Cauda equina syndrome may occur at L5-S1 due to an injury to the cauda equina nerves that descend from the spinal cord. This syndrome is a medical emergency and typically causes severe pain, weakness, numbness, and/or tingling in the groin, genital region, and/or both legs.
The typical recovery time for an L5-S1 disc bulge ranges from four to six weeks or so.
Conditions affecting the L5-S1 spinal motion segment are usually treated with nonsurgical methods. If the lower back and/or leg symptoms worsen or do not improve despite these treatments, or in case of certain medical emergencies, such as tumors or cauda equina syndrome, surgery may be recommended.
L5-S1 Disc Bulge Symptoms
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.
Disc herniation at the L5–S1 level can be adequately treated endoscopically with an interlaminar approach.
Epidural steroid injections have become a mainstay of treatment for herniated discs and back pain caused by the L5-S1 disc (2). This is where the doctor takes a needle and guides it using real-time x-ray guidance into the area between the disc and the spinal nerve.
There may also be loss of bowel and/or bladder control. The condition must be treated on an urgent basis to preserve leg function and restore bowel and/or bladder function. Nonsurgical treatments are often tried first for symptoms that stem from L5-S1. In rare cases, surgery may be considered.
The lumbosacral joint, also called L5-S1, is a term used to describe a part of the spine. L5-S1 is the exact spot where the lumbar spine ends and the sacral spine begins. The lumbosacral joint is the joint that connects these bones.
The most common levels for a herniated disc are L4-5 and L5-S1. The onset of symptoms is characterized by a sharp, burning, stabbing pain radiating down the posterior or lateral aspect of the leg, to below the knee. Pain is generally superficial and localized, and is often associated with numbness or tingling.
Consider the following results: In one study 53 patients were followed for an average of 20 months after fusion surgery. In those patients with normal MRIs prior to surgery, only 50 % were improved after surgery.
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.
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.
You can expect your back to feel stiff or sore after surgery. This should improve in the weeks after surgery. You may have relief from your symptoms right away, or you may get better over days or weeks. In the weeks after your surgery, it may be hard to sit or stand in one position for very long.
The optimal sleeping position for a herniated disc is on your back. Lying on your back keeps your spine in a neutral position so you have less chance of pinching the nerve. For added comfort, nestle a small pillow or rolled-up towel under your knees and lower back.
Conclusions: Surgeons should recognize that lateral inclination of S1 pedicle screws can cause L5 nerve root injury, which may require reinsertion of the screw, especially in cases where insertion is difficult because of overlapping surrounding muscle or bony tissue.
A syndrome in L5-S1 disc herniation with sexual and sphincter dysfunction without pain and muscle weakness was noted. We think that it is crucial for neurosurgeons to early realise that paralysis of the sphincter and sexual dysfunction are possible in patients with lumbar L5-S1 disc disease.
S1 NERVE ROOT DAMAGE:
A pinched nerve in the S1 section of the vertebral column usually results in radiating pain down the backside of the leg and into the outside of the foot. This pain can come in the form of numbness, tingling, weakness and shooting.
The L5 nerve supplies the nerves to the muscles that raise the foot and big toe, and consequently, impingement of this nerve may lead to weakness in these muscles. Numbness for L5 runs over the top of the foot. Pinched nerve at S1.
The phrase "degenerative changes" in the spine refers to osteoarthritis of the spine. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Doctors may also refer to it as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis in the spine most commonly occurs in the neck and lower back.
The L5 vertebra is the final section of the lumbar spine (at least, it is for most people). Injury to the L5 spinal nerve bundle can cause numbness and weakness in the legs, but the extent of these symptoms can vary from case to case.
Conclusions: Chiropractic distraction manipulation is an effective treatment of lumbar disk herniation, if the chiropractor is observant during its administration for patient tolerance to manipulation under distraction and any signs of neurological deficit demanding other types of care.
A herniated L5/S1 disc will cause a sharp, aching pain in the lower back. It can feel tender and akin to spasm. Sciatica: The most common cause is a herniated L5/S1 disc. Sciatica refers to the sensation of pain that runs down the back side of the leg.
Keep your back flat against your chair, and also keep your shoulders tall with your head level over your spine. Keep your knees at the same level as your hips—or sit with your knees slightly above your hips if you are sitting at a desk. Keep your feet flat on the floor.