What is QI Back & Spine Clinic?

QI Back & Spine Clinic is a team of medical professionals who are dedicated to diagnosing & treating severe, chronic or acute back and spine conditions by non-surgical methods. Diagnosing the root cause of back and spine conditions is always the first step in medicine. We use a multi-disciplinary approach to accurately diagnose the cause of back pain because the more accurate the diagnosis, the more precise the treatment. We believe that it is essential to reverse the underlying cause of back pain and not just temporarily suppress the symptoms.

How do you diagnose the root cause of back pain?

An accurate diagnosis is critical as 85% of back pain cases are termed ‘non-specific’. Your back pain can be due to a neurological, systemic, structural or mechanical dysfunction. We are amongst the first to use a diagnostic approach that covers all these aspects. We use non-invasive technology that isolates the spinal structure. The controlled guided movements test and measure the strength and mobility of the spine. We can therefore identify the root cause of your back pain and prescribe further course of treatment.

What technology do you use? Is it non-invasive?

The machines we use are non-invasive biofeedback devices. They hold and support your body in fixed positions and then measure your functional ability during movements. They allow us to get a clear understanding of your spinal muscle tissue.

Who are QI spine specialists?

Our spine specialists are doctors with a specialisation in spinal disorders post a 4-year clinical degree in physical medicine or physiotherapy. They are specialists in the prescription of mechanical medical movements. Their expertise is dedicated to the reversal of spinal disorders and to promote mobility & function.

Condition

L5 – S1 Disc Bulge Treatment, Causes & Diagnosis

QI Spine Clinic, 3 years ago

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.

L5-S1 Disc Bulge Symptoms

Over time, the discs in the spine undergo wear and tear due to repetitive movements. This process is absolutely normal and is a part of aging and happens with everyone. L5-S1 bulging discs are most common as they take the stress and weight of the body. The symptoms experienced in the lower back can be terribly painful. Pain from L5-S1 might occur suddenly or develop gradually over time. Common symptoms of L5-S1 disc bulge can be as follows:

A sharp, burning, stabbing, or shooting pain in the buttock, thigh, leg, foot, or toes.
Weakness in legs
Loss of sensation at the bottom of your foot or near your heel
Inability to lift the foot off the floor
Numbness in the foot or legs
The pain is worsened by activities like prolonged sitting, standing, walking repetitive lifting and bending, etc.

L5-S1 Disc Bludge Causes

The most common cause is degeneration of the disc which occurs due to natural wear and tear in the spine due to aging. Injury or a traumatic event like a fall may also cause an L5-S1 disc bulge. Besides, improper lifting, repetitive activities that strain your spine, frequent driving, a sedentary lifestyle, and smoking may increase the chances of developing an L5-S1 disc bulge.

L5-S1 Disc Bulge Diagnosis

Your physician will go through your previous medical records and check for your symptoms. A physical and neurological examination may be done to check for muscle weakness or loss of sensation and also test your reflexes. You may be asked to get a few imaging tests done. For ex: – X-ray, MRI, CT scan

How QI Diagnoses L5-S1 Disc Bulge?

Proper diagnosis is very crucial to accurately make an L5-S1 disc bulge treatment plan. The spine specialist will go through your previous medical records and carry out the necessary examination. You may be asked to get a DSA done to find out the muscles around the spine which might have gone into inefficiency hence leading to a bulging disc.

L5-S1 Disc Bulge Treatment

There are several ways to treat L5-S1 disc bulge. You may follow the below-mentioned treatment options: –

Bed rest
Physical therapy
Maintaining a good posture while sitting, sleeping, etc.
Over-the-counter medicines to relieve pain, reduce inflammation or relax muscles. Ex – nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid injections.
Activity and lifestyle modification
Maintaining a healthy body weight

How QI Treats L5-S1 Disc Buldge

L5-S1 disc bulge treatment mainly consists of spine rehabilitation by isolating the inefficient muscles of the spine. With the help of DSA, weaker muscles are identified, isolated, and treated. This approach not only reduces the pain but also strengthens the weaker muscles which might have led to extra stress or load on the spine (L5-S1 level) hence leading to disc bulge. Qi Spine also offers a cell repair technology for bulging disc treatment wherein Frequency specific microcurrents are administered to the patient. It reduces pain, inflammation, and also speeds up the healing process.

L5-S1 Disc Bulge Prevention

Maintaining healthy body weight, exercising regularly, and adopting a good posture can reduce the risk for an L5-S1 disc bulge.

When To See A Spine Specialist?

You must seek immediate medical attention if –

Pain starts increasing in intensity
If you have numbness, tingling in your feet
You feel weakness in your muscles
Difficulty in controlling bowel/bladder movement.
You Feel difficulty in performing daily activities such as sitting, standing, walking, etc.
You feel a loss of sensation in your leg or feet
You have difficulty in maintaining balance while walking

L5-S1 Disc Bulge Frequently Asked Questions

What is an L5-S1 disc bulge?

L5-S1 is the lowest bone of the spine and when it bears the excessive load, additional pressure is put on the vertebrae, which causes bulging of the disc in the L5-S1 region.

How long will it take to heal?

Generally, the pain resolves in 4-6 weeks’ time. You should restrict your activities that are causing aggravation of pain, pain medications, ice/heat therapy, physical rehabilitation will help in your recovery.

Is disc bulge a permanent injury?

A bulging disc might never go back to its original position or shape. However, if you strengthen the muscles around the spine hence increasing the stability of the spine you might not experience any symptoms.

Is walking good for the L5-S1 disc bulge?

Moderate aerobic exercises may relieve pain. However, follow your doctors’ advice as few exercises may also lead to an increase in pain

Which is the best sleeping position for an L5-S1 disc bulge patient?

Try to switch sides from time to time to prevent any imbalance. The position in which you feel comfortable and experience less pain should be fine.

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