Protrusion of l5 s1 disc: causes, symptoms, treatment

Protrusion of l5 s1 disc brings a lot of trouble ill. Is characterized by asymptomatic initial phase and development of dangerous complications. For disease there is no specific age. Are vulnerable, old and young. Timely diagnosis will eliminate the cause and prescribe treatment for the pathological process.

Protrusion of l5 s1 disc is a disease that touches the lumbar area of the spine. Affected one (fourth) lumbar and one (the first) coccygeal vertebra. The pathological process develops due to the displacement of the fibrous ring due to degenerative changes. Due to the fact that the disease affects not only aged people but also young, particularly urgent prevention.

The causes of the disease

Protrusion of the intervertebral disc l5 s1 becomes a consequence of different pathologies. This condition does not occur all of a sudden, developing over a long time. Segment s1 disc protrusion which is often affected in the case of the following diseases:

• Osteochondrosis;
• Osteoporosis;
• Kyphosis;
• Scoliosis;
• Injuries;
• Pathology that leads to cartilage destruction;

Among the main reasons there are risk factors, which include:

• Old age;
• Severe hypothermia;
• The presence of harmful habits;
• The lack of the necessary activity;
• Malnutrition for a long time;
• Frequent stressful situation.

Stage protrusion

Disc protrusion l5 s1, as any pathological process progresses in several stages. They include:

• The initial period, when the fibrous ring there are small cracks. They cause a qualitative change in the structure of the disk. The patient feels pain in the lumbar region;
• The second stage – the intervertebral disc begins to shift to the side. The distance may be about 3 mm. Appears protrusion – protrusion of the disc nucleus of the disc to the area of the spinal canal. The pain radiates discomfort in the lumbar region increases. In the second stage you can get rid of the disease without surgery, as effectively still conservative treatment;
• The third period is characterized by the rupture of the fibrous ring due to the increase in displacement. The result is the development of herniated discs. The pain intensifies, getting at times unbearable character.

Symptoms

At the beginning of the development of the disease does not manifest itself in characteristic signs. Ill perceives an erased symptoms for fatigue or other illnesses.

This process manifests itself after the transition to the second stage, when symptoms are more extensive:

• Increases pain, which may radiate to the neck, arms, intercostal space;
• There is a stiffness in the motion;
• There is a periodic lack of sensitivity of the fingers;
• There is a headache that becomes more intense with the movement of the person;
• There are differences in blood pressure, even if earlier it was normal.

Suggest to read: protrusion of spinal discs – what is it?

That will help you identify the pathology?

A disease such as protrusion of l5 s1 disc in Association with the erased symptoms in the early centuries, often confused with other pathologies of the spine. Methods that will help correct diagnosis are:

• Palpation, during which reveal a bulging disc;
• Radiography;
• Ultrasound examination;
• Conducting magnetic resonance imaging.

In some cases the disease is detected too late. The result is a surgery, and sometimes the development of complications.

How dangerous is the disease?

The danger of the disease is manifested in the consequences that it can cause. The most common among them are:

• Rapid involvement of nerve roots, often occurs when the median protrusion;
• The infringement of nerve fibers on either side of the fifth lumbar and the first sacral vertebra (because of this increase of symptoms significantly impairing the healthperson);
• A pinched complex nerve fibers, resulting in often becomes a disability.

Treatments

Protrusion of l5 s1 disc must be treated. This is to avoid the development of complications, among which the most serious is the disability. Besides, early treatment will greatly improve the quality of life, getting rid of the constant pain, and other manifestations of the disease. The process of therapeutic effects includes several areas:

• The usage of medical preparations;
• Massage courses;
• Conducting acupuncture;
• Manual therapy;
• Exercise therapy;
• Reflexology.

In addition to the basic methods of influence allocate General guidelines, compliance with which is also mandatory. These include:

• The exception of heavy load on his back;
• Limitation of stress factors;
• The quality of the food.

In the list of medicines include the use of:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• Analgesics;
• Muscle relaxants;
• Vitamin-mineral complexes;
• Immunostimulants.

In the recovery phase after carrying out the primary treatment carry out physiotherapy. Among them, the most effective is to conduct:

• Magnetic therapy;
• Electrophoresis;
• Myostimulation.

These procedures improve blood circulation, metabolism and rapid recovery of the affected region. In very advanced cases, surgery is indicated.

The indication for this will be not only severe pain, but also the involvement in the pathological process of internal organs. Among the most effective methods of surgical intervention allocate hydroplastic, laser vaporization, microdiscectomy.

• Read: exercising with a protrusion in the lower back

Protrusion of l5 s1 disc creates many problems to its owner. Persistent pain, including headaches, disturb the habitual way of life. Health deterioration has a negative impact on the performance of professional duties, even if they are not associated with physical activity. Timely diagnosis and treatment will help to restore the lost or weakened functions and to significantly improve life in General.