Extra Lumbar Vertebrae

I have an L6 which has created SI joint dysfunction. I have had pain since I was 16 and am now 45. I now also have arthritis in my lumbar-sacral region as well. The only (temporary)relief I have found is a combination of acupuncture, cranio sacral therapy, massage and yoga. The pain is always present, but the therapies definitely provide a great deal of relief. Sitting for long periods is a definite no-no, and it helps to stay active and get plenty of exercise. I try to eat an anti-inflammatory diet and stay away from sugars and saturated fats, which worsen inflammation. I have opted out of pain medications, but do use liniments and topical arthritis ointments when the pain gets severe. I empathize with anyone sharing this condition. Contrary to what most doctors say, it can be a very painful condition.

I've read that about 10 percent have SOME type of spinal abnormality. And that the extra lumbar vertebrae is the most common of those spinal abnormalities. And that would be maybe 4 percent or so, IIRC. So I think you are correct.

People with o negative blood are more likely to have an extra vertavrae or rib even be more sensative to light. Im O- and have an L6 vertebrae that causes me plenty of of back pain.

I do have both

does it feel like your back is"burning" when you bend over?

16 and I have an extra vertebrae. I also have a bulging l4 (if i remember). They say it, l6, can run in the family, but I don't think anyone else in my family has it. Genetics are weird.

My 17 yo daughter has Bertolotti's Syndrome. On her left side, her L6 is partially sacralized. 

She's been having worsening lower back pain for over 4 years now. 

She's tried PT and injections, neither have helped. We've met with 3 orthopedic surgeons and one neurosurgeon and they have all recommended an L6/S1 fusion on both sides. They all say her transverse process on the left side is much too large to resect and would cause her pelvis to become unstable. So it's either a fusion or continue dealing with the pain.

Has anyone had successful fusion surgery for this pain?

I have this condition also 6th bone lower back just recentlyits the first time the pain spread to my legs i was unable to move for a while i was born with this now i am concerned and have many questions for this

I have the extra vertebrae , YES it hurts, burning across my tailbone area, pain,numbness,tingling down legs, hip pain. Hurts to sit, lay, frequently changing position , Neurosurgeon has suggested burning the nerves in the area but that only last 18 months if it works at all...

Hi, In reading your response, I feel so bad for everyone suffering from back pain because it is awful especially when you have doctors that don’t help or even worse—-deny your pain! I’ve been suffering in pain for 32 years. I have a 6th vertebrae with one side fused and one side loose. I also have a curved pelvis on my right side as well as a shorter right leg and scoliosis. I just discovered all of this recently because a doctor finally ordered x-rays. I’ve spent 32 years going to chiropractors and asking them for help, self help stretches, and exercises, but they offered very little except to keep getting adjusted. I’ve tried so many things to relieve the constant pain that ranges from mild to debilitating, and sitting is the worst!! There have been so many functions, activities, celebrations, and opportunities that I have missed out on due to the pain and exhaustion caused by sitting. I’ve tried massage and traction, but both caused severe pain and left me barely able to move. Chiropractor care has also been very painful, but it has helped. Physical therapy helps a lot, but my insurance only allows 2 months a year. I eliminated wheat, and that helped reduce quite a bit of pain. Then I eliminated dairy, and that helped a little. I used to take anti-inflammatories, but I became allergic. So, I use the natural anti-inflammatories that don’t raise my blood pressure such as curcumin, fish oil, ginger, and garlic. Lastly, I take walks, use a foam roller, and do stretches which all help, but it is hard to realize the benefits when you’re in pain everyday. But, I’m sure I’d be worse without my efforts. After a shoulder surgery, I was given Vicodin which really helped with my back pain, but I don’t want to take it all of the time. However when I have a flare up which leaves me barely able to move, I take them during the usual 3 weeks period. My flare ups have gone from maybe once a year to 1 every 3 to 4 months now that I’m 59. So for those of you that are suffering, I want to encourage you to keep trying to help yourself. After 32 years, I just discovered this ***this post is edited by moderator *** *** advertising is not allowed*** Please read our Terms of Use

I've had 2 back surgeries for herniated discs. Plus horrible sciatica from it. My doc said my extra vertebrae has nothing to do with it. It is subject to any other problems that you can have. I've had that and my L5 and L6 s1 issues. A piece of bone broke off and lodged between my sciatic nerve and bladder, so that's the first surgery, second i ruptured both sides of l5... second surgery. So now im really careful but i still throw my back out a lot. Im on muscle relaxers all the time.

I have learned that daily small stretches and and building strength in forgotten areas is helpful. I also use panaway oil and or peppermint oil (diluted with coconut oil) on my lower back when it’s really bad. I’ve noticed that the more still time my body gets, the worse that pain gets. You also want to avoid leaning into it (like how some people cross their arms over their stomach). I go to physical therapy and chiropractic on a weekly basis and I may come back sore and tired but it’s so much better than the pain I feel without it. My pain was so bad that I was vomiting. Now it’s much less.

I'm a 46 year old female, extra vertebrae, type A positive blood, diagnosed with Sarcoidosis. Also COPD diagnosed. A chiropractor told me he thought I had MS. My cousin Ginger MacQueen has a blog on her MS surgery that was televised in Canada. Very interesting that we all have so much in common.

I have this extra bone as well and have had low back pain SINCE I WAS A CHILD. It is now affecting my legs ever since I fell off a chair and something shifted in my lower back during knee surgery 3 years ago. I have begun to see a chiropractor who practices the Gonstead method. I will never go to another kind if chiropractor. I was going to another and they used that metal thing on my back and it did ZERO for me. It was a waste of money to have gone to them. I would encourage you to try to find one in your area. You can google it! I am also at the point realizing extra weight isnt helping and exercise is a MUST!!!!

Did anything in particular help I have a 6th as well just found out today but my pain is almost exactly how you explained yours. I turned 35 yesterday and I used to be able to do anything now I can't stand for more than 10 mins without said pain and it's getting nothing but worse