What Is L5 and S1 Nerve Root Impingement?
Quick Answer
Impingement of a nerve between the L5 and S1 vertebrae indicates the structure is placing pressure on the nerve root. According to the Laser Spine Institute, this is one of the most common of all pinched nerves.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
This nerve root feeds the sciatic nerve, and impingement has the potential to affect the lower buttocks, legs and feet. The Laser Spine Institute lists sciatica symptoms as pain, numbness, tingling and burning. In severe cases, sciatica causes muscle weakness.
Removal of the cause of impingement is one of the most effective treatments, according to Reference.com. Ninety percent of cases heal naturally with supportive therapy when the underlying cause is lumbar disc herniation. Supportive therapy includes several options, such as acupuncture, chiropractics, tricyclic antidepressants, pain medication, physical therapy and surgery. There are also minimally invasive surgical options available.
WebMD indicates the pain is debilitating in some patients and infrequent and irritating for others. Infrequent pain has the potential to become worse. It is recommended that patients seek immediate attention if the lower extremities become progressively weaker, there is numbness in the upper thigh or the individual suffers loss of bowel or bladder control. Potential causes of impingement include narrowing of the spinal canal in one's lower back, degenerative disc disease and pregnancy. Lifestyle choices such as avoiding exercise, being overweight and wearing heels often make the pain from this condition worse, according to WebMD.
Learn more about NervesRelated Questions
-
Q:
How Do I Describe How a Spinal Nerve Exits From the Vertebral Column?
A: Each spinal nerve exits the vertebral column through a small hole, or foramen, on the side of the corresponding vertebrae, CNS-Visual Perspectives explains... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Where Is the Sciatic Nerve?
A: The sciatic nerve begins in the lower portion of the spine, traces through the buttocks and down each leg, according to MedlinePlus. This nerve controls mu... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Is the Sciatic Nerve?
A: The sciatic nerve is the primary nerve that runs down the back of the leg. It branches from the lower spine and runs the entire length of the leg and foot. Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Are the Openings That Provide Exits for Spinal Nerves?
A: Spinal nerves emerge from the spinal column through the intervertebral foramen of the vertebrae, according to Neuroscience Online. The human spinal cord is... Full Answer >Filed Under:
