back pain

Kidney Pain vs. Back Pain

With debilitating back pain, it can be difficult to decipher between a simple pulled muscle and a more serious internal problem. After all, back pain is a possible symptom of certain organ conditions, including kidney problems. In this article, we’ll explore kidney pain vs. back pain and when to seek medical care.

Table of Contents

• How Do You Know if Your Back Pain Is Kidney-Related?
• Does Kidney Pain Hurt to the Touch?
• Causes of Back Pain That May Feel Like Kidney Pain
• Other Conditions That May Feel Like Kidney Pain
• How to Tell if It’s Kidney Pain or Back Pain

How Do You Know if Your Back Pain Is Kidney-Related?

You may know that your back pain is kidney-related if you feel it on the upper half of the back and more deeply than typical back pain. 

Signs that your back pain may be kidney-related include:

• You primarily feel it in the upper back (although kidney pain can also affect the lower back). 
• You experience pain just under the ribcage or in your sides. 
• Your back pain feels like a constant, dull ache or sharp pain that occurs in waves. 
• Your back pain spreads to the groin. 
• Your pain comes with other symptoms, including:
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Chills 
  • Pain while urinating and/or blood in urine
  • Needing to urinate urgently
  • Dizziness
  • Diarrhea or constipation

Your back pain may not be kidney-related if it improves when you move around, change positions, or avoid activities that strain the spine. Additionally, you may be dealing with back pain and/or a spinal condition (not a kidney problem) if you experience additional symptoms like:

• Swelling and tenderness in the painful area
• Muscle spasms in the affected area
• Numbness, weakness, and/or tingling in the lower extremities
• Back stiffness
• A grating or crackling sensation (known as crepitus) in the spine

What Kidney Problems Can Cause Back Pain?

Kidney problems that can cause back pain include kidney infections, kidney stones, polycystic kidney disease, kidney cysts, and kidney tumors. 

• Kidney infections occur when bacteria from the bladder reach one or both kidneys. Also known as pyelonephritis, this condition requires immediate medical care to prevent long-term kidney damage. 
• Kidney stones are deposits of salts and minerals that form in the kidneys when urine becomes concentrated. If the stones get caught in the ureters and prevent urine from passing through the body, they can cause spasms in the ureter. This may trigger sharp back, groin, and lower abdominal pain. 
• Polycystic kidney disease, or PKD, is a genetic condition that causes cyst growth in the kidneys. These cysts can compromise normal kidney function and may cause lower back, side, or abdominal pain. 
• Kidney cysts are small pouches that develop on or in the kidneys. They can either be solid or fluid-filled. In most cases, kidney cysts are benign and asymptomatic. However, if the cysts become too large, they may cause pain in the back, side, or under the ribs.  
• Kidney tumors are abnormal kidney growths that may be benign or cancerous. In either case, the tumor may trigger lower back pain, side pain, flank pain, or pain under the ribs. 

Does Kidney Pain Hurt to the Touch?

Kidney pain can hurt to the touch. If you press gently where the kidney is located, the pain may worsen or feel more intense. 

Your physician may gently press over the kidney or tap the flank area as part of the physical exam to diagnose kidney pain.  

Causes of Back Pain That May Feel Like Kidney Pain

Causes of back pain that may feel like kidney pain include back muscle sprain, back spasms, herniated discs, and sciatica. 

• Back sprains occur when ligaments in the back are stretched or torn. This causes back inflammation and pain, as well as muscle spasms, in some cases. Back sprains often result from overuse, lifting heavy objects, and excessively bending or twisting. 
• Back spasms are a very common form of back pain that results from a sudden, involuntary muscle contraction. They can be caused by poor posture, overuse, dehydration, potassium deficiency, and even anxiety or stress. Back spasms are also a symptom of certain spinal conditions, including spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, scoliosis, spinal arthritis, and herniated discs. 

• Herniated discs are spinal discs that become damaged, either due to a sudden trauma or gradual degeneration. With this condition, the tough disc exterior cracks or tears, and the jelly-like interior protrudes into the spinal canal. Especially if a herniated disc occurs in the lower or mid back, it could be mistaken for kidney pain. 
• Sciatica results from pressure on the sciatic nerve, and it involves pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling that radiates from the lower back to one or both legs. It can also cause dull or sharp lower back pain, which may be mistaken for kidney pain. 

Other Conditions That May Feel Like Kidney Pain

Urinary tract infections, appendicitis, and stomach viruses can also mimic kidney pain.

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How to Tell if It’s Kidney Pain or Back Pain

You can tell if it’s kidney pain or back pain by evaluating where you’re experiencing pain, how deep it feels, and if it’s accompanied by other symptoms. 

Ultimately, the only way to know for sure if you have kidney pain or back pain is to see a doctor. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and medical history to identify possible causes of your pain. If this information points to a kidney problem, you may need to undergo testing before your doctor can make a diagnosis. 

Along with a physical exam, your doctor may order the following tests to diagnose kidney pain:

• Urine tests can reveal signs of kidney disease, including infections and proteins. 
• Blood tests can help diagnose kidney stones and kidney infections. 
• An ultrasound imaging test allows your doctor to see the kidneys and other areas of the urinary tract. It can help diagnose kidney stones, cysts, tumors, and infections. 
• A CT (computer tomography) scan uses a computer and X-rays to form detailed images of the kidneys.  
• An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) test provides detailed images of your kidneys using a powerful magnet, radio waves, and a computer. Compared to CT scans, MRIs provide superior contract resolution. 

If your physician determines that your pain isn’t kidney-related, they’ll likely consider other common causes of back pain, such as:

• Back muscle strain or ligament sprain
• Herniated disc
• Degenerative disc disease
• Osteoarthritis
• Scoliosis
• Sciatica
• Spinal stenosis
• Spondylolisthesis 

These forms of back pain can be caused by an acute injury, like a sudden blow to the spine, or spinal degeneration. Degeneration occurs over time as a result of wear and tear, as well as age-related changes to the spine. 

If you’re struggling with back pain that doesn’t go away with at-home care, or if you have other symptoms of a kidney problem (like nausea, vomiting, or fever), visit your doctor for an evaluation.

Sudden Sharp Pain in the Middle of the Back

Sudden, sharp pain can be alarming, to say the least. When it occurs in the middle of the back, you may wonder if it’s resulting from an injury, spine condition, or even an organ problem. 

In this article, we’ll provide an overview of possible causes of sudden, sharp pain in the middle of the back. As you read, keep in mind that the only way to know the exact cause of your mid-back pain is to get evaluated by a doctor.

Table of Contents

• What Causes Sudden Sharp Stabbing Pain in the Mid Back?
• Why Do I Get Sudden Sharp Back Pain Out of Nowhere?
• How Do I Know if My Middle Back Pain Is Serious?
• How to Tell if Back Pain Is Muscle or Disc?
• Back Pain: Main Causes and Treatments

What Causes Sudden Sharp Stabbing Pain in the Mid Back?

Sudden, sharp, stabbing pain in the mid back can be caused by a muscle spasm, strained muscle, sprained ligament, herniated disc, or pinched nerve. 

Muscle Spasms

Muscle spasms occur when a muscle suddenly and involuntarily seizes or contracts. This can feel like a sudden, sharp pain that seems to come out of nowhere. Many people refer to this as throwing out your back. 

The following factors can lead to a back muscle spasm:

• Poor posture
• Overusing the back muscles
• Excessively twisting, bending, or extending the spine
• Insufficient hydration, potassium, or calcium in your diet
• Stress or anxiety
• Spinal conditions, including spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, herniated disc, and arthritis

Strained Back Muscle

When a muscle is strained, it means that the muscle fibers are either stretched or torn. This injury can result from overuse, an accident or fall, or using a muscle improperly. Strained back muscles vary significantly in severity, but can feel like a sudden, sharp pain in the back. 

Other symptoms of strained back muscles include:

• Back stiffness
• Reduced range of motion
• Muscle spasms
• Reduced range of motion
• Tenderness 

Sprained Ligament

A sprained back results from a stretched or torn ligament. This can be caused by improper lifting techniques, poor posture, repetitive movements, a sudden fall, a sports injury, or being overweight. Excess weight places more stress on the back ligaments, potentially leading to damage.  

Along with sudden back pain, a sprained ligament can result in:

• Muscle spasms
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Loss of strength in the back

Herniated Disc

With a herniated disc, the damaged spinal disc protrudes into the spinal canal. It may press on spinal nerves, which can trigger sharp or shooting back pain. Herniated discs can be caused by a sudden injury, but most often result from spinal degeneration. 

Sometimes, a herniated disc can cause muscle spasms by disrupting the nerve signals sent from a spinal nerve to nearby muscle tissue. 

Pinched Nerve

When a spinal nerve becomes pinched or compressed, it can cause sharp, sudden, or burning back pain. You may have sharp pain when you cough, sneeze, or make certain movements. This pain may also radiate into the lower extremities.

Many conditions and injuries can cause a pinched spinal nerve, including a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and bone spurs. Even poor posture or being overweight can contribute to spinal nerve compression. 

Why Do I Get Sudden Sharp Back Pain Out of Nowhere?

You may get sudden sharp back pain out of nowhere because you have an acute back injury, like a back strain, sprain, or pinched nerve. Compression fractures from osteoporosis can also cause sudden lower back pain. 

How Do I Know if My Middle Back Pain Is Serious?

You may know that your middle back pain is serious if it’s debilitating, persists for several weeks, or is accompanied by other symptoms, like weakness, numbness, incontinence, or fever. 

If middle back pain is debilitating, it may compromise your day-to-day routine. You may find it difficult to stand, sit, or walk for prolonged periods without severe discomfort. Additionally, debilitating middle back pain can make it hard to fall and stay asleep. 

Middle back pain that lasts longer than a few weeks indicates an issue that requires professional medical care. Most often, the issue is a spinal condition like spinal stenosis, nerve impingement, a herniated disc, or osteoarthritis. These conditions require ongoing care to prevent further damage to the spine. 

If middle back pain is accompanied by symptoms like weakness, numbness, incontinence, fever, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, or fatigue, seek emergency medical care. Along with severe back pain, these symptoms can point to a severe nerve condition, like cauda equina syndrome, or spinal infections. 

How to Tell if Back Pain Is Muscle or Disc?

You may be able to tell if back pain is caused by a muscle or disc by the extent of the pain and whether it feels like soreness or a neurological problem (tingly, numb, or electric). 

Signs that your back pain is muscular include:

• Tenderness to the touch
• Muscle spasms
• Swelling and/or bruising
• Sharp, achy, or cramp-like pain
• Pain that worsens with movement

Signs that your back pain is disc-related include:

• Pain that radiates down one or both legs
• Numbness, tingling, or a “pins and needles” sensation
• Muscle weakness around the affected area and/or in the legs
• Worsened pain when you bend, sit, or stand for prolonged periods. 

Additionally, pain from a pulled or strained muscle typically improves within a few weeks of care. Disc problems, on the other hand, take longer to heal – up to three months. Additionally, due to the presence of neurological symptoms, disc problems are more likely to require professional medical care than muscle strains.

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Back Pain: Main Causes and Treatments

The main causes of back pain include overuse, poor posture, spinal degeneration, and the natural aging process. Treatments include physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, medications, and surgery. 

Overuse

Overusing your back and spine can lead to various injuries, including sprains, strains, herniated discs, and even vertebral stress fractures (AKA spondylolysis). Sprains, strains, and some herniated discs can effectively be resolved with at-home care, including rest, heat/cold therapy, and over-the-counter medications. More severe disc herniated and stress fractures require professional medical care. 

Poor Posture

Poor posture causes back pain by forcing the spine out of its natural alignment. This imbalances the distribution of impact on the spinal structures, often causing inflammation and muscle tension. Correcting your posture can prevent and resolve this issue. 

Spinal Degeneration

The spine naturally degenerates with age, contributing to conditions like degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and osteoarthritis. However, excessive strain on the spine over time can accelerate this degeneration, leading to back pain earlier in life. Non-invasive treatments like physical therapy, medications, lifestyle changes, and chiropractic care are usually sufficient to resolve degenerative spine conditions. However, in advanced cases, you may require surgery to make a full recovery. Luckily, surgical solutions for degenerative spine conditions have advanced greatly over the past several years, providing better outcomes and fewer complications.

L5-S1 Exercises to Avoid

The L5-S1 spinal level includes the last bone of the lumbar spine and the first bone of the sacral spine. Also known as the lumbosacral joint, this is a transitional area of the lower back. With its location and flexibility, L5-S1 is vulnerable to significant impact throughout your life. 

If you’re struggling with L5-S1 pain, avoiding certain exercises can prevent worsening discomfort and damage. Read on to learn more about which activities to avoid with an L5-S1 condition.

Table of Contents

• What Can You Not Do With L5 S1?
• What Makes L5 S1 Worse?
• How Do You Get Rid of L5 S1 Pain Fast?
• L5-S1 Conditions and Treatments

What Can You Not Do With L5 S1?

With L5 S1 problems, you can’t do certain activities, including golfing, gardening, gymnastics, and weightlifting. You also can’t sit for prolonged periods. 

You should avoid golfing, gardening, and gymnastics with L5 S1 conditions because these activities involve excessive spinal twisting and bending. These motions place undue strain on the lower spine and may worsen conditions like nerve impingement and disc herniation. 

Weightlifting and heavy lifting, in general, can also be harmful to individuals with L5 S1 problems. Heavy lifting stresses the lower spine and can exacerbate various issues, including spinal stenosis, herniated disc, spondylolisthesis, and osteoarthritis. 

What Makes L5 S1 Worse?

High-impact exercise, excessive twisting or bending, prolonged sitting, and prolonged bed rest make L5 S1 worse. 

• High-impact exercises, like running and weightlifting, place impact on the lumbar and sacral spine. It’s best to stick to low-impact exercise while you have an L5-S1 condition because it prevents further spinal damage. 
• Excessive twisting and bending can extend your spine beyond its natural range of motion, increasing the risk of damage. While it’s important to remain mobile with an L5-S1 condition, avoid activities that require repeated or extreme twisting and bending. 
• Prolonged sitting can worsen L5 S1 problems, as it can cause back muscle tension and stress the spinal discs. While sitting can provide temporary relief from certain spinal conditions, including spinal stenosis, extended periods of sitting can be harmful.
  • If you have a desk job, try to stand and walk around at least once per hour. Or, consider investing in a standing desk.  
• Bedrest can be tempting when you’re struggling with L5 S1 pain. However, prolonged or excessive bedrest limits circulation to the spine, contributes to muscle weakness, and ultimately slows the healing process. 

Other lifestyle habits that can make L5 S1 problems worse include:

• Smoking compromises spinal health by restricting circulation. Nicotine causes blood vessel constriction, reducing the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the spine. Smoking also worsens inflammation, which can exacerbate various L5-S1 conditions. 
• Being overweight increases the impact on the L5-S1 segment. Whether you’re sitting, standing, walking, or exercising, excess pounds stress the lower spine. Reaching a healthy weight alleviates this extra strain to protect the spine. 
• Poor posture causes an imbalanced distribution of impact on the spine, including the L5-S1 segment. This imbalance accelerates spinal degeneration and can cause lower back pain. 
• Not sleeping enough can jeopardize your spinal health. Sleep allows your body to repair damaged tissue and manage inflammation. Without this restorative process, you may experience worsened back pain and a slower recovery process. 

How Do You Get Rid of L5 S1 Pain Fast?

You can try to get rid of L5 S1 fast with rest, heat/ice therapy, physical therapy, and pain medication. If these methods don’t offer relief and your pain is debilitating, surgery is another option to consider. 

The best way to ensure a fast recovery from L5 S1 pain is to seek medical care as soon as possible. Early intervention protects the spine against further damage, allowing for a quicker recovery. Additionally, by seeing a doctor ASAP for L5 S1 pain, you can address your symptoms before they become severe. 

L5-S1 Conditions and Treatments

L5-S1 conditions include spondylolisthesis, disc herniation, and osteoarthritis. Treatments include at-home remedies, physical therapy, pain medications, spinal injections, and surgery. 

L5-S1 Spondylolisthesis

L5-S1 spondylolisthesis occurs when the L5 vertebra slips down, resting on the S1 vertebra. This form of spondylolisthesis is most often caused by overuse or spondylolysis, a defect in the L5 pars interarticularis. In fact, isthmic spondylolisthesis, the term used for spondylolisthesis caused by a pars defect, most commonly occurs at the L5-S1 level. 

