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 Wang Fei
Orthopedics
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Can I take calcium tablets for lumbar disc herniation?

Lumbar disc herniation is a very common clinical disease, often affecting the lower back and causing discomfort. It frequently presents with numbness, swelling, pain, and even muscle atrophy in one leg. In the elderly, lumbar disc herniation may be associated with osteoporosis, as bone changes following osteoporosis can lead to poor vertebral stability, ultimately causing disc herniation. Elderly patients with both lumbar disc herniation and osteoporosis should take calcium supplements. However, for young and middle-aged adults who do not have accompanying osteoporosis, taking calcium supplements is not particularly beneficial.

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Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
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Contraindications of Lumbar Disc Herniation

Patients with lumbar disc herniation mainly exhibit symptoms such as discomfort in the lower back, numbness in the lower limbs, and pain. These are primarily symptoms of sciatica, such as numbness and pain along the back and outer sides of the thighs, calves, and dorsum of the foot. Patients may find it difficult to put on shoes and socks in the morning, and sometimes they may feel as if their tendons are short when walking. It is generally recommended that patients strictly rest on a hard bed and warm up the lumbar region. They can also take some blood-activating and pain-relieving medications. The main precautions include avoiding bending over to lift heavy objects, carrying heavy items, and bearing heavy loads. Patients should avoid sitting or squatting for long periods and should try to lie flat or walk upright instead. If conservative treatment for lumbar disc herniation is ineffective, interventional surgical treatment may be sought.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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What are the methods for diagnosing lumbar disc herniation?

The diagnostic methods for lumbar disc herniation are essentially three-dimensional; that is, clinical symptoms plus physical examination combined with auxiliary examinations. First, let's talk about clinical manifestations, which include pain, functional impairment, and local sensory abnormalities in cases of lumbar disc herniation. Second, in the physical examination of lumbar disc herniation, the intervertebral disc often shows some deformation, and the most common is a reduction or disappearance of the lumbar spine's forward physiological curvature, referred to colloquially as "flatback," where the back appears flat like a board. Other findings may include spinal scoliosis and specific tender points, usually located next to the protruding vertebrae. Percussing these tender points may induce radiating pain to the buttocks or lower limbs. Additional examinations might reveal abnormalities in the strength or sensation of lower limb muscles at different stages, as various muscles and sensory areas are affected differently. Special tests such as the straight leg raise test, femoral nerve stretch test, and neck flexion test are generally positive. The most routine auxiliary examination involves taking x-ray images, followed by CT scans, which can directly visualize the location and extent of the disc herniation. Currently, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is also used, which has significant advantages. MRI provides three-dimensional images, showing the sagittal, coronal, and axial planes, which helps in better assessing the condition of herniated discs. Therefore, these are the areas covered in diagnosing lumbar disc herniation.

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Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
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Can lumbar disc herniation be treated with an injection block?

Lumbar disc herniation can be treated with an injection, which mainly uses caudal epidural steroid injections. This approach has a certain therapeutic effect but is limited. For example, it may relieve the patient's pain for about a week, after which symptoms may gradually reappear. I believe that this treatment method is more about addressing the symptoms rather than the root cause. For ineffective conservative treatments, such as resting on a hard bed, applying local heat, minimizing prolonged sitting, and lying down as much as possible except for going to the toilet or eating, symptoms will generally gradually alleviate over about 10-14 days. This can be combined with drugs that promote blood circulation and relieve pain, and drugs that nourish the nerves, as well as some diuretic drugs to relieve the pressure on the intervertebral discs. This can alleviate the stimulation of the nerve roots by the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral discs, affecting nerves from L4 to S3, which may cause numbness and pain in the back of the thighs, the dorsum of the calves, or feet. The symptoms vary depending on the stage of compression but the difference isn't significantly large. For cases where conservative treatment or injections are ineffective, we can consider interventional surgeries like ozone nucleolysis, which are currently performed skillfully with minimal damage and quick recovery. You can consult a hospital for more information.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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Lumbar disc herniation symptom exercise

There are many exercises for lumbar disc herniation, such as the "little swallow" exercise, practicing lifting the buttocks while lying in bed, performing the bridge pose, supporting your body with three and a half points, and actively engaging in swimming. These exercises can strengthen the patient's lower back muscles, thereby better protecting the lumbar spine and alleviating symptoms of lumbar disc herniation. Additionally, for patients with lumbar disc herniation, besides exercise, it is important to keep warm. Avoid prolonged sitting or standing, avoid excessive bending to pick up heavy objects or lifting heavy weights. It is best to use a lumbar support belt, protect the lumbar spine, sleep on a firm bed. Also, locally apply heat actively, combined with acupuncture, electric heating, cupping, massage, traction, and other physical therapies.