Other conditions which can affect this vertebra include a herniated disk, spinal stenosis, a bulging disk, osteoarthritis and degenerative disk disease. In any case, these are all conditions which can affect any level of the spine.

Investigations and management

In most cases, the diagnosis of an L6 vertebra is coincidental. Patients may complain of lower back pain due to mechanical issues or an acute injury and X-rays of the lower back will then show the presence of the extra vertebra.

Patients will then be managed conservatively with pain medication, physiotherapy and suggested behaviour modification if there are no neurological signs present in the patient. This treatment protocol is exactly the same as in people who don't have the extra vertebra.

Back hygiene is very important and these tips should be followed to help alleviate lower back pain.

Walking and swimming are good activities to help with strengthening of the back muscles which then offer support to the lower spine.
When performing activities or lifting up heavy weights, always bend the knees and hips and not the back.
Try losing some extra kilograms if overweight as this will relieve pressure on the back.
Maintain a good posture by keeping a straight back when sitting and standing.

If the patient is experiencing any neurological signs, such as weakness or decreased sensation in the body or the limbs, or the patient's pain is getting worse despite conservative management, then a CT scan and/or MRI scan will be done to investigate and rule out any other possible pathology.

In the event that conservative management fails completely or there is pathology, such as those mentioned above, then surgical intervention may be considered.

Conclusion

It's important to remember that the L6 vertebra can't and won't be removed as it is part of the spine. Although it is an extra vertebra in the spine it should never be considered as an expendable bone.