Lumbar vein

Looks like

Four or five pairs of veins running around the lumbar vertebrae from the back muscles.

What it does

Drain the lower back and abdominal wall into the inferior vena cava and ascending lumbar veins.

Keeping it well

Can bleed in front and side approaches to the lumbar spine, so surgeons tie them first.

Related conditions

• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Clotting disorders (thrombophilia & APS)
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Varicose veins