Depending on the type and severity of the underlying cause, the L4-L5 motion segmentA functional spinal unit (FSU) (or motion segment) is the smallest physiological motion unit of the spine to exhibit biomechanical characteristics similar to those of the entire spine.https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Functional_spinal_unit
The sciatic nerve consists of the L4 and L5 nerves plus other sacral nerves. Your sciatic nerve starts in your rear pelvis and runs down the back of your leg, ending in your foot.
The lumbar spine (lower back) is a remarkably complex structure. The L4-L5 are the two lowest vertebrae in the lumbar spine, and together with the attached disc, joints, nerves and soft tissues, it provides a variety of functions, including supporting the upper body and allowing motion in multiple directions.
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.
Treatment with rest, pain medication, spinal injections, and physical therapy is the first step to recovery. Most people improve in 6 weeks and return to normal activity. If symptoms continue, surgery may be recommended.
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.
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.
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.
“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.”
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.
2. Leg Pain and or Weakness. The leg pain that is often felt with an L4-L5 disc problem in conjunction with or separate from lower back pain is often categorized as sciatica. It's also one of the most obvious signs that the back pain you're feeling could be the result of a disc problem.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It can be reversible with the right type of management and treatment.
Applying heat and/or cold therapy to the lower back can alleviate muscle tension that is commonly present with a lumbar herniated disc. Heat helps loosen the muscle tightness that causes spasms, increases blood flow, and improves elasticity of connective tissue.
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.
The L4–5 and L5–S1 levels were common sites of lumbar stenosis; the L-5 nerve root could be compressed at L4–5 and/or L5–S1 regions. At L4–5 regions, the L5 nerve root could be compressed at lateral recess, while at L5–S1, the exiting L5 nerve root could be compressed by foraminal stenosis.
If you experience the severe bulging disc symptoms outlined here, contact your personal doctor or spine specialist immediately (your personal doctor may refer you to a spine specialist if you don't have one).