In the case of an L4-L5 lumbar disc herniation, the lower back pain can radiate to the hip and leg. When you have a herniated disc in the lumbar spine, the pain is not always located in the affected area. In many cases, the patient begins to notice discomfort in areas that are related to each other.
L2, L3 and L4 spinal nerves provide sensation to the front part of your thigh and inner side of your lower leg. These nerves also control hip and knee muscle movements. L5 spinal nerve provides sensation to the outer side of your lower leg, the upper part of your foot and the space between your first and second toe.
The lumbar spine contains specific nerves that can influence the feelings in the region around the hip area. If the problem originates in the hip joint itself, common symptoms include groin pain on the affected side, and sometimes down the inner aspect of the thigh in the front of the leg.
Referred pain from L4-L5 usually stays within the lower back and is typically felt as a dull ache. The back may also feel stiff. Depending on the type and severity of the underlying cause, the L4-L5 motion segment may cause lumbar radicular pain of the L4 and/or L5 spinal nerves, also called sciatica.
The L4 and L5 nerves (along with other sacral nerves) contribute to the formation of the large sciatic nerve that runs down from the rear pelvis into the back of the leg and terminates in the foot.
Yes, it can and most of them do, with proper treatment. The fact is that with treatment, most herniated discs will heal within a few weeks. In extreme cases, it may take a few months. Even surgery cannot put the jelly-like compound of the disc back inside of it.
So, what are the highlights? If pain is in the front of the hip/groin region and radiates down the thigh to the knee, it is most likely a hip issue. If pain is in the back of the hip/buttocks region and radiates down the hamstring to the calf, it is most likely a spine issue.
It takes between six months and one year to fully recover from L4-L5 fusion. You may need four to six weeks to return to basic activities around the house after the procedure, and one to two months to return to work.
Generally, you want to avoid exercises that bend your L5-S1 joint forward or twist it out of alignment. The following exercises are not helpful, and should be avoided: deadlifts, contact sports, sit-ups, hamstring stretches, twisting exercises, golf, running, and any exercise that causes you pain.
A herniated disc at lumbar segment 4 and 5 (L4-L5) usually causes L5 nerve impingement. In addition to sciatica pain, this type of herniated disc can lead to weakness when raising the big toe and possibly in the ankle, also known as foot drop. Numbness and pain can also be felt on top of the foot.
“Many people who have pain from a bulging disc will get pain relief with a few days of rest and some anti-inflammatories. Traction, physical therapy, and epidural steroid injections can be beneficial as well.”
Daily walks are an excellent way to exercise with a herniated disc, without putting additional strain on your spine and causing painful symptoms to flare up.
If you have lower back pain, walking may be a particularly good form of exercise to relieve pain, since low-impact activity is less damaging to your joints and helps your body maintain bone density. Physiotherapists may recommend retro walking (walking backward) as well as an effective way to manage back pain.
The sacral plexus is formed by the lumbosacral trunk (L4 and L5) and sacral nerves S1, S2, and S3. The main nerves arising from the sacral plexus are the sciatic, posterior femoral cutaneous, and pudendal nerves. The lower part of the sacral plexus is sometimes referred to as the pudendal plexus.
Medical imaging, including X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is crucial in diagnosing hip pain. An X-ray can reveal an excess of bone on the femoral head or neck and the acetabular rim. An MRI can reveal fraying or tears of the cartilage and labrum.
Walking is good for hip pain and you should try to walk as much as you can each day. You'll find that in time and with consistency, your hip pain will diminish, and in a best case scenario, it will disappear altogether.
Hip pain involves any pain in or around the hip joint. You may not feel pain from your hip directly over the hip area. You may feel it in your groin or pain in your thigh or knee.
Sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees
Lay flat on your back. Place a pillow underneath your knees and keep your spine neutral. The pillow is important — it works to keep that curve in your lower back. You may also place a small, rolled up towel under the small of your back for added support.
“It was an extremely large herniation of the L4–L5 disc, the one most commonly injured,” explains Dr. Anderer. The success rate for disc surgery is about 90 percent, but even so, he considers it only if symptoms persist for more than 6 weeks.
A L4–L5 disc bulge (or slip-disc) in the L4-L5 region can cause severe health issues such as impotence and reproduction issues. It can also lead to infertility, loss or control of the bowel or bladder, paralysis in one or both of your legs, and even death.