Lumbar disc herniation usually involves which segments?
Disease description:
I have been experiencing severe lower back pain recently, and sometimes my legs also feel numb. After an examination, it was suggested that I might have a lumbar disc herniation. I would like to know which specific lumbar vertebrae are commonly affected by disc herniation?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Lumbar disc herniation is a common spinal condition that primarily affects the lower lumbar spine, especially the intervertebral spaces L4-L5 and L5-S1. These areas bear the weight of the upper body and endure the majority of mechanical stress during daily activities, making them the most susceptible regions for lumbar disc herniation.
The lumbar spine consists of five vertebral segments, sequentially labeled L1 to L5, and connects inferiorly with the sacrum, denoted by "S." Lumbar intervertebral discs are located between adjacent vertebral bodies and play a crucial role in shock absorption and spinal stability. When the lower back is subjected to excessive loads, improper posture, or degenerative changes associated with aging, the disc's nucleus pulposus may protrude posteriorly or laterally, compressing nearby nerve roots. This can lead to a series of symptoms including low back pain, radiating pain down the lower extremities, numbness, and more.
The L4-L5 and L5-S1 intervertebral spaces are particularly prone to pathological changes, mainly due to the following factors:
1. Physiological curvature: The lumbar spine has a natural lordotic curvature, and this anatomical structure causes relatively higher pressure on the L4-L5 and L5-S1 regions.
2. Range of motion: These two intervertebral spaces are responsible for a significant degree of rotational and flexion movement in the lumbar spine, which inevitably increases the risk of injury.
