How do you treat L5 S1 degenerative disc disease?
Treatment of L5-S1 usually begins with: Medication. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually tried first for pain stemming from L5-S1. For more severe pain, prescription medication, such as opioids, tramadol, and/or corticosteroids may be used.
What causes degenerative disc disease L5 S1?
Degeneration occurs because of age-related wear-and-tear on a spinal disc, and may be accelerated by injury, health and lifestyle factors, and possibly by genetic predisposition to joint pain or musculoskeletal disorders. Degenerative disc disease rarely starts from a major trauma such as a car accident.
Can you recover from disc degeneration?
No, degenerative disc disease cannot heal on its own. Many treatments for degenerative disc disease focus on reducing symptoms. Some people experience more severe or longer-lasting symptoms than others.
What nerves are affected by L5 S1?
The two nerves most commonly pinched in the lower back are L5 (lumbar 5) and S1 (sacral 1). Pinched nerve at L5. The L5 nerve supplies the nerves to the muscles that raise the foot and big toe, and consequently, impingement of this nerve may lead to weakness in these muscles.
What does L5-S1 pain feel like?
Pain, generally felt as a sharp, shooting, and/or searing feeling in the buttock, thigh, leg, foot, and/or toes. Numbness in the foot and/or toes. Weakness in the leg and/or foot muscles and an inability to lift the foot off the floor (foot drop)
Where does L5-S1 cause pain?
Vertebral and disc pain from L5-S1 may occur suddenly following an injury or gradually develop over a period of time. Typically, a dull ache or sharp pain may be felt in the lower back. Discogenic pain is typically worsened by prolonged sitting, standing in one place, and repetitive lifting and bending activities.
What causes pain in the L5 S1?
Compression or inflammation of the L5 and/or S1 spinal nerve root may cause radiculopathy symptoms or sciatica, characterized by: Pain, generally felt as a sharp, shooting, and/or searing feeling in the buttock, thigh, leg, foot, and/or toes Numbness in the foot and/or toes Weakness in the leg and/or foot muscles and an inability to lift the foot off the floor (foot drop)
What is treatment for L5 S1 pain?
Depending on the pain level of your L5 S1, a number of treatment options can give you some (at least temporary) relief: Physiotherapy—Physiotherapists can help you stretch and strengthen muscles in your back. This can stabilize your back and lessen the pressure (and thus, the pain).
What are some symptoms of a herniated disc at L5?
The hallmark symptom of an L5 disc herniation is a sharp pain down the back of the leg, below the knee or into the foot. Pain is often described as shooting, burning or electric-like, and the patient can often trace the path of the pain with her finger.
What does a desiccation in the L5 S1 mean?
L4-L5 is the disc between the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebra. L5-S1 is the disc between the 5th lumbar and 1st sacral vertebra. Desiccation of the discs L4-L5 or L5-S1 that is associated with a disc herniation can cause pain in the lower back, buttock or leg, known as sciatica .
