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.
Common Symptoms and Signs of L5-S1 Stemming
Radiculopathy symptoms, or sciatica may be caused by compression or inflammation of the L5/or S1 spinal neural nerve root. Pain is usually described as a sharp, shooting and/or severe feeling in the buttocks and/or toes. Foot drop is a weakness in the foot or leg muscles.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually tried first for pain stemming from L5-S1. For more severe pain, prescription medication, such as opioids, tramadol, and/or corticosteroids may be used.
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.
Generally speaking—as long as they're performed correctly—core and back exercises are beneficial for bulging discs, as are activities like walking, elliptical exercise, swimming, and riding a stationary or regular bike.
Symptoms of an L5-S1 pinched nerve include pain, stiffness, numbness, tingling, and weakness. Nerve pain is described as having burning, sharp, or throbbing like-symptoms that travel to the lower limbs giving patients sciatica-like pain.
How serious is a L5-S1 Disc Herniation? Disc herniation is a serious condition that can cause pain, numbness, and weakness. If the herniated disc presses on the spinal cord or nerves, it can cause more severe symptoms such as bowel or bladder control loss, paralysis, or difficulty walking.
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.
Most people with a slipped disc in the lumbar region of their spine (lower back) are offered “conservative” treatment, meaning that the treatment does not involve surgery. This mainly involves exercise, relaxation and positioning, painkillers or local anesthetics, and manual and physical therapy.
We think that large, extruded L5-S1 disc herniations may affect the superior hypogastric plexus or pre-sacral nerve which is situated anterior to the last lumbar vertebra, the middle sacral artery, the lumbosacral intervertebral disc.
This can show as decreased sensation or tingling in the same way as sciatic pain. L5 radiculopathy is usually associated with numbness down the side of the leg and into the top of the foot. S1 radiculopathy typically results in numbness down the back of the leg into the outside or bottom of the foot.
Your Recovery
It may take 4 to 6 weeks to get back to doing simple activities, such as light housework. It may take 6 months to a year for your back to get better completely.
There are a few common conditions that L5-S1 surgery treats. You may be a candidate for this disc replacement procedure if you live with any of the following spinal problems: Herniated disc with back and leg pain. Disc degeneration: your spinal discs have worn out, broken down, or been pushed out of place.
The presence of disk space narrowing at the lower levels (L3/L4/L5/S1) was not significantly associated with hip pain.
L5 NERVE ROOT DAMAGE
A pinched L5 nerve root usually results in radiating pain in the foot. This pain can come in the form of numbness, tingling, weakness and shooting and is commonly felt in the big toe, inside of the foot, top of the foot and ankle.
Skip movements that involve significant axial loading on the lower back, such as squats and leg presses. Avoid toe-touches, sit-ups, and yoga poses that worsen the pain and lead to significant bending of the back.
Deep Tissue Massage: There are more than 100 types of massage, but deep tissue massage is an ideal option if you have a herniated disc because it uses a great deal of pressure to relieve deep muscle tension and spasms, which develop to prevent muscle motion at the affected area.
The two nerves most commonly pinched in the lower back are L5 (lumbar 5) and S1 (sacral 1). Pinched nerve at L5. 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.
Excessive strain on the low back caused by sports, frequent heavy lifting, or labor-intensive jobs. Strain on the lumbar spinal discs due to prolonged sitting and/or poor posture. Lack of support for the discs due to weak core muscles. Obesity.
A herniated disc at lumbar segment 5 and sacral segment 1 (L5-S1) usually causes S1 nerve impingement. In addition to sciatica, this type of herniated disc can lead to weakness when standing on the toes. Numbness and pain can radiate down into the sole of the foot and the outside of the foot.
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.
Most people improve in 6 weeks and return to normal activity. If symptoms continue, surgery may be recommended.