Condition
QI Spine Clinic, 4 years ago
L5-S1 is the lowest level of the disc in the spine and sits at the junction between the lowest lumbar vertebrae and sacrum. This tends to suffer more stress and hence L5-S1 disc bulge is quite common. L5-S1 refers to the disc situated between lumbar bone number 5 and the sacrum.
L5-S1 Disc Bulge Symptoms
Over time, the discs in the spine undergo wear and tear due to repetitive movements. This process is absolutely normal and is a part of aging and happens with everyone.L5-S1 bulging discs are most common as they take the stress and weight of the body. The symptoms experienced in the lower back can be terribly painful. Pain from L5-S1 might occur suddenly or develop gradually over time. Common symptoms of L5-S1 disc bulge can be as follows:
- A sharp, burning, stabbing, or shooting pain in the buttock, thigh, leg, foot, or toes.
- Weakness in legs
- Loss of sensation at the bottom of your foot or near your heel
- Inability to lift the foot off the floor
- Numbness in the foot or legs
- The pain is worsened by activities like prolonged sitting, standing, walking repetitive lifting and bending, etc.
L5-S1 Disc Bludge Causes
The most common cause is degeneration of the disc which occurs due to natural wear and tear in the spine due to aging.Injury or a traumatic event like a fall may also cause an L5-S1 disc bulge.Besides, improper lifting, repetitive activities that strain your spine, frequent driving, a sedentary lifestyle, and smoking may increase the chances of developing an L5-S1 disc bulge.
L5-S1 Disc Bulge Diagnosis
Your physician will go through your previous medical records and check for your symptoms. A physical and neurological examination may be done to check for muscle weakness or loss of sensation and also test your reflexes. You may be asked to get a few imaging tests done. For ex: – X-ray, MRI, CT scan
How QI Diagnoses L5-S1 Disc Bulge?
Proper diagnosis is very crucial to accurately make an L5-S1 disc bulge treatment plan. The spine specialist will go through your previous medical records and carry out the necessary examination. You may be asked to get a DSA done to find out the muscles around the spine which might have gone into inefficiency hence leading to a bulging disc.
L5-S1 Disc Bulge Treatment
There are several ways to treat L5-S1 disc bulge. You may follow the below-mentioned treatment options: –
- Bed rest
- Physical therapy
- Maintaining a good posture while sitting, sleeping, etc.
- Over-the-counter medicines to relieve pain, reduce inflammation or relax muscles. Ex – nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid injections.
- Activity and lifestyle modification
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
How QI Treats L5-S1 Disc Buldge
L5-S1 disc bulge treatment mainly consists of spine rehabilitation by isolating the inefficient muscles of the spine. With the help of DSA, weaker muscles are identified, isolated, and treated. This approach not only reduces the pain but also strengthens the weaker muscles which might have led to extra stress or load on the spine (L5-S1 level) hence leading to disc bulge.Qi Spine also offers a cell repair technology for bulging disc treatment wherein Frequency specific microcurrents are administered to the patient. It reduces pain, inflammation, and also speeds up the healing process.
L5-S1 Disc Bulge Prevention
Maintaining healthy body weight, exercising regularly, and adopting a good posture can reduce the risk for an L5-S1 disc bulge.
When To See A Spine Specialist?
You must seek immediate medical attention if –
- Pain starts increasing in intensity
- If you have numbness, tingling in your feet
- You feel weakness in your muscles
- Difficulty in controlling bowel/bladder movement.
- You Feel difficulty in performing daily activities such as sitting, standing, walking, etc.
- You feel a loss of sensation in your leg or feet
- You have difficulty in maintaining balance while walking
L5-S1 Disc Bulge Frequently Asked Questions
What is an L5-S1 disc bulge?
L5-S1 is the lowest bone of the spine and when it bears the excessive load, additional pressure is put on the vertebrae, which causes bulging of the disc in the L5-S1 region.
How long will it take to heal?
Generally, the pain resolves in 4-6 weeks’ time. You should restrict your activities that are causing aggravation of pain, pain medications, ice/heat therapy, physical rehabilitation will help in your recovery.
Is disc bulge a permanent injury?
A bulging disc might never go back to its original position or shape. However, if you strengthen the muscles around the spine hence increasing the stability of the spine you might not experience any symptoms.
Is walking good for the L5-S1 disc bulge?
Moderate aerobic exercises may relieve pain. However, follow your doctors’ advice as few exercises may also lead to an increase in pain
Which is the best sleeping position for an L5-S1 disc bulge patient?
Try to switch sides from time to time to prevent any imbalance. The position in which you feel comfortable and experience less pain should be fine.
