Origin, branching pattern, foraminal and intraspinal distribution of the human lumbar sinuvertebral nerves

•The root origins of high (L2) and low (L5) lumbar human sinuvertebral nerves (SVNs) were investigated in cadavers.•L2 SVNs are formed by dual somatic and autonomic roots in 90% of cases.•At L5, 40% of SVNs arise from somatic and autonomic roots; other SVNs are autonomic.•L5 discogenic low-back pain (LBP) is mediated both segmentally and nonsegmentally in 40% of cases.•Only targeting the nonsegmental discogenic LBP pathway may provide incomplete pain reduction.