A disc made of a gel-like material (nucleus pulposus) surrounded by a thick fibrous ring (annulus fibrosus) is situated between the vertebral bodies of L5 and S1. This disc provides cushioning and shock-absorbing functions to protect the vertebrae during spinal movements.

Conditions affecting the L5-S1 spinal motion segment are usually treated with nonsurgical methods. If the lower back and/or leg symptoms worsen or do not improve despite these treatments, or in case of certain medical emergencies, such as tumors or cauda equina syndrome, surgery may be recommended.

L5-S1 degenerative disc disease is an age-related condition that affects the disc in the lumbosacral joint at the base of the spine. This joint provides stability to the spinal column and allows the torso to bend and twist through a wide range of motion.

Most disk herniations happen in the lower lumbar spine, especially between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae and between the fifth lumbar vertebra and the first sacral vertebra (the L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels).

L5-S1 is the lowest level of the disc in the spine and sits at the junction between the lowest lumbar vertebrae and sacrum. This tends to suffer more stress and hence L5-S1 disc bulge is quite common. L5-S1 refers to the disc situated between lumbar bone number 5 and the sacrum.

Mar 20, 2017 · When you are dealing with a moderate disc herniation at L5-S1, there are some things that you can do to facilitate the healing process. Most people may start their treatment by identifying the source of their problem and then eliminating it from their daily routines.

If the disc between the L5 and S1 vertebrae collapses, it can allow the bones to rub against one another, causing inflammation, irritation and eventually bone spurs. It can also put pressure on the L5 nerve root, triggering a number of symptoms known collectively as sciatica.

Oct 13, 2021 · The classic initial symptoms of l5 s1 disc protrusion or l5 s1 bulge of the disc are frequent or persistent aching pain in the lower back and sacrum, which tends to intensify after prolonged walking, sitting or doing physical work and disappear after rest.

Mar 5, 2025 · It is impossible to explain L5-S1 degenerative disc disease to you without giving you a short anatomy lesson. As this diagnosis is linked to the intervertebral discs, let's start by identifying the main structures that are part of the spine:

An L5-S1 bulging disc happens when the disc between L5 and S1 vertebrae gets bigger than it should. This can press on the spinal nerves. It leads to pain, weakness, and other issues.