Spondylolisthesis occurs when one of the lumbar vertebrae in the spine moves forward relative to the vertebrae below it, causing pain or weakness. The most common area for spondylolisthesis to occur is within the bottom level of the lumbar spine between L5-S1.
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. This nerve also controls hip, knee, foot and toe movements. The sciatic nerve consists of the L4 and L5 nerves plus other sacral nerves.
Surgeons almost always perform spinal fusion for spondylolisthesis. Spinal fusion stabilizes the spine by permanently joining two vertebrae, eliminating movement between them. Typically, bone grafts are placed between vertebrae to help them fuse together. In time, new bone grows over the graft.
Medication – You can ease your pain with the help of OTC medicines. Injections – You might be suggested to get steroid medications/injections directly into the affected area. Physical Therapy – Specific exercises can help you in strengthening your abdomen and back.
Spondylolysis usually causes lower back pain. Most people don't need surgery to treat it. Rest, medication and physical therapy are most successful when started early, so visit a healthcare provider if you or your child have back pain.
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.
Engaging in high-impact activities: High-impact activities such as running, jumping, and contact sports can exacerbate L5-S1 disc problems. Instead, consider low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling.
Spondylolisthesis is a common cause of back pain in adolescents. Many teens experience symptoms during a growth spurt during puberty. If left untreated, spondylolisthesis can lead to long-term chronic low back pain or spinal deformity.
A herniated L5-S1 disc can press and impinge nerves and the spinal cord. This compression can lead to discomfort, aches, and pains in the back, buttocks, hips, thighs, legs feet, or toes. It may also cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in the thighs, legs, knees, ankles, feet, or toes.
Injuries below this level (at the L3, L4, and L5 vertebrae) affect the hips and legs and may cause numbness extending to the feet (sciatica). It may also harm the tip of the spinal cord known as the cauda equina, which is a bundle of spinal nerves and nerve roots that innervate the lower lumbar spine to the sacrum.
An L5 radiculopathy causes pain that radiates from the buttock down the leg to the outside of the ankle and into the top of the foot toward the big toe. People experience numbness on the outside of the ankle and top of the foot. Weakness in the muscle that bends the ankle backwards results in a footdrop.
There should be restriction of heavy lifting; excessive bending, twisting, or stooping; and avoidance of any work or recreational activities that cause stress to the lumbar spine. Your physician will outline a rehabilitation program to return you to your activities as soon as possible.
Spondylosis can lead to spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spinal canal. As a result, the spinal cord and/or spinal nerve roots can become compressed (pinched). For example, the cervical spinal cord can be affected by compression from spondylosis. This is called cervical spondylotic myelopathy.
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.
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.
Common Symptoms of L5-S1 Disc Herniation
Numbness or tingling in the affected area. Weakness in the muscles innervated by the affected nerve. A sensation of electrical shock down the leg. Inflammation and swelling.
Among cases of L4/5 level involvement with lumbar disc herniation, 78.7 % had gluteal pain, while among cases with L5/S1 level involvement with lumbar disc herniation, only 15.8 % gluteal pain.
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.
Medication. 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. Physical therapy.
Both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications are used to help relieve pain from L4-L5. Typically, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually tried first. For more severe pain, opioids, tramadol, and/or corticosteroids may be used. Physical therapy.