Experiencing pain in your lower back, tingling and/or numbness in your nerves, or weakness in one leg or foot that makes it hard to walk? These are some of the common symptoms of an L4 L5 bulging disc. Because the pain and discomfort can manifest in many different ways, this condition can be hard to diagnose, but if you’re asking yourself, “What about an L4-L5 disc bulge treatment?” We have

The causes of L4-L5 bulging disc

It’s important to know the mechanics of your spinal column and what is happening during a disc bulge so you can embark on the proper treatment with your spine doctor.

“Your spine is made up of a column of bones stacked on top of each other. Discs provide cushioning between each of these bones,” said Livestrong. “Sometimes discs may bulge — move out of place — and put pressure on nerves that exit your spine. Symptoms are specific to the level of the bulge. An L4/5 bulging disc puts pressure on your L5 nerve — one of the most common levels where this condition occurs. Bulging of this disc, located in your lower back, causes a variety of problematic symptoms.”

The importance of seeing a doctor

While you might think you know what is causing your back pain after a little research or if you have had a disc bulge in the past, making an appointment to see a leading back doctor is key to getting relief. It could be that the recommended treatment is something other than what you have previously opted for or read about. Most importantly, an L4-L5 disc bulge can lead to prolonged pain and other, more serious conditions like spondylolisthesis if you delay treatment. Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which a vertebra shifts or slips, and can cause significant pain that may require surgery to fix.

L4-L5 bulging disc treatments for pain

Bulging discs are a common occurrence and sometimes carry no symptoms; but, for many, the pain is extreme and requires immediate attention. But, “just because you have a bulging disc doesn’t mean that you need any sort of surgery,” said Dr. Mark C. Valente, Board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon and founder and Medical Director of the  DISC Spine Institute, a leader in minimally invasive back treatments and surgical procedures. “Many people who have pain from a bulging disc will get pain relief with a few days of rest and some anti-inflammatories. Traction, physical therapy, and epidural steroid injections can be beneficial as well.”

Minimally invasive spine surgery

If there is no significant improvement with these conservative treatments, your doctor may recommend a minimally invasive surgical procedure to address your back pain. “Refractory cases may require small 3 to 15 mm incisions with suture-less outpatient surgery to shave the bulging disc and create more room for the spinal nerves,” they said.

Minimally invasive surgical techniques mean treating chronic back pain is easier than ever, with outpatient treatments, small incisions, and a quicker recovery time instead of a long hospital stay.

Advances in technology and specialization by leading spinal surgeons have made minimally invasive back surgery a popular and ever-growing option for those seeking to end their back pain. If you’re suffering from pain and need L4-L5 disc bulging treatment, contact DISC Spine Institute.