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Common Lumbosacral Conditions and their Symptoms

Have you ever heard of a lumbosacral joint? It is an L5-S1 backbone motion segment known as a transition zone between your lumbar and sacral vertebrae that lies in your lower spine. In this area, your backbone curvature shifts from the lumbar lordosis (frontward curve) to sacral kyphosis (regressive curve). So, your L5-S1 supports the transmission of load from the vertebrae into the pelvis and limbs.

Therefore, your L5-S1 motion segment features a unique framework that accepts a greater degree of mechanical pressure and loads when equated with the above part. So, these features might make L5-S1 vulnerable to painful injuries, deterioration, disc herniation, and sciatica (nerve pain).

What is the Structure of the Lumbosacral Joint?

Your lumbar motion section generally encompasses the following arrangements:

L5 and S1 Vertebrae

L5 and S1 spines have the following features:

  • L5

Your L5 features a vertebral body in front and an arch in the backbone. Also, there are three bony bulges: a protruding spinous course in the middle and two sloping procedures on the sides. So, these projections function as attachment points for the tendons.

  • S1

S1, also known as the sacral base, is the higher and broader end of the triangular-shaped sacrum. So, it comprises a bulk on the topmost with wing-like bones on either side referred to as alae. At your backbone, the S1 spine features a long bony protrusion known as a median ridge. So, you will find bony openings or foramina on the right and left sides of the divide.

Lumbosacral Facet Joints

The lumbosacral facet joints connect your L5 and S1, layered by articular cartilage:

  • L5-S1

Next comes your L5-S1 intervertebral disc. So, your disc is formed of a gel-like material (nucleus pulposus) encircled by a dense fibrous ring or annulus fibrosus and located between the spinal bodies of L5 and S1. Hence, your disc acts as a cushion and shock absorber to safeguard the spine during vertebral movements.

  • L5 Vertebral Nerve

The L5 vertebral nerve roots leave your spinal canal via the tiny bony holes or intervertebral foramina on the left and right side of the backbone. So, these nerve roots connect with surrounding nerves to transform into a more significant nerve that moves along the spine and enters into each limb.

  • L5

While the L5 dermatome is a region of your skin, it accepts sensations via the L5 spinal nerve and encompasses knee parts, limbs, and feet.

  • L5 Myotome

The L5 myotome is a cluster of muscles regulated by your L5 vertebral nerve and encompasses particular muscles in the limb and pelvis. So, these are responsible for the leg and foot actions.

  • L5-S1

Your L5-S1 motion region delivers a bony attachment for the cauda equina (a nerve that moves down from the backbone) and other subtle structures.

What Are Some Common Problems of L5-S1?

The lumbosacral jointis usually subject to extreme biomechanical pressure. So, it implies more stress and higher injury risk. Lumbosacral strain refers to an overstretched or torn muscle or ligament in this area, typically caused by overuse, sudden twisting or bending movements, lifting heavy objects incorrectly, or poor posture. So, some common problems that you may encounter include:

  • Disc Issues

Your lower spine disc herniation usually occurs at the L5-S1 level. So, a sheer vertebral disc inclination may lead to tremendous shear pressure and elevate the risk of disc injury and spinal degeneration.

  • Facet Joint Pain

Your L5-S1 is likely to suffer from osteoarthritis (wear and tear of bones) as you age as it bears too much load. At the same time, facet joints may also develop due to inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or degenerative spondylolisthesis.

  • Spondylolysis

Your lumbosacral joint is also vulnerable to spondylolysis. It is a condition where your pars interarticularis or a tiny region of your bone from the spine arch gets fractured. It happens mainly due to excessive stress on the bones. So, it can occur on one or both sides, and the bones don’t break. However, they become strained. So, you may also refer to this condition as a pars stress reaction.

  • Spondylolisthesis

If you have L5 fissures on both sides, your spine will likely slip over S1, leading to spondylolisthesis. Generally, high stress on the pars interarticularis triggers this condition. So, it is common in kids and teenagers. However, spondylolisthesis is less likely to develop as a result of trauma.

  • Tumors

Although uncommon, malignant tumors like sacral chondromas are likely to develop at the L5-S1 level. However, this level is also subject to other issues emerging from developmental fluctuations in the S1 formation (a merger of L5 with S1) and an extra facet joint between L5-S1. In this condition, you might also suffer from lumbar stenosis with neurogenic claudication.

What are the Common Symptoms?

If you suffer from any lumbosacral joint problems, you may experience pain that may emerge from L5-S1. Usually, a dull or piercing dorsalgia (back pain) can occur. So, if you sit for prolonged times, stand still in one place, and perform repetitive bending motions, you are likely to aggravate your symptoms.

So, this may compress or inflame your L5/S1 spinal nerve root, and it may trigger symptoms of radiculopathy or sciatica that include:

  • Sharp pain or searing sensation in the buttock, thighs, leg, foot, or toes.

  • Emotionlessness in the foot or toes.

  • Weakness in the limbs or foot muscles. You won’t be able to lift your foot from the ground.

  • Sometimes you may feel a stabbing pain only in the dermatomal regions.

Though these signs may impact a single leg at one time. However, there is a chance that both limbs might be affected together.

The cauda equina disorder may affect your L5-S1. It may develop due to an injury to the cauda equina nerves that move down from the backbone. So, this is a medical emergency and usually results in intense pain, weakness, numbness, and stinging in the genital area, limbs, and groin. You may also feel a loss of bowel or bladder control. So, if you have these symptoms, it indicates a severe condition and needs to be immediately treated. For this, you may visit a pain management in Dallas.

Dr. Rao K. Ali M.D.

Dr. Rao Ali, a board-certified pain management physician, leads the clinic, which specializes in nonsurgical treatment. The physician has experience in the emergency room as well as training in pain management and rehabilitation. As a personal physician, he works with each patient to develop a treatment plan that will minimize or eliminate their pain. Providing expert diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of conditions, Pain Management In Dallas, PA provides a comprehensive range of services. These services include neck pain, back pain, hip and knee pain, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, complex regional pain syndrome, headaches, migraines, and many others.