L5 Herniated Disc—Causes and Treatment

Our spine has 23 discs and each segment of the spine has a certain number of discs. They are identified by the name of the segment and the order of their placement.

For example, the disc C5 C6 means it is situated between the 5th and 6th vertebrae in the cervical region of the spine. In the same way the lower or the lumber region of the spine also has discs. It has been noted that in most cases the disc herniation takes place in the lumber spine between L4-L5 or L5-S1 vertebrae. Here the prefix L stands for lumber nerve and S for sacrel nerve.

A disc herniation in the lumber region may impinge L5 nerve which may result in acute pain in the buttock, ankle and the big toe. There may be numbness on the top of the foot. In the same way impingement of the S1 nerve may lead to numbness in the sole or the upper region of the foot.

Causes of L5 herniated disc

Usually the patient has a history of herniated disc due to lifting heavy objects while bending or twisting at the lower back rather than at the knees. It may also occur due to accident, fall or a sudden violent motion in the spine.

Treatment

L5 herniated disc can be treated in two ways, conservative and surgical.
The conservative treatment involves reducing pressure on the nerve root by doing stretching and strengthening exercises. They will make the muscles more flexible and soft.

Medication

The patient may take anti-inflammatory medicines, pain killers and relaxants. Cortisol injections may also help. It must be noted that this medication will bring only temporary relief. Moreover an excessive use of such medicines may also cause side effects.

Surgery

Surgery option should be taken as a last resort when all other therapies fail. The most common form of surgery for L5 herniated disc is known as micro-lumbar discectomy. It involves making a small incision. The patient is generally discharge the same day of surgery.

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