National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) Practice Exam

The lumbar region of the spine is comprised of the vertebrae L1 to L5. This section of the spine is located in the lower back and is crucial for bearing weight and providing stability and mobility to the torso. The lumbar vertebrae are larger and thicker than those found in the cervical and thoracic regions, as they must support the weight of the upper body and absorb stress when moving or lifting.

Other regions of the spine are designated differently: for instance, C1 to C7 refers to the cervical vertebrae in the neck, T1 to T12 refers to the thoracic vertebrae in the upper and mid-back, and S1 to S5 refers to the sacral vertebrae, which are fused and form part of the pelvis. These distinctions help in understanding spinal anatomy and addressing conditions or treatments that may arise in specific regions. Understanding these designations is key for those studying therapeutic massage and bodywork as it aids in targeting the appropriate areas for treatment.