{"id":10,"date":"2021-01-25T17:24:01","date_gmt":"2021-01-25T17:24:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sciaticapatients.com\/?p=10"},"modified":"2021-11-09T21:41:18","modified_gmt":"2021-11-09T21:41:18","slug":"herniated-disc-l5-s1-symptoms-and-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sciaticapatients.com\/herniated-disc-l5-s1-symptoms-and-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"Herniated Disc L5\/S1 – Basics, Symptoms and Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Herniated<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A herniated disc is a common issue these days. One of the most common variations of this issue is known as Herniated Disc L5\/S1. In most people, it occurs as a result of lifting extremely heavy items. If you are wondering is your spine suffering from the same problem, you should check out the symptoms, treatment among all other things related to this particular condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding how the human spine works<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before we move to explaining the condition and treatment, it is important to explain how the human spine works. In the lack of a better word, it is a masterpiece. Spine is also known as the backbone and it allows us to sit, bend, move and twist. It consists of 33 vertebrae that are hollow inside and form a spinal canal. Through this canal, nerves and spinal cord pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cervical vertebrae are at the top of the spine and they are labeled C1-C7. They are used when we turn or move our head. In the middle, we have thoracic vertebrae labeled T1-T12. There are obviously 12 of them. L1-L5 are the lumbar and they are located in the lower part of the spine. These vertebrae are under a lot of stress and they support most of your body and the rest of the spine. The sacrum is labeled S1-S5 and these do not move. The tailbone is the last part that is used for attaching pelvis muscles to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Parts
Parts of human spine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Between the vertebrae, spine has intervertebral discs. They act as cushions and they are flat with an interior filled with gel-like substance. That gel is held in place by an annulus or outer ring, which is flexible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spinal cord consists of 31 pair of nerves passing through the spine<\/a>. The main purpose of these nerves is to conduct impulses between the brain and the muscles. Spine also has soft tissues such as ligaments that connect vertebrae. Tendons are used to connect muscles to the bone. Back muscles allow you to move and they act as support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"intervertebral
intervertebral disc<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What is herniated disc L5\/S1?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A herniated disc is a condition that occurs as a result of a damaged intervertebral disc. More accurately, the annulus, a shell that contains the gel-like substance is damaged and some of that gel will leak or cause the disc to expand. When that happens, disc increases in size and it will start pressing nerves, causing pain. Herniated Disc L5\/S1 simply means that the disc between vertebrae L5 and S1 is damaged<\/strong>. This is the most common type. In general, the herniated disc usually occurs in the lower part of the spine. However, it may also occur in thoracic and cervical parts of the spine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Herniated Disc L5\/S1 is especially interesting because it is located in the part of the spine that is curved. The curvature changes and can be a forward curve (lumbar lordosis<\/a>) or a backward curve (sacral kyphosis<\/a>). In addition, L5-S1 is also responsible for transferring load from the upper parts of the spine to the legs and pelvis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

L5\/S1 is known as a part of the spine that is under the most stress and also the most complex. It has distinctive anatomy which makes it a bit special. Sadly, this also means that this segment is most commonly affected by injuries which include degeneration and especially herniation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Herniated Disc L5\/S1 may occur at any given moment to any person. It isn\u2019t considered as a dangerous condition but it must be treated. There are several complications that may occur. We will discuss those later. It is important to follow the guidelines of your doctor and to decrease the risk of this issue. Yes there are treatments and they are effective, but preventing a herniated disc is a much better decision and something all people should consider in modern times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diagnosing herniated disc L5\/S1<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your doctor will have to diagnose the condition in order to give you proper treatment. This type of diagnosis is considered as more complicated, hence there are multiple steps a doctor will have to complete before giving you an accurate diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, he or she will start with questions. These should give the doctor a better idea about your problem and the pain. Questions such as type of pain you are experiencing, other medical conditions, your job, history of your health, and your family are essential, and usually, all Herniated Disc L5\/S1 patients get all of these questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A physical exam is more complicated and there are 6 tests a doctor will perform. He may perform just a few or all of these, depending on your age and your initial symptoms. Anyway, you can expect tests as mentioned below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n