Is a lumbar disc bulge at L4-L5 severe?
Disease description:
I have been feeling pain in my lower back recently, and sometimes the pain radiates to my legs with a slight numb sensation. After visiting the hospital, I was diagnosed with a bulging disc at the L4-L5 level. I'm quite worried now and don't know if this condition is serious. Will my daily life be significantly affected? How serious is an L4-L5 disc bulge exactly?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Lumbar disc bulge at L4/5 is often considered a relatively mild lumbar disc problem.
A bulging disc at the L4/5 level is a common type of lumbar disc herniation, referring to the outward expansion of the disc between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae. The severity of this condition depends on the extent of the bulge, whether nerve roots are compressed, and the patient's specific symptoms.
1. Mild symptoms: If the disc bulge is minor and does not compress the nerve roots, patients may experience only mild lower back pain or no symptoms at all. In such cases, many patients can return to normal activities through rest, physical therapy, and appropriate exercise.
2. Moderate to severe: When the disc bulge is more severe and compresses the nerve roots, it may cause symptoms such as leg pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness. This requires more active treatment, such as medication, physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, and other interventions to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms.
In addition, patients should maintain good posture and habits in daily life, avoid prolonged sitting and bending movements, and reduce stress on the lumbar spine. Appropriate exercise and rehabilitation training can also help strengthen the stability and function of the lumbar spine.
