What does lumbar 5 one sacral 1 disc herniation mean?

L5-S1 disc herniation refers to the outward protrusion of the disc between the fifth lumbar vertebra and the first sacral vertebra.

The disc is located between adjacent vertebral bodies and consists of nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus. It plays an important role in buffering pressure and maintaining spinal mobility. When L5-S1 disc herniation occurs, it will affect its normal function. It may be related to many factors such as long-term incorrect posture, excessive weight, trauma, and aging. These factors can lead to rupture of the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus herniation. Patients may experience symptoms such as lumbago, radiating pain in lower limbs, numbness, weakness, etc., which may affect daily activities such as walking and standing in severe cases. Symptoms vary according to the degree and location of nerve compression by the protrusion. Comprehensive judgment such as clinical symptoms, physical examination, imaging examination such as X-ray, CT, and magnetic resonance imaging is required to clarify the diagnosis and specific conditions of the protrusion.