Symptoms of L5-S1 spondylolisthesis include:

• Lower back pain that worsens with activity, especially lifting and bending
• Spasms in the hamstring muscles
• Lower back stiffness
• Neurological symptoms in the legs and/or feet, including tingling, numbness, and weakness

Along with rest, physical therapy, and pain medications, bracing is often used to treat L5-S1 spondylolisthesis. Bracing stabilizes the spine while the area heals. 

L5-S1 Herniated Disc

An estimated 95% of herniated discs in patients aged 25 to 55 occur at the L5-S1 or L4-L5 level. When a disc is herniated or ruptured, it means that the disc interior is protruding through a tear in the disc exterior. The disc may impinge on nearby spinal nerves, causing pain and neurological symptoms. 

Disc herniation at the L5-S1 level can also cause sciatica, a condition involving sciatic nerve compression. Sciatica symptoms include pain, burning, tingling, and numbness that radiate from the lower back to the buttocks and down one or both legs.  Many cases of L5-S1 disc herniation resolve after a few weeks of rest, heat/ice therapy, and over-the-counter pain medications. If at-home remedies aren’t sufficient, you may need physical therapy, chiropractic care, and doctor-recommended lifestyle adjustments. Physicians typically only recommend surgery for severe herniated discs that don’t improve with conservative methods.

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L5-S1 Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis that results from wear and tear on cartilage within the joints. Spinal osteoarthritis is also known as facet joint arthritis because it damages the cartilage in the spine’s facet joints. L5-S1 osteoarthritis can trigger various symptoms, including:

• Lower back pain that may radiate to the legs
• Reduced mobility in the spine
• Back or leg muscle spasms
• Leg weakness or tightness
• Numbness and/or tingling in the back and legs

Some of the symptoms listed above can result from bone spurs, a prevalent complication of osteoarthritis. Bone spurs are small lumps of excess bone that develop in response to friction within a joint. They can press on spinal nerves, leading to pain and neurological symptoms. 

While osteoarthritis isn’t a curable condition, many treatments can reduce pain levels and restore joint function. L5-S1 osteoarthritis is often treated with physical therapy, pain medications, steroid injections, and lifestyle adjustments. If these methods fail, surgery can be implemented to remove bone spurs and resolve nerve impingement. 

If you’re experiencing pain or other symptoms at the L5-S1 level, reach out to a spine specialist for an evaluation. 

Middle Back Pain Red Flags

Middle back pain may not be as common as neck or lower back pain, but still impacts many people at some point in adulthood. But, when is middle back pain a simple matter of muscle tension or overuse and when does it point to a serious medical issue?

In this article, we’ll help you decipher between the two with middle back pain red flags. Keep in mind that while we can provide general information, middle back pain differs from patient to patient. So, when in doubt, reach out to your doctor. 

Table of Contents

• What Disease Causes Middle Back Pain?
• What Are the Red Flags of Back Pain?
• Why Am I Getting Back Pain in the Middle?
• Can Stress Cause Middle Back Pain?
• How Do You Fix Middle Back Pain?

What Disease Causes Middle Back Pain?

Many diseases can cause middle back pain, including osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, kidney diseases, pancreatitis, and spinal diseases.

• Osteoporosis occurs when bone tissue weakens, or your body produces less bone tissue than usual. An estimated 10 million people in the U.S. have osteoporosis, making it a prevalent bone disease. It can cause middle back pain by weakening the vertebrae and causing spinal compression fractures. 
• Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease that triggers far-reaching musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, disrupted sleep, and even memory and mood problems. It can cause middle back pain and tenderness.  
• Scoliosis is an abnormal, sideways spinal curvature. It can result from genetics, spinal disc degeneration, osteoarthritis, or osteoporosis. Scoliosis often causes back pain, including mid-back pain, as the spinal curve increases pressure on the spinal structures and back muscles. 
• Kidney diseases, such as kidney stones, cysts, and infections, are a possible cause of middle back pain. Kidney pain may also be felt just under the ribs or in your sides. The pain is typically accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting. 
• Pancreatitis is characterized by inflammation in the pancreas, and it’s most often caused by gallstones or consuming alcohol in excess. Along with stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, rapid heartbeat, and fluid buildup in the belly, pancreatitis can cause middle back pain. 
• Spinal diseases like spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, and herniated discs can cause middle back pain. 

What Are the Red Flags of Back Pain?

The red flags of back pain include pain that doesn’t improve with treatment, occurs at night or at rest, wakes you up at night, or is accompanied by symptoms like fever, unexplained weight loss, or incontinence. 

Back Pain That Doesn’t Improve with Treatment

If back pain doesn’t improve with several weeks or months of treatment, it could point to a chronic or more severe condition. Your physician may recommend a different course of treatment or more invasive methods. Sometimes, surgery is necessary to resolve back pain that doesn’t improve with conservative treatment. 

Back Pain That Occurs at Night or at Rest

Back pain that occurs at night or at rest is a red flag. While it may simply be due to poor posture or a muscle strain, nighttime back pain and pain that doesn’t improve with rest are possible symptoms of spinal tumors. Other potential spinal tumor symptoms include:

• Abnormal gait
• Generalized mid-back pain
• Bladder or bowel incontinence
• Numbness, weakness, or tingling
• Paralysis  

Back Pain That Wakes You Up at Night

Back pain that wakes you up at night is a red flag of serious nerve impingement, spinal infections, spinal fractures, and spinal tumors. It can also point to ankylosing spondylitis, a form of arthritis.

If your back pain consistently makes it difficult to stay asleep, reach out to your doctor for an evaluation. 

Back Pain with Other Symptoms

Back pain that occurs with certain other symptoms can indicate a serious health condition or severe nerve compression. If you experience back pain with any of these symptoms, reach out to your doctor immediately. You may need emergency medical attention. 

Symptoms that are considered red flags with back pain include:

• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting 
• Unexplained weight loss
• Lost bowel or bladder control
• Numbness and tingling in the inner thighs, genitals, or buttocks
• Difficulty standing or walking
• Abrupt leg weakness

Why Am I Getting Back Pain in the Middle?

You may be getting back pain in the middle because of poor posture, overuse, stress, a sudden impact, an organ condition, or a spinal condition. 

• Poor posture keeps your spine out of proper alignment, increasing the impact on spinal structures. It also causes muscle tension. These factors are a recipe for pain in the middle, upper, and lower back. 
• Overuse can cause back sprains, strains, pinched nerves, and even vertebral stress fractures. These conditions can often be resolved with rest and at-home care, but more severe cases require physical therapy and medications. 
• A sudden impact on the spine, like a car accident injury, can cause middle back pain. 
• Organ conditions, like kidney problems and pancreatitis, can cause middle back pain. While back pain is more likely to result from a musculoskeletal issue than an organ problem, it’s important to contact your doctor if you experience other symptoms with mid-back pain, like nausea, vomiting, and unexplained weight loss. 
• Spinal conditions, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, osteoarthritis, and herniated discs, can cause back pain in the middle. These conditions have the potential to cause chronic pain and disability. So, visit your doctor for an exam if you experience middle back pain that doesn’t resolve with at-home care. 

Can Stress Cause Middle Back Pain?

Yes, stress can cause middle back pain. This is because stress contributes to back muscle tension and inflammation. 

When you’re feeling stressed, you tend to tense your muscles – especially the muscles of your back. Muscle tension places more stress on the spine, often leading to back pain and stiffness. Try to pay attention to your muscles, relaxing them and breathing deeply when you’re experiencing stress. 

Prolonged stress can increase inflammation throughout the body and worsen back pain. This is because chronic stress can make your body less sensitive to cortisol, the primary stress hormone. Inflammation can exacerbate pain from poor posture, sprains, strains, and various spinal conditions.

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How Do You Fix Middle Back Pain?

You can fix middle back pain with rest, lifestyle adjustments, physical therapy, medications, or surgery, depending on its cause. 

The best way to fix middle back pain will come down to the cause and extent of your pain. Your physician may also recommend your occupation, age, and lifestyle in determining the best treatment path for your needs. 

To fix middle back pain as quickly as possible, don’t hesitate to see your doctor. Early intervention is the most effective way to achieve relief without the need for invasive procedures or prolonged recovery periods.

What Are the Symptoms of L4-L5 Nerve Damage?

Lumbar nerve damage is a common cause of chronic lower back pain. Left untreated, it can present the risk of permanent complications. 

In this article, we’ll explore the symptoms of L4-L5 nerve damage and when to seek professional care for lower back pain. 

Table of Contents

• How Do I Know If I Have Nerve Damage?
• How Can I Test Myself for L4 L5 Nerve Damage?
• What Is the Most Common Nerve Damage?
• Do Damaged Nerves Ever Heal?
• L4 L5 Nerve Damage Treatment
• Surgery for L4-L5 Nerve Damage

How Do I Know If I Have Nerve Damage?

You may have nerve damage if you experience numbness, tingling, burning, muscle weakness, or pain that radiates to the extremities. These are telltale symptoms of nerve damage (also known as neuropathic pain).

Other signs of nerve damage include:

• Frequently dropping objects
• Sensitivity to touch
• Difficulty balancing or walking
• A prickling or “pins and needles” sensation in the feet
• Sharp or jabbing pain in the back or lower extremities

In more severe cases, nerve damage can cause:

• Loss of bladder or bowel control: If the nerves that manage bladder or bowel emptying become damaged, you may experience incontinence. 
• Sexual dysfunction: Neurological disorders like peripheral neuropathy can trigger sexual dysfunction by compromising sensation in the genitals. 
• Compromised coordination and mobility: Individuals with severe nerve damage may struggle to walk, balance, hold objects, and complete other daily tasks. 
• Paralysis: Left untreated, nerve damage poses the risk of temporary or permanent paralysis. This is the inability to make voluntary motions. 

How Do I Know If I Have L4-L5 Nerve Damage?

The L4-L5 spinal segment is the lowest segment of the lumbar spine. It innervates the front portion of the thigh, inner portions of the lower leg, outer sides of the lower leg, upper foot, and area between the first and second toes. 

So, with L4-L5 nerve damage, you may experience symptoms in the lower back, legs, and feet. 

How Can I Test Myself for L4 L5 Nerve Damage?

You can test yourself for L4-L5 nerve damage at home with a few simple positions. While these tests may indicate if your pain is related to nerve damage, only a qualified physician can accurately diagnose your condition. 

Start by sitting in a chair with your hands clasped behind your back and rounding your spine in a slumped position. Then, one by one, complete the following movements:

• Bend your neck down while lifting one leg up, with your toes flexed toward the ceiling, noting if this causes pain. Then, gently lift your head, noting if this lessens your pain.
  • If the initial position causes pain, you may be experiencing nerve pain. 
  • If lifting your head lessens your pain, you’re likely experiencing nerve pain, as lifting your head moves the spinal nerves without impacting your leg muscles. 
• In the slumped position, extend your legs in front of you. Start with each leg individually, then extend both simultaneously. If you experience pain that radiates from the lower back to the leg(s), you may have spinal nerve irritation.
• In the slumped position, raise your right knee to your chest, noting pain or difficulty completing the movement. Repeat with the left knee. Pain or an inability to raise the knee may indicate spinal nerve irritation.   

What Is the Most Common Nerve Damage?

The most common cause of nerve damage is degenerative spinal changes. This includes spinal degeneration related to osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and spondylolisthesis.

• Osteoarthritis is also known as wear-and-tear arthritis. It can break down the cartilage within the spine’s facet joints, creating friction, inflammation, and, in some cases, bone spurs. All of these degenerative changes can irritate the spinal nerves, leading to nerve damage symptoms. 
• Spinal stenosis develops when the spinal canal narrows, often due to degenerative spinal changes like thickened ligaments, bone spurs, and degenerated discs. As the canal narrows, the open space around the spinal nerves decreases, and spinal structures may eventually press on the nerve tissue. This leads to symptoms like radiating pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness. 
• Herniated discs are spinal discs that become damaged, typically due to repeated impact over time. This impact can tear the disc exterior, causing the jelly-like interior to push outward into the spinal canal. The damaged disc may then press on nearby spinal nerves. 
• Spondylolisthesis develops when a vertebra slips down over the vertebra beneath it. This can result from degenerative spinal changes or a congenital spinal defect. This misaligned vertebra can irritate nearby spinal nerves, eventually causing nerve damage. 

Do Damaged Nerves Ever Heal?

Damaged nerves can heal eventually with treatment, in many cases. 

Oftentimes, a nerve can heal on its own with conservative therapies like rest, activity modifications, and physical therapy. In other cases, surgery is required to remove pressure from the nerve, allowing it to heal. 

However, in severe cases, nerve damage progresses to an irreversible point. While the nerve may be past the point of regrowth, a surgeon may be able to remove the damaged nerve tissue and reconnect the remaining nerve endings. 

To prevent permanent nerve damage, visit your doctor as soon as you experience signs of a nerve problem. Early intervention prevents nerve damage progression and reduces the likelihood that you’ll need surgery. 

L4 L5 Nerve Damage Treatment

L4-L5 nerve damage treatment options include lifestyle modifications, pain medications, physical therapy, radiofrequency ablation, and spinal decompression surgery. 

Lifestyle Modifications for L4-L5 Nerve Damage

Commonly recommended lifestyle changes for L4-L5 nerve damage include:

• Remaining active with low-impact exercise, like aerobics, walking, and swimming
• Refraining from movements or activities that trigger symptoms, like weightlifting and excessive spinal extensions
• Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight to reduce day-to-day impact on the spine
• Eating a nutrient-rich diet
• Limiting prolonged periods of sitting
• Improving your posture to keep the spine in optimal alignment

Medications for L4-L5 Nerve Damage

Over-the-counter medications, like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can provide temporary relief from L4-L5 nerve damage. If OTC medications don’t offer relief, your physician may suggest prescription formulations. 

Physical Therapy for L4-L5 Nerve Damage

Physical therapy for L4-L5 nerve damage involves strengthening the core and back muscles that support the spine. Your PT will provide a targeted exercise routine that suits your condition and stage of recovery. 

Some physical therapists offer complementary therapies, including electromagnetic stimulation, acupuncture, heat/cold therapy, and massage. 

Radiofrequency Ablation for L4-L5 Nerve Damage

Radiofrequency ablation, or RFA, uses radiofrequency energy to alter nerve tissue. It heats and destroys the targeted nerve, which keeps it from sending pain signals to the brain. This provides relief from L4-L5 nerve pain. 

RFA can effectively relieve chronic L4-L5 nerve pain for some people. It can also reduce your reliance on pain medications and may delay or prevent surgery. The procedure presents a low risk of complications, but may not work for everyone. 

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Surgery for L4-L5 Nerve Damage

Surgery for L4-L5 nerve damage typically involves spinal decompression. Surgical spinal decompression removes the tissue impinging on the spinal nerve. This restores blood flow to the nerve and allows it to heal. 

Surgical spinal decompression procedures include:

• Laminectomy involves removing some or all of the lamina, the piece of bone that covers the spinal canal. It’s commonly used for spinal stenosis, herniated disc, and spondylolisthesis. 
• Discectomy involves removing some or all of a damaged spinal disc to alleviate nerve pain from a herniated disc. 
• Foraminotomy involves enlarging the foramen, the opening through which nerve roots leave the spinal canal. It can create more space around a compressed spinal nerve. 

Spinal decompression procedures are often accompanied by spinal fusion to restabilize the spine. However, innovations like the TOPS System can stabilize the spine without permanently compromising spinal stability. Contact a spinal specialist in your area today to learn more.

L4 L5 Spine Diseases

The L4-L5 spinal level is susceptible to significant strain and impact. As the lowest segment in the lumbar spine, the L4 and L5 vertebrae must support the rest of the spine with daily motions. Additionally, as the lumbar spine is more flexible than the rest of the spine, it has a higher risk of injury. 

In this article, we’ll explore L4-L5 spine diseases, their symptoms, and available treatment options.  

Table of Contents

Typical Symptoms Arising From the L4-L5

“L4 L5 Spine Segment Common Treatments

Nonsurgical Treatments for L4-L5

Surgical Treatments for L4-L5

The TOPS System

Typical Symptoms Arising From the L4-L5

Typical symptoms arising from the L4-L5 include lower back pain, stiffness, and tingling, numbness, and weakness radiating to the lower extremities. 

Pain from L4-L5

The most common symptom of an L4-L5 spine disease is lower back pain. Referred pain from L4-L5 typically manifests as dull, achy pain in the lower back. However, pain from an impinged nerve in the L4-L5 segment may feel sharp, burning, or “electric”. 

