What is the best way to treat a L5-S1 herniated disc?
Epidural steroid injections have become a mainstay of treatment for herniated discs and back pain caused by the L5-S1 disc (2). This is where the doctor takes a needle and guides it using real-time x-ray guidance into the area between the disc and the spinal nerve.
What should I avoid with a L5-S1 herniated disc?
Generally, you want to avoid exercises that bend your L5-S1 joint forward or twist it out of alignment. The following exercises are not helpful, and should be avoided: deadlifts, contact sports, sit-ups, hamstring stretches, twisting exercises, golf, running, and any exercise that causes you pain.
Is walking good for L5-S1 herniated disc?
Daily walks are an excellent way to exercise with a herniated disc, without putting additional strain on your spine and causing painful symptoms to flare up.
What exercises can I do with a herniated disc with L5-S1? – Related Questions
How long does it take for L5-S1 to heal?
The typical recovery time for an L5-S1 disc bulge ranges from four to six weeks or so. Of course, there are always outliers. Additionally, you don’t want to stop treatment too soon.
How do you get rid of L5-S1 pain?
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.
How much walking should you do with a herniated disc?
When beginning an aerobic exercise program, start slow—perhaps 10 minutes the first day—and gradually increase your time each day. Eventually, you should aim for 30 to 40 minutes of activity 5 days a week. Exercise can be an enjoyable and satisfying way to treat symptoms associated with a herniated disc.
How do you recover from a L5-S1 disc bulge?
L5-S1 Disc Bulge Treatment
- Bed rest.
- Physical therapy.
- Maintaining a good posture while sitting, sleeping, etc.
- Over-the-counter medicines to relieve pain, reduce inflammation or relax muscles.
- Activity and lifestyle modification.
- Maintaining a healthy body weight.
Does walking hurt herniated disc?
If you have a herniated lumbar disc, you may feel pain that radiates from your low back area, down one or both legs, and sometimes into your feet (called sciatica). You may feel a pain like an electric shock that is severe whether you stand, walk, or sit.
How do you sit with a L5-S1 herniated disc?
Sit with the Right Posture
It is proper to sit up straight without slouching. When you slump, you put extra pressure on the discs in the spine and can aggravate your herniated disc. Additionally, you want to ensure your knees are level with your hips. Your hips should be slightly above your knees if you sit at a desk.
How serious is a L5-S1 disc herniation?
An L5-S1 disc herniation from a car accident is a very common and serious injury. It can cause permanent pain and disability. Sometimes surgery is required to prevent spinal cord damage and to alleviate chronic pain.
How should I sleep with L5-S1 pain?
Better alternatives are sleeping on your side or back. Side-sleepers can place a pillow between the knees to relieve any stress in the hips, or elevate their legs on a pillow. You can also slip a rolled-up towel between your waist and the mattress as you sleep on your side.
Is L5-S1 serious?
Cauda equina syndrome may occur at L5-S1 due to an injury to the cauda equina nerves that descend from the spinal cord. This syndrome is a medical emergency and typically causes severe pain, weakness, numbness, and/or tingling in the groin, genital region, and/or both legs.
When is L5 S1 surgery necessary?
The most common indications for L5 S1 fusion include: Low back disc degeneration Slipped disc (spondylolisthesis) Spinal Bone Fracture Recurrent Disc Herniation Pain radiating down leg (Sciatica ) Curvature (Scoliosis) Narrowing of the Canal (Stenosis) Failed Spine Surgery with Instability.
Can L5 S1 cause paralysis?
A syndrome in L5-S1 disc herniation with sexual and sphincter dysfunction without pain and muscle weakness was noted. We think that it is crucial for neurosurgeons to early realise that paralysis of the sphincter and sexual dysfunction are possible in patients with lumbar L5-S1 disc disease.
Is L5 S1 sciatica?
L5-S1 segment is one of the main nerves involved in sciatica or sciatic-like pain syndromes. L5-S1 spondylosis: Spondylosis or arthritic degeneration of vertebral body margins or spinal discs at L5-S1 results in excessive weight-bearing activities or repetitive injuries that go untreated.
