L4 Syndrome

Definition of the L4 syndrome

The spinal cord runs in the spinal column. Nerve tracts at each vertebra emerge from this spinal cord in a so-called nerve root. The nerve tracts that continue on to all parts of the body and from there back to the brain along the same path.

In this way we can consciously feel the different parts of the body and influence the movement of the muscles. The L4 syndrome is an irritation of the nerve root, which emerges at the fourth lumbar vertebra. This can lead to disturbances in the affected nerve tract, causing movement problems or unpleasant sensations in the area supplied by the nerve tract.

Slipped disc L4/L5

The intervertebral disc consists of a fibrous disc with a small aqueous core. It is responsible for absorbing the impact of the vertebrae on each other. In case of incorrect posture or incorrect loading and due to wear and tear processes, it can happen that a part of the disc is pressed outwards.

One speaks of a protursion. The intervertebral disc can burst open under very high pressure, causing the material to escape. This is called a disc prolapse and describes the actual herniated disc.

In both cases, the nerve root that emerges at this point can be irritated, dented and damaged. This then manifests itself in disturbances of movement or sensation in the areas supplied by this nerve tract. Thus one can deduce the location of the herniated disc from the symptoms. If L4 and L5 are affected, especially complaints in the area of the legs occur.

Symptoms of the L4- Syndrome

If a herniated disc occurs in the area of the fourth lumbar vertebra, this can be noticeable, for example, by a weakened extension of the knee. In addition, bending the hips and pulling the legs together can be more difficult. In addition, sensory disturbances or even feelings such as pain or a tingling sensation can occur in the area from the lower part of the thigh to the inside of the lower leg.

These complaints are aggravated by a herniated disc under stress. The other causes of L4 syndrome show the same symptoms. Only in the case of a tumor, the pain usually does not worsen under stress, but at rest.

In contrast, if there is a herniated disc in the area of the fifth lumbar vertebra, this is manifested on the one hand by problems lifting the big toe and the foot. On the other hand, the sensory disturbances extend from the rear part of the thigh laterally to the front to the back of the foot and the big toe. A nerve root emerges from the spinal cord at each vertebra on the left and right, which then travels in a nerve path to all parts of the body.

Depending on whether the left or the right nerve root is affected, the symptoms occur on the respective side. The cause of the L4 syndrome is in most cases a herniated disc. In most cases the disc is only protruding to one side.

However, it can also protrude to the back and thus irritate and push in both nerve roots. This results in movement restrictions and sensory disorders on both sides. If the L4 syndrome is caused by a cyst or tumor, the symptoms are usually limited to one side only. If the spinal canal is narrowed, the left and right sides are often affected.