Herniated disc of L3/L4

What is a slipped disc L3/L4?

A slipped disc is a disease of the spine. In this case, disc material emerges from the intervertebral disc into the spinal canal. This can irritate or even injure nerves.

L3 and L4 describes the height of the prolapse and is a very common location for a prolapse of the intervertebral disc. The herniated disc is located at the level of the lumbar spine, to be precise at the same level as the uppermost point of the iliac crests. A herniated disc mainly affects people between 30 and 50 years of age.

These symptoms indicate a slipped disc of L3/L4

Pain is part of every herniated disc. The pain can be acute (up to 6 weeks), subacute (6-12 weeks) or permanent (over 12 weeks). Usually the pain has a stabbing quality.

Those affected also describe a shooting pain, which can then radiate into the legs. In addition to the pain, paraesthesia can also be noticeable. These include tingling or numbness.

In serious cases, muscle paralysis – mainly on the thighs – can also occur. If necessary, reflexes, such as on the knee, may also be reduced. A herniated disc at the level of L3/L4 causes pain in the lower back, which is also called lumbalgia.

The pain is stabbing and also restricts movement in the lower back. The pain radiates into the legs. If the prolapse occurs at the level of L3 /L4, the femoral nerve is irritated.

The pain is therefore felt in the course of the affected nerve. In an L3 syndrome, the pain moves to the front of the thigh and to the knee, but never below the knee. In L4 syndrome, pain moves from the outer side of the thigh through the kneecap to the inner side of the lower leg and the front edge of the shin.

Tingling and numbness are a sign that nerves are irritated, pinched or injured. The tingling sensation is often referred to as formication. The tingling or numbness occurs in the supply area of the affected nerve.

In the L3/L4 syndrome, the sensation of numbness is felt on the front of the thigh and partly on the inner side of the lower leg, analogous to the sensation of pain. If sensory disturbances occur, a doctor must be consulted urgently to prevent permanent damage to the nerves. Paralysis can occur in the event of a slipped disc.

This then affects the characteristic muscles of the spinal cord roots L3/L4. It can lead to a limited extension of the thigh in the knee joint, a reduced approach of one leg to the other and weakened hip flexion. Since the musculature is in most cases supplied by several nerve roots, in most cases there is no complete paralysis, but only a weakening of the muscle function. A doctor should also be consulted in the event of a functional impairment or paralysis of the musculature.