Lumbar disc herniation L5-S1 symptoms

Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
Updated on October 24, 2024
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You may experience abnormal sensations in the buttocks, lower limbs, and soles of the feet, such as numbness, soreness, and even reduced muscle strength. Additionally, mild to moderate lumbar disc herniation can cause soreness and abnormal sensations in the buttocks, and even abnormal sensations in the perineal region. It is recommended that when symptoms of nerve compression in the lower limbs and buttocks occur, strict bed rest should be enforced, especially on a hard bed, and exposure to cold should be avoided. Consider lumbar traction if appropriate, but if symptoms worsen during traction, it should be stopped immediately. Also, if the disc herniation is localized to a single segment, minimally invasive surgery may be considered.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
1min 51sec home-news-image

How to alleviate pain from lumbar disc herniation?

How to alleviate the pain of a herniated lumbar disc. First, once the pain occurs, you should rest initially, lie on a hard bed. You can place a thin pad under your lower back and a soft pillow beneath your knees to keep the knees and hips slightly bent. This helps fully relax the back muscles. Second, take some non-steroidal drugs, specifically non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Third, consider using traditional Chinese medicine and herbs. Traditional Chinese medicine has shown significant effects in treating herniated lumbar discs, containing many components that alleviate pain. Additionally, topical application of Chinese herbal medicines, or their plasters, can improve local blood circulation, reduce the release of inflammatory factors, and thereby relieve pain. Fourth, traction, which can be manual or mechanical, aims to reduce pressure on the lumbar discs by stretching them and enlarging the intervertebral foramen, thus alleviating nerve root irritation. Fifth, consider undergoing some physiotherapy treatments, such as heat therapy, shockwave therapy, microwave therapy, and transdermal drug delivery. These methods usually show good results. Finally, it is crucial to wear a lumbar support belt, as it is very important for patients with herniated discs. It can restrict movement of the lumbar spine, controlling the range of lumbar activity and increasing the stability of the lumbar spine, thus reducing the pressure and irritation on the discs. Generally, following the above treatments should significantly relieve the pain—should the pain persist, consider a nerve root block as a further treatment option.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Is massage useful for lumbar disc herniation?

Can massage be used for lumbar disc herniation? Its clinical effects are quite good. The primary function of massage therapy is to relieve muscle spasms, then dilate blood vessels, increase local blood circulation, and promote peripheral metabolism, thereby achieving the purpose of curing diseases. It mainly uses rolling and pushing techniques, with the main acupoint being the Jiaji acupoint. Auxiliary acupoints generally include Yangguan, Yaoyangguan, Mingmen, Shenshu, Weizhong, Chengshan, and Yanglingquan, among others. Additionally, it includes two board techniques. These board techniques are very effective for minor joint disorders of the lumbar spine. There are two board techniques, one is the slant board technique, and the other is the rotating tube board technique, with the slant board technique being relatively easier to perform. Generally, patients experience varying degrees of symptom relief after proper and effective massage, and many people's symptoms disappear altogether.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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Can a second surgery be performed for lumbar disc herniation?

Firstly, it should be clarified that for patients with lumbar disc herniation, if the condition recurs after surgery, a second operation is completely feasible. This is because there are many intervertebral discs involved, including L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1, all of which can lead to lumbar disc herniation and subsequently cause symptoms of back and leg pain. Even if the patient has already undergone surgery for L4-L5, it cannot be guaranteed that L3-L4 or L5-S1 will not develop disc herniation. Therefore, it is possible for patients with lumbar disc herniation to undergo a second surgical treatment.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Lumbar disc herniation has what manifestations?

Lumbar disc herniation has the following clinical manifestations. First, lower back pain accompanied by unilateral radiating pain in the lower limbs. Second, numbness in the localized area. Third, weakness in the toes. Fourth, decreased temperature in the affected limb. Upon examination, the first finding is a reduced natural anterior curve of the lumbar spine, which we refer to as a flat or board-like back. Second, it can also cause the lumbar spine to bend to one side, possibly toward the affected side or the healthy side, depending on the location of the herniation. Third, there is a fixed tender point beside the lumbar spine, which plays an active role in diagnosis and treatment. Fourth, due to pain, there is a limitation in the movement of the lower back; normally, the lumbar spine can flex 45 degrees forward, extend 20 degrees backward, and bend 30 degrees to each side. If these ranges of motion are not achievable, it indicates a significant limitation in lumbar activity. Fifth is the neurological localization examination, which primarily involves different sensory disturbances, motor disturbances, or muscle atrophy depending on the site of compression. There are also some special tests, like the straight leg raise test, reinforcement test, healthy side leg raise test, as well as the neck flexion test and femoral nerve stretch test. Lastly, additional diagnostic tests like CT or MRI can provide specific information on the location and stage of the lumbar disc herniation.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Is there a cure for lumbar disc herniation?

Lumbar disc herniation is treatable, and the results after treatment are very good. The treatment methods for lumbar disc herniation mainly depend on the direction and degree of the herniation as well as the symptoms it causes. Generally, it is divided into conservative treatment and surgical treatment. Conservative treatment is the first approach, which initially includes general treatment. That is to say, after experiencing symptoms of a lumbar disc herniation, you must first rest in bed and then make sure to sleep on a flat bed and appropriately strengthen the muscles of the lower back. The second approach is traditional Chinese medicine, the third is traction and massage therapy, the fourth is physical therapy, and the fifth is rehabilitation therapy. If the treatment is not effective, or other surgical indications appear, such as urinary and fecal incontinence or spinal cord type nerve damage combined with spinal stenosis, then surgical treatment is needed. Surgical treatments generally include conventional surgery and minimally invasive surgery, with the latter being more commonly used nowadays. Other treatments include disc sealing, sacral therapy, small needle knife therapy, and nucleus pulposus injection with ozone, among others. Overall, not only is lumbar disc herniation treatable, but there are also many treatment methods. However, as to which treatment method is suitable for you, you must go to the hospital and consult a doctor to decide.