Lower back pain can be caused by numerous conditions – not just spinal diseases. However, if your pain doesn’t resolve after a few weeks of at-home care, visit a physician for an evaluation. Spinal diseases often need professional care to heal completely. 

Back Stiffness from L4-L5

Back stiffness is a prevalent symptom of many L4-L5 diseases. Stiffness often accompanies spinal conditions as a result of increased inflammation in the spine. Inflammation is part of your immune system’s attempt to repair cell damage, but can lead to a tight, tense back. 

A sedentary lifestyle can worsen back stiffness by compromising blood flow throughout the body. If your job involves hours of sitting at a desk, try to stand and walk around once every hour, or consider a standing desk. 

Radiating Tingling and Numbness from L4-L5

Tingling and numbness that radiate down the legs can point to a neurological condition at the L4-L5 segment. The nerves at this spinal level supply the lower extremities and, if they become compressed, may send abnormal signals to the legs and feet. 

Sciatica is a common condition that can cause tingling and numbness at the L4-L5 segment. Sciatica impacts up to 40% of people at some point in life, and it’s characterized by compression of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve originates at the L4 and L5 segments. 

Weakness from L4-L5

L4-L5 nerve damage can cause muscle weakness that travels to the legs and feet. This occurs because nerve damage can compromise the ability of the brain and muscles to communicate. Without proper nerve signaling, the muscles can’t function normally, and you may experience an inability to voluntarily contract certain muscles. 

“Foot drop” is a common symptom relating to muscle weakness from L4-L5. With this symptom, you may be unable to lift the front portion of the foot due to nerve compression at L4-L5. As a result, the foot drops or slaps on the ground when you walk. 

Over time, muscle weakness from L4-L5 can lead to muscle atrophy. As the muscles stop contracting normally, they’ll gradually lose strength and mass. 

L4 L5 Spine Segment Common Treatments

L4 L5 spine segment common treatments include physical therapy, lifestyle adjustments, chiropractic care, medications, spinal steroid injections, radiofrequency ablation, and surgery. 

Nonsurgical Treatments for L4-L5

Non-surgical treatments for L4-L5 include physical therapy, lifestyle adjustments, chiropractic care, medications, spinal steroid injections, and radiofrequency ablation.

L4-L5 Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a natural treatment for L4-L5 conditions. Your physical therapist will work with you to reduce stress on the L4-L5 segment by improving spinal alignment, strengthening the core and back muscles, and correcting inefficient movement patterns. Many PTs also offer complementary therapies, like acupuncture, massage, and electromagnetic stimulation, to further reduce inflammation.  

L4-L5 Lifestyle Adjustments

Your physician will likely recommend a combination of lifestyle adjustments to support the spine’s healing process. Common recommendations include:

• Sticking to a low-impact exercise regimen with activities like:
  • Walking
  • Swimming
  • Water aerobics
  • Stationary cycling
• Avoiding a sedentary lifestyle; individuals with desk jobs may consider:
  • Purchasing a desk chair with lumbar spine support
  • Standing up at least once per hour during the workday
  • Switching to a standing/convertible desk
• Eating a nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory diet and avoiding:
  • Processed foods
  • Added sugar
  • Alcohol
  • Red meat
• Quitting smoking, as nicotine reduces blood flow to the spine and compromises the body’s healing process
• Improving your posture to reduce excessive impact on the L4 and L5 vertebrae

L4-L5 Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is a drug-free treatment method for conditions impacting the neuromusculoskeletal system. It involves spinal manipulation, targeted massage, non-surgical spinal decompression, and lifestyle recommendations. Benefits of chiropractic care for L4-L5 conditions include:

• Improved spinal alignment
• Reduced inflammation
• Improved circulation to the spine
• Improved range of motion in the spine
• Reduced back pain
• Less reliance on pain medications

L4-L5 Medications

Medications can provide symptom relief and anti-inflammatory benefits for L4-L5 conditions. While it’s important to consider potential side effects and complications, medications can help manage your symptoms alongside physical therapy and lifestyle modifications. 

The most widely recommended medications for L4-L5 pain are NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). These medications lessen pain and inflammation, making them effective for many lumbar spine conditions. Various NSAIDs are available over the counter, but your physician may recommend prescription-strength formulations if appropriate.  

Muscle relaxants can help with muscle spasms from L4-L5 conditions. Muscle relaxants are only available with a prescription in the United States. 

L4-L5 Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections are injections of steroid medication in the spine’s epidural space to temporarily alleviate pain and inflammation. Though effective for L4-L5 conditions, steroid injections should be used sparingly, as excessive use can lead to tissue degeneration. 

L4-L5 Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation, or RFA, is a minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment for many conditions, including chronic lower back pain. It uses currents of radiofrequency energy to safely heat and destroy targeted areas of nerve tissue. This blocks pain impulses sent from the nerve to the brain, providing lasting pain relief. 

Patients can return to their normal activities quickly after RFA, and complications are rare. However, the nerve tissue can eventually regenerate, so it’s not a permanent solution for L4-L5 pain. 

Surgical Treatments for L4-L5

Surgical treatments for L4-L5 include laminectomy, discectomy, foraminotomy, L4-L5 fusion, and fusion alternatives, like the TOPS System. 

Your physician will only consider L4-L5 surgery after non-surgical treatments have failed to improve your symptoms over several months or years. Surgery may also be recommended if you’re experiencing severe neurological symptoms or disability. 

All forms of surgery, including surgical treatments for L4-L5, present certain risks, including:

• Infection
• Blood clots
• Recurrent symptoms
• Bleeding
• Tissue damage
• Cerebrospinal fluid leakage

Your physician will go over these risks with you and ensure you’re a good candidate for the suggested procedure.

L4-L5 Laminectomy

Laminectomy is a surgical procedure that removes part or all of the lamina. The lamina is a small section of bone that acts like a roof for the back of the spinal cord, protecting it against damage. In removing the lamina, your surgeon can create more space in the spinal canal, resolving symptoms of L4-L5 nerve impingement and spinal stenosis. 

L4-L5 Discectomy

L4-L5 discectomy involves surgically removing some or all of a damaged disc in the lumbar spine. It’s commonly done for individuals with a bulging or herniated disc causing spinal nerve impingement. 

Many surgeons today prefer microdiscectomy, a minimally invasive form of the traditional discectomy procedure. It uses visual enhancement (i.e. a microscope or loupes) to magnify the surgical site, facilitating a smaller incision and less tissue disturbance. 

L4-L5 Foraminotomy

In foraminotomy, your surgeon will enlarge the foramen – the openings through which spinal nerves travel. This creates more space around the spinal nerves to relieve compression and facilitate healing. L4-L5 foraminotomy is commonly performed for lumbar spinal stenosis and nerve impingement. 

Lumbar Fusion

Laminectomy, discectomy, and foraminotomy are all classified as spinal decompression procedures. While these procedures are often effective at alleviating nerve compression, they can compromise the spine’s stability. To combat this, spinal surgeons have conventionally performed spinal fusion. 

During L4-L5 fusion (which is typically done immediately after the spinal decompression procedure), the surgeon positions bone graft material in between the L4 and L5 vertebrae. They may also use hardware, like rods, screws, and plates, to keep the bones in place as the graft heals. Over several months, the graft will permanently fuse the L4-L5 segment to stabilize the spine. 

While fusion can restabilize the spine after decompression, it involves various risks, including:

• Failed fusion, recurring pain, and need for reoperation
• Adjacent segment disease, or ASD, a condition in which the adjacent vertebrae degenerate more rapidly as they compensate for the fused segment
• Reduced spinal mobility

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The TOPS System 

The TOPS System is a mechanical implant device the FDA has deemed superior to spinal fusion for lumbar spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis. It replaces the tissues removed during spinal decompression surgery to restore stability without compromising your mobility. TOPS allows the spine to move in all directions (flexion, extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending) and blocks sheer forces on the lumbar spine. Indicated for use at a single level between L2 and L5, the TOPS System is an ideal, FDA-approved replacement for L4-L5 spinal fusion. Find a TOPS surgeon in your area today!

Chart of Female Back Pain

Women experience back pain more than men, according to extensive clinical research. A combination of factors including anatomy, hormones, and pregnancy contribute to this phenomenon, widely known as the “gender pain bias”. 

‌Below, we’ll explore the causes and treatments of female back pain. 

