Herniated disc at the level of L5/S1

lumbar disc herniation, disc prolapse L5/S1, lumbar disc prolapse

Introduction

Many people with persistent and severe back pain assume that it could be a slipped disc. In fact, however, it can be observed that real herniated discs relatively rarely lead to persistent, severe back pain. In most cases the complaints are caused by muscular tension or entrapment of nerves.

Furthermore, it should be noted in this context that a herniated disc does not necessarily cause pain. A herniated disc between L5 and S1 is often discovered accidentally without having caused any pain beforehand. This is a herniated disc between the last lumbar vertebra and the first sacral vertebra.

There can be a variety of causes for the development of a herniated disc. The exact location of the prolapse therefore plays a decisive role in the search for the cause. In a herniated disc, which occurs between L5 and S1, a wear-related change in the disc itself or the adjacent vertebral bodies can usually be detected.

For this reason, a prolapse between L5 and S1 is usually referred to as a degenerative disc herniation. In addition, permanent incorrect loading of the lumbar spine can lead to this deep disc herniation. Particularly at risk are people who often sit at a desk in a stooped position or have to perform heavy physical work.

In addition to the pain, loss of sensitivity, tingling sensations and muscle weakness can be an indication of the presence of a herniated disc between L5 and S1. Persons who notice typical symptoms should promptly consult a specialist in orthopaedics or neurology. If a herniated disc is present, this can be determined during the extensive diagnostic process. In addition, surgical treatment of the herniated disc between L5 and S1 can be avoided under certain circumstances with the help of physiotherapeutic exercises after early diagnosis. In contrast, a late diagnosis usually requires surgical treatment of the herniated disc.

Causes

The causes for the development of a slipped disc between the 5th lumbar vertebra and the 1st sacral vertebra can be manifold. In most cases, however, it can be assumed that the herniated disc between L5 and S1 is a wear-related disease of the spine. In the course of aging, more or less pronounced deformations occur in the area of the individual disc segments.

In this way, the intervertebral disc can change its original position and press on the spinal cord or individual nerve fibres. It can therefore be assumed that slipped discs are a rarity among young people. With increasing age, however, the risk of suffering a herniated disc increases.

Furthermore, the risk of developing a herniated disc between L5 and S1 can be increased by various factors. In this context, it is important to note that the intervertebral discs between the individual vertebrae act primarily as shock absorbers. In this way, loads can be cushioned without affecting the bony vertebral bodies or the spinal cord.

The reason for the shock-absorbing properties of the intervertebral discs is their high water content. With increasing age, however, it can be observed that the water content within the intervertebral discs is constantly decreasing. This reduces their deformability and buffer capacity.

The risk of developing a herniated disc increases rapidly. Especially in the case of a herniated disc in the lumbar spine (for example between L5 and S1), incorrect or excessive loading of the spine can accelerate this age-related process. Continued incorrect loading, for example during heavy physical work, can cause the gelatinous core of the intervertebral disc to shift into the spinal canal.

In the course of this process, the patient affected suffers from compression of the spinal cord or individual nerve fibres originating from it. The continuing compression can cause typical complaints such as back pain, numbness, tingling and muscle weakness. The wear of the intervertebral disc between L5 and S1 can be accelerated by other factors. The most important risk factors include severe overweight, incorrect or excessive strain on the spinal column, weak back and abdominal muscles and spinal column injuries.