When selecting the most appropriate lower back support or core lumbar belt, position identification of the different parts of the body can help. Surface landmarks can help customers identify the painful part of their back before they consider where the deep muscle pain is originating from. Initial Surface Landmarks: • The spine runs down the centre like a vertical path. • The shoulder blades sit like two flat plates on the upper back. • The pelvis forms the solid “base” at the bottom of the spine. Where the deep back‑core muscles sit: These muscles lie close to the spine, forming the body’s internal scaffolding. • Multifidus; imagine tiny support struts running up each side of the spine, from the pelvis to the mid‑back. They sit right next to the vertebrae, almost hidden beneath everything else. • Erector spinae; picture two long vertical columns of muscle running parallel to the spine, one on each side. They start at the pelvis and travel up toward the ribs. • Quadratus lumborum (QL); these sit on the left and right sides of the lower back, like two thick panels between the bottom rib and the top of the pelvis. • Transversus abdominis; although at the front, imagine a wide belt wrapping around the torso and fastening at the spine. It’s the body’s built‑in corset. These deep muscles sit underneath the surface layers, hugging the spine and pelvis, acting like internal guy‑ropes, keeping the spine stable during movement. They are not the big ‘gym’ muscles but they are the hidden support system that protects your lower back. Visual map of the lumbar spine: The lumbar region is the lower section of the spine, and is easy to describe using simple body landmarks. To find where your lumbar spine sits: • Start at the bottom of the ribcage. • Move down to the top of the pelvis. • The lumbar spine sits right between these two points. The lumbar spine contains: • Five large vertebrae labelled L1 to L5. • These are the biggest and strongest bones in the spine. • The area naturally curves inwards, forming the lumbar arch. More simply, the lumbar spine is the lower‑back section of your spine; the part you feel when you place your hand on the small of your back. It is the area that carries most of your body weight and takes the strain when you bend, lift or twist. This region is supported by deep core muscles that act like a protective framework. Final thoughts: The deep back core muscles sit close to the spine, forming your body’s natural support system. They run from the base of your ribs down to your pelvis, helping to stabilise the lower back during everyday movement. The lumbar spine is the lower part of your back, sitting between the bottom of your ribcage and the top of your hips. It is the area that carries most of your body weight, which is why good support here is essential for comfort and mobility. Disclaimer: Please note that all spinal disorders are different. If you have any concerns about any of the information discussed, a medical practitioner who knows your specific condition should be consulted.