Table of Contents

• Back Pain Conditions That Affect Mainly Women
• The Anatomy of Back Pain in Women
• How Does Anatomy Contribute to Back Pain in Women?
• The Main Causes of Back Pain in Women
• Chronic Back Pain Conditions in Women and Their Solutions

Back Pain Conditions That Affect Mainly Women

Back pain conditions that affect mainly women include endometriosis, spinal osteoarthritis, spinal osteoporosis, degenerative spondylolisthesis, and piriformis syndrome. 

Endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) grows outside the uterus. Affecting an estimated 190 million women and girls of reproductive age across the globe, endometriosis is a prevalent gynecological disorder. 

Lower back pain is one of the most common endometriosis symptoms. It occurs when the abnormal tissue grows in or close to the back, often triggering nerve compression or inflammation. 

Spinal Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is more likely to affect women than men, as osteoarthritis rates significantly increase in women aged 50 and older. This may be due to a combination of factors, including the hormonal fluctuations that occur around menopause and female anatomy, which can increase stress on certain joints. 

When osteoarthritis affects the spine, it can trigger back pain from increased inflammation, bone spurs, and resulting nerve irritation. 

Spinal Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis, a disease that causes weakened bones, is four times more prevalent among women than men. This is because the menopause-related decline in estrogen can directly compromise women’s bone density. Spinal osteoporosis causes the vertebrae to weaken, potentially causing compression fractures. 

Along with back pain, spinal osteoporosis can cause kyphosis (stooped posture) and loss of height.  

Degenerative Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis occurs when a vertebra slips out of its proper position, falling over the vertebra below. With degenerative spondylolisthesis, this slip results from degenerative spinal changes, like weakened or damaged spinal discs, bone spur formation, and thickened spinal ligaments.

Degenerative spondylolisthesis is more prevalent in women than men, and tends to occur after age 50. Symptoms include back pain, stiffness, muscle spasms, and radiating neurological symptoms. 

Piriformis Syndrome

Piriformis syndrome is a condition that develops when the piriformis muscle presses on the sciatic nerve. The piriformis muscle is flat and pear-shaped, extending from the lower back to the buttocks and top of the thighs. With piriformis syndrome, you may experience pain in the lower back and gluteal area, along with tingling and numbness in the buttocks, hip, and upper thighs. 

Though uncommon, piriformis syndrome occurs in women more than men. This is likely due to female anatomical features, along with hormonal fluctuations associated with menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. 

The Anatomy of Back Pain in Women

The anatomy of back pain in women clarifies the areas of the back that are associated with specific conditions. 

• Lower Back:
  • Spinal conditions
  • Impinged nerves
  • Sciatica
  • Menstrual pain
  • Endometriosis
  • Pregnancy
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Fibroids
• Sacrum/Tailbone
  • Menstrual pain
  • Pregnancy and recent childbirth
  • Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
  • Coccydynia
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Fibroids
• Mid-Back:
  • Spinal conditions
  • Poor posture
  • Muscle fatigue
• Upper Back and Neck:
  • Spinal conditions
  • Poor posture
  • Poor sleeping position
  • Stress
  • Muscle fatigue

How Does Anatomy Contribute to Back Pain in Women?

Certain anatomical factors may contribute to back pain in women, including:

• A wider pelvis can compromise the alignment and balance of impact on the lumbar spine. 
• Smaller sacroiliac joints may increase strain on the joint and increase the risk of sacroiliac joint dysfunction. 

The Main Causes of Back Pain in Women

The main causes of back pain in women include premenstrual syndrome, painful menstruation, back muscle strain, endometriosis, and spinal conditions. 

• Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, is a combination of physical and emotional symptoms that occur before or during a menstrual cycle. Lower back pain is a very common PMS symptom, resulting from hormonal fluctuations and the release of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are chemicals that trigger uterine contractions and can cause pain that radiates to the lower back. 

• Painful menstruation, also known as dysmenorrhea, can cause heavy uterine contractions from an excess of prostaglandins. Radiating pain from these contractions can affect the lower back. 50 to 90% of reproductive-age women worldwide experience dysmenorrhea, making it a prevalent cause of female back pain.  
• Back muscle strains can result from heavy lifting, poor posture, repeated movements, and overuse. They’re one of the most common causes of back pain in both women and men. Thankfully, most back muscle strains go away with rest, home care, and over-the-counter medications, although severe cases require professional medical treatment. 
• Endometriosis can cause back pain from inflammation and spinal nerve impingement. Additionally, nerves supplying the uterus also supply the lower back, so pain from the uterus can radiate to the lower back. 
• Spinal conditions like spinal stenosis, herniated discs, spondylolisthesis, osteoarthritis, and degenerative disc disease can trigger chronic back pain in women. These conditions require prompt medical attention to prevent worsened symptoms and lasting tissue damage.

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Chronic Back Pain Conditions in Women and Their Solutions

Chronic back pain conditions in women include endometriosis, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis. Their solutions include:

• Endometriosis-related back pain can be treated with:
  • Pain medications like NSAIDs and other analgesics
  • Hormone therapy to optimize hormone levels and potentially reduce endometriosis growth
  • Physical therapy to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, reduce muscle tension, and improve relaxation
  • Lifestyle changes like mindfulness meditation, improving sleep quality, and breathing techniques
• Osteoarthritis can be treated with:
  • Anti-inflammatory medications and corticosteroid injections to reduce swelling in the spine and temporarily alleviate back pain
  • Low-impact exercise to improve mobility
  • Physical therapy to improve posture and muscular support for the spine
  • Surgery, in severe cases, to remove bone spurs and/or repair spinal joint damage
• Osteoporosis can be treated with:
  • Hormone therapy to increase estrogen, preventing further bone loss and fractures
  • Physical therapy to strengthen the body and reduce the risk of falls
  • Medications like bisphosphonates to curb bone loss and lower fracture risk
  • Lifestyle adjustments to improve bone density, like quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake 
  • Fall prevention measures, like wearing supportive footwear and adding traction to slippery surfaces in your home
• Spondylolisthesis can be treated with:
  • Back bracing to stabilize the spine
  • Physical therapy to strengthen the core and back muscles, which support the spine
  • Activity modifications to reduce strain on the slipped vertebra
  • Surgery with spinal fusion or non-fusion spinal implants to restore spinal stability and resolve nerve impingement, in severe spondylolisthesis cases
• Spinal stenosis can be treated with:
  • Physical therapy to reduce the impact on the spine with daily movements
  • Lifestyle changes to reduce inflammation and limit stress on the spine
  • Pain medications for symptom management
  • Low-impact exercise to retain mobility and spinal range of motion
  • Surgery with spinal decompression and stabilization to create more space in the spinal canal

If you’re struggling with female back pain, contact your physician for a complete evaluation and diagnosis.

L4-L5 Nerve Root Compression

The L4-L5 nerve root is found in the lumbar spine. It leaves the spine at the L4-L5 vertebrae and provides sensation to much of the lower extremities. Unfortunately, while it plays an essential role in many basic movements and functions, the L4-L5 nerve root is also subject to significant impact over the course of a lifetime. 

This impact can lead to L4-L5 nerve root compression symptoms. In this article, we’ll discuss these symptoms, how they affect spinal function, and available treatments for lumbar nerve compression. 

Table of Contents

• What Are The Symptoms of L4-L5 Nerve Root Compression?
• How Do You Treat L4 L5 Nerve Root Impingement?
• Spinal Injections for L4 L5 Nerve Root Impingement
• How Do You Fix L4 L5 Compression?

What Are The Symptoms of L4-L5 Nerve Root Compression?

Common symptoms of L4-L5 nerve root compression include:

• Burning, sharp, or radiating lower back pain
• Stiffness in the lower back
• Numbness, tingling, and weakness in the lower back and extremities
• Poor coordination of the lower extremities

L4 L5 Nerve Root Controls

The L4 L5 nerve root controls the hips, knees, feet, and toes. 

Essential for the movements of the lower extremities, the L4-L5 nerve root is crucial for many day-to-day activities. However, the L4-L5 spinal segment bears impact from most twisting and bending motions of the torso. This makes it especially vulnerable to wear-and-tear-related damage. 

