Which region of the spinal column is considered to have limited mobility?

The lumbar region of the spinal column is often considered to have limited mobility compared to other regions. It comprises five vertebrae and is primarily designed for weight-bearing and stability rather than a wide range of motion. This part of the spine allows for some flexion, extension, and lateral bending; however, its primary role is to support the upper body while facilitating essential movements.

The limited mobility in the lumbar region contrasts with the cervical region, which is highly mobile and supports a significant range of neck movements. Similarly, the thoracic region, while more stable and less flexible than the cervical region, still provides a degree of flexibility due to its connection to the ribcage. The sacral region is fused and therefore has virtually no mobility, but it is often not characterized by limited mobility in the same functional sense as the lumbar region. Thus, the emphasis on the lumbar region's balance of stability over flexibility highlights why it is recognized for having more limited mobility relative to the other spinal regions.