Degenerative Disc Disease at L4-L5

Degenerative disc disease at L4-L5 can trigger a variety of symptoms affecting the lower back and extremities, including:

• Pain when you bend or twist the spine
• Pain when seated
• Pain that radiates to the lower extremities
• Neurological symptoms like numbness, tingling, and a pins-and-needles sensation in the lower extremities
• Weakness in the lower extremities that may cause foot drop (trouble lifting the front of the foot)

Pain from degenerative disc disease at the L4-L5 spinal segment may go away when you lie down or switch positions. This occurs because certain positions can temporarily alleviate the pressure on the damaged disc. The pain may also improve with low-impact movements, like walking. 

Some people experience bouts of severe pain from lumbar degenerative disc disease. These flare-ups can last for days, weeks, or even months. 

How Do You Treat L4 L5 Nerve Root Impingement?

You can treat L4 L5 nerve root impingement with lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, spinal injections, and surgery. 

Lifestyle Modifications for L4 L5 Nerve Root Impingement

Commonly recommended lifestyle modifications for lumbar nerve root impingement include: 

• Activity modifications prevent activities that place more impact on the damaged nerve, like excessive spinal twisting. 
• Reaching a healthy weight through sustainable weight loss methods alleviates excessive impact on the lumbar spine. 
• Improving your posture helps keep your spine in proper alignment. 
• An anti-inflammatory diet including nutrient-dense vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats can support the body’s healing process. 
• Avoiding prolonged bed rest prevents muscle atrophy and helps preserve your range of motion.  

Physical Therapy for L4 L5 Nerve Root Compression

Physical therapy for L4 L5 nerve root compression involves stretches and strengthening exercises. These targeted exercises generally focus on core and back muscle strength, which can reduce the impact on the spinal nerves. 

Your PT may also offer alternative therapies like massage, acupuncture, and electromagnetic stimulation to complement your treatment plan. These methods may reduce inflammation and stimulate the body’s natural healing process. 

Medications for L4 L5 Nerve Root Compression

Certain medications may provide short-term relief from L4-L5 nerve root compression. Examples include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxants.

Talk to your physician about which medications may work for you. Keep in mind that medications typically aren’t a long-term solution for nerve root compression and may cause side effects. 

Spinal Injections for L4 L5 Nerve Root Impingement

Spinal injections for L4 L5 nerve root impingement can include nerve blocks and epidural steroid injections. 

• A nerve block is an injection administered near a specific nerve (or collection of nerves) for symptom relief. The injection typically contains anti-inflammatory medication and a local anesthetic. Bringing down inflammation in the damaged nerve can improve its ability to heal while lessening pain. 
• An epidural steroid injection is an injection of steroid medication into the epidural space (the space between the dura mater and the spinal bones). The dura san is the tissue that protects the spinal nerve roots. Steroid medication temporarily reduces inflammation in the area. 

Surgery for L4 L5 Nerve Root Compression

Surgery for L4-L5 nerve root compression usually involves a form of lumbar decompression. Decompression surgery alleviates pressure on the spinal nerve roots by removing tissue in the affected area. 

Lumbar discectomy is often performed for L4 L5 nerve root compression from degenerative disc disease. In this procedure, the surgeon removes some or all of the spinal disc pressing on the nerve root. 

Laminectomy is another common form of spinal decompression surgery for compressed nerve roots. It involves removing part of the lamina, the piece of bone that covers the back of the spinal cord. Removing some of the lamina at the affected spinal level creates more space around the irritated nerve.

How Do You Fix L4 L5 Compression?

L4 L5 compression can be fixed with conservative treatment, like physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes in mild to moderate cases. You may need surgery to fix severe L4 L5 compression. 

Early intervention is the best way to ensure that you can fix L4-L5 compression without surgery. Visit your physician for an evaluation if you experience lower back pain that persists longer than two weeks, or if you have other symptoms of spinal nerve compression.  

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TOPS System for L4 L5 Segment

The TOPS System is a non-fusion implant that can treat the L4-L5 segment. With a superiority-to-fusion claim from the FDA, the TOPS System treats lumbar spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis without the need for fusion.
If you’re suffering from moderate to severe L4-L5 spinal stenosis with or without spondylolisthesis, the TOPS System may alleviate your symptoms without compromising your range of motion. To learn more about this FDA-approved implant and if it could work for you, contact a spinal specialist in your area today.

Signs a Herniated Disc Is Healing

Located between each vertebra of the spine, intervertebral discs play an essential role in supporting the spine. These discs absorb impact when you walk, run, stretch, and move throughout your day. 

Unfortunately, spinal discs aren’t immune to damage. In fact, between five to 20 out of every 1,000 adults develop a herniated disc each year. If you experience this injury, you may be eager to identify signs that the herniated disc is healing. Read on to learn more about the healing process for a herniated disc. 

Table of Contents

• What is a Herniated Disc?
• How Long Does It Take Nerves to Heal After a Herniated Disc?
• Signs of Nerve Healing from a Herniated Disc
• Does Herniated Disc Pain Get Worse Before It Gets Better?
• Signs a Herniated Disc is Getting Worse
• Does a Herniated Disc Ever Fully Heal?
• What Are the Final Stages of a Herniated Disc?

What is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc is a spinal disc that becomes damaged, causing the disc interior to push out through the disc exterior. This compromises the disc’s structure and ability to absorb impact. A herniated disc can also press on nearby spinal nerves, causing pain and neurological symptoms. 

Symptoms of a lumbar herniated disc can include:

• Sharp or burning pain, often on one side of the back and/or in one leg
• Pain that radiates from the lower back to the leg
• Tingling, numbness, and/or weakness in the lower extremities
• Leg muscle weakness

How Long Does It Take Nerves to Heal After a Herniated Disc?

It typically takes one to six months for nerves to heal after a herniated disc. It can take longer for the nerves to heal in severe cases. 

Since a herniated disc can irritate spinal nerves, nerve healing is an essential part of the recovery process. It’s important to seek professional care for this injury, as an untreated herniated disc can lead to significant nerve damage. In rare, severe cases, nerve damage from a herniated disc may cause a loss of bowel or bladder control, sexual dysfunction, or even paralysis. 

In most cases, nerve pain from a herniated disc heals with non-surgical treatment. Remedies including rest, gentle physical activity, physical therapy, and heat/cold therapy are generally recommended. These treatments lessen inflammation, improve spinal stability, and support the body’s tissue healing process. 

Signs of Nerve Healing from a Herniated Disc

Potential signs that nerve tissue is healing after a herniated disc include:

• Reduced nerve pain, tingling, and numbness
• Improved muscle strength and coordination
• Reduced sensitivity around the affected area

In most cases, nerve healing comes with less pain and neurological symptoms. However, electric-shock-like pain can also indicate nerve healing. Described as electric, sharp, or shooting, this pain is your body’s way of telling the healing nerve where to extend its signals. 

Does Herniated Disc Pain Get Worse Before It Gets Better?

Herniated disc pain will get worse over time if it’s left untreated. With the proper care, the pain typically gets better. 

With treatment, herniated disc pain is unlikely to get worse before it gets better. However, it may worsen if you don’t adhere to your treatment plan or engage in activities that stress the spine, like high-impact exercise and extreme spinal twisting. 

Herniated disc pain may also get worse if your treatment plan isn’t working for you. If you experience worsening symptoms after a few weeks of treatment, contact your physician. They may recommend changes, such as different exercises, an anti-inflammatory diet, or rest. 

Signs a Herniated Disc is Getting Worse

A herniated disc may be getting worse if you experience more severe symptoms. This may include worsening back pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness. The damage may also be getting worse if your symptoms start to disrupt your day-to-day activities. 

If a herniated disc is getting worse, your symptoms may feel more intense or start to radiate into the extremities. A worsening herniated disc can also cause muscle spasms that make it difficult to stand or walk for prolonged periods. 

Does a Herniated Disc Ever Fully Heal?

Yes, a herniated disc usually fully heals over time. However, to fully heal, herniated discs require proper care.  

Some minor herniated discs heal completely with at-home care. Home treatments for a herniated disc may include:

• Rest: Avoid any activities that strain the spine or cause symptom flare-ups. However, avoid extended periods of bed rest, which can lead to muscle tension. 
• Gentle stretching boosts circulation to the spine and prevents tension that can worsen muscle spasms. 
• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications help manage herniated disc symptoms by reducing swelling in the spine. While they can provide short-term relief, they can’t cure a herniated disc. 
• Cold and heat therapy: Cold therapy reduces inflammation and provides short-term pain relief. Heat therapy relaxes the back muscles and boosts blood flow to the injured tissue. 

If your herniated disc symptoms don’t improve within a few weeks with at-home care, it’s time to talk to a professional. Contact your doctor, who can provide a diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. They’ll likely recommend physical therapy and lifestyle adjustments, along with the home remedies listed above. 

When conservative treatments fail to fully heal a herniated disc, you may need to consider surgery. Surgery for a slipped disc is generally only suggested when the symptoms don’t improve after six to 12 months and disrupt the patient’s daily routine. 

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What Are the Final Stages of a Herniated Disc?

The final stages of a herniated disc are disc extrusion and sequestration. 

Stage three (out of four) of a herniated disc is known as disc extrusion. During this stage, the jelly-like disc interior (called the nucleus) breaks through the disc’s outer layer (called the annulus). However, the nucleus retains the rest of its structure inside the disc. 

In the disc extrusion stage, since the nucleus has fully ruptured through the annulus, the patient may experience symptoms of nerve compression, like tingling, weakness, numbness, and radiating pain. 

Stage four is the final stage of disc herniation. In this stage, the nucleus loses its structure within the disc. So, it rests outside of the disc in the spinal canal. This is a considerable neurological injury and may require surgery for a complete recovery. 
In the final stages of a herniated disc, you may need surgery to prevent severe complications and achieve lasting pain relief.

How to Dissolve Bone Spurs Naturally?

Bone spurs (osteophytes) are small lumps of bone tissue that form on an existing bone. They usually develop in joints, like the spine’s facet joints, because of increased friction. 

If you’re struggling with pain or neurological symptoms from bone spurs, you may wonder if you can eliminate them naturally. While you can’t dissolve bone spurs, you can alleviate their symptoms with various treatments, many of which are non-invasive.

Table of Contents

• Clinical Symptoms of Bone Spurs
• What Causes Spinal Bone Spurs?
• Can Bone Spurs Reabsorb?
• Can a Bone Spur Go Away Without Surgery?
• What Procedure is Used for Spinal Bone Spur Surgery?
• Can Magnesium Get Rid of Bone Spurs?
• What Is Degenerative Disc Disease With Bone Spurs?
• What Is the Fastest Way to Heal a Bone Spur?

Keep reading to learn about the treatment options available to you for bone spurs. 

Clinical Symptoms of Bone Spurs

The clinical symptoms of bone spurs include:

• Swelling and inflammation in the affected area
• Dull back pain
• Pain that radiates from the back to the extremities
• Muscle cramps, spasms, or weakness
• Pain that radiates from the affected spinal joint into the extremities
• Tingling, burning, or numbness in the extremities
• Reduced coordination in the affected part of the body

Generally, a bone spur in the lumbar spine triggers symptoms that originate in the lower back and travel down to the legs. 

What Causes Spinal Bone Spurs?

Various factors can lead to bone spurs, including:

• Osteoarthritis: The most common cause of spinal bone spurs, osteoarthritis breaks down the protective cartilage within the joints. In an attempt to compensate for the damage, the body may develop bone spurs in the affected area. 
• Traumatic injuries: Traumatic injuries like a major sports injury or fall can lead to bone spurs. If a joint or tendon is injured, a bone spur can form as your body’s response to the damage. 
• Overuse: The overuse of a joint can lead to tissue damage, which may trigger bone spurs. Athletes involved in high-impact activities, like running and weight lifting, are more likely than others to develop bone spurs from overuse. 
• Spinal conditions: Certain spinal conditions can significantly increase your risk of bone spurs in the facet joints. These conditions include:
  • Spondylolisthesis, when a vertebra slips out of position, can increase friction within the spinal joints and may cause bone spurs. 
  • Spinal stenosis, the shrinking of the spinal canal, can both cause and be caused by bone spurs. 
  • Degenerative disc disease involves age-related wear and tear on the spinal discs. The discs prevent friction between the bones of the spine and as they break down, bone spurs may form. 

Risk Factors for Bone Spurs

The factors listed above can directly lead to bone spurs. The risk factors listed below can further increase your risk of bone spurs:

• Older age, which leads to thickened spinal ligaments and weakened discs
• Genetics and congenital spinal defects, which can give you a predisposition to bone spurs
• Poor posture, which can increase the impact on your spine with daily motions
• Poor nutrition, as the body requires certain nutrients for optimal bone health
• Being overweight, which accelerates spinal degeneration

Can Bone Spurs Reabsorb?

No, bone spurs can’t resorb. After they’ve developed, the only way to remove a bone spur is with surgery. 

With that said, surgery is usually the last resort to alleviate bone spur symptoms. Most patients can achieve relief with conservative methods, like physical therapy and rest, which give the irritated nerve a chance to heal. 

Can a Bone Spur Go Away Without Surgery?

No, a bone spur can’t go away without surgery. This is because the body can’t remove bone tissue on its own once it’s developed. 

Again, it’s worth noting that the vast majority of patients don’t require surgery to treat bone spurs successfully. Some people don’t even experience symptoms from bone spurs, in which case they don’t require any form of treatment. Typically, bone spurs only trigger symptoms if they affect a nearby nerve. 

What Procedure is Used for Spinal Bone Spur Surgery?

The surgical procedure used for spinal bone spurs is usually laminectomy. Laminectomy involves removing part of the lamina, a piece of bone that covers the back of the spinal cord. Removing some or all of it can alleviate pressure on the irritated nerve. 

Laminectomy is categorized as a spinal decompression procedure. While it alleviates pressure on the spinal nerves, it can also destabilize the spine. To prevent injuries from an unstable spine, laminectomy is often performed with spinal fusion, which permanently fuses the affected vertebrae. 

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Individuals with bone spurs from lumbar spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis can consider the TOPS System as an alternative to spinal fusion. This FDA-approved, dynamic spinal implant moves with the spine in all directions, preventing the limited mobility associated with fusion.  

Can Magnesium Get Rid of Bone Spurs?

While magnesium can’t directly get rid of bone spurs, it may help reduce bone spur development in combination with vitamin C. 

The role of magnesium in bone spur prevention is linked to its role in various bodily processes involving inflammation. Additionally, magnesium deficiency is a known risk factor for osteoarthritis, increased inflammation, and cartilage damage. 

A 2021 clinical study found that magnesium alone wasn’t sufficient to significantly reduce inflammation and promote cartilage regenerative in cases of osteoarthritis. However, the researchers found that when magnesium is combined with vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, it may curb bone spur development and ease inflammation in damaged joints. 

So, while magnesium certainly isn’t a cure for bone spurs, preventing magnesium deficiency with a balanced diet and supplementation (if needed) may lower your risk of osteoarthritis, a prevalent cause of bone spurs. 

What Is Degenerative Disc Disease With Bone Spurs?

Degenerative disc disease with bone spurs occurs when the intervertebral discs are damaged from gradual wear and tear, causing increased friction within the spine. This friction and impact can lead to bone spurs. 

Oftentimes, individuals with degenerative disc disease experience spinal instability. This instability occurs as the discs become thinner and weaker. Spinal instability is linked to a specific type of bone spurs: enthesophytes. 

Enthesophytes result from inflammation of the enthesis, a portion of connective tissue that links soft tissue (i.e. a ligament) to bone tissue. Degenerative disc disease causes the ligaments that link vertebrae to loosen, causing instability. This increases the impact on the ligaments, leading to inflammation of the enthesis and, in some cases, enthesophytes. 

Keep in mind that bone spurs are a relatively common complication of degenerative disc disease. With prompt treatment, your physician can likely treat your symptoms without surgery. 

What Is the Fastest Way to Heal a Bone Spur?

The fastest way to heal a bone spur is with rest, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. If these methods don’t work, you may need surgery to effectively treat a bone spur. 

• Physical therapy for bone spurs involves personalized exercises to take pressure off of the spinal nerves and reduce joint inflammation. Your PT may also work to correct imbalanced movement patterns. Some PTs offer complementary therapies, like heat/cold therapy, massage, and electromagnetic stimulation, to accelerate the recovery process. 
• Lifestyle adjustments that can help heal bone spurs include:
  • Staying active with low-impact exercise
  • Avoiding overextending or straining the spine
  • Quitting smoking
  • Reaching a healthy weight
  • Wearing supportive shoes
  • Investing in a desk chair with excellent spinal support
  • Eating a nutritious diet
• Surgery for bone spurs involves decompressing the spine to release the pressure on the affected nerves. 

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a bone spur, schedule an appointment with a physician in your area for an evaluation.